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you see them in Europe's lifts all the time, most of the time, the slowest riders.... ooppss...

Good video. I’ve borrowed my dads ebike a few times and really enjoy it but I do think my regular bike is much better in carrying speed. After this video I’m suspecting some suspension setup changes could solve most of that. Those trails look amazing!

You're fighting incrementalism and it's silly. The first bike didn't have any peddles, you sat on it and used your legs to propel yourself. Then peddles and a single speed came about. Guess what? People complained about those being "too fast". Then multiple gears allowed people to go much faster and much further. Then shock absorbers and mountain biking came along. Remember all those hikers and equestrians who protested against MTB's being out in the wilderness? And what about your protests against inexperienced people getting too far out into the woods. Isn't that same argument applicable to a hiker going...

Generalizing everyone that has ridden an eMTB "E-MTBers act like they the exception to the rules"....is bullshit. As I say in every trail meeting i've been to when this is brought up, we have always had 'an asshole' problem, it existed before electrics. This problem exists in skate, snow, surf, tennis, golf, etc.....not everyone is a cool law abiding person. So theres that. Oh, and your analogy about the bikes being heavier causing more damage-is funny. So-I am 140lbs, am I supposed to call anyone 160lbs and up a 'trail terrorizer'? Your last comment about EMTBers being rich, not working...

I agree. I know this sounds weird, but if you actually ride an ebike, you understand this. It is totally not a motorcycle. You still have to pedal on ebikes. The feeling is more like someone is pushing from behind, not a motor laying down horsepower. If you don't ride bikes normally, of course you may be a bit intimidated by it (Point #5, the first #5 that is). But that's what learning and practicing is for. And for those of us who actually ride bikes: Learning and practicing is FUN. My 2 cents is that the more I ride...

Your article was enlightening. I have been struggling to understand the antipathy towards e-bikes and I think you've highlighted it - culture. There would appear to be a feeling that e-bikes don't fit an idealized notion of mountain bike culture and might bring people to the trails who aren't like “us" - who might drive a Porsche and not know who Steve Peat is. While I'm not excited for the trails to be more crowded either, living in the US, I think I've had my fill of culture wars and political tribalism the last few years and would rather at...

“Most pros don’t ride ebikes” like that’s a fact? That’s ignorant as generalization often is. I can name tow pro riding buddies that ride their ebikes a fair amount, especially pre season. I’m definitely not going to name drop my friends because you have a pre determined belief that you are correct.

Right there with you Joe. I'll continue to ride the trails (illegal for E bikes) until they become legal.

You’re so wrong, bud

I too think we agree. I totally understand the differences and similarities between the two. I am fully aware of the hard work, time and energy it takes to be a fit cyclist and truly appreciate it. I'm not out there to cheat anyone and beat them. Just out there having a good time. I am just saying we can co-exist peacefully without tarnishing the others experience. Thanks for your reply.

I think the insight of the article should be that eMTBs are a different instrument, for a different sport, and considering them as such may already do a lot to alleviate tensions and concerns. No one really gets too upset over the existence of dirt bikes, or road bikes; we accept that these are different instruments, with their own behaviors, territories, rules, etc. The author makes it clear that he personally dislikes eMTBs, but I think rather than provide this negative anecdote, it would have been more useful to show how people are stoked on eMTBs, and show how they...

I've ridden both and I have no issues with e-bikes getting more people out or allowing people to ride longer. I took my Dad on a pretty serious ride for the first time in years and we BOTH had fun- thanks to an e-mtb for him. Bikes are bikes- and honestly, I think a lot of the hate is blown out of proportion.

For an opinion post and one of the more relevant mountainbikesites, and you being a journalist, this article is surprisingly biased. I've been drawn by your headline because I recently had a conversation where my point was just that. E-Mountainbiking is just not the same as traditional biking. Therefore it's a different sport. My point was, that you can't generally share a ride between the two because the physical difference and intend of use of it's owners would be to big. However I've seen and experienced the exception. Sometimes weird - him being soaking wet and out of breathe, while...

People that ride these bikes like to ride. I bet many people that ride ebikes could crush you on an acoustic antique bike. Variety is good. I own an ebike, gravel bike and acoustic hardtail.