Overweight motorcyclists want an ebike.

[Gubbins]

My mate has seen one and thinks he wants one, but isn't sure as he lives at the top of a big hill and has tried cycling before which didn't work out.
He is nearing 70, is a bit overweight and unfit and wants to do something about it so perhaps an ebike is the answer?
Due to a motorcycling back injury a full suspension bike is a must but he doesn't want to spend too much in case it doesnt work out, but also doesn't want to go too cheap and have to upgrade later.
He is a very experienced off road biker so a purchase would also need to bear this in mind for the future.
So my question is what's the starting price point of a DECENT full sus e-mtb regardless of brand?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Woosh Zephyr B or any of these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.Xfull+suspension+electric+bike.TRS0&_nkw=full+suspension+electric+bike&_sacat=0

 

[Gubbins]

He has borrowed one if these to try and liked it.. but for the price..
https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/Scott-E-Spark-720-Plus-2017?gclid=Cj0KEQjw7dfKBRCdkKrvmfKtyeoBEiQAch0egUuNn4QibpkMTUM6oBxn69ssgiPgTaivGAaumAm_n34aAuvu8P8HAQ

 

[GLJoe]

So my question is what's the starting price point of a DECENT full sus e-mtb regardless of brand?

For a mainstream bike, its going to be around £3K.

 

[Trevormonty]

For a mainstream bike, its going to be around £3K.

This would be good spec level for type of riding he likely to do given his age and back issues. £2800. Also checkout KTM, Scott, trek, Specialized and Haibike although the last two tend to be a bit overpriced. Cube are hard to beat on value for money.



https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Stereo-Hybrid-120-HPA-Pro-500-29er-2017-Electric-Mountain-Bike_98498.htm

The riding position of MTB may not suit somebody with back issues. Best to do a long test ride.

 

[Gubbins]

This would be good spec level for type of riding he likely to do given his age and back issues. £2800. Also checkout KTM, Scott, trek, Specialized and Haibike although the last two tend to be a bit overpriced. Cube are hard to beat on value for money.



https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Stereo-Hybrid-120-HPA-Pro-500-29er-2017-Electric-Mountain-Bike_98498.htm

The riding position of MTB may not suit somebody with back issues. Best to do a long test ride.

I think his back problem isnt too bad but bad enough to make a hard tail something to be avoided.
He has and still does travel the world on a Motorcycle and has a lifetime of Trials and Enduro experience, but it would seem that off-road motorcycles are being banned from most of the routes now, so we may see more ex bikers riding e-bikes..and, at £2800 I think this is a good option.

 

[Woosh]

Gubbins,

the Zephyr 2017 has a pretty good 100mm Suntour XCM fork, he only needs to change the rear coil spring suspension to an air suspension. It has standard fixing.
Change also the stem and handlebars to something better, they don't cost much.
The rest of the bike is pretty OK. The motor and battery are good, hydraulic brakes, 180mm rotor at the front. 8-speed, I don't think you need more because the motor is there to help.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?zephyr-2017

 

[EddiePJ]

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/thinking-of-selling-my-bike.27865/

 

[Gubbins]

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/thinking-of-selling-my-bike.27865/

After speaking to Scott the warranty for both the bike and the Bosch electrics is not transferable and ends when it is sold so I will be keeping it unless I do a px for something different.
In any case I don't buy or recomend to buy high value items second hand.

 

[Trevormonty]

Gubbins,

the Zephyr 2017 has a pretty good 100mm Suntour XCM fork, he only needs to change the rear coil spring suspension to an air suspension. It has standard fixing.
Change also the stem and handlebars to something better, they don't cost much.
The rest of the bike is pretty OK. The motor and battery are good, hydraulic brakes, 180mm rotor at the front. 8-speed, I don't think you need more because the motor is there to help.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?zephyr-2017

For serious FS eMTB factory middrives like Bosch, Yamaha, Brose are the only way to go. Just look at all mainstream MTB brands (Scott, trek, gaint, ktm, cube, haibike) and eMTBs they sell.

These middrives require quality drivetrains like deore, slx or XT (don't know SRAM equivalent) to enable fast reliable gear changes in difficult situations.

Check out this site for great eMTB reviews, unfortunately they tend to reviwer higher spec models.
http://ebike-mtb.com/en/

 

[Tom Rae]

For serious FS eMTB factory middrives like Bosch, Yamaha, Brose are the only way to go. Just look at all mainstream MTB brands (Scott, trek, gaint, ktm, cube, haibike) and eMTBs they sell.

These middrives require quality drivetrains like deore, slx or XT (don't know SRAM equivalent) to enable fast reliable gear changes in difficult situations.

Check out this site for great eMTB reviews, unfortunately they tend to reviwer higher spec models.
http://ebike-mtb.com/en/

I would say Shimano Steps mid drive is another viable option?

 

[Gubbins]

I would say Shimano Steps mid drive is another viable option?

Strangley this what he has seen. Ilkley cycles have offered a demonstrator for a weekend ...

 

[mmrizio]

Just a little bit of advice: If he expects it to be like offroad motorbiking, he might be disappointed. Some important dirtbike techniques can not be used on an E-MTB. On a MX/Enduro bike you stand up and power yourself through rough terrain. On an E-MTB, it is hard to pedal standing up. The Bultaco Brinco has a separate throttle handle, which would be an advantage. And the Bultaco brand might strike a chord with him as well...

 

[Gubbins]

Purchase is imminent!