For most of my adult life I've owned a bike, but once I turned 40 I practically never rode. When I turned 71, on impulse, I bought an ebike and it changed my life. The first bike I bought I didn't like much, but it got me out riding again. I sold it to my son in law and bought another that I liked a lot better so I rode it. A lot. After a year of getting back out on the road I bought a conventional bike - an entry level Cannondale hybrid bike - and this past summer was able to work up to a 50 mile ride on it just around the time I turned 74. I still ride the ebike though and have an e-mountain bike on order. I'm not going to try to learn technical MB riding at my age, but there are ton of decommissioned forest service roads in Oregon that I'm going to explore. I still use my ebike a lot, and it's great for zone 2 workouts since you can dial in your heart rate and keep a constant rate of exertion regardless of hills and so forth. Ebikes are great for getting older riders out of the house because you don't have to worry about getting up a hill between you and your destination, and you don't worry about bonking 10 miles from home. You can dial down the assist and sweat as much as you want on an ebike. Since I bought the ebike I've lost 30 pounds. Since I was feeling so much fitter, I bought a Nordic Trak IFit bike to maintain fitness over the winter. I legit feel like I'm in as good shape now as I was when I was 40 or 45. Life changing. Despite many uninformed opinions, ebike can be a great fitness tool if you intentionally want to use them that way. Purists will always be with us and it's great that they can enjoy their sport the way they prefer and others can choose a different path. It's all good.
That's sweet. when you where 40, regular bikes where not half as refined as they are now, and I really feel that a brand new regular pedal bike weather its Road, Gravel, or a Mtn Bike just fit and ride so much better than they used to and we have so many options to make a bike work well to pedal for each individual rider. Being curious about Ebikes got you onto a modern bike which got you back into riding and sometimes I wonder if it's the EBike or just older folks getting on a modern bicycle and realizing how good they've got that makes them start riding. The reason I wonder is because I've heard your story more than once and it usually end's with them back on a regular pedal bike happy as can be, Thanking the ebike essentially. I think this is a good thing. In summary "ebikes can show people who have been out of the game that new modern bikes aside from the E-assist are much better now and fun to pedal even as a regular bike because bikes from 20 years ago sucked for most part!" cheers.
My wife and I have done much the same. 30 years away from mountain biking, and e-bikes have been a great gateway. I’ve got 2 e-bikes now (hardtail and full sus eMTBs, and she’s got one e-commuter, but her next purchase is an analog gravel bike. She was amazed with what she could do on an analog bike now she has the stamina to commute 20km a day. We’re in northern Alberta, and 30cm of snow just fell, so we might be looking at fat bikes in the meantime… 😅
@@IdrisFashan So awesome, Cheers from northern Alberta as well! Happy shoveling hahaha. that is the workout at the moment. Edited to say I recommend the Specialized Diverge. The Elite is best value.
Im 56 and ill ride a regular bike until its not fun anymore. Then ill probably get an ebike. Right now I just like the challenge that a regular bike gives me. I like seeing improvement in my riding and knowing that I cleaned that section on my own with no help.
almost 50 bought an ebike I have an XC 120mm my longest ride with it is 70miles 6000ft around 2020 tried again in 2024 only did 52miles 4100ft what did I skip ? the best most fun part :/ was just too tired (climb is 8-20% slope) so took the fastest easiest road down instead of doing rollercoaster forest trails down the mountain, with the ebike I did in 90% of a new 750wh battery (24% off 49% eco 22% tour+ 5% emtb never used turbo) 71miles 7690ft in winter with 39°F ! no way I could have done that on muscles and if I tried I would have come back completely broken with ebike I felt my muscles a few days but was okay, according to garmin this is also better exercise for me instead of an overreach in aerobic and low impact anaerobic I'm now more balanced between the two because I focus on cadence (that's how ebike work it's useless to push you need to spin 80-100rpm nonstop) I'm often out of breath which is great better than muscle strain until you can't walk, now I will add if it's to do 20miles flat trisp an ebike is the equivalent on staying on your couch but if you have challenging goals it unlocks new trails and allows you to exchange road/trail for more mountain, you also have more healthy effort because the price and aftermath of performance only gets worse every year
Well I'm only 62 and still enjoy pushing myself and synchronizing my muscles and breath and mind. I can't see myself ever wanting to give up that feeling. Using your own power is just so satisfying.
Thirteen months ago I had a stroke, left my right side severely weakened. My town is pretty flat but any mountain biking means either driving to a trailhead or a two mile climb. I ebiked the trail from April to September getting enough strength back to return to analog biking. The e-bike helped speed my recovery time, but now that I can do without the assist I prefer to ride non-electric.
I’m 63, tookup MTB just 4 months ago on a Marlin7. No battery and I’m still building my skills and endurance. Nothing against e-bikes. For me it was about exercise, getting outdoors more, oh - and my M7 was $1299 plus $40 for better pedals VS $3500 and up for a e-bike. Not in most people’s budget. 😉
I used think I'd never get an ebike, until I tore my ACL and lateral meniscus in a crash, and got a post-op DVT as a cherry on top. An SL ebike got me back out on the trail, and I'll be forever grateful for that. It brought tons of joy on local trails, big bike park days, and long back country rides. The weaker motor and lighter weight of the SL ebike was perfect for rehab while feeling more like a normal bike. Now, after a couple years of gradual healing and strengthening, I'm finally ready to get back on a naturally aspirated bike. While it's been a bit of an adjustment getting used to slower pedal speeds, I just love the feeling of a snappy light trail bike. Having spent time on both, I'd say they both have a time and place, and I enjoy both now.
Hello. I’m 54, 40,000 miles in 30 years. Just rode my first e-bike yesterday. Specialized TURBO EVO. Absolutely amazing. I thought my career was coming to an end with my body wear. This gets around all injuries , and still shred. Big up Matty !!
E bikes are still gay even if you don't judge people. However we all suffer from the human condition so fighting nature is dumb which means riding an bike is gay.
The big problem I have with E bikes is how they allow people that are not in good physical shape access to trails they aren't experienced enough to ride. The engine allows them to skip over an important part of progression and of course basic fitness. If you have some sort of ailement that keeps you from being able to work up to a higher level of fitness then E bikes are "necessary." When I get to the point where my body really starts to fail I will transition to an Ebike but I will at least be bringing my trailreading ability and analog bike skills. I just don't support overcoming a lack of skill with technology. Shuttling is not what I'm talking about BTW. I get wanting to take downhill laps, but trail and XC riding gives you a great way to get in shape and riding an E bike isn't gonna help. Think of it like rock climbing. Would it be good to have a rope that helps pull you up without being strong? That would allow inexperienced people into situations above their ability. I don''t think it's always safe to add more power unless it's matched with experience. Ebikes are definitely amazing in ways but definitely up the danger on and off trail.
@ perfect example of what I’m saying. Every day I ride park at least one person puts themselves into situations they can’t handle and leaves in an ambulance. Nice try with the insult though.
Having been a mountain biker for years. This has been my first year owning an e-mtb and I have to say it has been an absolute game changer for me. I can pop out on my lunch hour and hit some trails and cover crazy distances, still getting a work out. I have covered 1,500km this year so far and never been so enthusiastic about mountain biking before. I have an Orbea Rise (140 travel mid assist bike).
E-bikes reducing injury?? I’m guessing the idea is that it will reduce stress injuries, but the types and quantities of injuries I have seen particularly among children and young adults has increased with the adoption of e bikes
I'm 72 years old. I still only ride human powered bicycles. Perhaps that will change over the next 10 years or so, if I live that long. But if I do live that long, it will be because I still ride human pedaled bicycles and get the exercise I need to keep on living.
