I think the mid-drive ebikes are cool. I am contemplating getting an e-fat-bike (that's a word now) for winter. It would be nice to be able to go a little further/longer but the snow and cold really takes it out of you.
Great Video! I'm sending all my riding friends to this, since we've been having this argument ourselves. You've explained it so well! keep up the great work!
If you think there is outrage over "e-bikes" in bicycling that's nothing once you get into the World of Motorcycling. I currently trying out a one hundred and 80 buck 2 step scooter that uses front wheel drive and braking with skateboard rear wheel trike set up and the thing is a total blast as well as very simple engineering wise. As someone who likes zero suspension in a bike back when I rode many years ago I've heard this type of "twin frame geometry" with the center sprung load below and in front of the rider is the "it thing" but I'm no expert so look forward to your ride tests. As far as sprung load on the front fork the purpose from a control surface point of view is to keep the tire on the level at all times meaning "not dive into the hole when you go over one" and "not throw the rider off" when hitting a jam. I'll leave it to you and your camera work to explain how well you think that solution has in fact been solved (my favorite example is the TH-cam site Camera Conspiracies for that one if you're looking for inspiration). Like I said tho "zero suspension period" was always my preference when I could in fact ride. Certainly times have changed tho! I know I've now progressed to basically an all electric skateboard with (drum roll please)... Zero suspension!
I love that you guys are open to EBikes and are doing a review of the new technology. I was a roadie for many years and did not appreciate EBikes until a recent skiing injury sidelined me for the season. Thanks to my new EBike (BH Yamaha PW-X 27.5) I am back on the mountain and riding again! If you don't want to the assist just turn off the drive motor.
It seems those who are hating on ebikes are those that have fragile egos and just don’t like the fact that someone who’s not as physically fit can ride the same trails as they can and reach similar distances as they can. The term “it’s cheating” comment is widely used among ebike haters and what those haters can’t seem to grasp is that NO ONE IS RACING THEM...THERE IS NO TROPHY AT THE END OF THE RIDE. It’s not cheating, just like it’s ok to throw your bike in the back of a truck and get shuttled to the top of a mountain. People are just out to have a good time and it shouldn’t matter what they choose to ride as long as they are following the rules just like the rest of the trail users. It’s like someone on a rigid singlespeed complaining about another rider on a full suspension enduro bike with 12 speeds...Get over yourself and ride what you like!
It's not cheating someone out of a better workout if they could have never been able to ride a MTB without the assist. I know from experience. Sure I can ride my non EMTB on flat non agressive trails but the workout I get on it is minimal. I ride much more aggressive trails on my class 1 EMTB and get a way better workout than the flat trails I ride on my non EMTB. At 54 years old EMTB's work for me. Except on pump tracks. My NS cromo hardtail is way more fun on pump tracks😉
@@Yourfriendwasmagnificent I've ridden one and climbed hills that I could never think about climbing with ease. Not saying people shouldn't ride them, i am saying riding a reg bike v ebike is more of a workout.
I KNEW IT!!!! Was talking at the LBS the last week and we was discussing which brands haven't ventured to the EMTB world yet and Niner was one of our top picks to come out with one this year!!!
EMTB’s are the best thing had happened to mountain biking for this century ,my wife and I love it, we’re not kids anymore but the assist on these new machines let us go farther and for longer rides. All fun less suffering yuhuu! Welcome aboard guy’s
I just had my first ride on an E-bike in Durango CO and I loved it! And that Bosch 4-gen is the best. The EMTB mode is the only way to go on the trail!
in my opinion Ebikes are great for all the reasons you mention. I bought my first and only mountain bike in 2017. A GT Pantera Comp. Im going to be 49 this year.I struggle riding off road.Im a heavy rider 265lbs.I have a bad back.I WISH my GT had a motor. It would allow me to get out there and enjoy more often.I ride 99% on the road but would love to enjoy the trails more..Ebikes give people options they would never have otherwise. Cyclists "MANY" are just a snobby finicky people sadly. Look down on people for their bikes.Look down on people who dont fit the mold dress wise. Look down on people if they dont spend thousands on bikes..Ive never understood it..Ebikes are a win win for everyone..Enjoy guys!!
Great to see you guys checking these out, and an awesome video as always. I've been riding my Haibike electric fatbike for nearly 4 years now here in the UK with the 16mph limit and love it. I use it for touring / bikepacking, and there is no way in my mid 50s that I'd be able to do the 5 day / 250 mile trips on a non e-bike. It allows me to ride further and to get to places I wouldn't have ridden otherwise. I would highly recommend e-bikes to anyone, and for those that want to race there are e-bike categories in almost all disciplines these days so everyone is on an even playing field. Great fun.
Here in the UK you can ride an ebike on any cycle route you can ride an normal bike. that either on or off road. Our speed is also different. In the UK ebikes are allowed to upto 25kph (about 16 mph). Trail centres are also like to charge slightly more for a ebike than a normal bike. I'd like an ebike but it's not possible at the moment. I do prefer ebikes with smaller screens. So Shimano or Specialized with no screen. If I did go for an ebike with a Bosch motor. I would have to change the screen to the Kiox. My possible OCD wouldn't let me have a screen/controller on one end of the bars. When I get the chance I will be getting an ebike.
I think for Strava users that work themselves hard to get KOMs or top 10s it would suck to work that hard for someone to come and take it on a e bike. Other than that I don’t personally have a issue with them
You can mark rides as ebike rides on strava which removes you from leaderboards. But yes, hard agree that it is annoying when people forget or choose not to do that 😭
E-Bikes are Awesome I’m 65 and when I ride my MTB on a big day in the NC mountains I’m beat, but I can get my E-Bike out and get a great ride the next day and have a blast and recover !
Guy taking a shuttle, a helicopter, and a ski lift and tells a ebiker their cheating.....hmmm. Guy says “youll tear up the trail!” Because its to heavy? So lets ban large people from the trail then right? Lol oh no i meant because their to powerful. Class ones are the equivalent to perhaps a really strong mountain biker, so lets ban really strong people from mountain bike trails then? Well its just not fair! Lol the problem with ebike shaming is it has become a stigma in the u.s., a group mentality if you will. People that have been legit mountain bikers for a long time are part of a private club and if you say anything positive about emtb its like you can be disowned from that club. People fear even the thought of speaking up about emtb because of fear of scrutiny. Ive been scrutinized so many times, it makes me nervous to even talk to other mountain bikers for fear of being mocked or told to get out. I love my emtb and ride because i am not strong enough to handle the full trails with out the help, it gets me out and active and is pretty much the only form of exercise i enjoy. Its not like traditional exercise where to have to force me to do it. But when it comes to emtb its like being a kid again. Only people that ride emtb truly understand the joy it brings and to try to take that away from people makes zero sense. Theres no reason to ban emtb from any trail other then some ones selfish agenda. Stay awesome yall and thanks for helping to bring emtb mainstream in the u.s.! This video means so much to me you have no idea.
Honestly, I love seeing ebikes out on the trails, more people means a greater community, plus it gives me someone to try and catch when I'm doing xc intervals😁😵
I am slow so it sucks to see them easily climb a hill I am struggling on but I don't know there situation so I curse them under my breath (heavy breathing). 😉
+infinity: An addition consideration is the force applied per unit area. Horses are ~2,000 lbs spread across 4 narrow and rigid hooves vs 180 lb MTB+person over 2 soft rubber tires. Also, they get to $hit all over the trail, that never made sense to me.
Ebikes will be like snowboards. 30 years ago, most ski resorts didn’t allow them. As more people tried/adopted them (and many preferred to skis), more slopes opened up.
1.Horses destroy trails. 2. They should not be allowed on public lands due to the fact that it's a non-native species that can impact the native species in the area.
@@roberts7000 or at least be more involved in trail maintenance... I think is all my years of trail work I maybe have seen 4-5 equestrians helping. PA, WV, NJ
I'm so happy you posted this video! For me my eMTB has been a life saver! I deal with anemia from cancer. My eBike allows me to ride with others and still enjoy the trails. You hit on all the right points too! Thank you! I hope more places allow eBikes since they are so impactful.
I wish I had known Niner would be releasing and eMTB. Just picked up a Levo 3 weeks ago. eMTB are a great way for us older people to keep up with our teenagers! We still have some skills but the legs welcome the help. Thanks for all the great episodes, reviews, entertainment and views of the Land of Enchantment.
