It seems to me that at the higher end, say above £3,500 (ish) eBikes have reduced sales of non motor'd mountain bikes? I say this because i think of all the people i know who've bought a new bike in the last 6 months, none have bought anything but an eBike.
I'm not sure if this is because eBikes are more suited to how a lot of people ride (esp people likely to be money rich but time poor) or because they are "new" and therefore have effectively actually made people buy a new bike before they would have done otherwise?
I wonder what the sales figures for 2018 look like across the price segments?
This will end badly.😉
I say this because i think of all the people i know who’ve bought a new bike in the last 6 months, none have bought anything but an eBike.
I don't know anyone who has bought an e-bike? Does that cancel it all out? What's your demographic?
Or for a better idea how many 5-9k bikes are in the sales at the moment?
My lbs sells fairly high end bikes, SC, Orange, cervelo, Ridley, pivot, genesis, Saracen, focus, orbea, and so on, so many I struggle to remember.
He has a hard on for his ebike sales atm, every time I speak to him, no idea of numbers, but he's a good business brain on him. Focus ebikes seem to be his pet faves the noo.
It's the new "n+1" - see also fat bikes a few years ago and possibly gravel grinders. For serial buyers it's the current must have.
I've bought an Ebike and a Geomtron in the last six months so in a sample of one they're both selling.😉
More sensible answer one of my LBS's is banging out Ebikes like you wouldn't believe.
Probably, but it was always the case that the guys in any group that actually rode every week and were handy on a bike were never on the most bling bike. The S-works and titanium bikes were always the time poor, cash rich guys. E-bikes have just given them the bikes they actually want/need (because titanium, kashima and XTR doesn't actually make you faster). There's exceptions, but in the real world where most bikes in any group I've ever ridden with cost <£1500, even the statistical odds of the fastest person being on the expensive outlier bike are slim, and now that expensive outlier is electric.
It’s the new “n+1” – see also fat bikes a few years ago and possibly gravel grinders. For serial buyers it’s the current must have.
Not convinced, they're hugely expensive for the really good ones. I'm a serial n+1 buyer, but all my bikes (XC, gravel, CX, fat, jump/4x, road) probably average £400 a piece!
A while back I said that it wouldn't be that long before MTB was seen as a powered sport.
Thought that was daft at the time but still thought it would happen. Still do. Non-E bikes will be a niche for a smaller number of XC types who like pedalling for hours on end, or entry level 'muck about in woods' riders aspiring to own a bike with built in uplift as soon as they can.
I know two people who have bought ebikes.
Neither would have bought another bike instead.
Both are a bit older.
Neither are what you call 'cyclists' Although are now improving.
One has always been into motorbikes and sees this as a sort of in between.
He now often rides it to work.
Whereas he wouldn't ever previously.
(Too hilly)
The other uses his for social cycle rides with his wife.
Again, they hardly ever went for a cycle.
They now do.
They both thoroughly love them.
I'm not seeing any of these high-end ebikes round my way, just a few of the cheaper hybrid-style ones, mostly on the back of motorhomes.
What about sales of non mtb e bikes?
I bought a new ebike last year, I’d never have bought a normal mtb as my 10 year old one is fine as an ornament 😁, I liked my ebike so much I’ve bought another one and I’m now out 4 or 5 times a week. I am now considering a replacement for my 10yr old normal bike but it’ll be a £1500 bike no more, I’ll always use my ebikes as they give me the speed I need to enjoy my riding.....I don’t enjoy just riding for riding sake I need the buzz of speed. Was the same with my motorbikes tbh
I ride at Wind Hill and every week and there's no shortage of new, high end bikes there. Only see one or two e-bikes each time.
JP
It seems to me that at the higher end, say above £3,500 (ish)
Get with the program(me).
£2000 was entry level according to STW's 'inspirational and aspirational' new philosophy and that was a few years ago.
If you really don't want to be s****ed at behind the wheel of your premium SUV, surely £3000 is the minimum you should be spending to represent the lifestyle you're buying into?
I have just built/bought a new bike? It’s not an ebike and would be class’s as high-end. I won’t be buying an ebike for a long time yet. It’s just not what I want from the hobby.
Seeing more and more of them and I'm confident they're taking a fair bit of the money that middle aged men (and the odd woman) might otherwise have spent on a posh non-E bike.