Been riding for many years and have both. For someone who rides regularly the ebike is a great bike to ride on days when you might not have ridden following a longer or harder ride the day before. Bought my wife an ebike recently, and we're riding together much more often since it equalizes things. Now she'll drop me on climbs so I'm getting a hard ride in while she's having a fun ride.
The fuel is dual sus, there is your reason you succeeded, the roscoe bounces, where as the fuel moves through its travel maintainh grip. No need for the motor, just get fitter, and strength traing will sort the rest, also clips for more power to the pedals.
E-bikes are like a cheat code in video games, I am 53 and have a hardtail and apprerciate the journey above the destination. I transitioned from a full suspension simply because the access to my nearest park has become too expensive for my liking. My hardtail affords me the opportunity to access more diverst destinations during my season as well.
I’m 60 and have no desire to ride a e-bike. I still race XC and enjoy, going to also start racing gravel this year. I totally disagree with this statement.
You're clearly 60 and in much better shape than the average 60 year old. I'm 54 and use a no-assist hardtail and that's the way I like it and will keep it that way as long as I can, so we're on the same page. But there are plenty of folks where it's a choice of an e-bike or they can't ride at all. I had an older guy ride past me on a climb a month ago and he was all apologetic for "cheating", and I told him a bike is a bike and stay at it. He wouldn't be on the trails at all without it. Now kids, they should not have e-bikes in my opinion.
The way i see it is comparing ebikes to regular bikes would be the same as comparing hikers or joggers to regular bikes. Who freaking cares unless it's a race, then it would be cheating lol Some people don't have all day for activities. Not to mention, the need to bring less supplies.
I gotta give this guy some respect on his name for climbing that steep on a regular bike, being the build he is, he’s looks like a chunky guy…no lightweight rider , even the e-bike took some going…!? 😳
I chose ebike for simple fact i can ride more and cut times, plus its way more fun, i dont ride for fitness i ride to escape reality! And plus the price i paid for my ebike is cheaper then most mtb bikes with no motor so i won 🤘🏼
Over the past 4 years, I've bought an emtb, an XC mtb, and a trail mtn bike. The e-mtb was fun but felt I wasn't getting much of a workout. The trail bike felt too heavy when climbing but was fun downhill. I've enjoyed riding my XC mtb (Epic Evo) the most so I sold the e-mtb and trail bike. It's fun climbing and descending and I get an awesome workout. I prob will get an e-mtb again though when I'm in my 60s or 70s.
If we can really be honest to ourselves, I really do believe that the introduction of ebikes and any motor powered bicycle ruined the sport of mountain biking.
True, you can get an extra boost to get things faster, but man...a little patience and effort wouldn't hurt at all. Not against ebikes, but probably when they get a little lighter will probably try them
I am 55 and haven't ridden an ebike yet. I see their appeal, but I love my climbs. A big part of what I love about riding is being out in the forest, and being away from city life, and just escaping. An e bike would see me home quicker, why would I do that?.
LOL, I must be out of step with everyone else which isnt unusual. At 70, I just bought a Roscoe 7 (was going with a Marlin 7) based mostly on your reviews. For the trails I'm doing, a non-electric is fine and I like the extra work.
I'd like to try an e-bike. I have health issues that an e-bike may help let me continue riding. Been biking since the late 80's, but not as much anymore. A bunch of trails in my area don't allow e-bikes, though. More have been opening up for e-bikes.
I tested an e-bike at the bike shop and thought it was fine but I purchased a new analog mtn bike instead. I’m 59, maybe as I further age it will be something I’ll need, but right now I like the challenge of trails without the assist of a battery. If you’re 20-35, physically capable, and using an ebike 🤷♂️. Doing the hard thing is just not people’s jam anymore.
Young people now a days are all the same, all the authors are using laptops not typewriters makes me sick! Why the hell would you want to fly up 30% grades with ease mtbing is about pain and suffering. People definitely are getting into the sport for the wrong reason if there just looking to have fun.
@@SeizeTheDirt Well you obviously haven't owned an Ebike. If you wan't to get completely masochistic buy a Ebike and don't turn on the assist, I promise you will get the best hardest bike workout you ever experienced. Its a tool that allows you the ability to set your difficulty. Thats my real problem with you dummies is your clueless as to what a Ebike is and is not.
@MulveyColin Well I know that weak people are rampant in society. No one that buys an ebike will turn the assist off. If anything they usually keep it on full assist. You're right, I will own an ebike when I'm old and actually have an excuse to buy one. 99% of the people that own them now are just lazy. Just owe up to it; you don't want to work as hard so you bought an ebike to be lazy
Been riding mt bikes for 41 years. I have a herd of bikes, and mix up my riding depending on how I am feeling. As you get older ebikes bring the fun back.
I'm 76 and there is no way I could ride the trails I ride now without my e-bike. With my analog bike I'd get winded going up even small inclines and that took all the fun out of the ride. Now I can tackle even the bigest hill with ease!!
ive ridden in betonville and we demoed ebikes last time we were there. you can certainly do way more laps with trails that have more pedally climbs. For us weekend warriors the amount of time we have to ride is never going to be enough for the same level of fitness. I am wanting one now.
These light emtbs like exe are great. I am pretty fit, I've been riding gravel/xc/trail mtbs, and now got an Orbea Rise which is just a 3kg heavier than my previous trail bike (which wasn't very heavy though). It still feels nimble, I get a good workout (my avg HR is 140-150), can do many more climbs, and, most importantly, I get much more fun, and want to ride more often. Those who say that you don't get a workout, should try it.
E-bikes are awesome tools and lots of fun, but will never replace a real mountain bike. People are just getting lazy and e-bikes make it easy to be lazy. Yes, ebikers will claim it’s just as good of a workout. But that’s wrong. Do you get just as good of a workout on the bench press when your spotter assists you? No. Same with an e-bike. E-bikes have complicated systems that you often can not diagnose on your own. I can do everything for my mountain bike and never have to charge the battery. My bike lives in the back of my work truck, so charging would become an issue. Again, e-bikes are fun, but will never replace mountain bikes.
It's really a mixed bag. All the good that eMTBs have can and do have unintended consequences. In the end it doesn't matter. People are going to ride what they're going to ride so only time will tell. Complaining about their proliferation and taking over the sport is the old man yelling at the sky.
I’m long time mountain biker, 53 years old. I recently purchased a trek rail 9.9 e- Bike long travel. I took it to my local camping ground/mountain bike area for a week. Using my eBay, I only actually used the power of the motor about 5% of the time. I’ve had the bike for three months and I’m still on the first charge and it has 20% left. I wish I haven’t bought it, because I feel guilty when I ride it. I enjoy mountain biking because it is challenging and difficult. And I like to see my improvements as I ride more. The four days I rode it on the trails I was just peddling a 50 pound bike. I only bought an eBay because my recent trip to Zion national Park. We use the commuter e-bikes, and they were fun and saved a lot of time. So I do think e-Bike has their purpose in that sense but as for an avid mountain biker, I do not use it on the trails anymore.
My last day in Bentonville (riding different emtbs all week) we snagged two Transition Relays. We’re ready for the next stage of mtb (as we’ve done it for a LONG time).
Great video,E bikes are great. It keeps me in shape for moto and and is more similar in riding style. At 58 I can ride 3 days a for 75 miles a week on some good trails! Seeing your relatives on an e bike for the first time was perfect!!
