After not turning a pedal for a while decided times right to go down the e bike route. Limited demo bikes in My area so after throwing a leg over my mates cube 160 I’m
Looking at placing an order and waiting in the queue What’s the go to these days? Never had a 29er before and thinking 160’is maybe overkill. So it’s a 140 travel 29er or a 169 travel 27.5. I ride mixed stuff. Days out in the hills off piste stuff. Trail centres, tight wooded trails, pottering around with the kids Anybody been in a similar situation and what did you decide?
Appreciate any advice
Ebikes are well suited to 150mm plus suspension being a bit heavier. As there is a motor there is little disadvantage. I tried a few and settled on a 29er FS Spesh Levo SL. It has had a few upgrades in the nearly 2 years I have had it, most recently a Fox 36 with 160mm to replace the original 150mm Fox 34.
Most of the 29ers can be run on 27.5"- if they have the 'flip chip' thing, or mullet. But I'd watch out on BB height if you do opt for 29" as its going to drop slightly fitting mullet or full 27'5er.
With the 29er, at least you have all the options.
I'm looking at the cube 160 hybrid as its 27.5 and I can swap all my decent bits over to it. The scott ebikes can be run as both 27.5and 29.
Poah
It’s a Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 I’m
Looking at but nibbling away in the back
Of my mind is the Stereo Hybrid 140 29er thinking that 160
might be overkill
My regular bike is a 27.5 Orange Four and it's a superb bit of kit. My e-bike is a 29er Specialized Levo. It's the 1st 29er I've ever ridden and I don't think I'd go back to 27.5in wheels now if I was buying another bike. The huge wheels just crash through everything, it's brilliant fun and mildly terrifying at the same time!
+1 ...regardless of 27.5 or 29 go for more travel (150mm+), unless where you ride is flat or your a very steady rider (just noticed the "Days out in the hills off piste stuff."... yeah go 160mm), there little downside, as the extra weight means nothing to an FF e-bike & efficient suspension mean less bouncing around. It doubtful you'll complain about too much travel but you will find too little travel an issue.
@toomba Its not wheel size holding me back I can tell you that. My suspension is pretty well sorted F&R. Would 29er wheels roll over smaller objects in the trail sure but there is more to a bike that its wheel size. Current bike is 170F 155r so wanting something similar. Also looked at the Scott ransom but thinking 180mm is too much.
If you are looking at 29ers as well consider the scott ebikes as they come with the bosch motors. Don't think the spec is as good as the cube though.
I’d also go with aminimum 160mm travel ebike full suss, unless you only ride fire roads. Let the motor do the work for you.
I also can’t see much point in a weight saving carbon ebike, may as well get an aluminium frame and better components.
I’d go 29er myself, although a lot now seem to spec 29/27.5, which looks a bit strange imo.