I dusted off my 1999 schwinn Moab this summer and got back into riding MTB. After 3 rides I started an internet search for a new “modern” MTB. I ended up with a specialized turbo Levo comp. As a 64 year old life long active adventurer with many many miles on trails, the EMTB is the most fun I have ever had in the woods!!!! The ability to climb has opened up my trail choices and given me the ambition to ride longer and that has ended up with me being in the best condition in 20 years. With my semi trashed knees from decades of skiing and a career as a carpenter, my EMTB has softened my pain after a ride, again giving me more ride time, more exercise, more of what I ride for. The only downsize is the price, but my health is …..priceless.
I bought myself an E-Bike at the end of August and all i can say is it's given me a new lease of life. I am a 50+ male not that fit but love to ride my bikes out in the hills, I am now riding 250-300 miles a month where as before i was only managing 75-100 miles a month on my Orange hardtail. I agree with all the points you've made about the positive side of riding. I also imagine many others find the mental health as well as the physical side a great reason to get out there. Great content Thanks .
I’ve had an ordinary mtb but found at 70 to be very hard work at times. I’ve tried riding in a group and struggled to keep up despite my younger friends say we’ll keep to your speed, it never happens. A couple of months ago I bought a Cube reaction hybrid which has got me out again. I still get a good workout. The difference is when I struggle I can use the power, it also means I can go long distance without the worry of physically being knackered. I can now go out with my son in law and keep up and not slow him down. So there is very definitely a place for emtb,s.
I bought one ,the another then two more, and finally just one more 22 trek rail 9.9 xtr I would never imagine how much time I would spend riding before I got an ebike, it allows me to ride like Im 30 when Im actually 54. best thing I ve ever done.
Some great insights I've put over 15,000km on my 2019 Trek Powerfly 7, bought in April 2020. The Bosch DU let go after 11,000km but, replaced under warranty. If you ride as much as I do, it does get expensive as far as 'consumables' and maintenance goes but, I am addicted to the machine and love riding it almost everyday. I have lost over 20# and am in great shape for my age. Some bike related stuff on my channel
I am also one of the very oldies but I have not given up yet. I ride a Levo Comp 2020. This year, so far, I have covered 10,000 miles, (16,900 km) plus I still have almost a month to go. My longest ride on one fully charged 700-watt hour battery is 140 miles. I reduced the power down to 15% on eco and just worked harder. I really wanted to top 150 miles, but the light was going and I didn't have my lights with me. Regrettably, it doesn't say much for my forward planning. The motor was recently replaced at 12,500 miles of use under warranty in three days. I am delighted with its performance and the hours of fun it has delivered to me. yesterday I rode up a flight of 10 concrete steps for the first time. Even at my time of life, there can still be firsts.
I recently switched to Ebikes Aug 2021, my reason for switching is due to having athritic knees I been a avid non ebike rider for 25years and felt it was time for a change due to my condition. Having a ebike in my opinion helps with recovery, fitness and also makes riding more enjoyable. Getting a ebike is down to personal choice at end of the day there's no right or wrong in getting a ebike and as u said Ebikes are for everyone :)
The thing people misunderstand with e-bike fitness is that you are actually required to pedal to keep the bike moving. You can't put in an a hard effort and get to coast for a bit. If you stop pedaling, the bike will slow down VERY quickly due to the weight. I used to commute on mine 2 hours a day and that was 2 hours of _constant_ pedaling. They may flatten out the hills, but you still have to put in the work.
As one of the oldies at 64 I have been riding mountain bikes for 30 years and recently bought an ebike. I am in no doubt that rides are just as challenging and as I now regularly ride for twice the distance as I did previously the rewards are tangible allowing big days out and still able to go out next day and do it again. The naysayers are almost entirely those who have never tried one and once they do generally change their mind. How many of us mountain bike to slog uphill apart from the fitness fanatics when you can equally have fun and flow on the climbs as well as the descents.
I’m in the similar position to you. I used to compete in mountain bike races 30 years ago, at 58 years old now I have recently bought an ebike. So I am finding I’m relearning about being able to push the bikes limits much further than I used to and I am loving it. Best thing I have done for sure for a quite a while.👍
I think if people had the money everyone would have one even if it was just as a 2nd bike, gives you more options and extends your range IMO...as one of the people who doesn't have the money for one :P
I am a 6'3" 23st 60 year old, I have ridden a manual MTB for years, I got an eBike 2 years ago and now ride further, faster and more often than I ever used to. Although the overall effort is lower I do a lot more moderate level exercise, I used to average only 800 miles annually now I am doing 2000 miles annually. In addition the Mrs and I can enjoy rides together, I jog along in ECO mode while she keeps up in Tour or EMTB mode, prior to E-Bikes I was forever waiting for her to catch up.
I've been biking all my life on and off, progressed to doing big jumps, downhill tracks etc etc, around 3 years ago I started to back off and go more xc on my trusty Anthem as I felt I was getting too old for the jumps and silly stuff, all my mates got e-bikes and I got left behind on every trail, I took the plunge and bought my e bike in March and it's the best thing I've purchased. The weight takes some getting used too but I have found that this is a blessing I'm going faster down the trails and doing jumps again, even though it's a e bike it's hard work to ride it fast downhill, yes the ups are a lot easier but on the flat or downhill it's a proper workout. One thing I wish I'd done differently is spending a little bit more for decent forks, mine came with Rockshox Recon which did the job but I've upgraded to Fox 36 Rhythm and the bike is a complete monster, changed the aircan on the rear shock to the Megneg and again this transformed the bike. I bought a Focus Jam, I should have bought a Focus Sam I'm approaching 52 but I feel 18 again thanks to my e-bike.
E160 /500 absolutely 💯👌 ,got my wife one too and now she rides with me on track n trails .so win win situation. Fitness don't believe those that have never tried one . You're still out there doing the rides 100 %.
My wife and I are both 55 and had pretty much given up riding, but after getting our first E-Bikes in August this year and putting over 1000km on them we are true converts! So much so we have now upgraded to new models, ones that will allow us to go more off road - the first ones we got were more commuter bikes. We are both hooked and ride at least 3 to 4 times a week. And I can say from experience that you still get a good work out on an E-bike, put it in Eco mode and ride 30 to 40 kms at speed and you’ll know what I mean! Great video too, very thoughtful 😊. Cheers from NZ
Very good video, I own a EMTB for 2 years and all those guys saying E-bikes are for lazy people should think twice, i lost 30 pounds by using my ebike 3 x a week on a local trail. It makes mtb so mush more fun and thats the reason you do it more often. and you can self decide if you do a heavy workout in ECO or a fun one in TURBO. also one thing most people forget is that you put the same effort in rinding on an Ebike than with a normal MTB but in the end you ride faster on an Ebike than on a normal MTB but the training was the same. another thing is that for me EMTB is more training "Technical" then conditional because of the speed you get in the forrest.
Nah, not true, everybody’s gotta do what works for them. But I’ll take my personal power knowing that without assistance, I can ride 30-50 miles in a day not problem, have a good sleep, and do it again. I run ultras too, so biking is a lot easier. As it’’s ok to say I’m not having as much fun, it’s ok to admit that you don’t want to work as hard as I do. When I hit 65 y/o I may get one. At 50, I’m good. Have fun tho either way, but don’t judge.
This was a great review. I am older 60+ and I love mountain biking, but I’m only able to go so far then have to turn around before I want to be done. So much more territory to explore and want to peddle all day and not regret it tomorrow!
Been riding ebikes for a couple of years now. I ride the same trails as my regular bike. I collect all my ride data every ride. On the bike my max heart rate is about 10 bpm lower but my average is about about 10 bpm higher than a regular bike. Also, I burn the same calories or more as a regular bike...even on a similar length ride. I find I can ride more often per week on the ebike. I can say for me, a former wannabe fast guy, that ebike have rejuvenated my desire to ride and lose weight (36 lbs over the Covid lockdowns), my high blood pressure is lower, I feel like a much younger man again. Everyone will own an ebike sooner or later I heard the same arguments with "click" shifting, front suspension, full suspension, double front rings, single front rings, 29ers, etc...yep, been around the sport for a long time. I am stoked to have gotten an ebike.
Totally agree 100% with what you say. I bought a gepida ruga 10 ebike 2 years ago ( no laughing its got top quality kit 😀) and I've covered over 2500 miles. I normally do mixed use trails on old railway lines and some country roads in hilly south devon with a elevation gain of 2700 feet. Coypool to princetown on deepest darkest dartmoor is a fav of mine. My dad was so impressed he went out and bought himself one . A 75 year old pensioner who is of average fitness can now ride A 25 mile round trip breaking a sweat keeping himself fit but not having a heart attack.
Had my ebike for just over a year now and it's been great, over 2000 miles and loads of great rides that I wouldn't have bothered doing if I'd bought an acoustic mtb and I'm reasonably fit. Now I occasionally use an acoustic mtb for short rides but to be honest it's not as good as doing an all day ride on the ebike and I'm loads fitter than I was.
