What bike for a newbie to MTB

[Swede]

I would like some tips and suggestions from you people with more experience than me.

I am about to get my first EMTB, i have no experience of mountainbiking at all.

I hav ebeen looking at some reviews and I do think Orbea Rise is what i should get.

Is there other bikes i should take a look at and compare to the Orbea?

Is the Rise a good option as a starter bike or is there other bikes that might be easier to handle for a newbie?

I weigh about 95kg/ 210lbs and I am 191cm/6,2ft

Is a carbon or alloy bike better for a bigger guy, i will gain weight the following year because i spend some time at the gym.

I have more questions but i start here and follow up with more as we go

Looking forward to learn alot here!

/Swede

 

[Bummers]

What's your budget?

 

[Swede]

What's your budget?

Well, you ask me and not my wife so i should say about 8-10K but if the difference is really small for a 6-7K bike compared to a 8-9K maybe it is not worth the extra coins to get the more expensive ones? Remember i am new to this and have no reference and maybe won't enjoy the high end parts as much as a killed biker would.

 

[yorkshire89]

Are you new to riding bikes in general? Do you have decent cardio fitness?

Lightweight bike might be ok for you but I'd also look at full fat ebikes, especially if you're looking to put on more weight.
Really depends how hard you want to be working or how much climbing/descending you want to do.

Frame material shouldn't matter whatever you go for

 

[Swede]

Are you new to riding bikes in general? Do you have decent cardio fitness?

Lightweight bike might be ok for you but I'd also look at full fat ebikes, especially if you're looking to put on more weight.
Really depends how hard you want to be working or how much climbing/descending you want to do.

Frame material shouldn't matter whatever you go for

Yes i am pretty fit in cardio and strength, i do ride BMX with my son on race tracks so i have some knowledge.

 

[volts]

If you intend on selling the bike before it's 2 years old (warranty), the alu Rise is a good choice.
I would however not get a bike with a Shimano motor if you need to have it longer since they do not support their motors and if you are unlucky you can end up with a useless bike because parts are hard/impossible to get.
Unless Shimano totally change their attitude towards supporting and standing by their motors, I will never again get a bike with that motor on, especially with so many other good options out there.

 

[Swede]

If you intend on selling the bike before it's 2 years old (warranty), the alu Rise is a good choice.
I would however not get a bike with a Shimano motor if you need to have it longer since they do not support their motors and if you are unlucky you can end up with a useless bike because parts are hard/impossible to get.
Unless Shimano totally change their attitude towards supporting and standing by their motors, I will never again get a bike with that motor on, especially with so many other good options out there.

Ohh ok. That was one more thing to add to the calculation.

 

[Type1]

Are you going to be riding with other emtb's?

If so, I'd be more inclined to go full fat emtb. Especially at your size.

 

[Swede]

Are you going to be riding with other emtb's?

If so, I'd be more inclined to go full fat emtb. Especially at your size.

Ok, because it is stronger and keep up better i guess. I have no friends interested in this right now but i know there is people around here that go together so i will probably get som Mtb friends.

 

[Type1]

Ok, because it is stronger and keep up better i guess. I have no friends interested in this right now but i know there is people around here that go together so i will probably get som Mtb friends.

I tested the Orbea and several Full fat emtb's before buying my first emtb. I weigh 85kg (strong and fit) and ride with a variety of fitness levels but all on FF. Once I'd tested both types there was no question. Ended up with a YT Decoy.

 

[B1rdie]

You may also try asking on a site where there is no biased “information” against a brand and have a broader choice. My first bike bought in 2018 is a canyon spectral still riding beautyfully with its shimano motor and drivetrain.

 

[volts]

You may also try asking on a site where there is no biased “information” against a brand and have a broader choice. My first bike bought in 2018 is a canyon spectral still riding beautyfully with its shimano motor and drivetrain.

It's not really bias. It's widely known that there is a problem with Shimano motors and their support or lack thereof. I had mine for 3500k+ kms , and although I had a swap of motor it was within the warranty period was no big issue and before that an e8000 which ran for about the same, but I was also acutely aware of the trouble I would be in after the warranty expired, should something happen.

So I sold it. Because anyone who has worked on anything that has cogs and/or bearings know they do not last forever.
No one has said anything about Shimano drivetrains except you. I ride one myself. I do not have a grudge against everything Shimano makes, but I really think their support of their motors is dog shit bad.

What has been your experience with out of warranty Shimano motors? Maybe you have a sunshine story. I'd love for that to be the case.
Personally, I would never even consider getting a used bike with a Shimano motor.

 

[Swede]

You may also try asking on a site where there is no biased “information” against a brand and have a broader choice. My first bike bought in 2018 is a canyon spectral still riding beautyfully with its shimano motor and drivetrain.

So where can i find such a site? I take everything into calculation and I don't take everything people say on internet for the total truth. There is always two sides of the coin.

