Honest question for e-bike buyers: What's your long term ownership strategy when you buy an e-bike?

owl-x
Posts
402
Joined
3/23/2016
Location
Seattle, WA US
Fantasy
1047th
11/20/2023 1:44pm

Hey now be nice, robots are people too!

he’s not anti eeb he’s genuinely curious and brand new to this and the way he’s worded all of it belies no opinion whatsoever 

truly just asking questions bro!

It’s a troll post from a fragile fast guy. It’s human nature to center oneself, we all do it from time to time. I like El Robotman but he’s burnt on this one, I agree. That’s fine. 
 

i wish I was riding too. 

4
11/20/2023 2:27pm

When i was “industry” i used to sell my bikes every year and get the newwest shit and I felt like it was important because I was racing in the bikes were getting better every year. Now obviously this has changed and our bikes are pretty much the same every year and I only need to sell them used when I’m ready for a whole new complete or I find some smoking deal because I’m not “industry” anymore. Back in the day yada yada yada dad problems….

but I have watched the E bike thing from the very beginning as a person who enjoys riding motorcycles, and believes, of course, that inevitably we will have a hard time getting bikes without motors  ((unless we buy them from custom framebuilders because we are antiques and we are Luddites just like the bikes we prefer))). “” here it comes the wave of Ebikes “” they all keep telling us…..

But then I noticed something :I noticed waves of disgruntled customers in the shops.

And so many horror stories and massive price increases. I got to say, it looks like really really really really good bikes are coming down the line, both pedal or electric powered but the bikes right now with no motors are pretty incredible. And the bikes with motors have a lot of opportunity to create headaches, and I did move to a part of the world where I can only ride about six months of the year. If I’m pretty hard charging, and the idea of a motor or a controller costing me half that time not to mention the money, well it just keeps me from pulling the trigger, using the credit card, saving all winter, and making it happen no matter what-  like I did for my regular mountain bikes for 20+ years now. 
custom spire build, modern geo, reliable and easy to service parts, kinda just keeps working. Bad ass ktm 10 years old, gets shop,service every 5k miles and just keeps working. Order parts when needed, put them on, call a pro when its nasty repair shit over my head. 
i can honestly say that im a perfect candidate for an ebike. But the tech and access for motorcycle type repair ( like the guy that owns his KTM for eight years and keeps fixing it and ridingit)  isnt there, and thats where the big brands are failing. 

I heard that specialized is training motorcycle dealerships to repair there motors because that’s where they expect people to take these engines for the service

To be honest, that kind of makes sense…..
 

 

6
1
11/20/2023 3:26pm Edited Date/Time 11/20/2023 3:26pm
tabletop84 wrote:
Personally I bought a shimano ebike in 2019 with over 30% discount for 3350€ and converted it into a mullet. If motor or battery fails I...

Personally I bought a shimano ebike in 2019 with over 30% discount for 3350€ and converted it into a mullet. If motor or battery fails I can buy e8000 or upgrade to ep800/801 and even but a bigger capacity BT-E8016 battery for a few hundred euros. I think a new motor costs between 700 and 800 €. BT-8010 batteries start at 400. Used stuff is considerably cheaper. I'm in the market for a new bike as the geo got a little too short with the mullet conversion but I have time because the bike still rides awesome and so I'll wait for a deal.

TEAMROBOT wrote:
Can you bolt a new Shimano motor in an old Shimano motor mount? Like are all generations of Shimano motors cross-compatible? Ditto, can you bolt a...

Can you bolt a new Shimano motor in an old Shimano motor mount? Like are all generations of Shimano motors cross-compatible? Ditto, can you bolt a new Bosch into an old Bosch system, a new Brose into an old Brose, etc? My understanding is that you can't even buy a lot of those motors aftermarket, and even if you could it's not an apples to apples swap. Again, just curious. I only know what I've heard from standing around the tailgate after rides.

thresh wrote:
Yes, you can fit EP8 to E8000 mounts.  You'd need to replace some cabling too since they moved to an even thinner ones with EP8, and...

Yes, you can fit EP8 to E8000 mounts.  You'd need to replace some cabling too since they moved to an even thinner ones with EP8, and I believe you'd need a different cable to the battery, but my memory is bad on this one.