Everything you say is spot on. I have a Specialized Turbo Levo Comp. The bike is Amazing. I control my own workout and can suffer as much as i want when i want. When riding on the flat roads and slight elevation changes, rolling hills i choose to not use any pedal assist, power. This is where you can get your workout and control your own fitness. This E-bike weighs about 15 to 17 pounds more than a standard mountain bike. When it comes to loose dirt, rocky hills, and i say can i make it up this knarly hill? I throw the bike in Turbo and blast rite up it, in most cases. This is where the fun is at. I look at it like riding trials, specially when coming down some of these hills. I have ridden motocross for the past 17 years and still enjoy it a lot. This is an extension of the dirt bike and trials riding very much. I appreciate your content and break down. Keep it coming.
New to e-mtb myself. I was worried about becoming lazy. Interesting to note that my peak heart rate and my average heart rate across my rides so far have been the same as on my regular bike. The only difference is I'm out for much longer so my overall calorie burn is significantly higher. I have a pedaling cadence that I'm comfortable at, and I use the power of the motor to allow me to keep this cadence uphill. It makes the hill's easier and less stress on my legs, but I'm still working. Slight confession, I am most tempted to use max assist on boring ride segments that I just want out of the way. Perfect!
This is spot on, exactly how I fell after buying a ebike! So much fun and you can work as hard as you want to. Riding with your mates without ebike put it in eco and don’t lead.
Bike Park Wales had no uplift availability. We did four complete climbs (Beast of Burden), four descents on eBikes and we were knackered. Not only was that workout, we might have only done two on our analog bikes. You can just ‘ride more’ - but I’m not selling my full carbon enduro bike any time soon
I've been ridning mountainbikes since 2012 and got my first e-bike this summer. And my skills has just gone skyrocketed! I can go for longer rides, take on more difficult trails and be out for several hours. I absolutely love it and it has given me a new big spark to continue ridning with a smile on my face :D
Brilliant piece thanks folks I have been mtbing for 30 yrs or so ridden in France, Italy , Wales done the Megavalanche route on a hardtail . But I have Huntington's disease and that and my mates all being younger than me is I am suffering now from unfit fat bloke at the back syndrome. They are very kind and they have suggested I get ebiked up so I will now go head and take the leap. THANKYOU. Also it will mean I can act as a guide to new bikers and show them the local trails that I know around here in the Chilterns.
Really good points raised in this 👍🏼 totally agree. Some of the group I ride with are seriously strong climbers on their normal bikes, both men & women. Not a chance I would ever keep up with them on the climbs, or be in any fit state for a while, to then hit the descents. Ebike has changed my whole riding, and progressed so much more since getting it 👍🏼 Great video
Great video brother, Thank you so much, And I have to tell you as I read the comments, it just gives you a great feeling to know that people are grasping onto something huge. And it's so positive in every respect .
Agree with what You are saying, I have both an EBike and enduro rig. I use the ebike for after work laps and getting more mileage in, but I still ride the none ebike all the time. Currently out in Finale Ligure on the EB, so glad I brought it I can get out every day for around 25 miles per charge and around 4000ft elevation gain 👊 plus not tired so can ride every day
After 20 y of mtb, moved 6 months ago to e-bike, not a full fat, to keep otiginal mtb feeling. I am converted,no regret, still my buddies on the ride. On solo rides I push harder myself getting addicted to speed, so cardio isn’t gone but strengthen. True when riding with friends that even on eco mode it’s more like a tour, propbably need to lower assist on eco, but hey that’s the learning curve. I am now 50 and my choice was not related to fit or else, but I am also a geek on new tech 😄
I used to be a cycling marathoner, and we recently cleaned out our extra bikes because we had eleven of them (just five now). Last year my wife bought me an e-bike of my choosing, and I fell in love. I get better workout than before if I want, or if the goal is to take in the fresh air and scenery without breaking a sweat, I can do that as well. The whole "How dare you ride for any other purpose than exercise!" attitude comes out of arrogance, and perhaps the sheer terror of getting one's ego bruised. But, most people are welcoming and friendly, and the occasional attitudes seem to come from middle aged men who feel they still have to prove themselves. I can say that I ride a LOT more now, and have ridden my e-bike 8,000 km in one year.
Best explanation comparing EMTB to MTB I have heard thus far, thank you. I am nearly 70 years old and truly enjoy my MTB but I believe a bit of assistance up hill would help me get more pleasure on the trails. Obviously I don’t ride like younger people, but I still like to be outside.
Glad it was helpful! And glad you're getting out -- hey, it's ALL about having FUN. Who cares about speed, steeze, and style? Bikes are just flat-out fun :)
Only took up going on the trails September last year, bought a Levo comp, 50yrs old was unfit, not long after got bike I was at glentress 5 days in a row to practice, I mean all day down there for 5 day’s, on day’s out group of us going out for the whole day, you can change settings to get a good workout too, heavy bikes so you do feel it after a day’s riding, my shoulders & chest feel it next day after inners & Golfie day out, each to there own but I’m happy with mine, great video you put up with key points 👍
Really appreciated your view on an eMTB allowing you to double up on a weights day workout as an example, when I do find I'm often sore and find excuses not to go out and do a MTB ride. I could do that in my 20's and 30's, but now in my 50's, well it's not really happening anymore!! Very interesting observation, and something I had not considered. An excellent follow up review, well done fella!!
Great insight for folks to consider,I've had my Mondraker crafty R for 5 months now and it's only in the last few weeks I can honestly say I'm now comfortable on it.. it's a big difference to analogue for sure but now I love it.. shame about Arwen closing the tweed valley ATM tho.. although Caidmure seems to have coped well with it
Very insightful! Best I've heard so far. I ride an Ebike. It is as you say, a different type of ride. Nowadays I often call my rides for doing Exploring. I do longer rides and explore more places from the saddle. I also carry a spare battery to manage a full day.
Great video.....and great comments that reflect my findings. At 70....my wife and I were avid MTB riders at the start of the sport...but gradually fell away from the activity. We bought new e-bikes in August and haven't gone a day since without a trail ride. It's rekindled our passion. My wife tracks her pulse and she topped out at 171 bpm the other day so don't tell me we're not getting exercise. She put it best for me when she said it's like going downhill skiing and either walking up....or taking the lift. We cover three times more terrain with subsequent pleasure by taking the "lift"..
Bought my ebike 2017. Now riding 10 times more km than on my acoustic bike before. Im not that old but where i live its not flat so i enjoy the Extra Power up Hill and use the bike for everything all year. One of the best inventions in my life time i could experience.
I had an eBike for just a few months and it just didn't gel with me so I sold it. You have helped me to figure out why I didn't like it is because of the different riding style needed compared to a 'meBike'. Also I could tell that it was going to break and wear things quickly. Lastly, as a 63yr old with a heart condition I need cardio vascular in my exercise regime and I wasn't getting it. Now I have gone back to the old 2017 Giant trance. Epic meBike!
Ive been riding mountain bikes for 34 years now, im seriously thinking of having a go of the dark side, your video has answered many of my questions thanks great content very informative.
I've been on the ebike for 3 years now, I never used to see another ebike at The Golfie and encountered a fair bit of negativity, now it's more unusual to see an acoustic bike down there. I used to shrug it off and just say it's like their toy, only different, I didn't go on the hate wagon when 29ers became a thing, I embraced that too. It's all about getting out and having fun, more miles gives you more smiles 😊.
I did the Bosh E challenge at Tweed love this year and oh boy was it hard in places. The first up hill timed section was longer than most folk were expecting! A true work out.
I was lucky enough to get my dream Trek Rail 5 e-bike for my 50th birthday in 2020, I’m not as fit as I used to be after getting a hip replacement back in 2018 (due to motorbike injury) and I couldn’t keep up with my boys out on the trails and climbs. This bike has changed my life and now I’m back in the thick of it, so much so back in August we spent a scorching week in Fort William, and yes I took my Trek e-bike down the famous World Cup track, not that I needed to cycle up as the gondola multi pass was only £34. There are no negatives getting one of these.
U hit the nail on the head with the moto x comparison, it's 30 yrs since my last moto x bike but 1st time out on my emtb took me back to that planted feel moto gives u and I'm enjoying my riding now more than ever.....not great when I ran out of battery 5 miles from home once tho 😳
I have absolutely no regrets about getting an ebike , in fact it was my non ebiking friends that convinced me to get an ebike. I got my Stoke back when I got one 🙂.
For me it’s the best biking decision I’ve made, I enjoy mountain biking again. I still get a good workout but I’m not wrecking myself every time I go out and I can enjoy the downhill bits. Only thing is cause I’m hitting stuff faster than before I keep crashing 🤣🤣🤣. Should of bought one years ago 👌👌
I think that because you do CrossFit, your able to go out and enjoy the ride by going further and not burning yourself out. I use my bike (not an e-bike) for my main source of fitness. Doesn’t bother me who’s got an e-bike and why.