I like the discussion. I purchased a Trek Rail 7 late January. 52 lbs. I am someone who bikes 6-7 days a week and put several thousand miles on my MTB a year. my standard MTB is a SC Hightower fully carbon. Ebike is the most fun I have ever had on a bike. climbing is a blast. Since time to ride is always a concern ebikes allow me to get in long rides in way less time. more miles and smiles. I have a hard time going back to the hightower now. It feels so slow and so much drag riding it. keeping it for bike park laps. Riding for me is all about having fun. Demo and ebike and see for your self.
People always seem to suggest that ebikes are for the more unfit or injured or older people and yes i agree that ebikes provide a platform for those categories. Im a mountain biker, I ride dirtbikes, I run and I ride an ebike. I consider myself fairly fit and healthy. The benefit of the ebike for me is that I would typically do way more riding on the ebike than on my non ebike. I can do twice as many loops of the trail as I would on my normal bike giving me potentially twice the amount of fun but with the same level of workout. I dont have to push my bike up hills, i dont need a shuttle and I can spend more time in the saddle. In Europe (im in the UK) the ebikes (class 1) are limited to 15mph which is possibly too slow. on flat ground I can go faster on my normal bike so the speed thing is a non argument. I dont understand why so many people are against them. Each to thier own but they are here to stay.
I think E-bikes are great!! If my generation listen to the haters in my day. There would be no mountain bikes today. So be open minded, be an innovator not a hater.
I got into mountain biking about 3 years ago riding my normal mountain bike and on steep climbs when I would put a ton of power to the wheel i would get really bad back pain from a previous injury. My specialized levo allows me to go further, climb higher and explore places I would of never been able to before. I also have a haibike so my dad can ride with me and enjoy the trails. I love my e-bike and the places iv been able to ride because of it.
I would make the additional statement that horses weigh around 1200 lbs. to compare the damage to trails. I enjoy your videos, keep it up. Hope to see SYD back on the bike as soon as she can. Maybe the ebike will make that happen.
My mama always says that e bikes are the devil like my girl Vicki Vallencourt. But my mama don't know I play foosball and what mama don't know won't hurt her.
Wow, I'm sooooooooooo excited! Age and injuries with their related limitations, have pulled me off a lot of the trails. I didn't even start mountain biking until I was 57, an older woman who hadn't ridden a bike in 30 years. I totally love mountain biking, but get very bored on the easier trails. I see this as getting me back out on the trails, I love. I have a Niner Jet 9 that I've ridden for years, I prefer the trail bike geometry, so am excited to check out the e-Rip 9. I also have an Ibis Ripley, which I enjoy up in the mountains, but for the desert riding around here, it's the Jet 9 all the way. I think the e-Rip 9 may really make this 63 year olds day!
4:08 Note: The damper side on a 34, 36, 38 is the same regardless of e-bike specific fork or normal fox. It's the air shaft side that is one series smaller, ie 36e-bike fork has 34 air shaft.
This is a good thing as one can now finally put a Volsprung Smashpot or Push coil in a 38 efork. Since weight is less of an issue, adding a coil is wonderful. I have had air forks tuned and all that and they still do not match the suppleness of a coil.
I see that SRAM eagle chainring! I can't wait to see you guys pull off some impossible climbs. I rode with a good rider who was on an e-mtb (decoy) and it was insane what he was climbing. Lines I've never seen anyone attempt. Personally I'd be tempted by a low power e-mtb. When you're gassed on a climb a few extra watts means clearing stuff vs dismounting. That means longer days or fitting in one more lunchtime lap.
My girlfriend just got a trail ebike. Before she Was on a xc Hardtail and even given she has decent Fitness she enjoys it so much more. Putted around 500 miles on it in the first month.... When I am going with her on my xc bike it's now fair game. And when we ride trails and I am with my enduro... She can pull me up
eMTB are a different level of fun. It’s obvious that people ‘age into’ eMTBs, but it’s also a fallacy. ANYONE can have a different rider experience on eMTBs. They allow epic, long excursions you wouldn’t dream of taking in a regular bike.
Hey guys great video, I just got a Giant Stance pro E 29, I'm loving this bike like I knew I would! I'm 55 yrs old and used to race mx and bmx growing up, so my pre conceived notions where all positive and correct I might add. I lost over 50 lbs on my GT 29nr and am no longer diabetic, so now I have a little extra juice and though I'm jumping curbs and curb sized bumps, in my mind I'm Marty Smith or Ricky Charmicheal flying with the greatest of ease!...Who cares what anyone thinks when you can fly!!!
I love E Bikes! I'm lucky enough to have 3 bikes at the moment. One cross country race whip, one trail bike, and a brand new E bike that I just got about ago. Although for now, I won't sell my traditional bikes, I can see the E Bike getting a lot more use. I'm in AZ and in the summer it gets hot. Really really hot. The EBike allows me to get a couple laps in before work and just have fun! When my buddy asked me about why I like them so much I surmised that when you climb on a regular bike, it's just not fun. It's definitely rewarding, but I wouldn't say fun. So if you spend about 60-70% of your time climbing, that 60-70% of your ride that isn't really fun. E-bikes make climbing fun! That means that my entire ride is 100% fun! For people that hate on e-bikes, I say go demo one. I guarantee it'll put a smile on your face. I've been riding mtb for about 12 years and I've never had so much fun! Great video guys!
If i had enough money and time i would get an e bike. But i want and need the mtb to stay fit. I have time to ride maybe twice aweek so i have to make them count. It is not economical for me to own 2 bikes and ride each one once a week. Other then that i like climbing. Improving getting fitter
If money were no object I would have an E bike, likely a few for the family. That said I do make fun of folks I see on my XC type trail that look fit enough to ride "real" bikes. That said I would love these for the family for longer adventurous type rides on real mountains. 2nd reason is so I could keep up with my oldest daughter "15" to help her with her training. She is now much faster than I am and rides many more miles. She currently podiums most every Sport/Cat2 XC women's races she enters and will likely be bumping up to Expert/Cat1 soon. I have a 12 year old who is now racing also. So an Ebike may be necessary for the old man. My wife does not ride but I think I could get her on mild trails if she had an Ebike. Hope you heal up soon Syd!!!!
Bought my wife a Trek PowerFly and once you start riding it on long climbing XC rides and don't get tired, the fun factor goes through the roof and it's so hard to hand it back.
I think ebike are cool haven't ridden one. My thoughts are you get more runs at trail park and get people off the couch that my have an injury knees etc in short I like them
We’ve had them for a while now. Ebikes just increase ride time sesh. Plus they make climbing funner. PS and we just bought new Analogs too for the Snooty places:) You’re gonna love!
Bikers that want to limit eBikes due to crowding are elitist (snobs) and are the reason people in general do not build more bike trails as the sport seems to be only for the super athletic type and not the general public.
With my local bike park (pajarito) not running lifts this summer but still allowing people to ride the trails, I could see an e-bike being a lot of fun there. It would certainly make more than two to three laps a lot more doable. That said, I would have some apprehension about being able to stop a heavier bike on a lot of the steeper trails like dogpatch, braking bad, bonecrusher, etc.
What's the RaNgE!?! Which is the question everyone asks when they come into the shop to buy* (they never buy them they just look and ask a bunch of questions). I get the whole argument about bringing more people into the sport, but with my experience selling and talking about e-bikes, the characters that are interested in them are not very pleasant to deal with. I don't want to generalize or stereotype the user group of ebikes, but a tool that makes anything easier to avoid suffering up a hill might attract a lazier and more entitled group of people into the sport. It's probably a very small group if it even exists, and assholes are already present in our community on regular bikes anyway. I know I'm wrong about all of this and ebikes are probably a great thing for the sport. And I know that my opinion is unfounded and rooted in assumptions, bias, and a dose of elitism; but something just will always annoy me about ebikes.
I’m 68 with a very technical inside mechanical ankle replacement (last year). I’ve been on my Levo Expert 29/27.5” for 4 years. At 220lbs, and obviously OG, not many people give me attitude. However, the various regulations in California keep us off some great trails (Laguna for one). From my experience, the only difference in speed is uphill when a normal biker might be on a hike-a-bike and I’m peddling through at 3-5 mph. I love ebikes. Oh, now that Santa Cruz has finally rolled over, everyone will eventually realize it’s not a big deal. I think, if you ride one for 30 seconds, you’ll get it. I keep adding, even speed derestricted, you can only peddle as fast as your top gear allows (about 22). On a flat road, the competent roadies peddle faster than I can.