They don't sell the motors directly, but I was able to buy E8000 aftermarket a couple years ago to replace one that failed on me.  Fun fact though is you'd also need either a dealer visit, or to buy that derestricter app so you can input the wheel circumference - mine new one came with some ridiculous number that you cant change yourself, and speed cut-off was at around 10mph or so.

So it's a hassle, but it's all doable.

Yeah, in my opinion the upgrade to EP8 doesn't make that much sense if you like the characteristic of the e8000. Also the EP8 rattles more than the e8000. Depending on the frame you can have a pretty siltent bike with the e8000 but not so much with the EP8 or EP801. An upgrade thats well worth it would be from e7000 to e8000 without having to change cables. If you use the bigger battery BT-8016 there is also a more solid metal mount but you can also use the old one if you remove some plastic.

Also the software customizability of the shimano motors with Stunlocker and Emax is pretty good! For installing a new motor you need to buy the stunlocker app for like 30€ or Emax which is more expensive but also has more features and better support.

2
freebiker
Posts
40
Joined
1/7/2013
Location
Colorado Springs AG
Fantasy
4082nd
11/20/2023 7:13pm

earbuds are the best solution to shimano motor rattle noise  or, well, lack of, in the case of the Judas Priest rocking Procor brobrah shredder Doode.  

1
Batts
Posts
83
Joined
4/30/2020
Location
Ballston Spa, NY US
Fantasy
703rd
11/21/2023 7:23am

I said this in the other thread and will say it here.  I have never purchased a bike thinking how much I will sell it for.  My friend does that because he owns a bike shop and that is what he does to make a living.  I buy based on want or need.  I ride the crap out of it and it is worth what it is worth when (IF) I decide to sell it.  My basement says I don't sell very many bikes, wife reminds me of this as well.  Same goes for cars or my house.  I need a truck and buy it based on what I like and when the time comes to replace it I hope for the best on a trade in.  House is worth more than I could imagine but if I sold it I can't afford to buy anything else so it's perceived value is not really a difference to me.  

I do try to get the best deal possible when buying a bike. 

6
owl-x
Posts
402
Joined
3/23/2016
Location
Seattle, WA US
Fantasy
1047th
11/21/2023 5:57pm

Dude what fork is that

FerrousBueller
Posts
39
Joined
8/18/2018
Location
Little Rock, AR US
Fantasy
1105th
11/22/2023 5:49am

I'm waiting until technology advances more. In particular I want to see a Pinion Smart Shift gearbox integrated with the motor. By the time that happens I might have enough cash to afford one.

2
sethimus
Posts
260
Joined
9/20/2014
Location
CH
Fantasy
2434th
11/22/2023 11:48am
I always bought my ebike used at a low price. I don't race my e-bike so it just got hands me down part from my other...

I always bought my ebike used at a low price. I don't race my e-bike so it just got hands me down part from my other "race-ready" bikes. Unfortunately, my latest motor (Bosh on a Trek) died and I was shocked by how bad the warranty and service were. Trek was only offering me to put it in the trash and get a new one at a small discount.. So much for repairability and sustainability. I ended up changing the motor myself from a space found on eBay.I paid around $500 when the dealer was asked to change the whole system for 5 times more
I would argue e-bike (and electronics in general) should not be impossible to repair but there is zero infrastructure to maintain our gadgets.. What do people do to change a 25-cent transistor.. Toss the whole thing and get a new one.. 
I'm now on Levo SL, I have slightly more hope on Specialized services but I still feel e-bikes are ticking bombs I should move around faster than an analog bike until it dies under my butt.. I

those guys can get you most parts to repair a bosch motor:

https://ebike-doktor.de/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=25&p…

 

2
timo
Posts
24
Joined
11/30/2023
Location
Wichita, KS US
11/30/2023 7:20pm

I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes and have an electronics background, so not worried about working on it. I like Shimano, so we'll see how it goes.

my23-collosus-ne-final-rf-1-768x5768930.png?VersionId=Zxa0D5wqeyiB

2
12/1/2023 8:23am
timo wrote:
I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes...

