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Does a Hardtail eMT...
 

Does a Hardtail eMTB make sense for me?

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For many reasons, mostly good, I’ve not done any meaningful cycling for a few years now, but with turning 59 and my knees on the decline I’ve decide it’s time to get back to it. 
I have an older Giant Anthem X1, but I’ve looked into C2W to get something new that I can use for occasional 26km return trip to work on pretty quiet Devon lanes, plus some gentle Dartmoor trails and trips to Cardinham & Haldon. 
Budget top limit is £3k. Instinct tells me I’d get better value in a hardtail than FS. 
I am completely out of touch with what’s good. 
I think I want Bosch & also removable battery for easy indoor charging. 
All advice welcome. 


 
Posted : 18/07/2026 10:46 am
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Hardtail EMTBs don't make that much sense to me... the extra weight can make them punishingly harsh; much better with some rear travel ime. Or sack the suspension off completely and get a lighter e gravel bike?

Bosch with removeable battery will narrow your options down somewhat. 


 
Posted : 18/07/2026 11:50 am
jezzasnr reacted
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Any cycling is better than no cycling. I'd say goferrit.


 
Posted : 18/07/2026 1:10 pm
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Hardtail EMTBs don't make that much sense to me.

"that I can use for occasional 26km return trip to work on pretty quiet Devon lanes, plus some gentle Dartmoor trails"

and trips to Cardinham & Haldon.

 

Hardtail ebikes make loads of sense for road and bridleway type stuff. A full suspension bikes have a lot more ongoing maintenance costs (rear shock and bearings) and you're on a budget.

On rougher trails if you're getting to more serious mtb stuff again then I can see they might get harsh. 


 
Posted : 18/07/2026 1:19 pm
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Have a look at Paul's cycles. You'll get a Bosch or Yamaha powered Raymon for your budget or a smidgen higher. 

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/bikes/electric-bikes/raymon-vamok-pure-full-suspension-electric-mountain-bike-2026-grey-splatter__16954

I'd go with a full susser because apart from the potential extra upkeep the rest of the usual downsides are outweighed by the 750w, 120nm and 800wh motor system.


 
Posted : 18/07/2026 1:29 pm
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