I really think Ebikes are the future, there will always a place for “analog” bikes but the possibilities Ebikes open up is huge. Seriously considering taking the E-leap😎
Do it!! I say if you love cycling go for it. I've been riding Mtb for a very long time and recently got into riding road and found it to be a blast. Now I'm going old school so to speak by converting the bike into a flat bar gravel bike.
I've Absolutely no issues with ebikes at all. Did a 45 mile trip today on my Fatty & happened across 2 folk on ebikes at a ford crossing. Both had ditched their full sus for ebikes. As the lass said to me they let them go further, higher, faster. Let's them get back to their family & grand kids faster. I've a torn shoulder tendon & nerve damage in my lower spine. I'll be on an ebike sooner or later if it keeps me on the trails.
To add to this I was at the Glenlivet mtb centre in the Scottish Cairngorms yesterday. Met a 71 year old guy blasting the red trail on his Merida full sus ebike. I'll be surprised if I make it to 71, let alone still be biking 🤣🤣
So glad to see you two talking e-bikes. I live in a heavy biking town (Durango, CO) where there is a surprising amount of resistance. I know a lot of people talk about making the ride available to people with injury or fitness issues (which they do), but I ride one simply because it is a lot of fun. Trails become more engaging and instead of 10 miles after work I get 20 or more!
Yay!!! Niner make ebikes. I'm so checking them out. I actually own a 2014 WFO so if I were to buy one, it would be the e-equivalent. Thanks for the vid Syd & Macky and cant wait for this Friday to see your ride footage.
Great stuff Syd& Macky must say I have .a Ebike 🚴 and love it's best fun going Up 👌 I'm nearly 50, have anxiety and depression for many years and the best thing I did was buy a Ebike 🚴 and get my fitness back I have a Lapierre Am400 Overvolt, must say it's has got me back on track with my life 💪🚴👌👌👌
That Fox 38 just screams jump me, stair set of doom, and generally all types of horrible abuse. I'm really looking forward to seeing you jumping over the van on Friday.
There has been a pretty positive movement in the moto community toward trials tires on dirtbikes. Low pressure, great grip, less spin. More grace and technique, less mashing on the throttle and tearing up trails. Better for everyone involved, I think.
If 30% of Ebikers are gonna try to ride trail that are above their tech skills, that seems to be enough reason to relegated Ebikers to the less tecky trails. Sorry 70% comment trail users.
E-bikes are badass for older people with injuries like myself, 20 year Jarhead in a combat MOS, shot and blown up. Ebikes are also better for people with terminal illness that still want to get out on the trails, or out of shape people trying to get back in shape, or anyone who wants to have more fun out on the trails lol. I think the whole cheating thing is silly train of thought, its not like your racing for the gold. Hell, just the other week I had a guy on a tricked out manual bike dust me. Manuals are still more light and nimble and a nice expensive one with a capable rider on flat single track and a tuned suspension might just smoke an out of shape rider or injured broken down old dude on an ebike. Ebikes are heavier and take more effort to muscle around on tight technical single track. Up hill ya maybe they definitely have the advantage. Regardless, I just bought the RIP E9 cant wait!
As we get older (60+), we still like to do the trails. Love this idea, some trails in South Florida will not let you ride. Would love to have some conversion kit to upgrade an existing bike, love your channel. Need to find a shop to do a demo ride.
I grew up on 2 wheels. I had my 1st minibike when I was 4. 4 decades later I still ride. I was into the mtb scene hard for years. Owned many. Gary Fishers, Trek Top Fuels, blah blah blah. Then back in 2016 a freak accident on a jobsite took out my achilles. After surgery to try and repair it I went through a year of physical therapy. Sadly the tendon still healed wrong and they had to remove it. They then performed a fhl transfer. So, enter emtbs. These give me the opportunity to get back on the trails without fear of totally wrecking my leg. I have a Rip e9(green.) Being back out there makes me very happy. I am not disrespectful nor do I ride like a lunatic. Same as I am on any streetbike. I keep that on the track. Do I get a little air between my tires and the terra firma? Sure but there are times for that. I don't know. I don't care what you ride as long as you do it right and smile. Same approach I have with motorcycles. We all share a love for the same thing. Approaches vary. There is no right or wrong way. Just your way. Keep on keepin on.
there is many other Classes of "e bikes" that are Much closer to Motorcycles/or Little dirt bikes lol but out side of the Bike Industry.. Like diy e bikes Built up on old DH Bikes Iv seen some that will spin out on Take off and hit 70mph under power lol people been building these Bikes years before the Bike industry started.. also some manufactured companies Like stealth b52 electric bike think it can do about 50mph under its own power..
I demoed one a couple of years ago at Outerbike Bentonville and I was sold!. I have a YT Decoy and its a blast. I just love to listen to the haters because honestly they don't know how much fun they are missing out on. I still have acoustic bikes and love them too. But ebikes for the win.
What a great video! I was a hardcore MTBer from the late 80s and 90s. I’m 50 Now. I think Ebikes are awesome. I converted my Trek Farley fat bike last November to an e-bike. It’s freaking awesome. It got me back into riding. And now one bike allows me to commute 16 miles one way, do fun country rides. Hit local single-track, ride snow with studded tires, and in the beach. It’s just awesome. If it gets you out pedaling it’s a good thing.
I don’t think Sid and Mackey are going to become the “ebike for life” crowd. Ya gotta sell your sponsors products. Or why else would a sponsor invest in you. If you don’t like it don’t buy one. But some people will find a reason to poop all over others, no matter what the reason. Makes them feel superior, Small minds.
Great vid Guys. Over here in the UK Ebikes are allowed anywhere that regular bikes are allowed. They are limited to 15mph (25kmh) over here. Some bike parks charge a little more for Ebikes but other than that there are no restrictions.
Speaking of your last comment about weird lag ...thats exactly what resistors of Emtbs are suffering from. It's like resistors are gloriously naive ,are being left behind and seriously missing most of the FUN FUN FUN of these magical Time Machines E=Mtb2 (squared)
My next bike will be an E-bike. I'm 53 years old and stocky at 220lbs. I struggle hard on uphills to the point where it almost isn't worth the climb. I'm doing my best to keep up with my 16 year old son. We also ride moto. For me on a normal MTB, I feel like an orange balancing on a toothpick, very top heavy. On an E-bike, the added weight feels much better to me. Probably because I'm used to riding a 220lb KTM. I feel that if E-bikes can get more people to enjoy the sport, live healthier lives by getting out riding when they otherwise couldn't/wouldn't before, and expand the MTB community for the better of everyone involved, then why not. The people that don't want an E-bike, don't have to ride them, we won't judge you.....
Most people's first thought on seeing a Ebike is it defeats the purpose of cycling but if your purpose includes FUN pleasure exploring and fitness put your Ego aside and try one. All cycling is cheating gravity ,rolling and air resistance .ALL development since 1817 have enhanced the cheating a fact whether you like it or not. Purists run the roads and off road tracks barefoot or swim the English channel unassisted. The Majic of Emtbs is they turn us into gleeful kids again and broaden our ability to explore terrain multiplying the benefits of one of mans greatest inventions. Emtbs don't defeat the purpose of cycling only enhance the pleasure. They are a Time Machine with enormous health benefits as you just want to ride it harder every day. If you've got a ego looking for a trip give one a proper long fast hard off-road ride .They don't or won't replace your naturally aspirated bike but enhance your joy of cycling. FUN FUN FUN IS THE PURPOSE of Emtbs. Racing is a form of ego shuffling with more disappointment than joy. Their seems to be a certain pleasure in suffering but not so much Fun. E=Mtb2 (squared)
Since turning 70 this past September, and also being encouraged by Macky's Dad who is even got more experience on this planet that I have, and after not getting anything new in over 20 years, decided on getting an eBike....Only have 85 miles on it but simply love how it can take you you more miles than without some assistance. My bike weighs in at 58 lbs but it's battery is 1100 WH and should be able to take me quite a ways!
Thanks for another great video! I'm 74 YO and I am having problems going up hill as well as endurance issues. I guess the old body get a little worn out! I'm looking to buy an Ebike to help me with these problems so that I can better keep up with my younger friends. You know kids that are only 50 or 60, Ha Ha!😃
The trails I ride are PUBLIC not owned by any particular faction of riders/hikers. I am 76 years old .have had a heart attack, and covid lung complications, and nerve damage in my left leg from an epic mountain bike crash in the 90's. Without the availability of ebikes I'd have to stay home and watch soaps.
