E-bikes are a thing

[iLuveketchup]

I don't have one at the moment, but this is how I'd want to build one also. All the suspension with bombproof wheels and tires. Do you think there will be shift to more alloy frames at some point? I know there seems to be a focus on keeping weight down and motors hidden in the market right now, but I'd love to see more robust designs come out.

I don't think robustness is an issue. I haven't heard of frames with a motor breaking more than a a non-motor mtb.

How much you can stomach obsolescence is the main issue.

On another topic, big heavy full power emtbs are really ugly looking! Including the Yeti etc. Yuck! Just IMO.

 

[frug]

I don't think robustness is an issue. I haven't heard of frames with a motor breaking more than a a non-motor mtb.

How much you can stomach obsolescence is the main issue.

On another topic, big heavy full power emtbs are really ugly looking! Including the Yeti etc. Yuck! Just IMO.

Forward to what was mentioned earlier about low resale value, I'd rather go aluminum for the long haul. This would also make me feel less bad about beating the snot out of it. And I don't really like the look of any ebike at this point, but if I had to pick one the Yeti is among the better ones - to each their own.

 

[Patrick]

Aren't electric trolling motors exempt up to 10 HP? I have two setups at 20 and 40 lbs for the bay but it's obviously tidal waters

The short answer is no, they are not exempt from registration.
They can be operated by "youths" with boater safety cert.

I thought so too, cause long ago we did electric on a 12' alum. Also had a canoe that could take a small motor.
Must have changed.

kayaks over 12' are exempt if they don't have a motor.

 

[frug]

Most of company's are making both carbon and aluminum frames for price point purposes. I for one have like buying AL over carbon because it makes me feel better, as a tree hugger hippy. These bikes are/will rapidly change going forward as new technologies keep pushing the envelope. Hopefully a motor standard will also become a thing. The rabbit hole is deep so beware 🤣

It seems pretty deep. But I am not looking to get one this season. Maybe in a few seasons. I'm a bit of a luddite so it takes me time to adjust to living with new technology.

 

[UtahJoe]

I for one have like buying AL over carbon because it makes me feel better, as a tree hugger hippy

ok, ill bite...????

 

[qclabrat]

writing someone who has recently demo'd some e-mtbs and purchased two commuter ebikes for the spouse and kid. Kid loves the freedom of riding to work which is 3 miles away and not be soaked in sweat at the office. MrsQ enjoys riding more now that I'm not stopping every quarter mile to wait for her. I have both mid-drive and rear hub versions and the mid-drive is much more refined but that's why the bike costs twice as much.

I have been convinced of it's place on the trails. Being a casual rider there are many climbs which beat me up before I get to the good stuff. Yeah, I could ride more and get stronger but I don't have the dedication or time some of you have. The enjoyment of blasting up a climb like a CAT2 rider then have more energy and confidence to try a skills feature or bomb down a downhill segment is where some of my rides need. I won't trade in my Amish bikes, but there are days an eBike can be funner for me. I'm generally not an early adopter to innovations and tech so give me another year or two in the sidelines.

 

[rick81721]

Aren't electric trolling motors exempt up to 10 HP? I have two setups at 20 and 40 lbs for the bay but it's obviously tidal waters

Nope. Have to register even kayaks with a trolling motor.

 

[mattybfat]

ok, ill bite...????

Lol
Recycling factor unless your gonna tell they can recycle carbon, if so I am unaware. Same with hoops, not worth cost to weight ratio.

And if you haven't figured out by now I have always been an old hippy, we know how you genx feel about that 🤣

 

[Bike N Gear]

Lol
Recycling factor unless your gonna tell they can recycle carbon, if so I am unaware. Same with hoops, not worth cost to weight ratio.

And if you haven't figured out by now I have always been an old hippy, we know how you genx feel about that 🤣

But carbon can be repaired. Aluminum, not so much.

 

[UtahJoe]

Lol
Recycling factor unless your gonna tell they can recycle carbon, if so I am unaware. Same with hoops, not worth cost to weight ratio.

And if you haven't figured out by now I have always been an old hippy, we know how you genx feel about that 🤣

you drive a giant diesel brodozer lol...just saying, you can probably work on your personal environmental impact in other areas and ride a lighter bike 🙂

 

[mattybfat]

you drive a giant diesel brodozer lol...just saying, you can probably work on your personal environmental impact in other areas and ride a lighter bike 🙂

Yeah definitely not your traditional hippy but old hippies aren't the same as today's. No secret that I'm conservative which is far cry from the old progressive attitude but even in today's society everything is upside down and crazy. Why brodozer because it's built to last and fits the needs if there was gas truck as reliable then I'd own that but that's not the case.

 

[rick81721]

Lol
Recycling factor unless your gonna tell they can recycle carbon, if so I am unaware. Same with hoops, not worth cost to weight ratio.

And if you haven't figured out by now I have always been an old hippy, we know how you genx feel about that 🤣

Has any Al bike been recycled - ever?

 

[one piece crank]

But carbon can be repaired. Aluminum, not so much.

And carbon WILL need to be repaired/replaced. Steel or aluminum, not so much.

This is not a slam, just based on failed carbon frame, bars, and rims I've seen posted here or been shown by riding cohorts.

 

[thegock]

Its nothing like snowboarding, more like comparing road riding to mountain biking. You're still sliding down the mountain, just in a different way. Just like with road vs. MTB you're still pedaling, just in different venue. I think the fundamental issues with ebikes vs. real bikes has more to do with the rationale people make up to justify an easier way to ride (yes, it is easier) and also ties back to how mountain biking started, and the early mountain biking culture and community that is now mostly gone.


This is the real reason for any hate that existed. This, and there's nothing better than watching a couple noobs on a snowboards slide sideways down a trail that they shouldn't be on just flattening all the fresh pow.

Do I have to roll out my 10 question prequalification list?

 

[thegock]

I go both ways so I can be a dick to everyone...because if you're gonna be able to coast, change gears, and stop, might as well just get an eBike like a fairy 🤣

View attachment 195665

View attachment 195666

Would this include stopping at the top of a downhill drop on a group ride? AFAF

 

[thegock]

I agree with your basic premise - but don't have an issue with experienced older folks getting ebikes to keep up. More gears make it easier to climb. Lighter, carbon fiber bikes are easier to climb. By your logic, everyone should be riding single speed, no suspension, steel bikes with 2" tires that weigh 35 lbs.

OK

You can bring an ebike to our MTB race this summer...at Mountain Creek.

 

[Steve Vai]

Would this include stopping at the top of a downhill drop on a group ride? AFAF

Only if there's an old man on a cheater bike behind me.

 

[thegock]

Only if there's an old man on a cheater bike behind me.

ACOUSTIC cheater

 

[Steve Vai]

ACOUSTIC cheaterView attachment 196083

130mm? 12-Speeds? 30lbs? I have an S-Works LevoSL here that'll make a great replacement being you're a CHEATER.

 

[Meineke]

as someone making my way back to mountain biking after taking a short break, it just kinda rubs me the wrong way that the trails very few used to know are now accessible to the masses via an electric motorcycle. riding in the woods has always been my favorite way to avoid the masses right under their noses. those days seem to be numbered.
c'est la vie.