Had ebike 5 years . 1600 miles in 1 year . 3 to 5 hrs a week . That is 3 to 5 hrs not on sofa . Was hardcore biker now just happy to get out and enjoy fresh air and company of mates . It's better to be out than in . Simple
I have the normal Sommet whilst my brother has the Nukeproof Megawatt (which appears to be identical to the e-Sommet) and you're spot on with the difference in riding dynamic. The only "issue" with eMTBs is that you feel like you're holding the group back if you're the only rider at a trail centre without one; and by that I mean making everybody wait for you at the top of the climb whilst you cough your lungs up catching up. In terms of riding dynamics, downhill is no contest, you're faster on the lighter man-powered enduro/ downhill rigs, both in terms of pace and braking. That's not to say e-bikes are slow or not as fun downhill, it's just there's more weight to manage and you have to adjust your riding to suit that. If you're a fit guy, you're probably faster in situations that do not require the e-assistance as well, as once you're over that 15.5mph limit, you've got all of the cons of an eMTB to deal with, but none of the pros. As alluded to in the video, eMTBs are best it you just want to get in as many runs at a trail centre as possible, that's where they shine. I'd say 90% of the mountain bikes people ride at my local trail centre are e-bikes and I honestly wish I had one specifically for places like it. That being said, go to somewhere like Rogate or Windhill and you'll mostly see long travel carbon enduro rigs. With that in mind, I think normal mountain bikes are safe until the battery technology goes on a diet. The day a "full-fat" a-mountain bikes weighs the same is when normal MTBs become a thing of the past.
Started riding ebike 3 yrs ago after giving up a career of racing motocross/cross country/enduros. Tried mtb’s but they are so slow it was boring for me to ride. Took a ride on an emtb and holy shit it felt so similar to off-road dirt biking I bought one. I now have almost 6,000 miles on mine. Tires, chains, and brake pads, same as for a dirt bike so nothing new there for me. I race mine, ride with others with skills ranging from beginner to pro level. These bikes allow you to do it all. You can turn the power off and get a leg work no 24 pd mtb can provide, or turn on the boost and get a super fast cardio ride that again no mtb can approach. People that dish them have no clue what they are talking about. They are just flapping their lips.
Love our E-Bikes 😁👍 Agree with all your thoughts there. I just laugh at all the dumb comments about cheating etc 😆😆 If they get more people out and enjoying the countryside at any level then they’ve gotta be good.
Few days ago I've made my own ebike myself. My dad laughed at me that I won't even have to pedal anymore (which is true) and I won't get fit anyhow with it. I laughed at him back saying that he has a regular bike that he uses twice a year. For me getting an ebike was some sort of motivation to go out. You don't have to take the car anymore to get to the nearest forest (that's my case), you just hop on the road and enjoy the trip + even if I don't have to I still want to put some effort into it.
Got a Kenevo SL, I would like to think I’m pretty fit I go trail running, hiking, SUP etc as well as some gym stuff and I can say having used my bike I still felt like I’d done a hard days riding when out on it because, as you say, you go further and do more! My bikes not a full fat and you could pretty much ride it without the assist, it just gives you a cushion to gather yourself on the climbs and makes them fun! I don’t ride as much as I would like and have quite big gaps between rides due to work so the bike gives me a hand getting back into it!👍🏻 I was at Cwmcarn on Sunday, pretty rammed, I only saw around 10 normal bikes!😳
I'm 63, been riding for quite a few years but find with an ebike l can go trail riding all day without feeling spent l still ride my FS MTB and l ride motorbikes.
I have a cube e160 action team and I love it to bits I feel it’s more stable you can throw it around hard and for climbing find it more fun with your mates as you can play games on the way up each other and it’s your personal fly up My other two bikes are Canyon sender DH Cube 160
Interesting comment about punctures. I have only suffered from thorn damage and flint slashes, which inserts wouldn't help with. Yes, the battery will go a very long way (over 60 miles on mine) if you pedal with a non Ebike friend. My CV is slightly worse than before, but my legs are quite a bit bigger.
@@wolfpack_adventures You ride much bigger terrain, harder and with more skill than I do, so you are getting a different type of puncture. Mine are sharp objects (like flints) slashing or actualy stabbing quite large holes in my tyres :( My last puncture actually had a flap of tyre waving around in the stream of air and sealant rushing out my rear tyre :(
Good to hear another real life review of what ebikes are like. You can get the fitness, you can beast your cardio on one but it also allows you to enjoy the ups as a trail, get more laps in, ride more downs. They do ride different compared to naturally aspirated bikes. After my year of use on my cube stereo 160 ebike I have done 1750km and the list of parts replaced are Maxxis tyres after 400km. The vittoria tyres I replaced with are still like new! 4 sets of brake pads. 3 chains and a cassette.
I'm 42, I think or 43 anyway I love mountain biking always have always will, but as I've gotten older I don't go out half as much anymore, especially if it's windy and living in Scotland, it's all hills and windy so I'm all for an Ebike, altho a year ago I hated them and was so far from the Ebike fence I was on another planet, now I can't wait to get a vitus E sommet, I won't to keep my old slightly modified saracen raw2 if I can but wanting to go out isn't thar as much cos it's just a struggle so I'm willing to sell my raw2 to help me get a vitus, if I can keep my raw2 then it can be hung on wall, as retired haha it tuck me along time to get it ide love to keep it but needs musts, I need to get out more like i use to, and I'm not into it as much it's just too much of a struggle being an old heavy 15 year old bike, a vitus will more than put the kick back into biking again.
I'm in the old person bracket (69) and iv'e been riding for 50+ years , as i got older i wasn't riding so much and shorter distancers . I got a rear hub drive wheel and converted my old MTB to an E-bike , now i ride a lot more and further (30/50ks) . Okay it's easier to ride but your still getting more exercise than not riding much at all , you still have to put a lot of effort in so new lease of riding for me :-)
Are you sure you got those climbing figures right? I have the same bike weigh 11stone and also ride the Golfie. Only managed 7000 feet climbing in eco in the summer when it was dry. Your Eco was saying 11800 feet? In trail its more like 5000 feet for me.
Comparison video with some side by side and what the differences are at the time - planted, braking earlier, acceleration, pedaling faster than the limit etc could be cool. I have an emtb and think its as hard work as you choose it to be. Can't beat a power hour tho ⚡
I'm looking to get a ebike and trying to get as much info as possible and this vidio was brilliant and so informative. Well done. The music did my head in though. But still worth watching.
I have a lot of friends now with e-bikes, and they buy them mainly for getting that extra time in due to work, i am 52 and have borrowed some of these bikes for a couple of rides, and still did not gel with one, i get the idea and see the advantages, but i would rather spend money on one good bike that i can use for everything, at home and take to holidays etc. To have a second e-bike would be a big extra expense, plus when we go out with groups on the bikes, as there is a mix, its just a case of the guys on the e-bikes waiting a extra couple of mins at the top. I can definitely see me getting one as i get older and i am no longer able to push it like i can now, and technology will be so much better for them by then.
Really good video mate. First time I’ve checked you out and a very balanced review. Was a bit concerned as you mention riding up a path that was steep. I ride MYB and go walking a lot and one of the things I’ve really noticed is that E mtb has allowed or encouraged bike riders to go on footpaths/ which is a civil offence and not to be either filmed or promoted. Otherwise great video. Cheers
3 ปีที่แล้ว +1
I got e-bike last spring and I did 2800km on it in mountains. Best time of my life. I am young but I was too heavy... Now I am thinking about buying normal bike... But It is so much fun on E-bike... You can climb walk trails uphills 😊
Correct, I had a new motor fitted - mine kept kicking up an "A101" Error message. So the bike shop sent it off to be replaced under warranty - fairly common for a Shimano EP8 motor, as I'm discovering.
I bought an e bike after I damaged my knee I had to sell my orange P7 but I will be totally my e bike is extremely heavy compared to a normal mountain bike but soon as your riding it it feels just the same as a no electric bike but it’s fast down hill and takes loads of strain of the joints
I remember when yrs ago racing moto my friends would say how hard is that? My point being is it's a 200 lb bike with a motor which tanks you, An ebike I could see somewhat like that, heavier than a MTB bike but still a handful on the way down, which like you said is taxing, just not sold on ebikes yet
Great video and some good points. However , I must disagree with you on the lack cardio vascular on an ebike. I ride in eco most of the time and i push myself when riding, often at the end of the ride i have provided over 50% of the power. Another couple of tips for riding with non-ebike friends, i carry a bungee cord so that i can tow them up steep or long climbs and on the flat i turn off my motor and ride an it as a MTB. Keep up the vids.