There are many kits to motorize a regular mtn bike. Properly set up they are just a good as the hyper expensive higher end offerings. I built a nice trail bike with the Bafang kit . The donor bike is a vintage Cannondale with nice components, and a large battery which is within local legal guidelines. my total expense has been about $1500 . A comparable new Cannondale e-bike is Far, Far more money with comparable performance. The conversion by a below average mechanic (ME) took about 3 hours..
Sounds like you are sponsored by a company that sells ebikes. I get it. I’m not interested in one in any way, but I get the push to sell them. To me, they just appeal to two completely different demographics.
Gutted the wfo doesn't come in xl. Did an ebike ride with mates in orange, australia. Did two MTB parks, Climbed to the summit of Mt canobolas, it started snowing. Had to ride back to the trailhead on a country road. I was surprised that i didn't manage to catch my mate. He was on a legal ebike with a 25kph cutoff (australian limit), mine was set to , 32kph (north American limit). It seriously wasn't any faster because on the downhills we were going over the cutoff limit so things were even and on the uphills we were going under the limit which was also even. Wasn't enough flat sections to take advantage of being derestricted. I only did it because I think it's dangerous to have the motor cutout right before hitting something like a gap jump. Frances rule of 45kph for ebikes without throttles pedelecs makes sense (cutoff is 25kph if you have a throttle). The higher cutoff speed is only beneficial on flat open sections. Not noticeable on single track, climbs or descents. Basically just helps minimise speed differential with cars. Ebikes rule. Medicine ball effect.
If you do ride an e-bike be respectful when you pass normal bikes. I've seen e-bikers get impatient and not leave enough space or wait for the person in front to pull over. Or just make a shitty comment as they go by.
E bikes definitely have there place in mountain biking for sure. I have good friend who has been riding for 35 plus years and is a VERY skilled and fit person but has developed knee issues. This type of bike has allowed him to stay in the game longer and safer. I may do this when I reach Macky's dads age also. I'm currently 54 and still killing it but age creeps up on you and I ride a lot with my oldest son who is 21. I say yes to e-bikes in the right circumstances and situations. For what is worth, I will bust my friends chops and tell him he's cheating LOL.... all in fun.
I'm 51 and people have told me 'since I'm old I need an E-bike'. The way I see it, since I'm 51, I need to work harder to stay in shape. I WILL ride my full suspension mountain bike (non-exec) as long as I can. I don't want the 'help' of the 'e-bike', I want the workout of the non-e-bike!!!
Rob I'm 64, been riding MTN bikes since the late 80's in Northern CA. And it's sad to see E bikes on the trails. Most of the riders In Downieville and around Tahoe should not be on this trails. The way they brake into the turns and ride off the trails it make me wonder how much longer we'll be allowed to ride the trails we have. I hope I'm wrong. And if your to old to keep up, who cares you'er on your bike enjoy!
I have had my Haibike Xduro Allmtn 2.0 for 4 months now and it has been life-changing for me. I am 69 years old. I have had a shoulder replacement and have chronic pain in my back and various parts of my body. I rode motocross when 3-inch travel shocks and 4-inch travel forks were the norms. Big crashes occurred often to me back then. 50 years later and my body was so broken from that abuse, that I would not have been able to start mountain biking 6 months ago if it wasn't for e-bikes.. 6 months later and I am in the best shape that I have been in 30 years. I am having more fun than I ever had. Everyone who can do so should own both an e-bike and a mechanical bike. Due to spousal objection, I can only own one bike so it will be an e-bike. An e-bike can do anything regular mtb can do and much more. Some things it does better and some not as good as a normal bike. Overall the e-bike's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Absolutely love my E-MTB...I ride so much more than I would otherwise. It also makes me safer on the downhill because I am not so tired. I am in NC and state parks allow them and VA allows if local authority allows them. Love E-MTB!
I don't have one yet, opted for a 29r+ rigid bike. My local city, Nelson bc ,is very hilly and steep and ebikes are getting very popular, es especially cargo ebikes for families. Our rail trail allow them with a speed limit of 20kph. Our local trails are pretty resistant so far but i think that will change. Most of the people i see with ebikes are families or older folks, like me. Started mtn biking this year with a 29r plus rigid. Turned 69 a month ago.
Lol so overpriced for being made in Taiwan.. Could get 2 dirt bikes for the price of 1 Niner (ebike or regular). Company would have went under except Huffy bought them loool.
Our regional mountain bike association has basically taken a hard NO on ebikes. Its a shame. They dont want to dialogue or even broach the topic or you get labeled as a troublemaker. the other day a friend of mine saw an ebiker and almost went to say something but didnt. When he got back to the lot he saw the ebiker's friend putting it in the truck for him. The ebiker was a veteran who got to ride that day. That right there is enough for me. Class 1's all the way.
I think even trails that ban e-bikes should consider some kind of handicap permit type system to allow people who would not otherwise have a chance to ride.
That's a shame. I'm the President of our local MTB advocacy and we certainly welcome them when the land manager allows them. Quite simply, it gets more people riding. The price point isn't there yet for the masses.
I am 45 years old and just discovered Mountain Biking this year thanks to my ebike. I am new to this mountain bike world and really don’t understand the animosity. You’ll only find me on green and blue trails and I’m slowly improving thanks to great coaches in my local club. My ebike isn’t taking anything away from anyone it’s fun and allows me access to a sport I would have never thought I would do. All I can say to naysayers is to try it and if it’s not for you then don’t get one.
yeah, the limit of 20mph is an issue with many ebikes, the smooth transition from 32+kph in an Brose motor of an Specialized Levo is the best one, you do not feel it until you see the display go beyond 40kph and realizing your are going faster and unassisted, on your own power, cheers
Check out Niner's new ebike line: bit.ly/ninerebikes
I think the mid-drive ebikes are cool. I am contemplating getting an e-fat-bike (that's a word now) for winter. It would be nice to be able to go a little further/longer but the snow and cold really takes it out of you.
Great Video! I'm sending all my riding friends to this, since we've been having this argument ourselves. You've explained it so well!
keep up the great work!
@@AGKRex I've been riding one for 4 years now and highly recommend them. Makes the snow and sand riding much more manageable.
If you think there is outrage over "e-bikes" in bicycling that's nothing once you get into the World of Motorcycling. I currently trying out a one hundred and 80 buck 2 step scooter that uses front wheel drive and braking with skateboard rear wheel trike set up and the thing is a total blast as well as very simple engineering wise. As someone who likes zero suspension in a bike back when I rode many years ago I've heard this type of "twin frame geometry" with the center sprung load below and in front of the rider is the "it thing" but I'm no expert so look forward to your ride tests. As far as sprung load on the front fork the purpose from a control surface point of view is to keep the tire on the level at all times meaning "not dive into the hole when you go over one" and "not throw the rider off" when hitting a jam. I'll leave it to you and your camera work to explain how well you think that solution has in fact been solved (my favorite example is the TH-cam site Camera Conspiracies for that one if you're looking for inspiration). Like I said tho "zero suspension period" was always my preference when I could in fact ride. Certainly times have changed tho! I know I've now progressed to basically an all electric skateboard with (drum roll please)...
Zero suspension!
I love that you guys are open to EBikes and are doing a review of the new technology. I was a roadie for many years and did not appreciate EBikes until a recent skiing injury sidelined me for the season. Thanks to my new EBike (BH Yamaha PW-X 27.5) I am back on the mountain and riding again! If you don't want to the assist just turn off the drive motor.
It seems those who are hating on ebikes are those that have fragile egos and just don’t like the fact that someone who’s not as physically fit can ride the same trails as they can and reach similar distances as they can. The term “it’s cheating” comment is widely used among ebike haters and what those haters can’t seem to grasp is that NO ONE IS RACING THEM...THERE IS NO TROPHY AT THE END OF THE RIDE. It’s not cheating, just like it’s ok to throw your bike in the back of a truck and get shuttled to the top of a mountain. People are just out to have a good time and it shouldn’t matter what they choose to ride as long as they are following the rules just like the rest of the trail users. It’s like someone on a rigid singlespeed complaining about another rider on a full suspension enduro bike with 12 speeds...Get over yourself and ride what you like!