I’m 64+ and ride pedal power every other day and on the opposite day i enjoy my e-bike for muscle recovery and relaxation. At my age i get the Best of both worlds. Very grateful for ebike technology if it gets folks out pedaling so im totally in alignment with this video. I love riding pure pedal every time however when the day comes that i cannot ebike will be a good friend!
I enjoy the outdoors too much to be in a hurry on an e-bike. That said as I get older I'll probably give e-bikes another look. No hating here. Ride your ride.
In my experience, most of the (valid) hate for ebikes is directed at people that don't respect the trails or other riders. Bombing through bi-directional trails and just generally being a little rude. ebikes are definitely the best way to do a lot of trails in 1 day, but in terms of overall enjoyment, at least for me, a simple and light bike is the way to go. I think there should be a lot more rider education about trail etiquette and maybe even certifications if ebikes continue to get faster and heavier.
They are causing too many accidents where I live because many people using them are too weak to handle those heavy bikes. They ride the trails and have no control at all and they are going at higher speeds with more weight. Maybe that is going to change when more skilled riders are using ebikes, too.
In summary- these bikes lead people to places where they are not capable of and should not be, yet according to their fitness. And are causing danger for hikers and other bikers.
An ebike has allowed me to get back on the trails. I have a previous injury in my right knee (horseback riding). While its not too bad, the force of the climb or riding all day really takes its toll and I can feel it getting weak. Also I have gained weight from a job change and an ebike has allowed me to WANT to go to the trails and get a workout. Being on the trails would not be an option without an ebike, atm. It so much fun to be out there, it has skyrocketed my weight loss and general health.
I still have my analog MTB, my best rides are now in an e-bike. I go faster, I do way more features and I burn a lot of calories. I’m in the best shape of my life, jumps are lots of fun with my Levo.
I see almost zero hate towards pedal assist e-bikes…but…even the mildest suggestion that I would lose fitness if I had an e-bike gets me labeled a hater with comment after comment about how much longer and farther I could ride if I had one. I’m 57, I ride a Fuel EX and I’ve tried a Fuel EXe, with the type of riding I like to do I would absolutely lose fitness if I had the EXe. That being said I’ll probably get one when I’m old or have a chronic problem that keeps me from mountain biking otherwise but not now.
As a 47 year old. I love my turbo Levo. I can stay on trails so much longer. I feel like I’m back in 1996 on my hard tail when I could ride all day without a care in the world. I also have an acoustic gravel that I ride when I’m not on the trails as a trainer. I’d rather suffer on that because really to ride my gravel it’s just shorts and some shoes and I can ride out of my house. And where I live is windy so I suffer on it but it wasn’t a real time investment. Trails for me are at least a 15 minute drive and when I’m on the trail I want it to be more about fun instead of thinking of it as a workout. I think all bikes have their place and it’s different for every rider. Ur super fit ride it all acoustic you struggle for time or maybe health take advantage of the tech. It’s all about getting on the bike. Also it’s all a myth that pedal e-bikes tear up trails. The community needs to unite and support each other.
It’s easy to take short cuts in life. Starting on an e-bike is one of them. If you make it easy mountain biking will be less demanding physically and mentally. But maybe that’s the new generation of riders? It’s happened before with full suspension and your discovery of hard tails and the bringing the excitement back to the sport. I see guys doing laps on my local black diamond trails. When the machines become too efficient, the “stop and smell the roses” experience becomes lost. However it’s a great tool for those that are physically limited to experience the outdoors. But when the young and older kids start with motor assist (even with the little electric cars) it takes the physical/mental challenges away for future endeavors.
Some people are just physically stronger than others so no need for a E bike but when I hit my 60s I will definitely look into a E bike for sure. But for now my R9 is a beast especially when climbing.
I’m 31, long time mountain biker, and jiu jitsu Brown belt. Sold my car a year ago and started commuting via the bicycle. Thing is I’m also a head chef, so as the year went by… work got more hectic and my bike was tuff everyday. So I bought an e-bike. Bro let me tell you. My health is the same. My “work out via the bike” feels more controlled and it helps me with my breathing so much more with jiu jitsu. I’m able to stay in zone 2 for longer period . Overall the e bike became an essential part of my workouts. And that being said I’m able to go on bike rides on the weekends !!!! Could never do that before
I can see the benefits of ebikes that you mentioned in the video. In your example of trying to make that climb over the rocks, it's great if the ebike will get you through it, but in this particular instance I'd still want to do it all by myself without assistance from anything but my own two legs. It's the challenge of making the climb that is one of the many reasons I enjoy mountain biking.
One thing I'm a little nervous about is how much more damage ebikes do to the trail. Most riders just can't put out that much power with that much weight.
E-bikes are more fun. But not by THAT much. Of all bikes my trek remedy is my favorite. 27.5 regular bike which I guess is archaic buy todays standards.
Im using my long travel full sus emtb for loosing bit weight just now lost a stone in 3 weeks absolutely incredible! Couldn't loose it on normal bike because we're so tiring and getting up hill just walked slow pushing bike up now blasting through everything on the ebike lbs are falling off it's a great exercise machine!
I prefer the feeling of it just being all me going uphill it's more of a satisfaction than an assist bike especially if your young and strong enough and don't have any physical limitations that an ebike would be helpful.
I'm 58, disabled veteran with 2 back surgeries and parts. I have 7 bikes in the garage, from 20 inch bmx park bike I built in 2000, to beach cruiser with ape hangers for party bike rides. I also have Carbon cross country bike, carbon heavy trails bike and Levo Turbo SL e-bike. They all have a purpose, depending on the type of ride we are doing. We are all part of the same bike community and it is weird how so many talk down to e-bikers or feel there is some shame in riding them. Hard Tails/Full Suspension/E-Bike all have a place on the trails as long as they are ridden with respect for others and the trails. Mountain Biking and bikes in general have always been part of my life. I won't lie, bikes have saved my life many a time! It is my therapy to get out and spin, be in nature, forgot about the world around me! I am sure it's the same for so many of you as well! So any bike worthy of the trail, ride on my friends ride on!!!!
Funny you say that. I know guys who've been mountain biking for years and decided to give up the sport entirely because of the existence of ebikes, (or more specifically emtbs). They feel the sport has betrayed them (yes that's the words they use lol).
I think you'll see trails made specifically for e-bikes too. The climb can be designed to be much more of a direct (and steep) route if you're not concerned about the elevation for folks who have to pedal their way up. I'm pedals all the way until I just can't do it any more, though. I loved the family shots, it was fun to see them on the bike. Red Sox shirt too, you're bringing them up right!
I don’t know anything about e-bikes but I’m 44 now and if getting one would help make trails easier I’m down to try when I can afford one. I’m still in good shape and can more than hold my own on pretty rocky and steep terrain but I’m glad to know that there is something out there that once I need it will be able to help me continue to ride. Great video man, we’re gonna have to link up one of these days.
Wow still a hot topic in the comment section. 😂 I have 2 e-bikes and one full suspension Tallboy. Love them all and ride them for the appropriate trails allowed. Life’s too short to argue about it just get out ride make time for your mental & physical health ❤
E-mtbs saved my like. All the naysayers can talk down to e-bikes all they want however it just shows either a lack of understanding or education. Everyone can and will do what they want to do.
I’m 62 and still really enjoy getting outside and some exercise under my own power. I live near a bike park with no lifts, so I ride my enduro bike there and trail ride on my single speed hardtail 2 or 3 times a week. If through age or injury I find I can’t ride without a e-bike, I’ll get one then. But for now I’m good. Also you mentioned a e-bike for a short ride? I find if I only have time for a short ride that I grab the single speed to get a good workout in a short amount of time. Seems like a e-bike would be the last thing you would want for that? Love your videos and keep them coming 🤙
As a side note, it would have been cool if you let the shop owner tell his viewpoint in his own words regarding ebikes. I mean, maybe you didn't want to interrupt the production value, but you were right there with him so it seemed kinda weird. Love that you got the fam out on the Ramblas!
