How many people are using there e-bike off-road?

[Gubbins]

That's a tough one, as I really love FS for riding on the South Downs in the summer, and the same of riding around here in the summer. It certainly makes a massive difference when looking at times on Strava for when making comparisons, although it never feels as though it does.

Ideally I'd FS for summer use and HT for winter use. Now that didn't answer it at all!

Crap filming, but these two clips show a difference in time between FS and HT on the same route.
The clip does nothing to show how many drops that there are on this. It's harder to ride than it possibly looks.

E-bike full suspension.

Ultra 1964 hardtail. This ride blew the forks internally and they had to be replaced.

During the winter 27psi back and front.

.

Maybe it does.
My trusty steed is pretty much maintenance free and has weathered 3 winters with only a few rust spots on the fork stanchions so perhaps I should stop dreaming and keep riding..

 

[brightonebikes]

I do wonder whether a high percentage of people who buy a full sus bike, because it looks like what they pictured in their head they would 'need', and/or a salesperson advised so, opposed to what they would actually have the most fun on.
Some of these larger travel full sus bikes suck up absolutely everything, making the trails and terrain commonly available in Blighty a little boring to tackle compared to the hold on tight, faster feel provided by a hard tail.
Then there is pedal 'bob' associated with loss of efficiency on some models, although this becomes less of an issue where a motor is involved.
Service and maintenance wise, it's obvious that a hard tail will not require the attention that a full susser will need to keep it running sweet. An aspect many sales people omit to point out. Keerching! Fork and shock warranties state service every 100 hours or so, but then there is all the extra moving parts that are subject to wear and require maintenance.
It seems very few full sus owners know how to properly maintain their suspension to maximise it's life and keep it running smooth. Post-ride cleaning (many still using a jet wash!) does not account for upkeep of all the little bearings, bushings etc. that can all ingress fine mud/grit, like fine gritty sand that is abrasive to the contact surfaces, bearings etc. and will naturally wear sooner.
In the absence of maintenance and perhaps without the knowledge to identify when adverse free-play has developed, thus, it is not until the whole rear end begins to rattle having that the damage is identified. This is the point things can become unexpectedly expensive.
Accordingly, looking at years of ownership, not a season of the next fad health kick but something that is relied on day in week out, a quality hard tail on UK terrain is most likely the shrewd buy.
Generally hard tails provide a lighter bike at a lower price too, low end electric full sus bikes are not worth touching IMO, some offerings are such poor quality they are good for little more than landfill, which is a crying shame. Although I do play with full sus toys, my hard tail is a keeper for life.

 

[brightonebikes]

Found the solution... Go out on the pedal mtb.

Actually it turned out to be one of the worst rides that I have done.

Firstly I thought that the conditions might have dried up a bit, so took a route that is really only any good when dry, then disaster hit, when I took a wrong turn and ended up in a bog, that you can't even walk through in the summer!
I couldn't face turning round, and figured that it can't be that bad, it was actually worse! I had to travers the big clumps of grass, and stepping down would have had water and up deeper than I'd like to think.

Sadly the photos aren't that great, as I was more interested in just trying to get across the area.

Eeeeeew, looks grim, boggy and liable to sinking. 10/10 for commitment and continuing through. I bet you didn't think about the gearbox once during that lot. Then got home and thought 'Oh joy!'.

 

[Gubbins]

I do wonder whether a high percentage of people who buy a full sus bike, because it looks like what they pictured in their head they would 'need', and/or a salesperson advised so, opposed to what they would actually have the most fun on.
Some of these larger travel full sus bikes suck up absolutely everything, making the trails and terrain commonly available in Blighty a little boring to tackle compared to the hold on tight, faster feel provided by a hard tail.
Then there is pedal 'bob' associated with loss of efficiency on some models, although this becomes less of an issue where a motor is involved.
Service and maintenance wise, it's obvious that a hard tail will not require the attention that a full susser will need to keep it running sweet. An aspect many sales people omit to point out. Keerching! Fork and shock warranties state service every 100 hours or so, but then there is all the extra moving parts that are subject to wear and require maintenance.
It seems very few full sus owners know how to properly maintain their suspension to maximise it's life and keep it running smooth. Post-ride cleaning (many still using a jet wash!) does not account for upkeep of all the little bearings, bushings etc. that can all ingress fine mud/grit, like fine gritty sand that is abrasive to the contact surfaces, bearings etc. and will naturally wear sooner.
In the absence of maintenance and perhaps without the knowledge to identify when adverse free-play has developed, thus, it is not until the whole rear end begins to rattle having that the damage is identified. This is the point things can become unexpectedly expensive.
Accordingly, looking at years of ownership, not a season of the next fad health kick but something that is relied on day in week out, a quality hard tail on UK terrain is most likely the shrewd buy.
Generally hard tails provide a lighter bike at a lower price too, low end electric full sus bikes are not worth touching IMO, some offerings are such poor quality they are good for little more than landfill, which is a crying shame. Although I do play with full sus toys, my hard tail is a keeper for life.