It's still cheating themselves out of a better workout but I am ok with it. To each his own. If they are having fun and promoting sport, fine with me.
It's not cheating someone out of a better workout if they could have never been able to ride a MTB without the assist. I know from experience. Sure I can ride my non EMTB on flat non agressive trails but the workout I get on it is minimal. I ride much more aggressive trails on my class 1 EMTB and get a way better workout than the flat trails I ride on my non EMTB. At 54 years old EMTB's work for me. Except on pump tracks. My NS cromo hardtail is way more fun on pump tracks😉
@@talkmauro Those that say ebikes don't / can't give you a good workout have obviously never ridden a good one hard...
@@Yourfriendwasmagnificent I've ridden one and climbed hills that I could never think about climbing with ease. Not saying people shouldn't ride them, i am saying riding a reg bike v ebike is more of a workout.
I KNEW IT!!!! Was talking at the LBS the last week and we was discussing which brands haven't ventured to the EMTB world yet and Niner was one of our top picks to come out with one this year!!!
Good prediction!
EMTB’s are the best thing had happened to mountain biking for this century ,my wife and I love it, we’re not kids anymore but the assist on these new machines let us go farther and for longer rides. All fun less suffering yuhuu! Welcome aboard guy’s
Ya man , my sister just bought 2 e bikes for her and her husband. Ive ridden them on a couple 10 mi rides now and i want one !
I just had my first ride on an E-bike in Durango CO and I loved it! And that Bosch 4-gen is the best. The EMTB mode is the only way to go on the trail!
in my opinion Ebikes are great for all the reasons you mention. I bought my first and only mountain bike in 2017. A GT Pantera Comp. Im going to be 49 this year.I struggle riding off road.Im a heavy rider 265lbs.I have a bad back.I WISH my GT had a motor. It would allow me to get out there and enjoy more often.I ride 99% on the road but would love to enjoy the trails more..Ebikes give people options they would never have otherwise. Cyclists "MANY" are just a snobby finicky people sadly. Look down on people for their bikes.Look down on people who dont fit the mold dress wise. Look down on people if they dont spend thousands on bikes..Ive never understood it..Ebikes are a win win for everyone..Enjoy guys!!
Yeah, we have a hard time when people exclude instead of include! We just want more people riding bikes and having fun!!!
Great to see you guys checking these out, and an awesome video as always. I've been riding my Haibike electric fatbike for nearly 4 years now here in the UK with the 16mph limit and love it. I use it for touring / bikepacking, and there is no way in my mid 50s that I'd be able to do the 5 day / 250 mile trips on a non e-bike. It allows me to ride further and to get to places I wouldn't have ridden otherwise. I would highly recommend e-bikes to anyone, and for those that want to race there are e-bike categories in almost all disciplines these days so everyone is on an even playing field. Great fun.
Here in the UK you can ride an ebike on any cycle route you can ride an normal bike. that either on or off road. Our speed is also different. In the UK ebikes are allowed to upto 25kph (about 16 mph). Trail centres are also like to charge slightly more for a ebike than a normal bike. I'd like an ebike but it's not possible at the moment. I do prefer ebikes with smaller screens. So Shimano or Specialized with no screen. If I did go for an ebike with a Bosch motor. I would have to change the screen to the Kiox. My possible OCD wouldn't let me have a screen/controller on one end of the bars. When I get the chance I will be getting an ebike.
I think for Strava users that work themselves hard to get KOMs or top 10s it would suck to work that hard for someone to come and take it on a e bike. Other than that I don’t personally have a issue with them
You can mark rides as ebike rides on strava which removes you from leaderboards. But yes, hard agree that it is annoying when people forget or choose not to do that 😭
I have no real issues with ebikes for all the reasons already mentioned, but I’d only by from a bicycle manufacturer.
I think he bikes are fine on all trails they are not a motorcycle they are a pedal assist
i love ur vids i post notifications so i was one of the first to see the vid very good vid
E-Bikes are Awesome I’m 65 and when I ride my MTB on a big day in the NC mountains I’m beat, but I can get my E-Bike out and get a great ride the next day and have a blast and recover !
I’m 29 and I much prefer ebikes. Don’t care if people think it’s “lazy.” I have way more fun and can do way more laps on an ebike.
The problem I have with eMTBs is that i dont have one :C
Guy taking a shuttle, a helicopter, and a ski lift and tells a ebiker their cheating.....hmmm. Guy says “youll tear up the trail!” Because its to heavy? So lets ban large people from the trail then right? Lol oh no i meant because their to powerful. Class ones are the equivalent to perhaps a really strong mountain biker, so lets ban really strong people from mountain bike trails then? Well its just not fair! Lol the problem with ebike shaming is it has become a stigma in the u.s., a group mentality if you will. People that have been legit mountain bikers for a long time are part of a private club and if you say anything positive about emtb its like you can be disowned from that club. People fear even the thought of speaking up about emtb because of fear of scrutiny. Ive been scrutinized so many times, it makes me nervous to even talk to other mountain bikers for fear of being mocked or told to get out. I love my emtb and ride because i am not strong enough to handle the full trails with out the help, it gets me out and active and is pretty much the only form of exercise i enjoy. Its not like traditional exercise where to have to force me to do it. But when it comes to emtb its like being a kid again. Only people that ride emtb truly understand the joy it brings and to try to take that away from people makes zero sense. Theres no reason to ban emtb from any trail other then some ones selfish agenda. Stay awesome yall and thanks for helping to bring emtb mainstream in the u.s.! This video means so much to me you have no idea.
I don’t know which is more exciting, seeing the e-bikes out on the trails, or seeing Syd finally back out riding! Keep doing what you do!
Honestly, I love seeing ebikes out on the trails, more people means a greater community, plus it gives me someone to try and catch when I'm doing xc intervals😁😵
Haha you sound like me
I am slow so it sucks to see them easily climb a hill I am struggling on but I don't know there situation so I curse them under my breath (heavy breathing). 😉
If weight is really a sticking point for allowing ebikes on all trails let's talk about horses.
+infinity: An addition consideration is the force applied per unit area. Horses are ~2,000 lbs spread across 4 narrow and rigid hooves vs 180 lb MTB+person over 2 soft rubber tires. Also, they get to $hit all over the trail, that never made sense to me.
Ebikes will be like snowboards. 30 years ago, most ski resorts didn’t allow them. As more people tried/adopted them (and many preferred to skis), more slopes opened up.
1.Horses destroy trails.
2. They should not be allowed on public lands due to the fact that it's a non-native species that can impact the native species in the area.
@@roberts7000 or at least be more involved in trail maintenance... I think is all my years of trail work I maybe have seen 4-5 equestrians helping. PA, WV, NJ
Like she said, a 230 lb guy riding a 35lb full suspension bike, weighs more than a 180 lb guy on a 55 lb e-bike. Weight argument is out the window!
Looking forward to see how dad's face looks like. After riding with his kid.
I'm so happy you posted this video! For me my eMTB has been a life saver! I deal with anemia from cancer. My eBike allows me to ride with others and still enjoy the trails. You hit on all the right points too! Thank you! I hope more places allow eBikes since they are so impactful.
That'll make your Everest attempt a bit easier ;-)
Haha, I wish (although I am considering a second Everesting on the ebike if I'm successful on the first one).
Second one on an e-bike with the motor turned off
wondering if the battery will last that long, might end up more difficult lol
I wish I had known Niner would be releasing and eMTB. Just picked up a Levo 3 weeks ago.
eMTB are a great way for us older people to keep up with our teenagers! We still have some skills but the legs welcome the help.
Thanks for all the great episodes, reviews, entertainment and views of the Land of Enchantment.
I'm 50 and I can still ride a normal MTB, maybe if I reach 60 or older then I can consider it.
As long as they are willing to tow us up the bigger hills let’em ride !
I like the discussion. I purchased a Trek Rail 7 late January. 52 lbs. I am someone who bikes 6-7 days a week and put several thousand miles on my MTB a year. my standard MTB is a SC Hightower fully carbon. Ebike is the most fun I have ever had on a bike. climbing is a blast. Since time to ride is always a concern ebikes allow me to get in long rides in way less time. more miles and smiles. I have a hard time going back to the hightower now. It feels so slow and so much drag riding it. keeping it for bike park laps. Riding for me is all about having fun. Demo and ebike and see for your self.
