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Is there anything special about them apart from being set up for all that weight?
I fancy a electric hardtail to join the missus in the hills but they all seem to be somewhat lacking in the fork department . Ok, I will admit to being a bit out of touch.
I am wondering if it makes sense, cost aside, to buy the bike I like and whack some decent forks on them. I don't want miracles but do want something that can cope with rattling down the reds or big mountain paths. A mates Yari on a Scandal feel nice.
Or can you point me to something with decent forks for what I might need?
Nothing special about them - they're usually lower spec to balance the cost of the ebike. The one I bought had RS Gold 35s on it "ebike tuned" apparently, but they weren't great, so I bought some Pikes which improved it immensely.
Conversely, I just bought some Fox 34s with "E-MTB Tune" stuck on the side and they're perfect on my (not electric) hardtail.
Fox's new range come in "E" specific versions, not read up on what the difference is. Marketing spiel probably
Earlier ebike forks were usually stiffer heavier versions - so the ebike 36 used the innards of a 34 because the stanchions had thicker walls. Recent ones have also had lighter damping tubes for more bimbly and seated riding.
I have the same non-e Lyrik RC2 160mm on my Levo ebike and my non-e hardtail.
I have e-mtb Lyriks on my Kenevo and it just says add 10psi for e-bike on the leg. Dunno what else the difference is
Rockshox ZEB on my EMTB..
I’ve installed a Vorsprung Smashpot coil conversion to improve all aspects of performance..
I’d say the added weight of EMTB demands a different approach with spring weight and set up..
Not sure if the fork chassis is any different to OEM normal forks.. Doubt it…
Ta
Seems about right.
To me things like those Suntour 32s seem cheap and nasty and a lot of hard tails seem to run no more than about 120mm. I don't want hige amounts but it must feel nice.
Think Rob on the emtb forum said Fox actually have different internals for a different tune. Rockshox is literally a sticker. He did post a diagram to demonstrate, but I'm too thick to find find/post it.
Zeb Ultimates on my eeb. The RS Gold that came on it didn't even see a wheel turn before they were changed.
i had recons on my eeb and i smashed the hell out of them for a year with no complaints - BPW, FOD, big jumps, wharncliffe, mud (so much mud!!) etc.
I was really suprised how well they held up. the extra weight of the eeb helps the crap damping work better. I moved to a yari when crc were giving them away for next to nothing just for the stiffness. they are currently on teh wifes eeb and still going strong.
As long as you have an e-bike specific saddle, you'll be fine.
https://www.cyclevolta.com/story/ebike-components/saddles-designed-for-electric-mountain-bikes/
Talking of marketing spiel, slightly related - have you seen Troy Lee do a EMTB specific HELMET now . Brilliant! Extra padding in case the battery clouts you on the noggin? 😆
(Coincidentally posted at the same time as thols2!)
My Kenevo is about as big and burly as they get, but I think the only truly specific item is the chain. And that may be snake oil - just really a cheap (but not sold cheap) heavy duty chain
My E-36s have a thicker steerer, I cant fit a Oneup EDC in it. Think the its got more damping aswell.
Ta.
Troy Lee do a EMTB specific HELMET now
NTA 8776 compliant/tested?