I think the ebikes allow you to ride more. Not for lazy people at all. I don't own one but I hired one at Whinlatter an did the red loop in 1/3rd of the time it took on a regular bike. If I could afford one, that's 3 times more fun and 3 times more distance so you still get a workout but with more fun. 😉🤙👌
I have a cheap ebike Carrara Vulcan , an expensive full sus would be wasted on me , I’m the old unfit geezer people talk about , I’ve had 2 heart attacks , 4 yrs ago , in my opinion, you can have a great work out if you want one , turn the power down that will make you pedal hard , even on the flats , I’m on beta blockers so my heart won’t allow me to do what I want , however I can still do a few miles with my fit friends , can’t be bad , it’s got 2 wheels it’s a bike , I remember yrs ago when Ann summers invented the vibrator , it caused similar issues , electric motor , fingers not required , l o l cheeers Shane uk 🇬🇧
Nice work Alex. I'm not an Eman yet, maybe one day. I not sure I agree with the number of EBIKES sold as they are totally not green or planet saving. But then what is ? My second concern is what happens after the warranty runs out. The owner sells it and somebody else gets to cop the bill for all those electrical parts that cost a fortune. Oooh nasty.
I love my emtb. Trails that other people would have to push their bike up, I can ride it. Also being 52, nobody says a word to me about "cheating". Guess one nice thing about getting old
To me riding an Emtb is basically the same as scaling a crossfit wod. If people are choosing an mtb over emtb because of ego then it's going to make for one expensive ornament.
After disaster of 4 back surgeries…. I AM BACK EBIKES have allowed me to get back on my bike.. HALLELUJAH and the crap about you get no exercise… a TOTAL BUNCH OF 💩. Thanks to ebiking …. I AM BACK !!!!!!!
Hey would you not go in to detail with your Ebike MTB like the battery Watt horsepower it is maybe? Think if as someone maybe watching to get a Ebike like yours. A simple bit of useful information there.
@@wolfpack_adventures cheers for quick reply. I think having an ebike will get me back into mtbing too. Well hope so anyway. I’ve got to stop watching TH-cam and get out there though lol.
On my last ride local trails I noticed so many overweight people on Ebikes this can only be a good thing as they probably wouldn't exercise otherwise ,only problem is affordability ,splashing out $11000 dollars for one leaves me with a decision either go for a much cheaper second hand 250cc dirt bike ,or an Ebike !!
When you wanted a bike when you were ten years old, did you think you wanted it to get fit and ripped?...NO!...You wanted it for fun and freedom!...It's the same with e-bikes, so stop trying to guilt people I say to the naysayers.
Some very interesting points! I started with a full fat e-bike when I got into MTB because I lack the fitness. Would've quit if I didn't I think just the chore of going up hill. 6 months later got my self an analog bike and rode that around no worries. Now mates are on half fat ebikes so ended up getting one too. What are your thoughts on half ebikes? Are they still on different categories like full fat ebikes? These half fat ebikes have also been called gate way ebikes hahah just because they are quite similar in handling as analog bikes. Thoughts?
I've just got a lightweight ebike as I'm falling way behind my riding buddies in fitness terms and it was getting embarrassing to the point of me considering packing it in. My plan is to use the power as low as I need to get up the same hills at the same kind of speed. I like to suffer up hills so I don't want to get carried by power and there would be no point racing up the climbs in front of my non ebike mates. This will also help conserve the battery as I'm heavy. I am also conscious of the damage to some types of trail that high torque can do, especially during dry periods. I've heard tyres literacy ripping the surface up on inclines and they've become almost gravel and I wish people would think about that before just boosting up all climbs.
E Bike debate ended few years ago when a pro road team borrowed an eMTB from their corporate sister team for thier injured team member. They put drop bars and road rims on it and could not believe how much more quickly the team mate recovered not only from injury, but fast tracked training recovery time cause he had been riding with the team the whole time anyway. The injury recovery, rehab and positive effects of e bikes are proven, especially for older riders. Folks ride more often, ride longer and experience positive health impacts. Just get one or at very lest, test ride one because no one can explain it properly, you have to ride one time and then decide. I also refer to dirt bike riders (motorcycle). Have you seen them after a race or training? They are black and blue and sweating hard. Why? Cause manhandling a heavy bike is a work out unto itself at slow and fast speed. You do get a whole body workout, and they have an engine, no,pedaling
well regardless of this upload i can honestly say that yeah they must be good because every week i see more and more & to be fair i think i am going to buy a e-kit so i can use my bike for work as my journey to work & back is 30 miles & with a 9hr shift in the middle of all that, forgot to mention that on the way home it's a slight uphill all the way home & some days it's hard & that's coming from somebody who has cycled competitively & recreationaly for about 35 years & i don't like totally burning out because i have a 2nd job once home with helping out with kids and missis, I can't just get home & flake out on the sofa all night or day depending on what shift i'm on & shifts can batter you about sometimes to. so yeah I would like one & the reason I hav'nt already is the shear weight of the damn things, however a specialized has just come out with a small motor so it's lighter & this might be the one i purchase, as time goes on tech will get better, regarding fitness no i think it will be fine as they don't do all the work
Sorry Alex but no way can you do 4 ..5 full runs on Boost ! I've got the same bike so unless you have some super battery I'm missing out on something .
@@daveandmerlin when we ride on boost we go as fast as humanely possible so I wonder if even though the motor is working is for a relatively short time maybe? Idk how fast you go when you’re on boost? X
In a German Newspaper they Said, you burn more calories on an E-Bike because of the longer distances and Higher Speed. If you Drive the Same way, ofcourse the normal Bike is more Sporty....
Nice one. Thanks very much. Just a quick one do you know when they are realising the E -sommet VRS 2020. It looks bad ass in the New colour scheme and is tricked out in decent components.
Now I didn't buy my first E-bike until I turned 60. I have been mountain biking for over 35 years and anyone who thinks that you cannot get a workout on an Ebike is talking through their bum hole. No offence intended but it really is not true together with the myth that it is a motor bike. It is not. You still have to pedal that chunk of medal to get anywhere. The great thing about an EBike is you can turn the battery off and ride it without any assistance. I do that often on my trails and boy do I get a workout. I still have my normal hard tail and enjoy riding it like always. The real BONUS of an Ebike is that ( if you are short of time) you can blast around small training routes in turbo mode as fast as you can and be sweating your head off at the end off it. The versatility that it offers is endless. One word of warning though and this is very important. If you are a cross country biker and often ride alone like me then you need to be strong in order to lift an Ebike over gates and fences where necessary. They really are heavy but there is a good technique which involves lifting the bike at the front and rear from the lowest point possible. If you are with friends and not alone then this is not an issue as lifting the bike with the assistance of another is no problem. It is heavier going down hill but I find them far more planted than my much lighter hard tail. And finally if you are on a long cross country trail and exhausted there is no better feeling than switching to Turbo and blasting the final few miles. I don't always do that but sometimes it has been an absolute Godsend. Oh yes and going up steep sections that would be impossible on a normal mtb is soooo much fun. Cheers. Stoozer. 🤠
I dusted off my 1999 schwinn Moab this summer and got back into riding MTB. After 3 rides I started an internet search for a new “modern” MTB. I ended up with a specialized turbo Levo comp. As a 64 year old life long active adventurer with many many miles on trails, the EMTB is the most fun I have ever had in the woods!!!! The ability to climb has opened up my trail choices and given me the ambition to ride longer and that has ended up with me being in the best condition in 20 years. With my semi trashed knees from decades of skiing and a career as a carpenter, my EMTB has softened my pain after a ride, again giving me more ride time, more exercise, more of what I ride for. The only downsize is the price, but my health is …..priceless.
I bought myself an E-Bike at the end of August and all i can say is it's given me a new lease of life. I am a 50+ male not that fit but love to ride my bikes out in the hills, I am now riding 250-300 miles a month where as before i was only managing 75-100 miles a month on my Orange hardtail. I agree with all the points you've made about the positive side of riding. I also imagine many others find the mental health as well as the physical side a great reason to get out there. Great content Thanks .
Awesome. Enjoy my man.
I’ve had an ordinary mtb but found at 70 to be very hard work at times. I’ve tried riding in a group and struggled to keep up despite my younger friends say we’ll keep to your speed, it never happens.
A couple of months ago I bought a Cube reaction hybrid which has got me out again. I still get a good workout. The difference is when I struggle I can use the power, it also means I can go long distance without the worry of physically being knackered. I can now go out with my son in law and keep up and not slow him down.
So there is very definitely a place for emtb,s.
I bought one ,the another then two more, and finally just one more 22 trek rail 9.9 xtr I would never imagine how much time I would spend riding before I got an ebike, it allows me to ride
like Im 30 when Im actually 54. best thing I ve ever done.
get a bosch gen 4 shimano doesnt come close. and I spend at least 2 hours daily on ebike since I got in dec 2020
Some great insights
I've put over 15,000km on my 2019 Trek Powerfly 7, bought in April 2020. The Bosch DU let go after 11,000km but, replaced under warranty. If you ride as much as I do, it does get expensive as far as 'consumables' and maintenance goes but, I am addicted to the machine and love riding it almost everyday. I have lost over 20# and am in great shape for my age. Some bike related stuff on my channel
I am also one of the very oldies but I have not given up yet. I ride a Levo Comp 2020. This year, so far, I have covered 10,000 miles, (16,900 km) plus I still have almost a month to go. My longest ride on one fully charged 700-watt hour battery is 140 miles. I reduced the power down to 15% on eco and just worked harder. I really wanted to top 150 miles, but the light was going and I didn't have my lights with me. Regrettably, it doesn't say much for my forward planning. The motor was recently replaced at 12,500 miles of use under warranty in three days. I am delighted with its performance and the hours of fun it has delivered to me. yesterday I rode up a flight of 10 concrete steps for the first time. Even at my time of life, there can still be firsts.