 

[RiderOnTheStorm]

New to ebikes as well, visited many bikeshops, tried what they had available and asked for guidance, read tons of reviews, took my time and came up with a few key selection criteria that would meet my needs. Having a Bosch CX gen4 non-smart was one of them. Finally settled for a Scott eRide Strike 930. So far so good!

 

[irie]

New to ebikes as well, visited many bikeshops, tried what they had available and asked for guidance, read tons of reviews, took my time and came up with a few key selection criteria that would meet my needs. Having a Bosch CX gen4 non-smart was one of them. Finally settled for a Scott eRide Strike 930. So far so good!

This ^^^

Really don't want to be a guinea pig in Bosch's development of its proprietory software world.

 

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Well said Irie. Bosch perfected their Gen4 motor since 2020 and with the latest FW 1.1.5.0, it's reliable and powerful. My experience has been very positive.

 

[B1rdie]

So where can i find such a site? I take everything into calculation and I don't take everything people say on internet for the total truth. There is always two sides of the coin.

At embn you will find some very interesting information, they chat with riders with different points of view, and arguments like "everybody knows..." have immediate reply, so you can make up your mind with more information and less anecdotal reference.

 

[B1rdie]

It's not really bias. It's widely known that there is a problem with Shimano motors and their support or lack thereof. I had mine for 3500k+ kms , and although I had a swap of motor it was within the warranty period was no big issue and before that an e8000 which ran for about the same, but I was also acutely aware of the trouble I would be in after the warranty expired, should something happen.

So I sold it. Because anyone who has worked on anything that has cogs and/or bearings know they do not last forever.
No one has said anything about Shimano drivetrains except you. I ride one myself. I do not have a grudge against everything Shimano makes, but I really think their support of their motors is dog shit bad.

What has been your experience with out of warranty Shimano motors? Maybe you have a sunshine story. I'd love for that to be the case.
Personally, I would never even consider getting a used bike with a Shimano motor.

I consider arguments like: "its widely known" or "anyone ... knows" as biased, maybe I'm wrong, though.

 

[steve_sordy]

I bought my first emtb because it was the first one that I had tested where I just forgot about it being "e" and just enjoyed the ride. It also happened to be the first Shimano powered bike. Shimano promote their motor as having a "natural feel" (and it does). They do this by how the motor delivers its power so that if just feels like you on a really good day (when you were years younger too). That was an e8000 motor and it was flawless. I sold the bike after 3500 miles and got a good price for it. I was already aware of the negatives cropping up about Shimano's attitude to customer service when compared to that from Specialized or Bosch (for ex). But the very next bike (gorgeous) I bought had a Shimano motor, their latest one the EP8, with 21% more torque. It too has proved to be flawless and it still has that terrific feel. I am 2123 miles in and it is still trouble free. So, two Shimano motors, over 5600 miles of distance, four winters and no problems. What is the beef? The motor is not designed to be repaired, well known motor repair specialists will not touch it, the warranty is not suspended while Shimano investigate your issue, even if it is replaced without charge. An issue emerged recently where if you even try to fix a software problem there is a very high risk that Shimano will see this as evidence of trying to modify the motor and they will brick it and/or void the warranty without any chance of appeal. The motor replacement times are poor, although some lucky people seem to get fast replacements. Shimano must be aware of all of this; they are smart people after all. But as far as I can see they are doing nothing to counter the negative press.
I have built up a sufficient negative feeling towards the whole customer service issue around Shimano motors that I have decided not to ride my luck any further. My next bike will NOT have a Shimano motor.

I need to start test riding Bosch powered bikes!

 

[volts]

I bought my first emtb because it was the first one that I had tested where I just forgot about it being "e" and just enjoyed the ride. It also happened to be the first Shimano powered bike. Shimano promote their motor as having a "natural feel" (and it does). They do this by how the motor delivers its power so that if just feels like you on a really good day (when you were years younger too). That was an e8000 motor and it was flawless. I sold the bike after 3500 miles and got a good price for it. I was already aware of the negatives cropping up about Shimano's attitude to customer service when compared to that from Specialized or Bosch (for ex). But the very next bike (gorgeous) I bought had a Shimano motor, their latest one the EP8, with 21% more torque. It too has proved to be flawless and it still has that terrific feel. I am 2123 miles in and it is still trouble free. So, two Shimano motors, over 5600 miles of distance, four winters and no problems. What is the beef? The motor is not designed to be repaired, well known motor repair specialists will not touch it, the warranty is not suspended while Shimano investigate your issue, even if it is replaced without charge. An issue emerged recently where if you even try to fix a software problem there is a very high risk that Shimano will see this as evidence of trying to modify the motor and they will brick it and/or void the warranty without any chance of appeal. The motor replacement times are poor, although some lucky people seem to get fast replacements. Shimano must be aware of all of this; they are smart people after all. But as far as I can see they are doing nothing to counter the negative press.
I have built up a sufficient negative feeling towards the whole customer service issue around Shimano motors that I have decided not to ride my luck any further. My next bike will NOT have a Shimano motor.