I completed for the uk on the velodrome. Expert class 250 moto x. Jet ski. Body's took a pounding. Multi level disc degeneration. I'm 62 and riding the last of the s works venge and my recently new s works epic. Still hanging back for the e bike. I imagine there's gonna be a day soon
One problem with E-bakes is,Depending on the Class, E-bikes fall under the same laws as mopeds, scooters and Motorcycles by definition. if it has a motor and is pedals it's a moped. Depending on your state, they have to be licensed, insured and registered.(because the state wants their $$) if it doesn't have pedals it's a scooter or a motorcycle. That also means they would be banned from all bike trails unless they are multi-use with ATVs. (unless the park give you a medical exemption) Some places are already starting to amendment the laws to include them in the definition. Another problem is that a lot of shop are refusing to work on the majority of the "Amazon special" in the market especially the ones with the heavy hub drives because they need expensive special lifts to work on them.
Been shreddin E for 4 years. Ridden more in that time than the previous 30! Faster, longer, harder. Absolute game changer. Its steep and nasty around here. Ridin better than ever. Its a time machine. This time of year im rippin icy trails with the studded tires and its insane. Improbable. We ride stuff otherwise impossible on analog.
Pretty fair deals right now on YT emtb. Always good bang for buck with YT. Depending on credit 0% financing also available. Sold my two e bikes a couple years ago to buy analog and was waiting for some serious innovation before getting back into it. But the proposed tariffs and the sale and financing accelerated my timeline. Only problem with emtb, which I can speak to first hand since I went emtb exclusive for a couple years, is conditioning your body to the pedal assist. It took me a while to re condition myself for analog climbs and it was tough. Not going to lie. But I’m planning to keep it mixed up this time around. We’ll see how long I can keep it up. I feel like folks naturally end up taking the emtb out more and more because it’s so easy to and it frees up your mind to ride knowing you can tackle pretty much any climb and go farther and farther.
E-Bikes are awesome. Cheers to the folks who own one 👍🏾 Enjoy 😁 and to all others, including me, ENJOY TOO 🥳 We all love biking 🤩 It does not matter what you ride as long as you are stoked on nice trails, cool riding buddies and an awesome time 😎
Due to the damage ebikes can cause compared to conventional mountain bikes , it should stay this way . Ebike owners should pay a park maintenance levee .
So many people say you don’t get a work out in emtb but they did not ride it hard enough that’s for sure. I keep mine on eco a lot to save battery and I push myself but also ride a lot more that equals more fun.
Ebikes is not something I crave. Governments will make rules for ebikes and soon they will require a license to use an E-bike. Normal bikes are the way to go.
Not everyone rides a bicycle for health reasons. I know it's hard to comprehend, but I am young and healthy and I can rip up 25% loose shale. Things you can't climb and that's a fact.
Most people bashing ebikes have never ridden one more than a few miles. I'm like you, I have one but reach for my regular bike most of the time. There is a place and time for them, tho, and one of the best rides I've ever done just happened on an ebike. I had done the ride on a pedal only bike and it was so tough it was hard to enjoy, but a blast on an ebike.
Half the enjoyment for me personally is the physical challenge climbing mountains with a MTB. Can't blame people if they like e-bikes though, they're undoubtedly fun. However, pretty annoying on a uphill single track when you're slogging away and they come right up your rear expecting you to make room.
The e-bikes just keep getting better too. It’s 100% going keep going up in sales. If you can get a great downhill, regular and e-bike, you’re complete in my opinion (if you like that type of riding)
Ebikes just rock. It opens up the sport to so many people. You just go out and have fun and that’s what it’s all about really. I ride gravel bike and a E MTB there both fun in there own way but it took me a long time to start really enjoying gravel riding but on the ebike it was fun right from the first ride. My wife has a E MTB and she doesn’t ride often but when she dose she not intimidate by distance or hills she just has fun 😁👍
I just got my first e-bike on. Black Friday 800 reduced to 500 it will be replacing my old car as my job it’s 5 miles alway I live right outside of town Perfect balance of nature and necessity
I recently rented an E-MTB on vacation (it was in Europe and I can't recall the brand but it wasn't anything I've seen here in the US) and liked that I was able to climb nearly effortlessly. That said, I'm a long time 2nd generation Marlin rider and I love how they climb - but hate how they descend. Apart from the reduction in fatigue I really can't see the advantage of a Marlin+. I'd be more on board for a Roscoe+.
For most of my adult life I've owned a bike, but once I turned 40 I practically never rode. When I turned 71, on impulse, I bought an ebike and it changed my life. The first bike I bought I didn't like much, but it got me out riding again. I sold it to my son in law and bought another that I liked a lot better so I rode it. A lot. After a year of getting back out on the road I bought a conventional bike - an entry level Cannondale hybrid bike - and this past summer was able to work up to a 50 mile ride on it just around the time I turned 74. I still ride the ebike though and have an e-mountain bike on order. I'm not going to try to learn technical MB riding at my age, but there are ton of decommissioned forest service roads in Oregon that I'm going to explore. I still use my ebike a lot, and it's great for zone 2 workouts since you can dial in your heart rate and keep a constant rate of exertion regardless of hills and so forth. Ebikes are great for getting older riders out of the house because you don't have to worry about getting up a hill between you and your destination, and you don't worry about bonking 10 miles from home. You can dial down the assist and sweat as much as you want on an ebike. Since I bought the ebike I've lost 30 pounds. Since I was feeling so much fitter, I bought a Nordic Trak IFit bike to maintain fitness over the winter. I legit feel like I'm in as good shape now as I was when I was 40 or 45. Life changing. Despite many uninformed opinions, ebike can be a great fitness tool if you intentionally want to use them that way. Purists will always be with us and it's great that they can enjoy their sport the way they prefer and others can choose a different path. It's all good.
That's sweet. when you where 40, regular bikes where not half as refined as they are now, and I really feel that a brand new regular pedal bike weather its Road, Gravel, or a Mtn Bike just fit and ride so much better than they used to and we have so many options to make a bike work well to pedal for each individual rider. Being curious about Ebikes got you onto a modern bike which got you back into riding and sometimes I wonder if it's the EBike or just older folks getting on a modern bicycle and realizing how good they've got that makes them start riding. The reason I wonder is because I've heard your story more than once and it usually end's with them back on a regular pedal bike happy as can be, Thanking the ebike essentially. I think this is a good thing. In summary "ebikes can show people who have been out of the game that new modern bikes aside from the E-assist are much better now and fun to pedal even as a regular bike because bikes from 20 years ago sucked for most part!" cheers.
My wife and I have done much the same. 30 years away from mountain biking, and e-bikes have been a great gateway.
I’ve got 2 e-bikes now (hardtail and full sus eMTBs, and she’s got one e-commuter, but her next purchase is an analog gravel bike.
She was amazed with what she could do on an analog bike now she has the stamina to commute 20km a day.
We’re in northern Alberta, and 30cm of snow just fell, so we might be looking at fat bikes in the meantime… 😅
@@IdrisFashan So awesome, Cheers from northern Alberta as well! Happy shoveling hahaha. that is the workout at the moment. Edited to say I recommend the Specialized Diverge. The Elite is best value.
@@High_Octane 👀 🙌🏾 🚲🥶
I’m not injured, disabled, or really old. I will keep enjoying my human powered mtn bike. No batteries or motors for me.