People always seem to suggest that ebikes are for the more unfit or injured or older people and yes i agree that ebikes provide a platform for those categories. Im a mountain biker, I ride dirtbikes, I run and I ride an ebike. I consider myself fairly fit and healthy. The benefit of the ebike for me is that I would typically do way more riding on the ebike than on my non ebike. I can do twice as many loops of the trail as I would on my normal bike giving me potentially twice the amount of fun but with the same level of workout. I dont have to push my bike up hills, i dont need a shuttle and I can spend more time in the saddle. In Europe (im in the UK) the ebikes (class 1) are limited to 15mph which is possibly too slow. on flat ground I can go faster on my normal bike so the speed thing is a non argument. I dont understand why so many people are against them. Each to thier own but they are here to stay.
Im the same way. Perfectly fit enough to shred on my Stumpjumper (not genuinely fast, but above average), and I still do. But I LOVE my eMTB!
Turbo levo ,I love it most fun I have had with my clothes on😝😝😝👍👍😁never ride regular mtb again too slow and climbing is so boring
I think E-bikes are great!! If my generation listen to the haters in my day. There would be no mountain bikes today. So be open minded, be an innovator not a hater.
I remember BMX hating moutain bikes, Skiers hating snowboards, the list goes on and on. It always takes a few years for new things to catch on.
I got into mountain biking about 3 years ago riding my normal mountain bike and on steep climbs when I would put a ton of power to the wheel i would get really bad back pain from a previous injury. My specialized levo allows me to go further, climb higher and explore places I would of never been able to before. I also have a haibike so my dad can ride with me and enjoy the trails. I love my e-bike and the places iv been able to ride because of it.
Now if only more places would be welcoming to E bikes. I love any bike that gets people outdoors and enjoying this great hobby. Keep riding🤙
I would make the additional statement that horses weigh around 1200 lbs. to compare the damage to trails. I enjoy your videos, keep it up. Hope to see SYD back on the bike as soon as she can. Maybe the ebike will make that happen.
My mama always says that e bikes are the devil like my girl Vicki Vallencourt. But my mama don't know I play foosball and what mama don't know won't hurt her.
Wow, I'm sooooooooooo excited! Age and injuries with their related limitations, have pulled me off a lot of the trails. I didn't even start mountain biking until I was 57, an older woman who hadn't ridden a bike in 30 years. I totally love mountain biking, but get very bored on the easier trails. I see this as getting me back out on the trails, I love. I have a Niner Jet 9 that I've ridden for years, I prefer the trail bike geometry, so am excited to check out the e-Rip 9. I also have an Ibis Ripley, which I enjoy up in the mountains, but for the desert riding around here, it's the Jet 9 all the way. I think the e-Rip 9 may really make this 63 year olds day!
4:08 Note: The damper side on a 34, 36, 38 is the same regardless of e-bike specific fork or normal fox. It's the air shaft side that is one series smaller, ie 36e-bike fork has 34 air shaft.
Ah, good call. I misspoke.
This is a good thing as one can now finally put a Volsprung Smashpot or Push coil in a 38 efork. Since weight is less of an issue, adding a coil is wonderful. I have had air forks tuned and all that and they still do not match the suppleness of a coil.
I see that SRAM eagle chainring! I can't wait to see you guys pull off some impossible climbs. I rode with a good rider who was on an e-mtb (decoy) and it was insane what he was climbing. Lines I've never seen anyone attempt.
Personally I'd be tempted by a low power e-mtb. When you're gassed on a climb a few extra watts means clearing stuff vs dismounting. That means longer days or fitting in one more lunchtime lap.
My girlfriend just got a trail ebike. Before she Was on a xc Hardtail and even given she has decent Fitness she enjoys it so much more. Putted around 500 miles on it in the first month.... When I am going with her on my xc bike it's now fair game. And when we ride trails and I am with my enduro... She can pull me up
eMTB are a different level of fun. It’s obvious that people ‘age into’ eMTBs, but it’s also a fallacy. ANYONE can have a different rider experience on eMTBs. They allow epic, long excursions you wouldn’t dream of taking in a regular bike.
Hey guys great video, I just got a Giant Stance pro E 29, I'm loving this bike like I knew I would! I'm 55 yrs old and used to race mx and bmx growing up, so my pre conceived notions where all positive and correct I might add. I lost over 50 lbs on my GT 29nr and am no longer diabetic,
so now I have a little extra juice and though I'm jumping curbs and curb sized bumps, in my mind I'm Marty Smith or Ricky Charmicheal flying with the greatest of ease!...Who cares what anyone thinks when you can fly!!!
I love E Bikes! I'm lucky enough to have 3 bikes at the moment. One cross country race whip, one trail bike, and a brand new E bike that I just got about ago. Although for now, I won't sell my traditional bikes, I can see the E Bike getting a lot more use. I'm in AZ and in the summer it gets hot. Really really hot. The EBike allows me to get a couple laps in before work and just have fun! When my buddy asked me about why I like them so much I surmised that when you climb on a regular bike, it's just not fun. It's definitely rewarding, but I wouldn't say fun. So if you spend about 60-70% of your time climbing, that 60-70% of your ride that isn't really fun. E-bikes make climbing fun! That means that my entire ride is 100% fun! For people that hate on e-bikes, I say go demo one. I guarantee it'll put a smile on your face. I've been riding mtb for about 12 years and I've never had so much fun! Great video guys!
It's not that hot dude. I ride all the time till winter comes. Love summer, always start my rides around 11am.
If i had enough money and time i would get an e bike. But i want and need the mtb to stay fit. I have time to ride maybe twice aweek so i have to make them count. It is not economical for me to own 2 bikes and ride each one once a week.
Other then that i like climbing. Improving getting fitter
What a wuss ... Drink some Gatorade!
If money were no object I would have an E bike, likely a few for the family. That said I do make fun of folks I see on my XC type trail that look fit enough to ride "real" bikes. That said I would love these for the family for longer adventurous type rides on real mountains. 2nd reason is so I could keep up with my oldest daughter "15" to help her with her training. She is now much faster than I am and rides many more miles. She currently podiums most every Sport/Cat2 XC women's races she enters and will likely be bumping up to Expert/Cat1 soon. I have a 12 year old who is now racing also. So an Ebike may be necessary for the old man. My wife does not ride but I think I could get her on mild trails if she had an Ebike. Hope you heal up soon Syd!!!!
I'll just say they look AMAZING, let's embrace innovation and welcome a greater diversity of riders to our mtb-family!
Bought my wife a Trek PowerFly and once you start riding it on long climbing XC rides and don't get tired, the fun factor goes through the roof and it's so hard to hand it back.
I think ebike are cool haven't ridden one. My thoughts are you get more runs at trail park and get people off the couch that my have an injury knees etc in short I like them
We’ve had them for a while now. Ebikes just increase ride time sesh. Plus they make climbing funner. PS and we just bought new Analogs too for the Snooty places:) You’re gonna love!
Bikers that want to limit eBikes due to crowding are elitist (snobs) and are the reason people in general do not build more bike trails as the sport seems to be only for the super athletic type and not the general public.
With my local bike park (pajarito) not running lifts this summer but still allowing people to ride the trails, I could see an e-bike being a lot of fun there. It would certainly make more than two to three laps a lot more doable. That said, I would have some apprehension about being able to stop a heavier bike on a lot of the steeper trails like dogpatch, braking bad, bonecrusher, etc.
Haha! That's where we went for our first ride! It was AWESOME! Video coming Friday!
@@sydandmacky I thought I recognized those trees in that little sneak peek at the end lol 😂
Well spotted 😁
I'm 54 and am still not ready for an ebike. When the time comes, I'm just glad I won't have to give up cycling completely and get an ebike.
I went from a Scott spark 750 to a Giant Trance e Pro ...never looked back...Mountain biking got so much better..must have😀
What's the RaNgE!?! Which is the question everyone asks when they come into the shop to buy* (they never buy them they just look and ask a bunch of questions). I get the whole argument about bringing more people into the sport, but with my experience selling and talking about e-bikes, the characters that are interested in them are not very pleasant to deal with. I don't want to generalize or stereotype the user group of ebikes, but a tool that makes anything easier to avoid suffering up a hill might attract a lazier and more entitled group of people into the sport. It's probably a very small group if it even exists, and assholes are already present in our community on regular bikes anyway. I know I'm wrong about all of this and ebikes are probably a great thing for the sport. And I know that my opinion is unfounded and rooted in assumptions, bias, and a dose of elitism; but something just will always annoy me about ebikes.