I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes and have an electronics background, so not worried about working on it. I like Shimano, so we'll see how it goes.

my23-collosus-ne-final-rf-1-768x5768930.png?VersionId=Zxa0D5wqeyiB

Looks really good! Would be interesting to know the weight. It sucks that the ep8 rattles though.

timo
Posts
24
Joined
11/30/2023
Location
Wichita, KS US
12/1/2023 8:47am
timo wrote:
I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes...

I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes and have an electronics background, so not worried about working on it. I like Shimano, so we'll see how it goes.

my23-collosus-ne-final-rf-1-768x5768930.png?VersionId=Zxa0D5wqeyiB

tabletop84 wrote:

Looks really good! Would be interesting to know the weight. It sucks that the ep8 rattles though.

Weight for a medium is listed as 56.4lbs, I'll get an official weight after building it. I haven't heard about the rattling on other reviews of the EP801, everyone talks about how quite it is?

owl-x
Posts
402
Joined
3/23/2016
Location
Seattle, WA US
Fantasy
1047th
12/1/2023 10:06am

good name, that thing looks absolutely gigantic

w4s
Posts
201
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Verdi, NV US
12/1/2023 11:02am Edited Date/Time 12/1/2023 11:04am
timo wrote:
I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes...

I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes and have an electronics background, so not worried about working on it. I like Shimano, so we'll see how it goes.

my23-collosus-ne-final-rf-1-768x5768930.png?VersionId=Zxa0D5wqeyiB

tabletop84 wrote:

Looks really good! Would be interesting to know the weight. It sucks that the ep8 rattles though.

I guess I'm lucky but the ep8 on my timp peak doesnt rattle, or at least i never hear it.

 

The Polygon looks like a really nice bike for the price.

12/3/2023 1:25am Edited Date/Time 12/3/2023 1:30am
timo wrote:
I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes...

I just ordered a Polygon Colosus N8E for $4100 out the door, it seems spec'ed pretty good for that price. I work on my own bikes and have an electronics background, so not worried about working on it. I like Shimano, so we'll see how it goes.

my23-collosus-ne-final-rf-1-768x5768930.png?VersionId=Zxa0D5wqeyiB

tabletop84 wrote:

Looks really good! Would be interesting to know the weight. It sucks that the ep8 rattles though.

timo wrote:
Weight for a medium is listed as 56.4lbs, I'll get an official weight after building it. I haven't heard about the rattling on other reviews of...

Weight for a medium is listed as 56.4lbs, I'll get an official weight after building it. I haven't heard about the rattling on other reviews of the EP801, everyone talks about how quite it is?

Its always a bit murky as some reviews don't mention the rattle and some people say their motor doesn't rattle while you can basically reproduce the rattle on the bosch and shimano motors by swinging the crank arm back and forth in small increments with your hand. How noticeable the rattle is depends on the kinematics and material/shape of the frame. Usually carbon frames seem to make it louder. Some people claim it got better with the ep 801 but many also say it just rattles like the ep8. But you got to keep in mind that with such noises its subjective how distracting it is.

Its also more noticeable if you are used to silent bikes and suddenly ride a rattling bike.

https://youtu.be/TprlteP5w00?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/fXlg-NLzgE8?feature=shared

 

1
timo
Posts
24
Joined
11/30/2023
Location
Wichita, KS US
12/3/2023 9:22am
tabletop84 wrote:

Looks really good! Would be interesting to know the weight. It sucks that the ep8 rattles though.

timo wrote:
Weight for a medium is listed as 56.4lbs, I'll get an official weight after building it. I haven't heard about the rattling on other reviews of...

Weight for a medium is listed as 56.4lbs, I'll get an official weight after building it. I haven't heard about the rattling on other reviews of the EP801, everyone talks about how quite it is?

tabletop84 wrote:
Its always a bit murky as some reviews don't mention the rattle and some people say their motor doesn't rattle while you can basically reproduce the...

Its always a bit murky as some reviews don't mention the rattle and some people say their motor doesn't rattle while you can basically reproduce the rattle on the bosch and shimano motors by swinging the crank arm back and forth in small increments with your hand. How noticeable the rattle is depends on the kinematics and material/shape of the frame. Usually carbon frames seem to make it louder. Some people claim it got better with the ep 801 but many also say it just rattles like the ep8. But you got to keep in mind that with such noises its subjective how distracting it is.