Same here bro! Check out some of my biking videos. Thankful to be able to pedal at 54.
Same
I’m really old, kinda….still riding acoustic until I just can’t deal with it anymore….
That’s not the point. Ride an e-bike for a day and you’ll understand. Not everyone is out the trails for cardio
@@johnmccool6875I’m not really old yet. But will get an e-bike when my body doesn’t let me do what I do
Im 56 and ill ride a regular bike until its not fun anymore. Then ill probably get an ebike. Right now I just like the challenge that a regular bike gives me. I like seeing improvement in my riding and knowing that I cleaned that section on my own with no help.
almost 50 bought an ebike I have an XC 120mm my longest ride with it is 70miles 6000ft around 2020 tried again in 2024 only did 52miles 4100ft what did I skip ? the best most fun part :/ was just too tired (climb is 8-20% slope) so took the fastest easiest road down instead of doing rollercoaster forest trails down the mountain, with the ebike I did in 90% of a new 750wh battery (24% off 49% eco 22% tour+ 5% emtb never used turbo) 71miles 7690ft in winter with 39°F ! no way I could have done that on muscles and if I tried I would have come back completely broken with ebike I felt my muscles a few days but was okay, according to garmin this is also better exercise for me instead of an overreach in aerobic and low impact anaerobic I'm now more balanced between the two because I focus on cadence (that's how ebike work it's useless to push you need to spin 80-100rpm nonstop) I'm often out of breath which is great better than muscle strain until you can't walk, now I will add if it's to do 20miles flat trisp an ebike is the equivalent on staying on your couch but if you have challenging goals it unlocks new trails and allows you to exchange road/trail for more mountain, you also have more healthy effort because the price and aftermath of performance only gets worse every year
this
But 15 years ago there would be a group of purist dbags telling you that using suspension or gears was cheating.
Well I'm only 62 and still enjoy pushing myself and synchronizing my muscles and breath and mind. I can't see myself ever wanting to give up that feeling. Using your own power is just so satisfying.
Try a ebike same workout but more fun 😁
@@graysquirreltreeservice7299 Nah I'll do that when I'm old :)
Thirteen months ago I had a stroke, left my right side severely weakened. My town is pretty flat but any mountain biking means either driving to a trailhead or a two mile climb. I ebiked the trail from April to September getting enough strength back to return to analog biking. The e-bike helped speed my recovery time, but now that I can do without the assist I prefer to ride non-electric.
Glad you are on the mend. It's interesting to see stories of people who take up e-biking (in any form) and still end up preferring analog.
I’m 63, tookup MTB just 4 months ago on a Marlin7. No battery and I’m still building my skills and endurance. Nothing against e-bikes. For me it was about exercise, getting outdoors more, oh - and my M7 was $1299 plus $40 for better pedals VS $3500 and up for a e-bike. Not in most people’s budget. 😉
im 45 and did the same thing with same bike not looking for electric. loving the new tech after 25 years off the trails
I used think I'd never get an ebike, until I tore my ACL and lateral meniscus in a crash, and got a post-op DVT as a cherry on top. An SL ebike got me back out on the trail, and I'll be forever grateful for that. It brought tons of joy on local trails, big bike park days, and long back country rides. The weaker motor and lighter weight of the SL ebike was perfect for rehab while feeling more like a normal bike. Now, after a couple years of gradual healing and strengthening, I'm finally ready to get back on a naturally aspirated bike. While it's been a bit of an adjustment getting used to slower pedal speeds, I just love the feeling of a snappy light trail bike. Having spent time on both, I'd say they both have a time and place, and I enjoy both now.
Hello. I’m 54, 40,000 miles in 30 years. Just rode my first e-bike yesterday. Specialized TURBO EVO. Absolutely amazing. I thought my career was coming to an end with my body wear. This gets around all injuries , and still shred. Big up Matty !!
I got one too.
Ty a believer ebikes rule sooo fun
I would love an e-mtb, however as long as they cost as much as my motorcycle, I’ll stick to peddling.
Man i havent seen a video from you in a while. Its nice to have found your channel again! You got me into mtb 2 years ago thank you man❤🎉🎉🎉
i have asthma and kidney transplanted patient and i love my EMTB it helped me to go out in the hills again and forest
I have Crohns and asthma and many broken body parts and metal. I am doing the same this summer on my new EMTB. I haven’t ridden far in 5 years.
@@ken46120 that why emtb is awesome! i also love mine and im thinking of getting a Egravel too
And here I am just getting into mtb with my ‘97 26er.
That’s awesome!
I love analog 26'ers too .
Amazing! Have fun!
As long as the Ebikes dont cost as much as a cheap car, I might look at one.
I think the world would be a better place, if each person tended to their own garden instead of criticizing their neighbors.
Unless it's about e bikes. Then you can criticize it no worry's. Because.. they... SUCK man!!! psh.
E bikes are still gay even if you don't judge people. However we all suffer from the human condition so fighting nature is dumb which means riding an bike is gay.
Well said. Don't listen to the uneducated trolls.
At least until those neighbors decide they want to stomp all over your garden while tending to their own.
@@jaredmathews2983 I love this❤️❤️
The big problem I have with E bikes is how they allow people that are not in good physical shape access to trails they aren't experienced enough to ride. The engine allows them to skip over an important part of progression and of course basic fitness. If you have some sort of ailement that keeps you from being able to work up to a higher level of fitness then E bikes are "necessary." When I get to the point where my body really starts to fail I will transition to an Ebike but I will at least be bringing my trailreading ability and analog bike skills. I just don't support overcoming a lack of skill with technology. Shuttling is not what I'm talking about BTW. I get wanting to take downhill laps, but trail and XC riding gives you a great way to get in shape and riding an E bike isn't gonna help. Think of it like rock climbing. Would it be good to have a rope that helps pull you up without being strong? That would allow inexperienced people into situations above their ability. I don''t think it's always safe to add more power unless it's matched with experience. Ebikes are definitely amazing in ways but definitely up the danger on and off trail.
Bro you ride a chairlift. LOL
@ perfect example of what I’m saying. Every day I ride park at least one person puts themselves into situations they can’t handle and leaves in an ambulance. Nice try with the insult though.
The Roscoe would have been a better bike for Trek to have used for their hardtail ebike IMO
Having been a mountain biker for years. This has been my first year owning an e-mtb and I have to say it has been an absolute game changer for me.
I can pop out on my lunch hour and hit some trails and cover crazy distances, still getting a work out. I have covered 1,500km this year so far and never been so enthusiastic about mountain biking before. I have an Orbea Rise (140 travel mid assist bike).
E-bikes reducing injury?? I’m guessing the idea is that it will reduce stress injuries, but the types and quantities of injuries I have seen particularly among children and young adults has increased with the adoption of e bikes
I'm 72 years old. I still only ride human powered bicycles. Perhaps that will change over the next 10 years or so, if I live that long. But if I do live that long, it will be because I still ride human pedaled bicycles and get the exercise I need to keep on living.
Been riding for many years and have both. For someone who rides regularly the ebike is a great bike to ride on days when you might not have ridden following a longer or harder ride the day before. Bought my wife an ebike recently, and we're riding together much more often since it equalizes things. Now she'll drop me on climbs so I'm getting a hard ride in while she's having a fun ride.
lol. She’s flying up that hill with smile on face. You’re gritting your teeth, just to crest it!
The fuel is dual sus, there is your reason you succeeded, the roscoe bounces, where as the fuel moves through its travel maintainh grip. No need for the motor, just get fitter, and strength traing will sort the rest, also clips for more power to the pedals.