Non-E bikes will be a niche for a smaller number of XC types who like pedalling for hours on end
Care to put a timeframe on that? I'm sceptical personally. The UK riding scene is incredibly strong at the moment and more people than ever are getting out in the hills where an ebike could become a liability.
I reckon they'll become a fairly big niche for "self uplift" kinda riding at places with long draggy climbs (Inners, Grizedale, Hebden) - plus for the middle aged gadget lovers and people who don't think they can get fit.
I'm having trouble giving my money to a bike shop for a new high end bike so they must be doing well.
Care to put a timeframe on that?
No : )
Maybe XC as a niche is a bit strong, it could well come back as the trail/enduro side does move to e-bikes. And there's always the XC Euros who will keep pedalling uphill alive for us.
I reckon they’ll become a fairly big niche for “self uplift” kinda riding
This is the exact reason I bought mine.
I've got a Geometron and I'd love a Spesh Levo. I could get out of bed an hour later every morning. I never ride to work because it's a 6 mile uphill slog of death into town. On an e-bike it would be a breeze and I could get out to the Peak for a legit mountain bike ride every night on the way home.
If I didn't have other really expensive stuff on my plate this year I'd be ready to buy one I think.
I reckon they’ll become a fairly big niche for “self uplift” kinda riding at places with long draggy climbs (Inners, Grizedale, Hebden)
funny thing is there's such a #cyclistlifestyle clique thing going on in inners (not a new thing) that hardly anyone's riding E-bikes there or the Golfie. might well change. but all the decent riders I speak to are still a bit funny about having one themselves.
some right narrowminded blikered thinking and attempted pigeonholing going on here as usual with every Ebike thread. take this load of absolute bollocks for a start.
but it was always the case that the guys in any group that actually rode every week and were handy on a bike were never on the most bling bike. The S-works and titanium bikes were always the time poor, cash rich guys. E-bikes have just given them the bikes they actually want/need (because titanium, kashima and XTR doesn’t actually make you faster)
is there even any point in pointing out the obvious?
“out in the hills where an ebike could become a liability.”
They’re no more a liability than a normal bike - you can ride them without power. Total system weight is only about 10%, so less difference than going from a 42t biggest sprocket back to 36.
funny thing is there’s such a #cyclistlifestyle clique thing going on in inners (not a new thing) that hardly anyone’s riding E-bikes there or the Golfie
Doesn't have to be the cool kids doing it, but the snob factor is a big reason why ebikes won't take over as jameso predicts.
They’re no more a liability than a normal bike
Maybe I should have said "where an ebike would be a pointless extra weight to carry up a steep, rocky mountainside".
@Chief mine's running a 36t and 11-50t for winter.
I've barely ever used the 50t while motor assist is on but the 50t sprocket means it's no more difficult (and not all that much slower) than my regular bikes to ride uphill while it's off
Having ridden a giant e trance at bike park Wales for a day I found the bike way too heavy on the downs clunking over everything and nose diving the drop offs, much more of a handful to ride than the yeti I normally use even though the uphills were a hoot though that all changed when the battery went flat! For me I’d sooner have a top end mtb than an ebike at the same Money!
Maybe I should have said “where an ebike would be a pointless extra weight to carry up a steep, rocky mountainside”.
you should probably have said nothing at all TBF
I've been pushing and carrying DH bikes up stupidly steep, rocky difficult to walk up mountainsides since back when they weighed more than my current Ebike does. Seeing as the Ebike is a more capable Descender than any of those old DH bikes were why wouldn't I take it the same places? Clue: I didn't buy an Ebike through weakness, age or lack of fitness. I bought one because they half the climbing time and allow me to enjoy more of the parts I actually enjoy in a ride and spend less time riding the shitty bits I don't.
Yeh the extra weight of an ebike.. Why?
If you're old or disabled in some way, fine, I've no problem with that.
I bought one because they half the climbing time and allow me to enjoy more of the parts I actually enjoy in a ride and spend less time riding the shitty bits I don’t.
Weirdo.
Climbing is good for the soul.
Perhaps you could just get a season ticket for Alton Towers? 🙂
Trying not to sound like a dick here, but I got an ‘expensive’ ebike 3 years ago, I’ve bought 4 normal bikes since, 2 of them were considerably more than the ebike, and the ebike is below average value in a collection of 7 bikes.