Its also more noticeable if you are used to silent bikes and suddenly ride a rattling bike.

https://youtu.be/TprlteP5w00?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/fXlg-NLzgE8?feature=shared

 

Mine doesn't have any rattle, we'll see after I get some milage on it but currently it's silent, the only noise is from the freehub.

 

 

owl-x
Posts
402
Joined
3/23/2016
Location
Seattle, WA US
Fantasy
1047th
12/3/2023 10:48am

Mine’s a deadened rattle, halfway between a clunk and a thock. Took about 22 minutes to disappear in my brain. 
Like chickens on Kauai. From impossible to background noise really quickly. 
My grandma talked about you guys. “Won’t be happy in heaven.”

brash
Posts
715
Joined
4/24/2019
Location
AU
12/3/2023 11:47am

The 801 is supposed to have "fixed" the rattle. It's still there, just less noticeable.

1
bizutch
Posts
1105
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Fletcher, NC US
Fantasy
684th
12/4/2023 8:03am

I was looking forward to people even trying to dispute that their eeb's won't wind up as acid in a landfill, but you guys aren't even close to on topic.

5
4
12/4/2023 10:22am

That makes little sense considering we're on an american website where everyone carries their bike to the trailhead in ridiculous trucks...

3
2
timo
Posts
24
Joined
11/30/2023
Location
Wichita, KS US
12/4/2023 10:07pm
bizutch wrote:
I was looking forward to people even trying to dispute that their eeb's won't wind up as acid in a landfill, but you guys aren't even...

I was looking forward to people even trying to dispute that their eeb's won't wind up as acid in a landfill, but you guys aren't even close to on topic.

I never look at how my toy purchases will resale, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, Jeeps, trucks... I look at is as will the purchase price be worth it over the expected life span of said toy. Any money made at the end of life is a bonus! If I didn't think it was worth it I wouldn't have bought it. I hadn't bought an ebike yet because they were stupid expensive, but with the sales happening now I picked up a badass bike for $3999, so it became worth it.

3
12/5/2023 12:12am
timo wrote:
Weight for a medium is listed as 56.4lbs, I'll get an official weight after building it. I haven't heard about the rattling on other reviews of...

Weight for a medium is listed as 56.4lbs, I'll get an official weight after building it. I haven't heard about the rattling on other reviews of the EP801, everyone talks about how quite it is?

tabletop84 wrote:
Its always a bit murky as some reviews don't mention the rattle and some people say their motor doesn't rattle while you can basically reproduce the...

Its always a bit murky as some reviews don't mention the rattle and some people say their motor doesn't rattle while you can basically reproduce the rattle on the bosch and shimano motors by swinging the crank arm back and forth in small increments with your hand. How noticeable the rattle is depends on the kinematics and material/shape of the frame. Usually carbon frames seem to make it louder. Some people claim it got better with the ep 801 but many also say it just rattles like the ep8. But you got to keep in mind that with such noises its subjective how distracting it is.

Its also more noticeable if you are used to silent bikes and suddenly ride a rattling bike.

https://youtu.be/TprlteP5w00?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/fXlg-NLzgE8?feature=shared

 

timo wrote:
Mine doesn't have any rattle, we'll see after I get some milage on it but currently it's silent, the only noise is from the freehub.  ...

Mine doesn't have any rattle, we'll see after I get some milage on it but currently it's silent, the only noise is from the freehub.

 

 

Interesting although you did the test with a bit more movement. Do you really not hear any rattle if you push the bike slowy rolling forward while doing it so to relieve chain tension or when you coast down a trail?

 

timo
Posts
24
Joined
11/30/2023
Location
Wichita, KS US
12/5/2023 4:05am
tabletop84 wrote:
Interesting although you did the test with a bit more movement. Do you really not hear any rattle if you push the bike slowy rolling forward...

Interesting although you did the test with a bit more movement. Do you really not hear any rattle if you push the bike slowy rolling forward while doing it so to relieve chain tension or when you coast down a trail?

 

I did that much movement because I was trying to get it to rattle. There were several minutes before filming and it doesn't matter how slow or fast, there's no rattle. As soon as you stop pedaling it's silent other than the freehub. On a ride yesterday there were a bunch of downhill sections with chattery rocks, horse hoof prints, roots, rain ruts, and no rattle anywhere on the trail. I did notice a little vibration at certain cadence and load, but no noise. I'll definitely keep tabs on it though, I'm pretty sensitive to noises and vibrations. I'll tear apart a car dash to tape something that most people never hear...

1
12/5/2023 5:39am Edited Date/Time 12/5/2023 5:44am

Really interesting! The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on a orbea rise is the rattle (and maybe the non removable battery but should be manageable). But its kinda weird that I read and hear accounts like the video I linked above that say and show that at least some ep801 rattle similar to their predecessor.

chasejj
Posts
48
Joined
4/13/2014
Location
Alamo, CA US
12/5/2023 8:28am
When i was “industry” i used to sell my bikes every year and get the newwest shit and I felt like it was important because I...

When i was “industry” i used to sell my bikes every year and get the newwest shit and I felt like it was important because I was racing in the bikes were getting better every year. Now obviously this has changed and our bikes are pretty much the same every year and I only need to sell them used when I’m ready for a whole new complete or I find some smoking deal because I’m not “industry” anymore. Back in the day yada yada yada dad problems….

but I have watched the E bike thing from the very beginning as a person who enjoys riding motorcycles, and believes, of course, that inevitably we will have a hard time getting bikes without motors  ((unless we buy them from custom framebuilders because we are antiques and we are Luddites just like the bikes we prefer))). “” here it comes the wave of Ebikes “” they all keep telling us…..

But then I noticed something :I noticed waves of disgruntled customers in the shops.

And so many horror stories and massive price increases. I got to say, it looks like really really really really good bikes are coming down the line, both pedal or electric powered but the bikes right now with no motors are pretty incredible. And the bikes with motors have a lot of opportunity to create headaches, and I did move to a part of the world where I can only ride about six months of the year. If I’m pretty hard charging, and the idea of a motor or a controller costing me half that time not to mention the money, well it just keeps me from pulling the trigger, using the credit card, saving all winter, and making it happen no matter what-  like I did for my regular mountain bikes for 20+ years now. 
custom spire build, modern geo, reliable and easy to service parts, kinda just keeps working. Bad ass ktm 10 years old, gets shop,service every 5k miles and just keeps working. Order parts when needed, put them on, call a pro when its nasty repair shit over my head. 
i can honestly say that im a perfect candidate for an ebike. But the tech and access for motorcycle type repair ( like the guy that owns his KTM for eight years and keeps fixing it and ridingit)  isnt there, and thats where the big brands are failing. 

I heard that specialized is training motorcycle dealerships to repair there motors because that’s where they expect people to take these engines for the service

To be honest, that kind of makes sense…..
 

 

My disdane for e bikes was real.

Decided to retire from my offroad moto career after 50 years. Selling the KTM 300XCW and gear.

My MTB riding buddy bought a Pivot LT. After berating him mercilessly for months he brought it over to test ride. Being 62 and on the clock for a new left knee. I know my moto days were over, its tough to face it though. But 3 weeks to recover from a single 80-mile moto day showed me nobody beats father time. 

The E bike rabbit hole is deep. I am a Mech Engineer, so this stuff is interesting to me. The motors are pretty simple and require a hydraulic press to rebuild. HF has them for cheap. Just need a source for bearings and bushings/shafts that wear out.

Came close to pulling the trigger on a POLE Voima with a Bosch Race motor. But dealing with them in Finland is a bit difficult. You cannot get a timely email thread going with them to answer questions. There frames and design/production methods look amazing though.

Besides drivetrain wear seems to be a huge issue and as a 230lb rider, this is an issue with analog bikes, much less E bikes.

After exchanging emails with Nicolai. I am going full retard on a new build from them using a Pinion E1.12 and Gates Carbon belt drive. This package addresses all the concerns from a wear and tear, maintenance perspective with these bikes. Ohlins/EXT suspension. Hope V4/Vented rotors. This thing will be solid, almost like my 300.  The biggest concern I have is having enough H2O on the bike for my dog. None of these battery placements will allow the mfgs to place bottle mounts under the DT. 

If the thing blows up, I will crack it open and get to work. We'll see how it goes. But the battery and e-motor concerns are real. Spare 960WH batteries are $1K! Always wanted a Nicolai but could never pull the trigger. I am lying to my wife how much this shit costs. But that is normal. 

2
Suns_PSD
Posts
182
Joined
10/7/2015
Location
Austin, TX US
12/5/2023 8:50am Edited Date/Time 12/5/2023 9:05am
brash wrote:
Add another option robot "I'll update when the tech advances enough it becomes impossible to resist" ie weight, range, price. My last eeb I had for...

Add another option robot

"I'll update when the tech advances enough it becomes impossible to resist" ie weight, range, price.

My last eeb I had for 2.5 years, I think I'll do the same with this one. The tech is not evolving at a rate for me to want to upgrade. When 180mm travel full power bikes that have burly gear are 22kg I'll upgrade.

Exactly.

I got really lucky with buying a Relay because I find it to be just perfect for me for my 1 one e-bike, and my first. If I had bought the Trek (not enough power or battery or travel and just as heavy) or the Levo SL (slack STA and short CS length) I'd already be looking at selling them as I've ridden them since and not at all stoked on those products.

Usually, I begin to find faults with my new bikes immediately, but I love the frame/ motor/ battery on this unit and have no wishes for anything different.

So, I dropped nearly $3K into the suspension (ordered a new Mezzer & a new Bomber CR and sent to Craig at Avy to work his magic on) and intend to ride this bike for many years or until there is some serious improvements in the technology or I'm just so old (I'm 52 now) that I need a full power e-bike to function out there.

I've been swapping high end bikes on the regular for years now but I'm just so stoked on both my Relay and my '23 Smuggler that I see myself settling down with these bikes for years, something I've never said about a bike before.

F*ck resale, 'cause I don't care for once!

Look, in the end hobbies take time and money, and the time is the 'expensive' part of that equation. My $8.5K e-bike will probably cost me $200/ per month in depreciation when I'm done with it. Much cheaper than new motorcycles, cars, hot tubs, and a million other things I've wasted money on. Whatever.

As far as keeping them running, there really isn't much to them. A battery, a controller & a motor. Batteries and electric motors are commonly refurbished and rebuilt and I expect Fauza parts to be off the shelf available for a decade or longer and even besides aftermarket rebuilders will step in.

The big downside that is real, is losing part of a riding season or even wrecking a bike trip due to a down e-bike is the largest downside that I see.

For the record, I still prefer riding my bike over the e-bike overall. However, the e-bike makes the tough Enduro tracks with tough climbs more enjoyable for sure overall.

1
bizutch
Posts
1105
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
Fletcher, NC US
Fantasy
684th
12/5/2023 10:09am Edited Date/Time 12/5/2023 10:11am

So...all you Cali guys...is this guy on his Class 250 e-bike poaching bike/hike trails?
Or can you just go down the street and hit this stuff he's filming on a XR100?  
https://youtu.be/I5jqlZ4RnhY?si=Bs2_Hg7y6_sWckIl&t=778


I don't know anything about trail systems in Cali, but in NC/SC, you can tell if you're on a moto trail or a bike/hike/horse trail. 
And no, there's no place where a moto can be on a multi-use trail here.
I blame you all for this video popping into my feed.

But it also is how I see things going. "Bike" parks all don't allow motors, but if the eebs like this cost less or the same as your electric mopeds, won't be long before people skip mopeds, go to these, and bike parks shift to catering to motos (electric motos).

1
3
chasejj
Posts
48
Joined
4/13/2014
Location
Alamo, CA US
12/5/2023 10:57am

Yep- My fear is this will justify a high level of LE to the trails. They should start on the street first. 12yo  on Surrron's everywhere here in Nocal. No enforcement. But I remember when they would hover in Heli's BITD to bust a MTB rider for using a cow trail that wasn't marked as MTB. It will make it very unpleasant.

2
chasejj
Posts
48
Joined
4/13/2014
Location
Alamo, CA US
12/5/2023 3:12pm
brash wrote:
Add another option robot "I'll update when the tech advances enough it becomes impossible to resist" ie weight, range, price. My last eeb I had for...