E-bikes are like a cheat code in video games, I am 53 and have a hardtail and apprerciate the journey above the destination. I transitioned from a full suspension simply because the access to my nearest park has become too expensive for my liking. My hardtail affords me the opportunity to access more diverst destinations during my season as well.
53 as well, and you can take my acoustic hardtail from my cold dead hands!
Thought they were called analog now?@@Durwood71
I’m 60 and have no desire to ride a e-bike. I still race XC and enjoy, going to also start racing gravel this year. I totally disagree with this statement.
You're clearly 60 and in much better shape than the average 60 year old. I'm 54 and use a no-assist hardtail and that's the way I like it and will keep it that way as long as I can, so we're on the same page. But there are plenty of folks where it's a choice of an e-bike or they can't ride at all. I had an older guy ride past me on a climb a month ago and he was all apologetic for "cheating", and I told him a bike is a bike and stay at it. He wouldn't be on the trails at all without it. Now kids, they should not have e-bikes in my opinion.
Ebikes rock 🤘🏼
The way i see it is comparing ebikes to regular bikes would be the same as comparing hikers or joggers to regular bikes. Who freaking cares unless it's a race, then it would be cheating lol Some people don't have all day for activities. Not to mention, the need to bring less supplies.
@@mattj6676what happens to that guy when his battery dies? I’m glad he’s out there trying but he could be in a BAD situation pretty quickly.
@@kbd13-n9c you have never pedaled an e-bike without battery.. at 23 kgs its still very pedalable. Its not a car without gas
I gotta give this guy some respect on his name for climbing that steep on a regular bike, being the build he is, he’s looks like a chunky guy…no lightweight rider , even the e-bike took some going…!? 😳
You keeping the price in mind is where the magic for this channel comes from
Maybe when I’m 60 I might go e-bike but at 54 there’s no way….as long as my knees are good I’m not changing
I’m with you. At 55 I’m happy huffing and puffing up a hill. As long as I’m able. At the same time, i’m thinking about e-bikes, more and more.
I chose ebike for simple fact i can ride more and cut times, plus its way more fun, i dont ride for fitness i ride to escape reality! And plus the price i paid for my ebike is cheaper then most mtb bikes with no motor so i won 🤘🏼
59 and right there with you. I ride for fitness and the challenge, not as a video game replacement.
Only Legends here. 💪
We lead the world in obesity. People don’t need an e-bike. I guess if I was 60 and retired and can ride for 6 hours a day I can see getting an e-bike.
I am not buying Matty’s e-bikes he drops them 😝
Over the past 4 years, I've bought an emtb, an XC mtb, and a trail mtn bike. The e-mtb was fun but felt I wasn't getting much of a workout. The trail bike felt too heavy when climbing but was fun downhill. I've enjoyed riding my XC mtb (Epic Evo) the most so I sold the e-mtb and trail bike. It's fun climbing and descending and I get an awesome workout. I prob will get an e-mtb again though when I'm in my 60s or 70s.
If we can really be honest to ourselves, I really do believe that the introduction of ebikes and any motor powered bicycle ruined the sport of mountain biking.
Yeah too many out of shape bros clogging up the trails now.
True, you can get an extra boost to get things faster, but man...a little patience and effort wouldn't hurt at all.
Not against ebikes, but probably when they get a little lighter will probably try them
I am 55 and haven't ridden an ebike yet. I see their appeal, but I love my climbs. A big part of what I love about riding is being out in the forest, and being away from city life, and just escaping. An e bike would see me home quicker, why would I do that?.
LOL, I must be out of step with everyone else which isnt unusual. At 70, I just bought a Roscoe 7 (was going with a Marlin 7) based mostly on your reviews. For the trails I'm doing, a non-electric is fine and I like the extra work.
I bought an e-bike. Sold it and bought a hard tail / touring bike
I'd like to try an e-bike. I have health issues that an e-bike may help let me continue riding. Been biking since the late 80's, but not as much anymore. A bunch of trails in my area don't allow e-bikes, though. More have been opening up for e-bikes.
I tested an e-bike at the bike shop and thought it was fine but I purchased a new analog mtn bike instead. I’m 59, maybe as I further age it will be something I’ll need, but right now I like the challenge of trails without the assist of a battery. If you’re 20-35, physically capable, and using an ebike 🤷♂️. Doing the hard thing is just not people’s jam anymore.
I've seen kids aged 13 years old out on an ebike.....
Young people now a days are all the same, all the authors are using laptops not typewriters makes me sick! Why the hell would you want to fly up 30% grades with ease mtbing is about pain and suffering. People definitely are getting into the sport for the wrong reason if there just looking to have fun.
@@MulveyColin I think a better comparison would be using chatGPT to write a college level essay.
@@SeizeTheDirt Well you obviously haven't owned an Ebike. If you wan't to get completely masochistic buy a Ebike and don't turn on the assist, I promise you will get the best hardest bike workout you ever experienced. Its a tool that allows you the ability to set your difficulty. Thats my real problem with you dummies is your clueless as to what a Ebike is and is not.
@MulveyColin Well I know that weak people are rampant in society. No one that buys an ebike will turn the assist off. If anything they usually keep it on full assist. You're right, I will own an ebike when I'm old and actually have an excuse to buy one. 99% of the people that own them now are just lazy. Just owe up to it; you don't want to work as hard so you bought an ebike to be lazy
I still haven’t gotten on an e-bike but now I think it’s imminent. Great work
You can take regular bikes and put motor kits on the that go 40 mph for less than 1500
Been riding mt bikes for 41 years. I have a herd of bikes, and mix up my riding depending on how I am feeling. As you get older ebikes bring the fun back.
I'm 48 and will never ride an E-bike until I become handycapped
The commitment getting over that is awesome, great video man can't wait to rent an ebike up in bentonville
I'm 76 and there is no way I could ride the trails I ride now without my e-bike. With my analog bike I'd get winded going up even small inclines and that took all the fun out of the ride. Now I can tackle even the bigest hill with ease!!
ive ridden in betonville and we demoed ebikes last time we were there. you can certainly do way more laps with trails that have more pedally climbs. For us weekend warriors the amount of time we have to ride is never going to be enough for the same level of fitness. I am wanting one now.
These light emtbs like exe are great. I am pretty fit, I've been riding gravel/xc/trail mtbs, and now got an Orbea Rise which is just a 3kg heavier than my previous trail bike (which wasn't very heavy though). It still feels nimble, I get a good workout (my avg HR is 140-150), can do many more climbs, and, most importantly, I get much more fun, and want to ride more often. Those who say that you don't get a workout, should try it.
I've rode heavy bites on my life and now I got a Ozark trail 700 now it feels like an e-bike
E-bikes are awesome tools and lots of fun, but will never replace a real mountain bike. People are just getting lazy and e-bikes make it easy to be lazy. Yes, ebikers will claim it’s just as good of a workout. But that’s wrong. Do you get just as good of a workout on the bench press when your spotter assists you? No. Same with an e-bike. E-bikes have complicated systems that you often can not diagnose on your own. I can do everything for my mountain bike and never have to charge the battery. My bike lives in the back of my work truck, so charging would become an issue. Again, e-bikes are fun, but will never replace mountain bikes.
It's really a mixed bag. All the good that eMTBs have can and do have unintended consequences. In the end it doesn't matter. People are going to ride what they're going to ride so only time will tell. Complaining about their proliferation and taking over the sport is the old man yelling at the sky.
I got an ebike about a month ago. Ive been riding then for a couple years. But now I have my own.