Makes total sense. It must be infuriating having to deal with "all questions, no purchase" people all the time!
I think they’re great. I want one. I don’t have time to train and get faster. But I’m poor
I’m 68 with a very technical inside mechanical ankle replacement (last year). I’ve been on my Levo Expert 29/27.5” for 4 years. At 220lbs, and obviously OG, not many people give me attitude. However, the various regulations in California keep us off some great trails (Laguna for one). From my experience, the only difference in speed is uphill when a normal biker might be on a hike-a-bike and I’m peddling through at 3-5 mph. I love ebikes. Oh, now that Santa Cruz has finally rolled over, everyone will eventually realize it’s not a big deal. I think, if you ride one for 30 seconds, you’ll get it. I keep adding, even speed derestricted, you can only peddle as fast as your top gear allows (about 22). On a flat road, the competent roadies peddle faster than I can.
I really think Ebikes are the future, there will always a place for “analog” bikes but the possibilities Ebikes open up is huge. Seriously considering taking the E-leap😎
Do it!! I say if you love cycling go for it. I've been riding Mtb for a very long time and recently got into riding road and found it to be a blast. Now I'm going old school so to speak by converting the bike into a flat bar gravel bike.
I stopped hating on ebikes because I will eventually use one due to age, disease and/or moving to a big city
Those have me wanting to try an e-bike! They look really good!
I've Absolutely no issues with ebikes at all. Did a 45 mile trip today on my Fatty & happened across 2 folk on ebikes at a ford crossing. Both had ditched their full sus for ebikes. As the lass said to me they let them go further, higher, faster. Let's them get back to their family & grand kids faster.
I've a torn shoulder tendon & nerve damage in my lower spine. I'll be on an ebike sooner or later if it keeps me on the trails.
To add to this I was at the Glenlivet mtb centre in the Scottish Cairngorms yesterday. Met a 71 year old guy blasting the red trail on his Merida full sus ebike. I'll be surprised if I make it to 71, let alone still be biking 🤣🤣
I ❤️ ebikes. So much fun. Riding regular bikes for 20 years (still do) but so much more fun
So glad to see you two talking e-bikes. I live in a heavy biking town (Durango, CO) where there is a surprising amount of resistance. I know a lot of people talk about making the ride available to people with injury or fitness issues (which they do), but I ride one simply because it is a lot of fun. Trails become more engaging and instead of 10 miles after work I get 20 or more!
Yay!!! Niner make ebikes. I'm so checking them out. I actually own a 2014 WFO so if I were to buy one, it would be the e-equivalent. Thanks for the vid Syd & Macky and cant wait for this Friday to see your ride footage.
Great stuff Syd& Macky must say I have .a Ebike 🚴 and love it's best fun going Up 👌 I'm nearly 50, have anxiety and depression for many years and the best thing I did was buy a Ebike 🚴 and get my fitness back I have a Lapierre Am400 Overvolt, must say it's has got me back on track with my life 💪🚴👌👌👌
Ignore the haters! Ebike are awesome, I love mine just as much as my normal bike. Different horses for different course as the saying goes :)
i agree! don't knock it till you try it! i haven't tried one but i'd love to give one a shot as i like the sound of going for longer.
@@bananasstuff3344 Check your LBS, chances are you will be able to demo one :)
@@Duncan23 trying to minimise contact with people but i'd really love to demo some bikes this holiday.
Best video out I’m from Australia and Seriously love u guys, if you love the like my comment
That Fox 38 just screams jump me, stair set of doom, and generally all types of horrible abuse. I'm really looking forward to seeing you jumping over the van on Friday.
There has been a pretty positive movement in the moto community toward trials tires on dirtbikes. Low pressure, great grip, less spin. More grace and technique, less mashing on the throttle and tearing up trails. Better for everyone involved, I think.
I’m on board with ebikes. I don’t use one but I’m riding with my wife and my uncle for the first time ever. Priceless.
Well said guys. Great video!
Yes.. bring lazy to the trais 🙏
*Power Trip
I like that you missed an l in trails
These e-bikes seem great but the thing I like best about regular biking is being able to eat anything I want afterwards
True. With an ebike, you just gave to ride FARTHER to eat the same amount 😉
If 30% of Ebikers are gonna try to ride trail that are above their tech skills, that seems to be enough reason to relegated Ebikers to the less tecky trails. Sorry 70% comment trail users.
E-bikes are badass for older people with injuries like myself, 20 year Jarhead in a combat MOS, shot and blown up. Ebikes are also better for people with terminal illness that still want to get out on the trails, or out of shape people trying to get back in shape, or anyone who wants to have more fun out on the trails lol. I think the whole cheating thing is silly train of thought, its not like your racing for the gold. Hell, just the other week I had a guy on a tricked out manual bike dust me. Manuals are still more light and nimble and a nice expensive one with a capable rider on flat single track and a tuned suspension might just smoke an out of shape rider or injured broken down old dude on an ebike. Ebikes are heavier and take more effort to muscle around on tight technical single track. Up hill ya maybe they definitely have the advantage. Regardless, I just bought the RIP E9 cant wait!
As we get older (60+), we still like to do the trails. Love this idea, some trails in South Florida will not let you ride. Would love to have some conversion kit to upgrade an existing bike, love your channel. Need to find a shop to do a demo ride.
getting passed by a lot of ebikes these days, especially steep ascent
I grew up on 2 wheels. I had my 1st minibike when I was 4. 4 decades later I still ride.
I was into the mtb scene hard for years. Owned many. Gary Fishers, Trek Top Fuels, blah blah blah.
Then back in 2016 a freak accident on a jobsite took out my achilles. After surgery to try and repair it I went through a year of physical therapy.
Sadly the tendon still healed wrong and they had to remove it. They then performed a fhl transfer.
So, enter emtbs.
These give me the opportunity to get back on the trails without fear of totally wrecking my leg.
I have a Rip e9(green.)
Being back out there makes me very happy.
I am not disrespectful nor do I ride like a lunatic. Same as I am on any streetbike.
I keep that on the track.
Do I get a little air between my tires and the terra firma?
Sure but there are times for that.
I don't know. I don't care what you ride as long as you do it right and smile. Same approach I have with motorcycles.
We all share a love for the same thing. Approaches vary.
There is no right or wrong way. Just your way.
Keep on keepin on.
there is many other Classes of "e bikes" that are Much closer to Motorcycles/or Little dirt bikes lol but out side of the Bike Industry.. Like diy e bikes Built up on old DH Bikes Iv seen some that will spin out on Take off and hit 70mph under power lol people been building these Bikes years before the Bike industry started.. also some manufactured companies Like stealth b52 electric bike think it can do about 50mph under its own power..
I demoed one a couple of years ago at Outerbike Bentonville and I was sold!. I have a YT Decoy and its a blast. I just love to listen to the haters because honestly they don't know how much fun they are missing out on. I still have acoustic bikes and love them too. But ebikes for the win.
Lovely bikes but its a shame there's no skid plate for the motor
There is on the production versions. These ones are pre-production.
What a great video! I was a hardcore MTBer from the late 80s and 90s. I’m 50
Now. I think Ebikes are awesome. I converted my Trek Farley fat bike last November to an e-bike. It’s freaking awesome. It got me back into riding. And now one bike allows me to commute 16 miles one way, do fun country rides. Hit local single-track, ride snow with studded tires, and in the beach. It’s just awesome. If it gets you out pedaling it’s a good thing.
I don’t think Sid and Mackey are going to become the “ebike for life” crowd. Ya gotta sell your sponsors products. Or why else would a sponsor invest in you.
If you don’t like it don’t buy one. But some people will find a reason to poop all over others, no matter what the reason. Makes them feel superior, Small minds.
We are definitely enjoying them, but they aren't going to become our daily rides!
Great vid Guys. Over here in the UK Ebikes are allowed anywhere that regular bikes are allowed. They are limited to 15mph (25kmh) over here. Some bike parks charge a little more for Ebikes but other than that there are no restrictions.
Speaking of your last comment about weird lag ...thats exactly what resistors of Emtbs are suffering from. It's like resistors are gloriously naive ,are being left behind and seriously missing most of the FUN FUN FUN of these magical Time Machines
E=Mtb2 (squared)
My next bike will be an E-bike. I'm 53 years old and stocky at 220lbs. I struggle hard on uphills to the point where it almost isn't worth the climb. I'm doing my best to keep up with my 16 year old son. We also ride moto. For me on a normal MTB, I feel like an orange balancing on a toothpick, very top heavy. On an E-bike, the added weight feels much better to me. Probably because I'm used to riding a 220lb KTM.