As mentioned above, I reckon they will simply be an n+1 for folk who are already big into MTB, get them for self uplift, days they aren’t feeling 100% but want to get out, or commuting.
People who get into ebikes from the outset, may even get something simpler, or to get fitter once they are used to cycling, or want to ride with mates who aren’t electrified, or want to race.
High end bikes are going to be as popular as they ever were/can be.
I would be tempted but the relatively high failure rate of motors means buying new with warranty is the only real option and even then it seems risky with out local dealer support
Ive heard some of the stw big hitters rave about em so was looking fwd to a go. Even had funds available.
Reverse mtbing. Hilarious fun uphill, rubbish downhill, awful on twisty singletrack. Annoying on/off power surge. Silly heavy.
Just felt disconnected and like a completely different pastime tbh.
Anyway, I'll have another go in 5 years.
The folk who want an ebike will buy one, the folk who want a non assisted bike will buy one. I don't think it's an either/or question.
If you’re old or disabled in some way, fine, I’ve no problem with that.
Don't say that, Gerx and singlemindedstu are riding gods, and we're just too poor and jealous anyway.
On another note, of the (admittedly relatively small) sample of ebikers I've seen, every single one of them has had a portly belly straining gently at their neon enduro tops. Generally quite pink in the face too, and not too happy about being out in the elements.
Trying not to sound like a dick here
And succeeding, as usual.
Pint after Hit the North?
I think some people need to read the question the OP asked again.😉
Is name calling the best you can do tom.
Bit sad really.
Pint after Hit the North?
If by ‘pint’, you mean ‘de-fib’, then absolutely!
(For those that don’t know, it’s because I haven’t ridden for 6 months due to a recurring foot issue that first reared it’s head at a solo 24hr mtb race I’d entered, not cos I’m a perma-unfit ebike biffer)
Wasn't asking for marks out of 10 Stu 🤨
True about the recent crop of ebikers I've seen though. Very unhealthy looking bunch. It's nice that they're out there trying though. Bless.
As to the OPs Q. Yes, probably some money that would have been spent on higher end bikes is probably being spent on ebike. Though I suspect that a large percentage of them will have been bought as more of a 'lifestyle' purchase. Your keen bikey types may buy one, but most will still buy (or own) a decent normal bike too.
Personally (we are still allowed personal opinions aren't we?) Out of the maybe 20 or so keen cyclists that I know relatively well, not a single one has bought an ebike. Yet 😉
Reverse mtbing. Hilarious fun uphill, rubbish downhill, awful on twisty singletrack. Annoying on/off power surge. Silly heavy.
I suspect that was a setup problem on the bike you tried. My Trek is ace downhill including steep rooty alpine singletrack, loamy flat out stuff, decent sized jumps and drops.
Edited
Can't be bothered.
And just to be clear I don't gas.
And please stop calling me Tom like you know me.
Ooh, ninja edit from stuey 🤣
And please stop calling me Tom like you know me.
And it confuses me.
This will end badly
You are Nostradamus and I claim my £5
tom* you sound like Mik now...
*Not tomhoward.😁
oysterkite
Subscriber
I would be tempted but the relatively high failure rate of motors means buying new with warranty is the only real option and even then it seems risky with out local dealer support
The motors aren't actually all that complicated tbh. So if you are half competent at pulling things apart and fixing, should be some fair bargains to be had in the next few years.
Battery use and what's left in the tank there are more of a concern tbh. As well as spare parts, obviously.
Just talking out loud but there must be a market in "refurbs" waiting to happen? given the crazy price of them. Guess a lot of that depends on how the spare parts market goes, if it develops?
I bought an ebike about 18 months ago. Since then I’ve bought 3 ‘high end’ (if that’s what £3500+ means) non ebikes, one of which has since been sold. So, on my sample no ebikes won’t replace high end non e-bikes. They are all fantastic fun in their own way!
the snob factor is a big reason why ebikes won’t take over as jameso predicts.
I could be wrong on this but I don't think snob factor will be a big reason. But higher prices and a downturn coming up, and/or a load of road/gravel riders getting more into XC could mean I'm off.