Wow! Some big miles there! Fair play Paul
I recently switched to Ebikes Aug 2021, my reason for switching is due to having athritic knees I been a avid non ebike rider for 25years and felt it was time for a change due to my condition.
Having a ebike in my opinion helps with recovery, fitness and also makes riding more enjoyable. Getting a ebike is down to personal choice at end of the day there's no right or wrong in getting a ebike and as u said Ebikes are for everyone :)
The thing people misunderstand with e-bike fitness is that you are actually required to pedal to keep the bike moving. You can't put in an a hard effort and get to coast for a bit. If you stop pedaling, the bike will slow down VERY quickly due to the weight. I used to commute on mine 2 hours a day and that was 2 hours of _constant_ pedaling. They may flatten out the hills, but you still have to put in the work.
As one of the oldies at 64 I have been riding mountain bikes for 30 years and recently bought an ebike. I am in no doubt that rides are just as challenging and as I now regularly ride for twice the distance as I did previously the rewards are tangible allowing big days out and still able to go out next day and do it again. The naysayers are almost entirely those who have never tried one and once they do generally change their mind. How many of us mountain bike to slog uphill apart from the fitness fanatics when you can equally have fun and flow on the climbs as well as the descents.
Anyone who has ever challenged me has not got an E-bike / or has never ridden one lol. It's ironic really.
I’m in the similar position to you. I used to compete in mountain bike races 30 years ago,
at 58 years old now I have recently bought an ebike.
So I am finding I’m relearning about being able to push the bikes limits much further than I used to
and I am loving it. Best thing I have done for sure for a quite a while.👍
I think if people had the money everyone would have one even if it was just as a 2nd bike, gives you more options and extends your range IMO...as one of the people who doesn't have the money for one :P
I am a 6'3" 23st 60 year old, I have ridden a manual MTB for years, I got an eBike 2 years ago and now ride further, faster and more often than I ever used to. Although the overall effort is lower I do a lot more moderate level exercise, I used to average only 800 miles annually now I am doing 2000 miles annually. In addition the Mrs and I can enjoy rides together, I jog along in ECO mode while she keeps up in Tour or EMTB mode, prior to E-Bikes I was forever waiting for her to catch up.
@@Bigginger61 Another thing is us "well built people" the extra bike weight isn't as much of an increase by percentage.
I've been biking all my life on and off, progressed to doing big jumps, downhill tracks etc etc, around 3 years ago I started to back off and go more xc on my trusty Anthem as I felt I was getting too old for the jumps and silly stuff, all my mates got e-bikes and I got left behind on every trail, I took the plunge and bought my e bike in March and it's the best thing I've purchased.
The weight takes some getting used too but I have found that this is a blessing I'm going faster down the trails and doing jumps again, even though it's a e bike it's hard work to ride it fast downhill, yes the ups are a lot easier but on the flat or downhill it's a proper workout.
One thing I wish I'd done differently is spending a little bit more for decent forks, mine came with Rockshox Recon which did the job but I've upgraded to Fox 36 Rhythm and the bike is a complete monster, changed the aircan on the rear shock to the Megneg and again this transformed the bike.
I bought a Focus Jam, I should have bought a Focus Sam
I'm approaching 52 but I feel 18 again thanks to my e-bike.
E160 /500 absolutely 💯👌 ,got my wife one too and now she rides with me on track n trails .so win win situation.
Fitness don't believe those that have never tried one .
You're still out there doing the rides 100 %.
My wife and I are both 55 and had pretty much given up riding, but after getting our first E-Bikes in August this year and putting over 1000km on them we are true converts! So much so we have now upgraded to new models, ones that will allow us to go more off road - the first ones we got were more commuter bikes. We are both hooked and ride at least 3 to 4 times a week. And I can say from experience that you still get a good work out on an E-bike, put it in Eco mode and ride 30 to 40 kms at speed and you’ll know what I mean! Great video too, very thoughtful 😊. Cheers from NZ
Very good video, I own a EMTB for 2 years and all those guys saying E-bikes are for lazy people should think twice, i lost 30 pounds by using my ebike 3 x a week on a local trail. It makes mtb so mush more fun and thats the reason you do it more often. and you can self decide if you do a heavy workout in ECO or a fun one in TURBO. also one thing most people forget is that you put the same effort in rinding on an Ebike than with a normal MTB but in the end you ride faster on an Ebike than on a normal MTB but the training was the same.
another thing is that for me EMTB is more training "Technical" then conditional because of the speed you get in the forrest.
Nah, not true, everybody’s gotta do what works for them. But I’ll take my personal power knowing that without assistance, I can ride 30-50 miles in a day not problem, have a good sleep, and do it again.
I run ultras too, so biking is a lot easier.
As it’’s ok to say I’m not having as much fun, it’s ok to admit that you don’t want to work as hard as I do.
When I hit 65 y/o I may get one. At 50, I’m good.
Have fun tho either way, but don’t judge.
This was a great review. I am older 60+ and I love mountain biking, but I’m only able to go so far then have to turn around before I want to be done. So much more territory to explore and want to peddle all day and not regret it tomorrow!
Couldn't agree more! Great to hear you getting out and enjoying riding!!
Been riding ebikes for a couple of years now. I ride the same trails as my regular bike. I collect all my ride data every ride. On the bike my max heart rate is about 10 bpm lower but my average is about about 10 bpm higher than a regular bike. Also, I burn the same calories or more as a regular bike...even on a similar length ride. I find I can ride more often per week on the ebike. I can say for me, a former wannabe fast guy, that ebike have rejuvenated my desire to ride and lose weight (36 lbs over the Covid lockdowns), my high blood pressure is lower, I feel like a much younger man again.
Everyone will own an ebike sooner or later I heard the same arguments with "click" shifting, front suspension, full suspension, double front rings, single front rings, 29ers, etc...yep, been around the sport for a long time. I am stoked to have gotten an ebike.
Totally agree 100% with what you say. I bought a gepida ruga 10 ebike 2 years ago ( no laughing its got top quality kit 😀) and I've covered over 2500 miles. I normally do mixed use trails on old railway lines and some country roads in hilly south devon with a elevation gain of 2700 feet. Coypool to princetown on deepest darkest dartmoor is a fav of mine.
My dad was so impressed he went out and bought himself one . A 75 year old pensioner who is of average fitness can now ride A 25 mile round trip breaking a sweat keeping himself fit but not having a heart attack.
Had my ebike for just over a year now and it's been great, over 2000 miles and loads of great rides that I wouldn't have bothered doing if I'd bought an acoustic mtb and I'm reasonably fit. Now I occasionally use an acoustic mtb for short rides but to be honest it's not as good as doing an all day ride on the ebike and I'm loads fitter than I was.
Amazing to hear - echo everything you're saying!
Everything you say is spot on. I have a Specialized Turbo Levo Comp. The bike is Amazing. I control my own workout and can suffer as much as i want when i want. When riding on the flat roads and slight elevation changes, rolling hills i choose to not use any pedal assist, power. This is where you can get your workout and control your own fitness. This E-bike weighs about 15 to 17 pounds more than a standard mountain bike. When it comes to loose dirt, rocky hills, and i say can i make it up this knarly hill? I throw the bike in Turbo and blast rite up it, in most cases. This is where the fun is at. I look at it like riding trials, specially when coming down some of these hills. I have ridden motocross for the past 17 years and still enjoy it a lot. This is an extension of the dirt bike and trials riding very much. I appreciate your content and break down. Keep it coming.
Glad you enjoyed the video Robert! Agree with what you're saying, and love how you talk about 'controlling your own workout!' So true
New to e-mtb myself. I was worried about becoming lazy. Interesting to note that my peak heart rate and my average heart rate across my rides so far have been the same as on my regular bike. The only difference is I'm out for much longer so my overall calorie burn is significantly higher. I have a pedaling cadence that I'm comfortable at, and I use the power of the motor to allow me to keep this cadence uphill. It makes the hill's easier and less stress on my legs, but I'm still working.
Slight confession, I am most tempted to use max assist on boring ride segments that I just want out of the way. Perfect!
This is spot on, exactly how I fell after buying a ebike! So much fun and you can work as hard as you want to. Riding with your mates without ebike put it in eco and don’t lead.
