Ok, first post here but likely not my last.
After de-mothballing an antique of a GT (XCR3000) I've found a few things - aside from getting it back on the road (tyres, tubes, bit of freeing up, lubrication and grease) most of the gear parts are well on their way, it's now very old tech (15 years old) and heavy for a full suspension bike with no E-Drive but after 30 miles of trail plus canal tow path with some friends my biggest issue with it and cycling is my knackered knee (patella tracking), it went after about 25 miles and the ride was painful, up hills I had to walk it up at the end whilst using it as a crutch and a week and a half on its still painful so traditional cycling is going to be tough and likely stupid on my part.
But I'm not one to give up, I've got the bug back that saw me put a hell of a lot of miles on my old GT (I do love that bike and will be gutted to see it go after all this time) and I've got some vouchers through work I can use on Amazon and a supplier that can sell through there so I'm now looking at an e-bike l. I will use it motor off and very low as I want to get back to my old fitness levels but when the knee goes I get some support (I'm only 34, not too unfit and looking to be able to bike rather than give in), I.e. I can take the pressure off on a steep hill.
My initial though was a Haibike Fullseven pro, it's available for £3600, includes the Bosch Nylon system that I love and has full lock out on the suspension which is a dream after many years yoyo'ing on a GT when I try to accelerate on flat straits, I use it on road as well as off.
The issue is I can only get a 50cm, I'm 5'7" and that's too big.
So I have 2 bikes offered that seem to make sense
1) Scott E-Genius 710, has the suspension lock out, can upgrade to nylon, would have preferred slightly higher end gear equipment but it's the top of the line - suspension controlled from the gender bars, I have a mate with a Scott who is raving about it - he's a lazy sod so he loves the leg power all getting to the rear wheel. Also has the big 3.0 tyres which should be great for grip in the woods and up mud hills, appreciate drag on the road though.
2) 2015 Haibike full mountain pro, ticks every box in regards to weight, drive system, components (lovely wheels and gear set up) - tyres arn't that wide for a modern MTB which seems strange and it does not have lock out, just trail mode (anyone got any experience of this)
So, an ex halfords cycle mechanic of 15 years ago who's knowledge is years out of date has some treat money and keeps a bike for the long term would love your input, where would you go with about £4500.
Riding is a mix, some local road, to and from town (7/8 miles return) canel tow paths, say 30/40 mile stints, off road through local woods in the chilterns and alongside the M40 so decent gradients, tree roots, drops etc and every now and again dedicated MTB courses in the local area, plus the odd new Forrest ride.
After de-mothballing an antique of a GT (XCR3000) I've found a few things - aside from getting it back on the road (tyres, tubes, bit of freeing up, lubrication and grease) most of the gear parts are well on their way, it's now very old tech (15 years old) and heavy for a full suspension bike with no E-Drive but after 30 miles of trail plus canal tow path with some friends my biggest issue with it and cycling is my knackered knee (patella tracking), it went after about 25 miles and the ride was painful, up hills I had to walk it up at the end whilst using it as a crutch and a week and a half on its still painful so traditional cycling is going to be tough and likely stupid on my part.
But I'm not one to give up, I've got the bug back that saw me put a hell of a lot of miles on my old GT (I do love that bike and will be gutted to see it go after all this time) and I've got some vouchers through work I can use on Amazon and a supplier that can sell through there so I'm now looking at an e-bike l. I will use it motor off and very low as I want to get back to my old fitness levels but when the knee goes I get some support (I'm only 34, not too unfit and looking to be able to bike rather than give in), I.e. I can take the pressure off on a steep hill.
My initial though was a Haibike Fullseven pro, it's available for £3600, includes the Bosch Nylon system that I love and has full lock out on the suspension which is a dream after many years yoyo'ing on a GT when I try to accelerate on flat straits, I use it on road as well as off.
The issue is I can only get a 50cm, I'm 5'7" and that's too big.
So I have 2 bikes offered that seem to make sense
1) Scott E-Genius 710, has the suspension lock out, can upgrade to nylon, would have preferred slightly higher end gear equipment but it's the top of the line - suspension controlled from the gender bars, I have a mate with a Scott who is raving about it - he's a lazy sod so he loves the leg power all getting to the rear wheel. Also has the big 3.0 tyres which should be great for grip in the woods and up mud hills, appreciate drag on the road though.
2) 2015 Haibike full mountain pro, ticks every box in regards to weight, drive system, components (lovely wheels and gear set up) - tyres arn't that wide for a modern MTB which seems strange and it does not have lock out, just trail mode (anyone got any experience of this)
So, an ex halfords cycle mechanic of 15 years ago who's knowledge is years out of date has some treat money and keeps a bike for the long term would love your input, where would you go with about £4500.
Riding is a mix, some local road, to and from town (7/8 miles return) canel tow paths, say 30/40 mile stints, off road through local woods in the chilterns and alongside the M40 so decent gradients, tree roots, drops etc and every now and again dedicated MTB courses in the local area, plus the odd new Forrest ride.
