In 2018 Singletracks surveyed readers and found that 85% of respondents had never ridden an electric mountain bike. Well, it’s been three years so we’re curious to know if things have changed.
For those who have tried it, what do you think? Tell us in the comments below.
11 Comments
Mar 29, 2021
Current bike is the Specialized Levo SL, a dramatic change from the Spesh turbo Levo 6Fattie. Yes, I have to work harder on the climbs (but still easier than on muscle bike) but the downhill is divine! I also get the best workout in gorgeous back-country.
At 71 years old I reckon I've earned it and the choice of the less powerful Levo SL is pretty much about right for me. There are plenty of my age who ride the bigger, more powerful machines but they don't get as far with out very heavy (about 3kg) spare batteries and they miss out on the playful descent.
I'll leave it at that for now. Hoping it's useful.
Apr 11, 2021
Mar 30, 2021
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Mar 28, 2021
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Mar 29, 2021
I am all for the ebike since a very close friend had purchased one following the resection of his aorta. The guy tried to go John Ritter but got freakin lucky that the aneurism of the aorta was discovered during another diagnostic procedure. Back to the ebike... I took it for a test ride and it was like the difference between a 2.3l 4 banger vs. an 8l big block! The acceleration and speed was a blast! My buddy hacked the speed governor at one point and that bicycle hauled ass! Frankly, I get burned out by the dimwts that think these are "motorcycles". I would gladly find it true if these bicycles had the power that a true electric dirtbike has... A Bafang 620 has ~160 Nm torque where a dirtbike has far, far more torque than that! So did my KTM 325 2 stroke with a cast iron piston in the hole! Hauls ass, sure but there is something called respect and courtesy, terms that most cannot conceive in todays climate.
Mar 29, 2021
I foresee eBikes getting grouped with motorcycles and trail access being restricted as prices drop, because... well.. they are motor driven cycles. Non-cyclists already see mountain bikers as reckless and adding a motor they are basically a danger to society :D
I witnessed in the 90's single track access get revoked in the SF Bay Area due to interactions with bikes and hikers. I feel motorization only increases these poor interactions on single track (people riding fast uphill and feeling entitled to right of way).
Nothing against ebikes but I hope they are ridden responsibly on single track trails otherwise they do risk getting access revoked for ebikes and possibly general bike access too.