Yes! Exactly
Bike Park Wales had no uplift availability. We did four complete climbs (Beast of Burden), four descents on eBikes and we were knackered. Not only was that workout, we might have only done two on our analog bikes. You can just ‘ride more’ - but I’m not selling my full carbon enduro bike any time soon
I've been ridning mountainbikes since 2012 and got my first e-bike this summer. And my skills has just gone skyrocketed! I can go for longer rides, take on more difficult trails and be out for several hours. I absolutely love it and it has given me a new big spark to continue ridning with a smile on my face :D
I'm 63 and I feel the exact same way! I love my RadRover 6 plus I even brought my wife one.
@@masterpdj2623 Sweet! Your wife is lucky :D
Brilliant piece thanks folks I have been mtbing for 30 yrs or so ridden in France, Italy , Wales done the Megavalanche route on a hardtail . But I have Huntington's disease and that and my mates all being younger than me is I am suffering now from unfit fat bloke at the back syndrome. They are very kind and they have suggested I get ebiked up so I will now go head and take the leap. THANKYOU. Also it will mean I can act as a guide to new bikers and show them the local trails that I know around here in the Chilterns.
Really good points raised in this 👍🏼 totally agree. Some of the group I ride with are seriously strong climbers on their normal bikes, both men & women. Not a chance I would ever keep up with them on the climbs, or be in any fit state for a while, to then hit the descents. Ebike has changed my whole riding, and progressed so much more since getting it 👍🏼
Great video
Stoked you're seeing the massive gains Ebikes can offer!
Great video brother,
Thank you so much,
And I have to tell you as I read the comments, it just gives you a great feeling to know that people are grasping onto something huge. And it's so positive in every respect .
Agree with what You are saying, I have both an EBike and enduro rig. I use the ebike for after work laps and getting more mileage in, but I still ride the none ebike all the time. Currently out in Finale Ligure on the EB, so glad I brought it I can get out every day for around 25 miles per charge and around 4000ft elevation gain 👊 plus not tired so can ride every day
After 20 y of mtb, moved 6 months ago to e-bike, not a full fat, to keep otiginal mtb feeling.
I am converted,no regret, still my buddies on the ride. On solo rides I push harder myself getting addicted to speed, so cardio isn’t gone but strengthen. True when riding with friends that even on eco mode it’s more like a tour, propbably need to lower assist on eco, but hey that’s the learning curve. I am now 50 and my choice was not related to fit or else, but I am also a geek on new tech 😄
Love it!
I used to be a cycling marathoner, and we recently cleaned out our extra bikes because we had eleven of them (just five now). Last year my wife bought me an e-bike of my choosing, and I fell in love. I get better workout than before if I want, or if the goal is to take in the fresh air and scenery without breaking a sweat, I can do that as well. The whole "How dare you ride for any other purpose than exercise!" attitude comes out of arrogance, and perhaps the sheer terror of getting one's ego bruised. But, most people are welcoming and friendly, and the occasional attitudes seem to come from middle aged men who feel they still have to prove themselves. I can say that I ride a LOT more now, and have ridden my e-bike 8,000 km in one year.
Best explanation comparing EMTB to MTB I have heard thus far, thank you. I am nearly 70 years old and truly enjoy my MTB but I believe a bit of assistance up hill would help me get more pleasure on the trails. Obviously I don’t ride like younger people, but I still like to be outside.
Glad it was helpful! And glad you're getting out -- hey, it's ALL about having FUN. Who cares about speed, steeze, and style? Bikes are just flat-out fun :)
Only took up going on the trails September last year, bought a Levo comp, 50yrs old was unfit, not long after got bike I was at glentress 5 days in a row to practice, I mean all day down there for 5 day’s, on day’s out group of us going out for the whole day, you can change settings to get a good workout too, heavy bikes so you do feel it after a day’s riding, my shoulders & chest feel it next day after inners & Golfie day out, each to there own but I’m happy with mine, great video you put up with key points 👍
Really appreciated your view on an eMTB allowing you to double up on a weights day workout as an example, when I do find I'm often sore and find excuses not to go out and do a MTB ride. I could do that in my 20's and 30's, but now in my 50's, well it's not really happening anymore!! Very interesting observation, and something I had not considered. An excellent follow up review, well done fella!!
Great insight for folks to consider,I've had my Mondraker crafty R for 5 months now and it's only in the last few weeks I can honestly say I'm now comfortable on it.. it's a big difference to analogue for sure but now I love it.. shame about Arwen closing the tweed valley ATM tho.. although Caidmure seems to have coped well with it
Very insightful! Best I've heard so far.
I ride an Ebike. It is as you say, a different type of ride. Nowadays I often call my rides for doing Exploring. I do longer rides and explore more places from the saddle. I also carry a spare battery to manage a full day.
Great to hear you're loving Ebikes too!
Great video. I have two ebikes. A Specialized Vado 5.0, and a Reese and Muller Super Delite. Love them both. I ride with my Belgian Malinois everyday.
By the way, I’m 65.
Great video.....and great comments that reflect my findings. At 70....my wife and I were avid MTB riders at the start of the sport...but gradually fell away from the activity. We bought new e-bikes in August and haven't gone a day since without a trail ride. It's rekindled our passion. My wife tracks her pulse and she topped out at 171 bpm the other day so don't tell me we're not getting exercise. She put it best for me when she said it's like going downhill skiing and either walking up....or taking the lift. We cover three times more terrain with subsequent pleasure by taking the "lift"..
Bought my ebike 2017. Now riding 10 times more km than on my acoustic bike before. Im not that old but where i live its not flat so i enjoy the Extra Power up Hill and use the bike for everything all year. One of the best inventions in my life time i could experience.
I had an eBike for just a few months and it just didn't gel with me so I sold it. You have helped me to figure out why I didn't like it is because of the different riding style needed compared to a 'meBike'. Also I could tell that it was going to break and wear things quickly. Lastly, as a 63yr old with a heart condition I need cardio vascular in my exercise regime and I wasn't getting it. Now I have gone back to the old 2017 Giant trance. Epic meBike!
Ive been riding mountain bikes for 34 years now, im seriously thinking of having a go of the dark side, your video has answered many of my questions thanks great content very informative.
I've been on the ebike for 3 years now, I never used to see another ebike at The Golfie and encountered a fair bit of negativity, now it's more unusual to see an acoustic bike down there. I used to shrug it off and just say it's like their toy, only different, I didn't go on the hate wagon when 29ers became a thing, I embraced that too. It's all about getting out and having fun, more miles gives you more smiles 😊.
More miles = more smiles! Love it
I did the Bosh E challenge at Tweed love this year and oh boy was it hard in places. The first up hill timed section was longer than most folk were expecting! A true work out.
I was lucky enough to get my dream Trek Rail 5 e-bike for my 50th birthday in 2020, I’m not as fit as I used to be after getting a hip replacement back in 2018 (due to motorbike injury) and I couldn’t keep up with my boys out on the trails and climbs. This bike has changed my life and now I’m back in the thick of it, so much so back in August we spent a scorching week in Fort William, and yes I took my Trek e-bike down the famous World Cup track, not that I needed to cycle up as the gondola multi pass was only £34. There are no negatives getting one of these.
U hit the nail on the head with the moto x comparison, it's 30 yrs since my last moto x bike but 1st time out on my emtb took me back to that planted feel moto gives u and I'm enjoying my riding now more than ever.....not great when I ran out of battery 5 miles from home once tho 😳
I have absolutely no regrets about getting an ebike , in fact it was my non ebiking friends that convinced me to get an ebike.
I got my Stoke back when I got one 🙂.
For me it’s the best biking decision I’ve made, I enjoy mountain biking again. I still get a good workout but I’m not wrecking myself every time I go out and I can enjoy the downhill bits. Only thing is cause I’m hitting stuff faster than before I keep crashing 🤣🤣🤣. Should of bought one years ago 👌👌
I think that because you do CrossFit, your able to go out and enjoy the ride by going further and not burning yourself out. I use my bike (not an e-bike) for my main source of fitness. Doesn’t bother me who’s got an e-bike and why.
Had ebike 5 years . 1600 miles in 1 year . 3 to 5 hrs a week . That is 3 to 5 hrs not on sofa . Was hardcore biker now just happy to get out and enjoy fresh air and company of mates . It's better to be out than in . Simple
AMAZING to hear Nic!
Love this video, completely echos my and my wife’s ebike experience.
Great to hear Bryan!
I’m 35 and love my Levo sl. Got me riding my bike again
That's unreal!
I have the normal Sommet whilst my brother has the Nukeproof Megawatt (which appears to be identical to the e-Sommet) and you're spot on with the difference in riding dynamic. The only "issue" with eMTBs is that you feel like you're holding the group back if you're the only rider at a trail centre without one; and by that I mean making everybody wait for you at the top of the climb whilst you cough your lungs up catching up.