I need to start test riding Bosch powered bikes!

I just really hope TQ is not another Shimano.
I have nothing against Shimano motors. I don't think they have much higher failure rates than other motors and although the rattle is annoying my beef is not with the hardware but as you, with the company behind it.
I got a TQ motor now, and it's better than the EP8 RS in every way but that really doesn't matter that much if the frame is junk after 2 years like bikes with Shimano motors (if the motor breaks).

I wish Bosch made a low powered quiet mini motor.

 

[Third-Reef]

Dito on the Bosch gen 4. I purchased a TREK Rail 9.7 specifically because it had the Bosch motor. Brose motors were dropping like flies 3 years ago and you had to wait to get them replaced. 3 years now and it has been Bullitt proof. i think TREK is one of the best for service here in California at least, because there are so many dealers and they don't care if you bought your bike from them specifically. TREK RAIL may not be the best at anything but it is really good at everything

 

[RiderOnTheStorm]

On the market for an ebike ealier in the year, did my homework, and made a short list of "must have" requirements for my needs. Motor, frame, suspension and budget were on top of the list. Going for last year's models also resulted in significant savings. I think it's all about compromises.

 

[Grendel]

I bought an Orbea Rise as my first emtb about a year and a half ago. I bought the carbon M10 version because the aluminum version was unavailable at the time but I suspect both are great. I had relatively little mountain biking experience prior to this. I've ridden a ton since and I love it. Everyone is different but, for me, a mid-assist bike has been perfect. It's still the classic mountain bike experience but with a little help when you need it on the hills. I weigh 225 pounds and the bike has all the power and range I need while remaining light enough to be playful on the trails. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you buy and this sport is WAY MORE FUN than you can ever imagine before doing it. Go get a bike and we'll see you on the trails!

 

[Swede]

I had the chances to try different bikes today so i tried two bikes from Trek, one light bike and one full fat. Before i was more into The Orbea rise because reviews made me think thats the way to go for me but the support and power from the full fat made me probably change my mind

It was so fun and really looking forward to get my own.

 

[Grendel]

Go get it! You'll be smiling for the next 6 months.

 

[sam.spoons]

The Shimano motor in my Orbea Urrun doesn't rattle. I haven't had it long enough to comment on reliability but it rides beautifully.

WRT frame materials, I'd stick with aluminium, the weight saving from a carbon frame is pretty irrelevant on an eMTB and alloy will save you a few quid.

 

[FLOCO]

Swede, I notice no one has said anything about the Rise, so I thought I’d give you some feedback on it. I’ve had a an H30 for about a year and absolutely love it. I ride pretty hard up and down and have had zero issues with the motor or anything else. I did upgrade the front rotor to 203 mm right away as I’m a bit larger too.
I did a lot of research in advance and at the time Orbea seemed the best compromise between weight, component quality and price. I know it’s not the highest spec level, but it’s definitely good enough for me. I ride exclusively in the mountains of Colorado at 7000 feet and up. The motor has plenty of power for someone with reasonable level of fitness. If I need a lot more power or suspension I get on my 250 cc Yamaha!
Today I would certainly consider the Trek Fuel exe, but I’m very happy with my Rise and strongly recommend it.

 

[Swede]

Swede, I notice no one has said anything about the Rise, so I thought I’d give you some feedback on it. I’ve had a an H30 for about a year and absolutely love it. I ride pretty hard up and down and have had zero issues with the motor or anything else. I did upgrade the front rotor to 203 mm right away as I’m a bit larger too.
I did a lot of research in advance and at the time Orbea seemed the best compromise between weight, component quality and price. I know it’s not the highest spec level, but it’s definitely good enough for me. I ride exclusively in the mountains of Colorado at 7000 feet and up. The motor has plenty of power for someone with reasonable level of fitness. If I need a lot more power or suspension I get on my 250 cc Yamaha!
Today I would certainly consider the Trek Fuel exe, but I’m very happy with my Rise and strongly recommend it.

Thanks!

I really need to try the Rise soon to see how the power is, the Trek i tried today was abit dissapointing compared to the full fat version. Maybe because i am not here for the fitness, i am here for the fun fitness i will get anyway from gym and running and ofcourse the e-bike no matter what version.

 

[FLOCO]

I was a little underwhelmed by the Trek Fuel power too. Try a Rise, I think you’ll like it.

 

[sam.spoons]

Power is well down on the Rise/Urrun, 60NM max compared to 85NM+ on full fat bikes but at the cost of an extra 3-5kg and/or reduced range. But, max power is something I rarely use, even uphill, I have the boost setting in my profile 1 reduced to about 40NM on boost which will get me up pretty much anything. I can certainly feel the difference when I switch to the full power Profile 2 (they are almost infinitely programable) but I'm going cycling not motorcycling so I like to feel like I've done some exercise after a ride. FWIW I'm 80kg and average fitness for a pensioner and IMHO a light bike is more fun than a heavy one.