Bikes should be powered by human motors. As we get older...maybe e-bike
I’m long time mountain biker, 53 years old. I recently purchased a trek rail 9.9 e- Bike long travel. I took it to my local camping ground/mountain bike area for a week. Using my eBay, I only actually used the power of the motor about 5% of the time. I’ve had the bike for three months and I’m still on the first charge and it has 20% left. I wish I haven’t bought it, because I feel guilty when I ride it. I enjoy mountain biking because it is challenging and difficult. And I like to see my improvements as I ride more. The four days I rode it on the trails I was just peddling a 50 pound bike. I only bought an eBay because my recent trip to Zion national Park. We use the commuter e-bikes, and they were fun and saved a lot of time. So I do think e-Bike has their purpose in that sense but as for an avid mountain biker, I do not use it on the trails anymore.
I’ll just be over here on my HT.
The CHALLENGE is the Essence of Mountain Biking. 62 years old and still LOVE the challenge. NO fuckin E-bike EVER!
Good points .
My last day in Bentonville (riding different emtbs all week) we snagged two Transition Relays. We’re ready for the next stage of mtb (as we’ve done it for a LONG time).
Great video,E bikes are great. It keeps me in shape for moto and and is more similar in riding style. At 58 I can ride 3 days a for 75 miles a week on some good trails! Seeing your relatives on an e bike for the first time was perfect!!
I’m 64+ and ride pedal power every other day and on the opposite day i enjoy my e-bike for muscle recovery and relaxation. At my age i get the Best of both worlds. Very grateful for ebike technology if it gets folks out pedaling so im totally in alignment with this video. I love riding pure pedal every time however when the day comes that i cannot ebike will be a good friend!
I'm 63. My take on e-bikes, they're for hmmm. Hardtails and rigids forever.
I enjoy the outdoors too much to be in a hurry on an e-bike. That said as I get older I'll probably give e-bikes another look. No hating here. Ride your ride.
In my experience, most of the (valid) hate for ebikes is directed at people that don't respect the trails or other riders. Bombing through bi-directional trails and just generally being a little rude. ebikes are definitely the best way to do a lot of trails in 1 day, but in terms of overall enjoyment, at least for me, a simple and light bike is the way to go. I think there should be a lot more rider education about trail etiquette and maybe even certifications if ebikes continue to get faster and heavier.
They are causing too many accidents where I live because many people using them are too weak to handle those heavy bikes. They ride the trails and have no control at all and they are going at higher speeds with more weight. Maybe that is going to change when more skilled riders are using ebikes, too.
In summary- these bikes lead people to places where they are not capable of and should not be, yet according to their fitness. And are causing danger for hikers and other bikers.
An ebike has allowed me to get back on the trails. I have a previous injury in my right knee (horseback riding). While its not too bad, the force of the climb or riding all day really takes its toll and I can feel it getting weak. Also I have gained weight from a job change and an ebike has allowed me to WANT to go to the trails and get a workout. Being on the trails would not be an option without an ebike, atm. It so much fun to be out there, it has skyrocketed my weight loss and general health.
I still have my analog MTB, my best rides are now in an e-bike. I go faster, I do way more features and I burn a lot of calories. I’m in the best shape of my life, jumps are lots of fun with my Levo.
I see almost zero hate towards pedal assist e-bikes…but…even the mildest suggestion that I would lose fitness if I had an e-bike gets me labeled a hater with comment after comment about how much longer and farther I could ride if I had one. I’m 57, I ride a Fuel EX and I’ve tried a Fuel EXe, with the type of riding I like to do I would absolutely lose fitness if I had the EXe. That being said I’ll probably get one when I’m old or have a chronic problem that keeps me from mountain biking otherwise but not now.
Beautiful Family!
As a 47 year old. I love my turbo Levo. I can stay on trails so much longer. I feel like I’m back in 1996 on my hard tail when I could ride all day without a care in the world. I also have an acoustic gravel that I ride when I’m not on the trails as a trainer. I’d rather suffer on that because really to ride my gravel it’s just shorts and some shoes and I can ride out of my house. And where I live is windy so I suffer on it but it wasn’t a real time investment. Trails for me are at least a 15 minute drive and when I’m on the trail I want it to be more about fun instead of thinking of it as a workout. I think all bikes have their place and it’s different for every rider. Ur super fit ride it all acoustic you struggle for time or maybe health take advantage of the tech. It’s all about getting on the bike. Also it’s all a myth that pedal e-bikes tear up trails. The community needs to unite and support each other.
Specialized is the best love my levo comp 24 model 🎉💪🏼
It’s easy to take short cuts in life. Starting on an e-bike is one of them. If you make it easy mountain biking will be less demanding physically and mentally. But maybe that’s the new generation of riders? It’s happened before with full suspension and your discovery of hard tails and the bringing the excitement back to the sport. I see guys doing laps on my local black diamond trails. When the machines become too efficient, the “stop and smell the roses” experience becomes lost. However it’s a great tool for those that are physically limited to experience the outdoors. But when the young and older kids start with motor assist (even with the little electric cars) it takes the physical/mental challenges away for future endeavors.
Says everyone before they try an e-bike 😜
Great point there! as long as my feet hold me,I will never buy an ebike
Some people are just physically stronger than others so no need for a E bike but when I hit my 60s I will definitely look into a E bike for sure. But for now my R9 is a beast especially when climbing.
I'm still too young 56 and healthy to buy an ebike yet
I’m 31, long time mountain biker, and jiu jitsu Brown belt. Sold my car a year ago and started commuting via the bicycle. Thing is I’m also a head chef, so as the year went by… work got more hectic and my bike was tuff everyday. So I bought an e-bike. Bro let me tell you. My health is the same. My “work out via the bike” feels more controlled and it helps me with my breathing so much more with jiu jitsu. I’m able to stay in zone 2 for longer period . Overall the e bike became an essential part of my workouts. And that being said I’m able to go on bike rides on the weekends !!!! Could never do that before
I can see the benefits of ebikes that you mentioned in the video. In your example of trying to make that climb over the rocks, it's great if the ebike will get you through it, but in this particular instance I'd still want to do it all by myself without assistance from anything but my own two legs.
It's the challenge of making the climb that is one of the many reasons I enjoy mountain biking.
One thing I'm a little nervous about is how much more damage ebikes do to the trail. Most riders just can't put out that much power with that much weight.
E-bikes are more fun. But not by THAT much. Of all bikes my trek remedy is my favorite. 27.5 regular bike which I guess is archaic buy todays standards.
Im using my long travel full sus emtb for loosing bit weight just now lost a stone in 3 weeks absolutely incredible! Couldn't loose it on normal bike because we're so tiring and getting up hill just walked slow pushing bike up now blasting through everything on the ebike lbs are falling off it's a great exercise machine!
I prefer the feeling of it just being all me going uphill it's more of a satisfaction than an assist bike especially if your young and strong enough and don't have any physical limitations that an ebike would be helpful.
I'm 58, disabled veteran with 2 back surgeries and parts. I have 7 bikes in the garage, from 20 inch bmx park bike I built in 2000, to beach cruiser with ape hangers for party bike rides. I also have Carbon cross country bike, carbon heavy trails bike and Levo Turbo SL e-bike. They all have a purpose, depending on the type of ride we are doing. We are all part of the same bike community and it is weird how so many talk down to e-bikers or feel there is some shame in riding them. Hard Tails/Full Suspension/E-Bike all have a place on the trails as long as they are ridden with respect for others and the trails. Mountain Biking and bikes in general have always been part of my life. I won't lie, bikes have saved my life many a time! It is my therapy to get out and spin, be in nature, forgot about the world around me! I am sure it's the same for so many of you as well! So any bike worthy of the trail, ride on my friends ride on!!!!