In terms of riding dynamics, downhill is no contest, you're faster on the lighter man-powered enduro/ downhill rigs, both in terms of pace and braking. That's not to say e-bikes are slow or not as fun downhill, it's just there's more weight to manage and you have to adjust your riding to suit that. If you're a fit guy, you're probably faster in situations that do not require the e-assistance as well, as once you're over that 15.5mph limit, you've got all of the cons of an eMTB to deal with, but none of the pros.
As alluded to in the video, eMTBs are best it you just want to get in as many runs at a trail centre as possible, that's where they shine. I'd say 90% of the mountain bikes people ride at my local trail centre are e-bikes and I honestly wish I had one specifically for places like it. That being said, go to somewhere like Rogate or Windhill and you'll mostly see long travel carbon enduro rigs. With that in mind, I think normal mountain bikes are safe until the battery technology goes on a diet. The day a "full-fat" a-mountain bikes weighs the same is when normal MTBs become a thing of the past.
Started riding ebike 3 yrs ago after giving up a career of racing motocross/cross country/enduros. Tried mtb’s but they are so slow it was boring for me to ride. Took a ride on an emtb and holy shit it felt so similar to off-road dirt biking I bought one.
I now have almost 6,000 miles on mine. Tires, chains, and brake pads, same as for a dirt bike so nothing new there for me. I race mine, ride with others with skills ranging from beginner to pro level. These bikes allow you to do it all.
You can turn the power off and get a leg work no 24 pd mtb can provide, or turn on the boost and get a super fast cardio ride that again no mtb can approach. People that dish them have no clue what they are talking about. They are just flapping their lips.
Excellent vid Alex, some great points made. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it Ken!
Love our E-Bikes 😁👍
Agree with all your thoughts there. I just laugh at all the dumb comments about cheating etc 😆😆
If they get more people out and enjoying the countryside at any level then they’ve gotta be good.
Great vid Alex. I want an eeeb and hoping that with more people riding them the pricing with drop in the next couple of years. I’m sold though
Few days ago I've made my own ebike myself. My dad laughed at me that I won't even have to pedal anymore (which is true) and I won't get fit anyhow with it. I laughed at him back saying that he has a regular bike that he uses twice a year.
For me getting an ebike was some sort of motivation to go out. You don't have to take the car anymore to get to the nearest forest (that's my case), you just hop on the road and enjoy the trip + even if I don't have to I still want to put some effort into it.
Got a Kenevo SL, I would like to think I’m pretty fit I go trail running, hiking, SUP etc as well as some gym stuff and I can say having used my bike I still felt like I’d done a hard days riding when out on it because, as you say, you go further and do more! My bikes not a full fat and you could pretty much ride it without the assist, it just gives you a cushion to gather yourself on the climbs and makes them fun! I don’t ride as much as I would like and have quite big gaps between rides due to work so the bike gives me a hand getting back into it!👍🏻 I was at Cwmcarn on Sunday, pretty rammed, I only saw around 10 normal bikes!😳
I'm 63, been riding for quite a few years but find with an ebike l can go trail riding all day without feeling spent l still ride my FS MTB and l ride motorbikes.
Ebikes are insane. Anyone slagging them off or doubting them, Try one, And see if you have the same thoughts afterwards!
I have a cube e160 action team and I love it to bits I feel it’s more stable you can throw it around hard and for climbing find it more fun with your mates as you can play games on the way up each other and it’s your personal fly up
My other two bikes are
Canyon sender DH
Cube 160
Interesting comment about punctures.
I have only suffered from thorn damage and flint slashes, which inserts wouldn't help with.
Yes, the battery will go a very long way (over 60 miles on mine) if you pedal with a non Ebike friend.
My CV is slightly worse than before, but my legs are quite a bit bigger.
I've had a few punctures when not using tyre inserts - that's why I always use them now! These are the ones I use www.rimpactmtb.com/
@@wolfpack_adventures
You ride much bigger terrain, harder and with more skill than I do, so you are getting a different type of puncture. Mine are sharp objects (like flints) slashing or actualy stabbing quite large holes in my tyres :(
My last puncture actually had a flap of tyre waving around in the stream of air and sealant rushing out my rear tyre :(
Good to hear another real life review of what ebikes are like. You can get the fitness, you can beast your cardio on one but it also allows you to enjoy the ups as a trail, get more laps in, ride more downs. They do ride different compared to naturally aspirated bikes. After my year of use on my cube stereo 160 ebike I have done 1750km and the list of parts replaced are Maxxis tyres after 400km. The vittoria tyres I replaced with are still like new! 4 sets of brake pads. 3 chains and a cassette.
Glad you enjoyed the video! I've worn through a fair few components too
I'm 42, I think or 43 anyway I love mountain biking always have always will, but as I've gotten older I don't go out half as much anymore, especially if it's windy and living in Scotland, it's all hills and windy so I'm all for an Ebike, altho a year ago I hated them and was so far from the Ebike fence I was on another planet, now I can't wait to get a vitus E sommet, I won't to keep my old slightly modified saracen raw2 if I can but wanting to go out isn't thar as much cos it's just a struggle so I'm willing to sell my raw2 to help me get a vitus, if I can keep my raw2 then it can be hung on wall, as retired haha it tuck me along time to get it ide love to keep it but needs musts, I need to get out more like i use to, and I'm not into it as much it's just too much of a struggle being an old heavy 15 year old bike, a vitus will more than put the kick back into biking again.
You’ll looovveee the ESommet, we can’t get enough of ours 😍
I'm in the old person bracket (69) and iv'e been riding for 50+ years , as i got older i wasn't riding so much and shorter distancers . I got a rear hub drive wheel and converted my old MTB to an E-bike , now i ride a lot more and further (30/50ks) . Okay it's easier to ride but your still getting more exercise than not riding much at all , you still have to put a lot of effort in so new lease of riding for me :-)
Are you sure you got those climbing figures right?
I have the same bike weigh 11stone and also ride the Golfie.
Only managed 7000 feet climbing in eco in the summer when it was dry.
Your Eco was saying 11800 feet?
In trail its more like 5000 feet for me.
Comparison video with some side by side and what the differences are at the time - planted, braking earlier, acceleration, pedaling faster than the limit etc could be cool. I have an emtb and think its as hard work as you choose it to be. Can't beat a power hour tho ⚡
Note taken - maybe a video for the future
I'm looking to get a ebike and trying to get as much info as possible and this vidio was brilliant and so informative. Well done.
The music did my head in though. But still worth watching.
I have a lot of friends now with e-bikes, and they buy them mainly for getting that extra time in due to work, i am 52 and have borrowed some of these bikes for a couple of rides, and still did not gel with one, i get the idea and see the advantages, but i would rather spend money on one good bike that i can use for everything, at home and take to holidays etc.
To have a second e-bike would be a big extra expense, plus when we go out with groups on the bikes, as there is a mix, its just a case of the guys on the e-bikes waiting a extra couple of mins at the top.
I can definitely see me getting one as i get older and i am no longer able to push it like i can now, and technology will be so much better for them by then.
Really good video mate. First time I’ve checked you out and a very balanced review. Was a bit concerned as you mention riding up a path that was steep. I ride MYB and go walking a lot and one of the things I’ve really noticed is that E mtb has allowed or encouraged bike riders to go on footpaths/ which is a civil offence and not to be either filmed or promoted. Otherwise great video. Cheers
I got e-bike last spring and I did 2800km on it in mountains. Best time of my life. I am young but I was too heavy... Now I am thinking about buying normal bike... But It is so much fun on E-bike... You can climb walk trails uphills 😊
Just do more miles on your Ebike!
Hi, At the start of the video you said your mileage had been reset, did they fit a new motor? If not why did they reset the mileage? Thanks
Correct, I had a new motor fitted - mine kept kicking up an "A101" Error message. So the bike shop sent it off to be replaced under warranty - fairly common for a Shimano EP8 motor, as I'm discovering.
Just don’t have the budget but if and when I do I will be all over the ebike. Great edit 👍🔥🏴
I bought an e bike after I damaged my knee I had to sell my orange P7 but I will be totally my e bike is extremely heavy compared to a normal mountain bike but soon as your riding it it feels just the same as a no electric bike but it’s fast down hill and takes loads of strain of the joints
Bought aTrek Rail 9.8 last week! I also own the Trek Fuel Ex 9.8👍 Absolutely love both and will continue to ride both. What a blast the Rail is!!
Glad you're having a blast!
I remember when yrs ago racing moto my friends would say how hard is that?
My point being is it's a 200 lb bike with a motor which tanks you,
An ebike I could see somewhat like that, heavier than a MTB bike but still a handful on the way down, which like you said is taxing, just not sold on ebikes yet
Give it a few more years when ebikes have better technology etc, and I think the majority of riders will make the switch - it's a complete no brainer
Great video and some good points. However , I must disagree with you on the lack cardio vascular on an ebike. I ride in eco most of the time and i push myself when riding, often at the end of the ride i have provided over 50% of the power.
Another couple of tips for riding with non-ebike friends, i carry a bungee cord so that i can tow them up steep or long climbs and on the flat i turn off my motor and ride an it as a MTB.
Keep up the vids.
Thanks Peter - Glad you enjoyed the video, appreciate your feedback!
I think the ebikes allow you to ride more. Not for lazy people at all. I don't own one but I hired one at Whinlatter an did the red loop in 1/3rd of the time it took on a regular bike. If I could afford one, that's 3 times more fun and 3 times more distance so you still get a workout but with more fun. 😉🤙👌
Agree! They just allow you to ride more... which you could say equals more FUN
I have a cheap ebike Carrara Vulcan , an expensive full sus would be wasted on me , I’m the old unfit geezer people talk about , I’ve had 2 heart attacks , 4 yrs ago , in my opinion, you can have a great work out if you want one , turn the power down that will make you pedal hard , even on the flats , I’m on beta blockers so my heart won’t allow me to do what I want , however I can still do a few miles with my fit friends , can’t be bad , it’s got 2 wheels it’s a bike , I remember yrs ago when Ann summers invented the vibrator , it caused similar issues , electric motor , fingers not required , l o l cheeers Shane uk 🇬🇧
LOL That made me laugh Shane!
Nice work Alex. I'm not an Eman yet, maybe one day. I not sure I agree with the number of EBIKES sold as they are totally not green or planet saving. But then what is ? My second concern is what happens after the warranty runs out. The owner sells it and somebody else gets to cop the bill for all those electrical parts that cost a fortune. Oooh nasty.
I love my emtb. Trails that other people would have to push their bike up, I can ride it. Also being 52, nobody says a word to me about "cheating". Guess one nice thing about getting old
I agree, I get loads more riding done in a given time. I put in just as much effort in climbing as my normal bike but reach the top in half the time.
To me riding an Emtb is basically the same as scaling a crossfit wod. If people are choosing an mtb over emtb because of ego then it's going to make for one expensive ornament.
After disaster of 4 back surgeries…. I AM BACK
EBIKES have allowed me to get back on my bike.. HALLELUJAH
and the crap about you get no exercise… a TOTAL BUNCH OF 💩. Thanks to ebiking ….
I AM BACK !!!!!!!
Back with a BANG it sounds like! Stoked you're enjoying being out and riding :)
Hey would you not go in to detail with your Ebike MTB like the battery Watt horsepower it is maybe? Think if as someone maybe watching to get a Ebike like yours.
A simple bit of useful information there.
What full suspension ebike would suit me for normal trail riding? Thanks. Looking at a sommet vrs at the moment.
Nice vid. Interested to know how much time compared to your regular mtb you used the ebike in the last 6 months? Cheers
Probably a split of 60/40 - especially during the recent winter months.
Ebikes are just easier to get out on and get bike time in
@@wolfpack_adventures cheers for quick reply. I think having an ebike will get me back into mtbing too. Well hope so anyway. I’ve got to stop watching TH-cam and get out there though lol.
On my last ride local trails I noticed so many overweight people on Ebikes this can only be a good thing as they probably wouldn't exercise otherwise ,only problem is affordability ,splashing out $11000 dollars for one leaves me with a decision either go for a much cheaper second hand 250cc dirt bike ,or an Ebike !!
When you wanted a bike when you were ten years old, did you think you wanted it to get fit and ripped?...NO!...You wanted it for fun and freedom!...It's the same with e-bikes, so stop trying to guilt people I say to the naysayers.
So much YES! We bike primarily for FUn
I take my ebike to more places and more often than I ever took my mountain bike, trail bike or trials bike!
I boughts a ebicke it da funniest eveers. its has a himpressure reductuer inpull sensor activation. You wont be disappoints bruu
What size do you guys ride? I’m at the top end of a small and bottom end of a medium and not sure what to go for?
Alex is 6'1 and rides a Large
Amanda is 5'11 and rides a Medium :)
@@wolfpack_adventures wicked thanks 🤘🏻
Some very interesting points! I started with a full fat e-bike when I got into MTB because I lack the fitness. Would've quit if I didn't I think just the chore of going up hill. 6 months later got my self an analog bike and rode that around no worries. Now mates are on half fat ebikes so ended up getting one too. What are your thoughts on half ebikes? Are they still on different categories like full fat ebikes? These half fat ebikes have also been called gate way ebikes hahah just because they are quite similar in handling as analog bikes. Thoughts?
I've just got a lightweight ebike as I'm falling way behind my riding buddies in fitness terms and it was getting embarrassing to the point of me considering packing it in. My plan is to use the power as low as I need to get up the same hills at the same kind of speed. I like to suffer up hills so I don't want to get carried by power and there would be no point racing up the climbs in front of my non ebike mates. This will also help conserve the battery as I'm heavy.
I am also conscious of the damage to some types of trail that high torque can do, especially during dry periods. I've heard tyres literacy ripping the surface up on inclines and they've become almost gravel and I wish people would think about that before just boosting up all climbs.
do you like E bike or manual bike, Mr WP
E Bike debate ended few years ago when a pro road team borrowed an eMTB from their corporate sister team for thier injured team member. They put drop bars and road rims on it and could not believe how much more quickly the team mate recovered not only from injury, but fast tracked training recovery time cause he had been riding with the team the whole time anyway. The injury recovery, rehab and positive effects of e bikes are proven, especially for older riders. Folks ride more often, ride longer and experience positive health impacts. Just get one or at very lest, test ride one because no one can explain it properly, you have to ride one time and then decide. I also refer to dirt bike riders (motorcycle). Have you seen them after a race or training? They are black and blue and sweating hard. Why? Cause manhandling a heavy bike is a work out unto itself at slow and fast speed. You do get a whole body workout, and they have an engine, no,pedaling
well regardless of this upload i can honestly say that yeah they must be good because every week i see more and more & to be fair i think i am going to buy a e-kit so i can use my bike for work as my journey to work & back is 30 miles & with a 9hr shift in the middle of all that, forgot to mention that on the way home it's a slight uphill all the way home & some days it's hard & that's coming from somebody who has cycled competitively & recreationaly for about 35 years & i don't like totally burning out because i have a 2nd job once home with helping out with kids and missis, I can't just get home & flake out on the sofa all night or day depending on what shift i'm on & shifts can batter you about sometimes to. so yeah I would like one & the reason I hav'nt already is the shear weight of the damn things, however a specialized has just come out with a small motor so it's lighter & this might be the one i purchase, as time goes on tech will get better, regarding fitness no i think it will be fine as they don't do all the work
Sorry Alex but no way can you do 4 ..5 full runs on Boost ! I've got the same bike so unless you have some super battery I'm missing out on something .
I’m just talking from experience, that’s what I’ve done riding at the Golfie 👍
@@wolfpack_adventures fair play thats exactly where I've ridden ....I'm probably doing something wrong ! .
@@daveandmerlin when we ride on boost we go as fast as humanely possible so I wonder if even though the motor is working is for a relatively short time maybe? Idk how fast you go when you’re on boost? X
In a German Newspaper they Said, you burn more calories on an E-Bike because of the longer distances and Higher Speed. If you Drive the Same way, ofcourse the normal Bike is more Sporty....
Where's the link for the rimpact
www.rimpactmtb.com/ use code 'WOLF10'
Nice one. Thanks very much. Just a quick one do you know when they are realising the E -sommet VRS 2020. It looks bad ass in the New colour scheme and is tricked out in decent components.
I ment 2022 🤦♂️
Love night shifts me.....
Ebikes or none bikes, the most important thing is having fun.😁
FUN = THE #1 GOAL!
Agreed, I got a gt force e delivered last week it was a complete tank! Sent back Marin alpine instead glad I did.
Now I didn't buy my first E-bike until I turned 60. I have been mountain biking for over 35 years and anyone who thinks that you cannot get a workout on an Ebike is talking through their bum hole. No offence intended but it really is not true together with the myth that it is a motor bike. It is not. You still have to pedal that chunk of medal to get anywhere. The great thing about an EBike is you can turn the battery off and ride it without any assistance. I do that often on my trails and boy do I get a workout. I still have my normal hard tail and enjoy riding it like always. The real BONUS of an Ebike is that ( if you are short of time) you can blast around small training routes in turbo mode as fast as you can and be sweating your head off at the end off it. The versatility that it offers is endless. One word of warning though and this is very important. If you are a cross country biker and often ride alone like me then you need to be strong in order to lift an Ebike over gates and fences where necessary. They really are heavy but there is a good technique which involves lifting the bike at the front and rear from the lowest point possible. If you are with friends and not alone then this is not an issue as lifting the bike with the assistance of another is no problem. It is heavier going down hill but I find them far more planted than my much lighter hard tail. And finally if you are on a long cross country trail and exhausted there is no better feeling than switching to Turbo and blasting the final few miles. I don't always do that but sometimes it has been an absolute Godsend. Oh yes and going up steep sections that would be impossible on a normal mtb is soooo much fun. Cheers. Stoozer. 🤠
I ride my e bike with no power assist to keep fit.
Fair play! I prefer boost lol