Here we go again...... MTB 650b XT 150mm ?

[glassman]

Hi all

I'm new to the forum and electric bikes so please take it easy on me

Basically I've had a knee op and expect to be struggling on a bike for the next 12months (I have a few more ops lined up) so thought I'd like to give an electric bike a bash

So as per the title I'm looking for a bike ideally 650b with XT and 150ish travel, what's my options ?

I know my regular bikes but I'm clueless when it comes to electric drives, and what's new out or due out for 2015

I'm manchester based but happy to do mail order or travel a bit

I'd also like something that is road legal but can be easily de-restricted for when I use it on private land

Thanks

 

[EddiePJ]

This is the direction that I'm thinking/hoping to go in. http://www.ktm-bikes.at/en/bikes/e-bike.html?action=bike_details&bike_id=299&cHash=dfd53e632f8fa869d4fa1ee693b78bc9 The front end is close to your 150ish.
There isn't much scope to shave any more weight from it, but it is still more than competitive in that respect when compared with similarly priced bikes. The build quality and spec is exceptionally good, and if your purchase is for short term, wrap it in heli tape, and I'd then imagine that the resale value will be considerably better than most.

 

[glassman]

Thanks Eddie, I do like the look of the KTM and that travel would be fine, I'll try to find a dealer and pop in for a look.

I've also booked a test ride on Cube stereo 2014 model, the guy at the shop said nothing has changed for 2015, is that really the case ? I'd expect the battery to improve year on year at least ?

 

[EddiePJ]

Is that the blue and lime colour? If nothing else, I'd have hopped that they had lost that colour from the 2015 line up.

Riding an e-mtb after riding your normal mtb will definitely leave you with mixed feelings.
Starting with the negative element, three things stand out. the extra 7kg of or so of weight does have an effect on any form of fast down hill riding, but you learn to adjust to suit. They just aren't as agile.
Second again weight related, they heavy and hard to move around un assisted over rough terrain.
Third is battery. I very much doubt that you will kill the battery on either the Cube or KTM, but if you do, you will know and feel it.

Really there are only a few negatives in direct riding feel to the bike, but I'll be honest and say that you won't get the same sense of achievement. Riding one is just different, but being able to peddle up the steepest and longest of climbs will make you smile from ear to ear. You will still get a good work out, and negative comments about cheating, are just meaningless rubbish.

Not quite offering the same level of front fork movement, another very nice KTM is this e-Lycan P27.5 http://www.shop.flidistribution.co.uk/p/2014-ktm-elycan-p-27 It'll offer potentially longer battery range, but is a heavier bike. I'm currently still struggling to decide between the two for my choice of riding.