A really interesting read.. thanks!

 

[Gubbins]

I nearly bought one just because it looked to pretty in had shop..

 

[brightonebikes]

Very understandable. They look awesome, especially in showroom lighting, so props to you for doing your research first.
I've chatted to several different people who plumped for a Bosch motor Haibikes and one ktm Bosch recently, only to be underwhelmed with the ride and performance so sold (at a loss) to custom build their own bespoke bike with which they are now overjoyed.
It is horses for courses, but when I meet other off-the-peg E-bike owners they often say "I didn't realise converting my bike was an option, I loved my old bike"!
The choice is starting to become a little bewildering, but decent places will always let you have a test ride so perhaps spend a few weeks or so testing different bikes/systems until you've got a handle on what you like to ride opposed to look at, THEN purchase.
Not something to impulse buy, as once rolled out of the shop and ridden away, any trade-in or resale price will likely be depressing.
Some places offer try before you buy, get some decent distance tests under your belt and things should start to become clearer as to what suits you

 

[Gubbins]

Very understandable. They look awesome, especially in showroom lighting, so props to you for doing your research first.
I've chatted to several different people who plumped for a Bosch motor Haibikes and one ktm Bosch recently, only to be underwhelmed with the ride and performance so sold (at a loss) to custom build their own bespoke bike with which they are now overjoyed.
It is horses for courses, but when I meet other off-the-peg E-bike owners they often say "I didn't realise converting my bike was an option, I loved my old bike"!
The choice is starting to become a little bewildering, but decent places will always let you have a test ride so perhaps spend a few weeks or so testing different bikes/systems until you've got a handle on what you like to ride opposed to look at, THEN purchase.
Not something to impulse buy, as once rolled out of the shop and ridden away, any trade-in or resale price will likely be depressing.
Some places offer try before you buy, get some decent distance tests under your belt and things should start to become clearer as to what suits you

I think you must have missed my earlier posts.. I have had a bosch hardtail mtb for 3 years and was thinking that I might be missing out by not having FS. I am now somewhat enlightened.

 

[soundwave]

why i got my bike second hand off ebay, took a big risk but wanted dongle and was not going to pay £5500 new.

 

[brightonebikes]

I think you must have missed my earlier posts.. I have had a bosch hardtail mtb for 3 years and was thinking that I might be missing out by not having FS. I am now somewhat enlightened.

Ah, apologies I missed earlier posts, joined the party a bit late.
3 years ago,...well then perhaps it's time for a new toy? Seems the eBay flyer paid off, perhaps it's time to try and repeat for a full susser?
I was late to the full suss party too and still love my hardtail, but jumping and downhill trails are great fun on the bouncy one.
Regards increased wear etc. I tend to opt for a single pivot design if possible for the obvious reasons. I am developing a strong like for my 2012 Santa Cruz Superlight with Bafang mid drive. Very easy to source parts and hasn't argued about anything I've asked it to do. This summer it shall be receiving a good thrashing, so well see how it fairs at the end. [emoji3]

 

[brightonebikes]

Phill, I really must learn to read properly, and take note of who actual replied/posted! Don't wish to tell a grandparent how to suck eggs, so to speak

 

[Gubbins]

Phill, I really must learn to read properly, and take note of who actual replied/posted! Don't wish to tell a grandparent how to suck eggs, so to speak

Me too. [emoji12]

 

[soundwave]

my vids suck lol

 

[Gubbins]

my vids suck lol

Do they make infra red bike cameras?

 

[soundwave]

not got a clue tbh but the cams not very good in the dark anyway.

lot more light than what the cam picks up or id be in the canal lol

 

[Gubbins]

not got a clue tbh but the cams not very good in the dark anyway.

lot more light than what the cam picks up or id be in the canal lol

Have tried it with the gopro and even with 3 good lights it's still crapp.

 

[soundwave]

mine is a go pro copy sj4000 as it was only 25 quid.

and it always falls off

 

[Gubbins]

Gopro is OK but it doesn't keep over recording so you keep having to wipe the card which is a pain. Quality is good though. Fly12 is out any day which should be better. £ 250 ish and would look good on your 7 grand jumper

 

[Gubbins]

mine is a go pro copy sj4000 as it was only 25 quid.

and it always falls off

Bought this
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUT-FRONT-MOUNT-FOR-GARMIN-WITH-GOPRO-200-500-800-500-510-520-810-1000-/111888641241?nav=SEARCH

Absolutely first class

 

[soundwave]

looks good but cost a whack tbh what im after is a 4k 60fps cam but again will not be cheap ;(

 

[soundwave]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TrustFire-Super-7x-CREE-XM-L2-LED-Front-Bicycle-Bike-Light-Head-Lighting-lamp-UK-/261696962241?hash=item3cee5abec1:g:vdAAAOSwUuFWxvkm

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191593706526?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&var=490669322555&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT