Oh no... If I get an e-bike, you can be assured it'll end up heavily modified. Since I have yet to come across one spec'd the way I'd want it. I wonder when e-bike frames will be available...
Don’t count on it anytime soon. We have a good amount of ebikes on hand and on order for 22, but most brands are already talking about 2023 prebooking orders.
I’ll add that I feel that we are really near a heavy tipping point on ebikes. This won’t make some people happy, but it is what it is. A week back I built a new bridge at 6mr and since I was in a spot to easily take note of each passing rider, I easily noted that I’ve never seen as many in the woods on a single day.
By coincidence, yesterday was a rather slow day in the shop and for the first time ever we sold more ebikes than analog. Granted we sold 2 ebikes and one analog.. but it was worth noting.
I’ll say it here so maybe someone reads it. Don’t buy junk. If you are buying an ebike, it needs to be better equipped than a analog bike. The brakes, suspension and wheels take far more of a beating and you will regret it quickly if they aren’t up to par. Personally, I’d only consider Bosche or Shimano mid drive units. I’d avoid hub motors and/or hand throttle units as well. I’d avoid a hardtail in the woods as the ride particularly.. well, Hard.
I know this sounds like the bike shop guy making hard up sells, but on a truly daily basis we are seeing customers struggling with sub $3000 ebikes that are literally garbage. It’s tough explaining to someone that they’ve just spent a pretty serious amount of money on a bike that can barely stop a rider on flat ground.
The other conversation that is a constant is the divide between low powered and high powered ebikes. I’ve ridden both and I see value in both, but it’s worth noting that they don’t always play well together when power outputs and range don’t match.
Lots more to say here, but if you are not taking notice you might be surprised that in a year or so we might see as many mtbs in the woods as we see teslas on the road.