Add another option robot

"I'll update when the tech advances enough it becomes impossible to resist" ie weight, range, price.

My last eeb I had for 2.5 years, I think I'll do the same with this one. The tech is not evolving at a rate for me to want to upgrade. When 180mm travel full power bikes that have burly gear are 22kg I'll upgrade.

Suns_PSD wrote:
Exactly. I got really lucky with buying a Relay because I find it to be just perfect for me for my 1 one e-bike, and my...

Exactly.

I got really lucky with buying a Relay because I find it to be just perfect for me for my 1 one e-bike, and my first. If I had bought the Trek (not enough power or battery or travel and just as heavy) or the Levo SL (slack STA and short CS length) I'd already be looking at selling them as I've ridden them since and not at all stoked on those products.

Usually, I begin to find faults with my new bikes immediately, but I love the frame/ motor/ battery on this unit and have no wishes for anything different.

So, I dropped nearly $3K into the suspension (ordered a new Mezzer & a new Bomber CR and sent to Craig at Avy to work his magic on) and intend to ride this bike for many years or until there is some serious improvements in the technology or I'm just so old (I'm 52 now) that I need a full power e-bike to function out there.

I've been swapping high end bikes on the regular for years now but I'm just so stoked on both my Relay and my '23 Smuggler that I see myself settling down with these bikes for years, something I've never said about a bike before.

F*ck resale, 'cause I don't care for once!

Look, in the end hobbies take time and money, and the time is the 'expensive' part of that equation. My $8.5K e-bike will probably cost me $200/ per month in depreciation when I'm done with it. Much cheaper than new motorcycles, cars, hot tubs, and a million other things I've wasted money on. Whatever.

As far as keeping them running, there really isn't much to them. A battery, a controller & a motor. Batteries and electric motors are commonly refurbished and rebuilt and I expect Fauza parts to be off the shelf available for a decade or longer and even besides aftermarket rebuilders will step in.

The big downside that is real, is losing part of a riding season or even wrecking a bike trip due to a down e-bike is the largest downside that I see.

For the record, I still prefer riding my bike over the e-bike overall. However, the e-bike makes the tough Enduro tracks with tough climbs more enjoyable for sure overall.

I could see myself using my mantra of redundancy (engineers love redundancy) and purchasing a spare battery and motor and putting it on the shelf for the inevitable "issue". I have seen Bosch motors and Shimano posted on Ebay for a few hundy. Totally doable. Might have to source Ebay in DE for a Pinion though. 

1
owl-x
Posts
402
Joined
3/23/2016
Location
Seattle, WA US
Fantasy
1047th
12/5/2023 4:22pm
bizutch wrote:
So...all you Cali guys...is this guy on his Class 250 e-bike poaching bike/hike trails? Or can you just go down the street and hit this stuff...

So...all you Cali guys...is this guy on his Class 250 e-bike poaching bike/hike trails?
Or can you just go down the street and hit this stuff he's filming on a XR100?  
https://youtu.be/I5jqlZ4RnhY?si=Bs2_Hg7y6_sWckIl&t=778


I don't know anything about trail systems in Cali, but in NC/SC, you can tell if you're on a moto trail or a bike/hike/horse trail. 
And no, there's no place where a moto can be on a multi-use trail here.
I blame you all for this video popping into my feed.

But it also is how I see things going. "Bike" parks all don't allow motors, but if the eebs like this cost less or the same as your electric mopeds, won't be long before people skip mopeds, go to these, and bike parks shift to catering to motos (electric motos).

Sur Ronster will be flattened by the time he has enough dirt skill to ruin a cool dirt trail...great youtuber, nice channel, watch it before he's gone...

um but no, he appears unconcerned with traffic laws--where the rules are way clearer and enforceable than MTB--can't imagine he's worried about trails at all. 

He's great though. If I were in my 20s and childless I'd be doing the same shit. Imagine paying your bills with 2 wheel hooliganism. Fantastic. 

 

1
2

Post a reply to: Honest question for e-bike buyers: What's your long term ownership strategy when you buy an e-bike?

The Latest