Why do some people focus primarily on motor/battery as their deciding factor?

[Jackware]

.

I think the reference point can be more personal than just that. The Motor is like the person you have chosen to live with. The two of you had better be able to get along, plus adore and compliment each other when no one is watching. Imagine a spouse that you can only just tolerate... or can only just tolerate YOU! Ouch! Worse than that, a wayward temperamental partner could cost you half of what you own. Ideal would be one that can bring out the best in you because you think and sync in similar ‘circles’ (haha, pun intended).

The Battery is what they want and what you need to bring when you go out for a picnic. The skinny ones will get up the hill with just couscous. Others may need a box of chocolates for motivation... or maybe some beer. What? It’s just an analogy!

Everything else about the bike is about poise. The wardrobe, make-up, jewellery, endless pairs of shoes, gym membership, trips to the salon, etc... that’s all for show and tell.

Then you can join this forum and brag or bitch about ’the one’ you’re with! .

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

View attachment 31448

 

[Pdoz]

You guys are disturbing...the more I read, the more convinced I am that you don't care what color or even flavour of pi , how big or small , or even if it's the right life choice?

 

[2wls4ever]

Motor characteristics are a big decision factor for me, have ridden the major brands and all are different, even same brand newer versions differ in character to older ones.....best thing anyone can do is ride as many as possible, decide on budget and buy one you like....easy as ?

Great advice. Demo as many as possible. Before judging the modes, understand that they are programmable.

 

[steve_sordy]

I knew I wanted/needed an emtb, but I knew only one thing about ebikes; I did not want a bike with a battery like a wart on the downtube! (Call me shallow, I don't care).

Like many on here, I did lots of research (perusing the bike porn?). I was looking at reviews, who did what, geometry, price and last but not least, how it looked. I like my bike to have a look back factor, ie when I walk away, do I look back at it just before I close the door / turn the corner?

Then I went test riding and discovered that the motor, the display, and the mode shifters really mattered to me. It was no good reading about them I had to experience them. I test rode some beautiful bikes that were rejected because they had the Bosch gen 2 motor, which was in my opinion awful and earned those bikes a firm no. I even told the UK importer of the French brand Moustache that his Samedi bikes were achingly beautiful but that I wouldn't buy one because of the motor.

Bike after bike came and went and then I rode the Focus Jam2 which was the first bike with a Shimano motor. Not only did I love the way the bike looked and the way it rode, but it was the first emtb that I had ridden that just felt like me on a good day on a good bike, everything was natural and intuitive. I was SOLD!

But the TEC pack still looks like a wart! (I'm just glad that I haven't had to use it much).

The next generation of Focus bikes now have the Bosch gen 4 motor, which sounds to be quite a lot better than the gen 2. It comes with a 625Whr battery in the down tube, and no warts! I just hope that when the time comes for a test, the bike rides like a dream.

 

[Forever Wild]

I focused first on establishing a relationship with the best lbs closest to me. Then bought the Ebike they support with the best brakes and suspension.

 

[I want my 2 Dollars!]

After owning an e road bike for a couple years and then trying a friend's emtb I decided that emtb's had come of age. Pretty much any decent bike today is far more capable than the mtbs I grew up riding. I'm riding 29s, 27.5s and compared to my old 26er SC Blur they are all league's better. In it's day the Blur was cutting edge. Compared to today's modern bike geo and suspension it's an ancient relic and far less capable and safe.

Today, I can look at a bikes specs and know if it'll suite my preferences. One thing I really noticed on my friends Yamaha powered bike was how noisy it was - in the quite forest. That really registered. On the road with cars wizzing by you often can't hear any motor noise. I also thought it had too much slack on starting out, and then had an abrupt surge of power. Fine for the road but not so good in rock gardens and slow technical riding. So the motor became a really critical part of my shopping.
I can live with either Sram or Shimano components. To me the NX or notch below XT are fantastic bike technology. I've got NX, XO and XT on bikes now and they are all fantastic. More important are brakes and rotors. 4pot brakes and 200 or 220 rotors are essential on these heavy bikes.

 

[Kingerz]

It's like your heart.

 

[Growmac]

As others have said, you can't change the motor. I've had real problems with Madison/Shimano refusing warranty service, while my Bosch riding mates have had brilliant service, no questions asked.

As a result, while I had a mild preference for Shimano last time as I liked the neat display and downtube integration on the very well reviewed Merida, next time I'll only consider Bosch or Specialised. Once bitten...