I feel that if E-bikes can get more people to enjoy the sport, live healthier lives by getting out riding when they otherwise couldn't/wouldn't before, and expand the MTB community for the better of everyone involved, then why not. The people that don't want an E-bike, don't have to ride them, we won't judge you.....
Most people's first thought on seeing a Ebike is it defeats the purpose of cycling but if your purpose includes FUN pleasure exploring and fitness put your Ego aside and try one.
All cycling is cheating gravity ,rolling and air resistance .ALL development since 1817 have enhanced the cheating a fact whether you like it or not.
Purists run the roads and off road tracks barefoot or swim the English channel unassisted. The Majic of Emtbs is they turn us into gleeful kids again and broaden our ability to explore terrain multiplying the benefits of one of mans greatest inventions.
Emtbs don't defeat the purpose of cycling only enhance the pleasure.
They are a Time Machine with enormous health benefits as you just want to ride it harder every day. If you've got a ego looking for a trip give one a proper long fast hard off-road ride .They don't or won't replace your naturally aspirated bike but enhance your joy of cycling. FUN FUN FUN IS THE PURPOSE of Emtbs. Racing is a form of ego shuffling with more disappointment than joy. Their seems to be a certain pleasure in suffering but not so much Fun.
E=Mtb2 (squared)
Since turning 70 this past September, and also being encouraged by Macky's Dad who is even got more experience on this planet that I have, and after not getting anything new in over 20 years, decided on getting an eBike....Only have 85 miles on it but simply love how it can take you you more miles than without some assistance. My bike weighs in at 58 lbs but it's battery is 1100 WH and should be able to take me quite a ways!
Thanks for another great video! I'm 74 YO and I am having problems going up hill as well as endurance issues. I guess the old body get a little worn out! I'm looking to buy an Ebike to help me with these problems so that I can better keep up with my younger friends. You know kids that are only 50 or 60, Ha Ha!😃
motor = motorbike.
The trails I ride are PUBLIC not owned by any particular faction of riders/hikers. I am 76 years old .have had a heart attack, and covid lung complications, and nerve damage in my left leg from an epic mountain bike crash in the 90's. Without the availability of ebikes I'd have to stay home and watch soaps.
There are many kits to motorize a regular mtn bike. Properly set up they are just a good as the hyper expensive higher end offerings. I built a nice trail bike with the Bafang kit . The donor bike is a vintage Cannondale with nice components, and a large battery which is within local legal guidelines. my total expense has been about $1500 . A comparable new Cannondale e-bike is Far, Far more money with comparable performance. The conversion by a below average mechanic (ME) took about 3 hours..
Sounds like you are sponsored by a company that sells ebikes. I get it. I’m not interested in one in any way, but I get the push to sell them. To me, they just appeal to two completely different demographics.
Gutted the wfo doesn't come in xl.
Did an ebike ride with mates in orange, australia. Did two MTB parks, Climbed to the summit of Mt canobolas, it started snowing. Had to ride back to the trailhead on a country road. I was surprised that i didn't manage to catch my mate. He was on a legal ebike with a 25kph cutoff (australian limit), mine was set to , 32kph (north American limit). It seriously wasn't any faster because on the downhills we were going over the cutoff limit so things were even and on the uphills we were going under the limit which was also even. Wasn't enough flat sections to take advantage of being derestricted.
I only did it because I think it's dangerous to have the motor cutout right before hitting something like a gap jump.
Frances rule of 45kph for ebikes without throttles pedelecs makes sense (cutoff is 25kph if you have a throttle).
The higher cutoff speed is only beneficial on flat open sections. Not noticeable on single track, climbs or descents.
Basically just helps minimise speed differential with cars.
Ebikes rule. Medicine ball effect.
If you do ride an e-bike be respectful when you pass normal bikes. I've seen e-bikers get impatient and not leave enough space or wait for the person in front to pull over. Or just make a shitty comment as they go by.
E bikes definitely have there place in mountain biking for sure. I have good friend who has been riding for 35 plus years and is a VERY skilled and fit person but has developed knee issues. This type of bike has allowed him to stay in the game longer and safer. I may do this when I reach Macky's dads age also. I'm currently 54 and still killing it but age creeps up on you and I ride a lot with my oldest son who is 21. I say yes to e-bikes in the right circumstances and situations. For what is worth, I will bust my friends chops and tell him he's cheating LOL.... all in fun.
I'm 51 and people have told me 'since I'm old I need an E-bike'. The way I see it, since I'm 51, I need to work
harder to stay in shape. I WILL ride my full suspension mountain bike (non-exec) as long as I can. I don't
want the 'help' of the 'e-bike', I want the workout of the non-e-bike!!!
Rob
I'm 64, been riding MTN bikes since the late 80's in Northern CA. And it's sad to see E bikes on the trails. Most of the riders In Downieville and around Tahoe should not be on this trails. The way they brake into the turns and ride off the trails it make me wonder how much longer we'll be allowed to ride the trails we have. I hope I'm wrong. And if your to old to keep up, who cares you'er on your bike enjoy!
I have had my Haibike Xduro Allmtn 2.0 for 4 months now and it has been life-changing for me. I am 69 years old. I have had a shoulder replacement and have chronic pain in my back and various parts of my body. I rode motocross when 3-inch travel shocks and 4-inch travel forks were the norms. Big crashes occurred often to me back then. 50 years later and my body was so broken from that abuse, that I would not have been able to start mountain biking 6 months ago if it wasn't for e-bikes.. 6 months later and I am in the best shape that I have been in 30 years.
I am having more fun than I ever had.
Everyone who can do so should own both an e-bike and a mechanical bike. Due to spousal objection, I can only own one bike so it will be an e-bike. An e-bike can do anything regular mtb can do and much more. Some things it does better and some not as good as a normal bike. Overall the e-bike's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Absolutely love my E-MTB...I ride so much more than I would otherwise. It also makes me safer on the downhill because I am not so tired. I am in NC and state parks allow them and VA allows if local authority allows them. Love E-MTB!
I don't have one yet, opted for a 29r+ rigid bike. My local city, Nelson bc ,is very hilly and steep and ebikes are getting very popular, es especially cargo ebikes for families. Our rail trail allow them with a speed limit of 20kph. Our local trails are pretty resistant so far but i think that will change. Most of the people i see with ebikes are families or older folks, like me. Started mtn biking this year with a 29r plus rigid. Turned 69 a month ago.
Lol so overpriced for being made in Taiwan.. Could get 2 dirt bikes for the price of 1 Niner (ebike or regular). Company would have went under except Huffy bought them loool.
Our regional mountain bike association has basically taken a hard NO on ebikes. Its a shame. They dont want to dialogue or even broach the topic or you get labeled as a troublemaker.
the other day a friend of mine saw an ebiker and almost went to say something but didnt. When he got back to the lot he saw the ebiker's friend putting it in the truck for him. The ebiker was a veteran who got to ride that day. That right there is enough for me. Class 1's all the way.
I think even trails that ban e-bikes should consider some kind of handicap permit type system to allow people who would not otherwise have a chance to ride.
That's a shame. I'm the President of our local MTB advocacy and we certainly welcome them when the land manager allows them. Quite simply, it gets more people riding. The price point isn't there yet for the masses.
I am 45 years old and just discovered Mountain Biking this year thanks to my ebike. I am new to this mountain bike world and really don’t understand the animosity. You’ll only find me on green and blue trails and I’m slowly improving thanks to great coaches in my local club. My ebike isn’t taking anything away from anyone it’s fun and allows me access to a sport I would have never thought I would do. All I can say to naysayers is to try it and if it’s not for you then don’t get one.
I bought my first E-Bike a few weeks ago and had so much fun, I traveled 150km in the first 10 days! Now I want to ride everywhere :)
yeah, the limit of 20mph is an issue with many ebikes, the smooth transition from 32+kph in an Brose motor of an Specialized Levo is the best one, you do not feel it until you see the display go beyond 40kph and realizing your are going faster and unassisted, on your own power, cheers
Ebikes = more people = more trail advocates and MTB consumers. Hopefully driving cost down through economies of scale.