Funny you say that. I know guys who've been mountain biking for years and decided to give up the sport entirely because of the existence of ebikes, (or more specifically emtbs). They feel the sport has betrayed them (yes that's the words they use lol).
Real Men Pedal
I think you'll see trails made specifically for e-bikes too. The climb can be designed to be much more of a direct (and steep) route if you're not concerned about the elevation for folks who have to pedal their way up. I'm pedals all the way until I just can't do it any more, though. I loved the family shots, it was fun to see them on the bike. Red Sox shirt too, you're bringing them up right!
I don’t know anything about e-bikes but I’m 44 now and if getting one would help make trails easier I’m down to try when I can afford one. I’m still in good shape and can more than hold my own on pretty rocky and steep terrain but I’m glad to know that there is something out there that once I need it will be able to help me continue to ride. Great video man, we’re gonna have to link up one of these days.
Life isn't about making things easier. It's about getting stronger so you can tackle things that are hard.
Most trails in Arizona don't allow them and i'm happy about that. If you want to ebike here, it has to be a trail allowing it or a motorcycle trail.
Wow still a hot topic in the comment section. 😂 I have 2 e-bikes and one full suspension Tallboy. Love them all and ride them for the appropriate trails allowed. Life’s too short to argue about it just get out ride make time for your mental & physical health ❤
I know the hate is weird 😂
E-mtbs saved my like. All the naysayers can talk down to e-bikes all they want however it just shows either a lack of understanding or education. Everyone can and will do what they want to do.
I’m 62 and still really enjoy getting outside and some exercise under my own power. I live near a bike park with no lifts, so I ride my enduro bike there and trail ride on my single speed hardtail 2 or 3 times a week. If through age or injury I find I can’t ride without a e-bike, I’ll get one then. But for now I’m good. Also you mentioned a e-bike for a short ride? I find if I only have time for a short ride that I grab the single speed to get a good workout in a short amount of time. Seems like a e-bike would be the last thing you would want for that? Love your videos and keep them coming 🤙
I'll be 80 in the spring. I bought a Trex fuel last year and have ridden more miles this year then in 3 years combined before my Ebike.
As a side note, it would have been cool if you let the shop owner tell his viewpoint in his own words regarding ebikes. I mean, maybe you didn't want to interrupt the production value, but you were right there with him so it seemed kinda weird.
Love that you got the fam out on the Ramblas!
I completed for the uk on the velodrome. Expert class 250 moto x. Jet ski. Body's took a pounding. Multi level disc degeneration. I'm 62 and riding the last of the s works venge and my recently new s works epic. Still hanging back for the e bike. I imagine there's gonna be a day soon
Many people do not like e-bikes. There is no motivation to actually pedal (unless it is a pedal-assist e-bike).
but like 95% of E-MTB's are Pedal-Assist...
@@norman-str3ss88In my area , 90 percent of bicycles and scooters are throttle type .
Anyone that says they’d never ride an e bike… has never ridden one.
I was rooting for you Matty on that rock garden 😁
One problem with E-bakes is,Depending on the Class, E-bikes fall under the same laws as mopeds, scooters and Motorcycles by definition. if it has a motor and is pedals it's a moped. Depending on your state, they have to be licensed, insured and registered.(because the state wants their $$) if it doesn't have pedals it's a scooter or a motorcycle. That also means they would be banned from all bike trails unless they are multi-use with ATVs. (unless the park give you a medical exemption) Some places are already starting to amendment the laws to include them in the definition. Another problem is that a lot of shop are refusing to work on the majority of the "Amazon special" in the market especially the ones with the heavy hub drives because they need expensive special lifts to work on them.
Been shreddin E for 4 years. Ridden more in that time than the previous 30! Faster, longer, harder. Absolute game changer. Its steep and nasty around here. Ridin better than ever. Its a time machine.
This time of year im rippin icy trails with the studded tires and its insane. Improbable.
We ride stuff otherwise impossible on analog.
Pretty fair deals right now on YT emtb. Always good bang for buck with YT. Depending on credit 0% financing also available. Sold my two e bikes a couple years ago to buy analog and was waiting for some serious innovation before getting back into it. But the proposed tariffs and the sale and financing accelerated my timeline.
Only problem with emtb, which I can speak to first hand since I went emtb exclusive for a couple years, is conditioning your body to the pedal assist. It took me a while to re condition myself for analog climbs and it was tough. Not going to lie. But I’m planning to keep it mixed up this time around. We’ll see how long I can keep it up. I feel like folks naturally end up taking the emtb out more and more because it’s so easy to and it frees up your mind to ride knowing you can tackle pretty much any climb and go farther and farther.
E-Bikes are awesome. Cheers to the folks who own one 👍🏾 Enjoy 😁 and to all others, including me, ENJOY TOO 🥳 We all love biking 🤩 It does not matter what you ride as long as you are stoked on nice trails, cool riding buddies and an awesome time 😎
Nice video! You’re like me brother, a dog with a bone, keep trying won’t let go! 😂😂
Ebikes are great and look like a ton of fun if you own one I’m going to get one next year
Most parkes don't except e bikes!
Due to the damage ebikes can cause compared to conventional mountain bikes , it should stay this way . Ebike owners should pay a park maintenance levee .
So many people say you don’t get a work out in emtb but they did not ride it hard enough that’s for sure. I keep mine on eco a lot to save battery and I push myself but also ride a lot more that equals more fun.
Ebikes is not something I crave. Governments will make rules for ebikes and soon they will require a license to use an E-bike. Normal bikes are the way to go.
It’s like taking the escalator to go into the gym……
Not everyone rides a bicycle for health reasons. I know it's hard to comprehend, but I am young and healthy and I can rip up 25% loose shale. Things you can't climb and that's a fact.
Most people bashing ebikes have never ridden one more than a few miles. I'm like you, I have one but reach for my regular bike most of the time. There is a place and time for them, tho, and one of the best rides I've ever done just happened on an ebike. I had done the ride on a pedal only bike and it was so tough it was hard to enjoy, but a blast on an ebike.
I need to go on trails this year I didn’t go on one
FINALLY
Half the enjoyment for me personally is the physical challenge climbing mountains with a MTB. Can't blame people if they like e-bikes though, they're undoubtedly fun. However, pretty annoying on a uphill single track when you're slogging away and they come right up your rear expecting you to make room.
The e-bikes just keep getting better too. It’s 100% going keep going up in sales. If you can get a great downhill, regular and e-bike, you’re complete in my opinion (if you like that type of riding)
Ebikes just rock. It opens up the sport to so many people. You just go out and have fun and that’s what it’s all about really. I ride gravel bike and a E MTB there both fun in there own way but it took me a long time to start really enjoying gravel riding but on the ebike it was fun right from the first ride. My wife has a E MTB and she doesn’t ride often but when she dose she not intimidate by distance or hills she just has fun 😁👍
I just got my first e-bike on. Black Friday 800 reduced to 500 it will be replacing my old car as my job it’s 5 miles alway I live right outside of town
Perfect balance of nature and necessity
I recently rented an E-MTB on vacation (it was in Europe and I can't recall the brand but it wasn't anything I've seen here in the US) and liked that I was able to climb nearly effortlessly. That said, I'm a long time 2nd generation Marlin rider and I love how they climb - but hate how they descend. Apart from the reduction in fatigue I really can't see the advantage of a Marlin+. I'd be more on board for a Roscoe+.
Nice family very happy