Ebike purchase hesitance.

It’s the same with most, I spent 5.5k on an ereign, it is the older one, even fuglier, but you don’t see the bike when riding or most other times.

An ebike gives you range, and the ability to do rides on those days the legs or whatever aren’t working well, buying local is always good, get the best from your dealer for warranty and so on.

It might also be worth looking at the lighter ebikes, my next one might be the likes of an orbea rise, I’ll be less enduro but more exploring, so seems to be a good compromise, the m20 is still 5.8k though 😂

AVOID Giant Reign at the current time. Theres been a cracking problem reported and Giant are looking into it.

Tuesday 14th -

" <b>As of 10am this morning they(Giant) have been working through claims to inform customers not to ride the bikes until further tests at the production end have been completed to ensure safety of the current frame</b>.)

https://www.emtbforums.com/community/threads/giant-reign-2022-frame-cracking.28607/

Bosch motors seem to be the industry leaders. Shimano motors cannot be repaired.

I have a shimano one. Batteries have noticeable degradation and the motor has started showing intermittent "w013" errors mid ride, which I think means it's a matter of time before it fails. Its 1.5 years old so covered under the 2 year warranty. Id stick with bosch! Though personally I'm not getting another until they make them fixable.

I'd be too worried about it getting stolen . . .  especially if I was riding it at the time.

I just can’t seem to justify the £6k needed for a bike that appeals.

I can't justify spending that much on a bicycle either.

Bosch motors seem to be the industry leaders. Shimano motors cannot be repaired.

I bought my giant after a failed gen4 Bosch bike, reality is all motors can fail, having good support is paramount to it, look at spesh, lots of failures but folk love them due to turnaround on repairs

Granted it’s all about how it actually works

No it's not.  Loads of us buy bikes that are way better than we need because we fall in love with how they look.  That's far too much cash to drop for something that is only just functional.  eBikes rock so much it's worth spending more on the bike you want, especially if you aren't so cash limited.

Cheers all. I'd seen the cracked frame post but not followed it through yet as was at work at the time.

After a few more videos and reviews this evening, I think I've discounted the Reign and will look to the Trance as it suits my riding much more.

I also have a Ripmo as my main bike, which although fast on the downs, it does dull the terrain quite a bit. A blast when out whizzing down rocky areas in the Peaks etc but that isn't my main riding so I can save the Ripmo for such rides and use the ebike to have more fun on everyday rides.

And yes, leffeboy is very correct. Looks are important. I'm the first person that tells somebody 'no' when they go for function over form in deciding on a new bike. If it doesn't appeal to me, I won't ride it!

Still need to decided which one to go for and of course need to press the buy button 🙂

Anybody else suffer this irrational thought process?

Or if you did, have you since bought one and regretted it/not looked back etc?

Yeah, I did, and regret it a bit, not completely, but I’d rather have the money at this time! Just after I paid out £3.5k (no way could I afford £6k+) the cost of EVERYTHING skyrocketed. So struggling now.
Health issues and then a serious leg injury threatened to stop me riding for a long time, so I had to find a way to keep on the bike, particularly for commuting as I absolutely hate driving to work…. mental health an all that. I think I used the ebike 4 or 5 commutes, it helped with the recovery, but I was back on my gravel bike asap.
The ebike is a fabulous thing off-road, for sure, but yeah, its a financial regret more than anything.

I agonised for a good while before I bought one (Focus with Bosch). I absolutely love it - sold my conventional MTB after 12 months when I didn't use it once. I'm old (67) too, so I don't GAF what anyone else says about them, I think I've earned it. It makes every ride fun. For balance, I still ride 'normal' road and gravel bikes.

It would be a pretty reckless attitude to money (or properly loaded) that allowed you to spend £5k on a thing that does the same thing that a thing you already own does. Add the reputation for a being a bit flaky and unreliable and......perfectly natural.

All my mates now have Eeb's , well all but one be he is getting a mondraker next month . It does split up the regular rides , in that even when I have been out with them you feel guilty for holding them up . One of mates spent 7.5k on a mondraker with Ohlins , I think although he loves it he now feels it was maybe a bit extravagant and he could have spent it elsewhere. None of them regret the switch though. I have my cyclescheme coming up and would like either the cube or the focus at around 5.5k , If im honest without the scheme I wouldn't be buying It as its probably more than my car is worth.
So many high end normal bikes for sale on marketplace now and second hand ebikes with no warranty as well.

I got an e reign couple of months ago. Love it. Not seen any cracks yet

I've just got a Cube Stereo Hybrid 160tm which is really well specced with Fox 38's and Magura MT7's for £5.5k.
It took me ages to push the button on it due to cost, but then I realised that it would probably cost nearly as much to replace my 'normal' bike so it's not just ebikes that are pricey. They are a lot of fun though.

“ it does dull the terrain quite a bit”

Stating the obvious but you realise a 50lb ebike is going to dull the terrain even more? Great as they are, I find them not much fun on milder terrain. The weight and how good they suspension tracks the ground, means not that engaging on milder stuff.

Thanks again, although @choppersquad has just thrown a squareish spanner in the works.

That Cube looks epic, especially for the money.
Seems to get good reviews too, just having a read up now.

Sorry to jump in
Choppersquad how do you find the 160TM? Not seen any reviews

I am on to my 2nd bike now 1st Levo and now Cube 160tm for the money the cube is hard to beat.There seems to be loads of brands launching models so you may find a good deal, also it's generally people who have never owned an Ebike who say things like the the motors are unrepairable a quick google search will answer a few of those questions. Price you can get bikes from 1k -15k so not much different from regular bikes now the enjoyment and how it will transform your riding is priceless go for it you will not regret it.

we fall in love with how they look.

I love my Ebike. Plus is knocks 20 years off you. Acceleration on turbo is pretty cool too. Lost that type of leg power yonks ago.

Admittedly once you hit 15.5mph that 50lb plus hits your legs 😆

Mine.

Toomba

21 Review https://electricbikereview.com/cube/stereo-hybrid-160-hpc-tm-625-27-5/
I have not seen a 22 review yet of the TM reviews online of other models though.

Booger, the Cube has too low a weight limit - I weigh 120Kg without bike!
Will be down to around 80 eventually but I have to buy for now.

Back to the Giant and some time looking at others.

I haven't ridden the TM in anger yet as I want to Invisiframe it before I trash it out on the trails, but my mate also has one and he loves it. I know most bikes now are either 29ers or mullets but I chose the Cube because its 650b so I figured that would make the front end a bit lighter to manoeuvre. The sl is also good value at £5k but for another £500 it seemed to make sense to get the decent brakes and Fox front and back.

Go ride a few different eBikes first... Full fat, lightweight, longer travel, shorter travel, different motors etc.

That way you'll get an idea of what type of bike is preferable and if it is going to add £6k+ of value to your life or not before actually committing!

LOTS of people have found out the expensive way that they have either bought the wrong eBike, or that eBikes aren't actually for them. If you're not in desperate need right now, take the time to make it a very considered purchase and get it right first time!

12 years ago I was unlucky enough to receive a sizeable inheritance and bought a 'dream bike', a once in a lifetime purchase. I specced a Nicolai Helius CC but with a FR rear, just for me. An absolutely amazing bike, it's capabilities were brought home to me at the end of a 'Passe'porte du Soleil' trip where I was so blummin tired I just let the bugger rip down the trail into town at the end and it just ate it all up. UberBike.

Time passes...

Arthritis is not any fun at all, it hurts a lot, even with analgesics. Retirement looming offers me a 'lump sum'- eBike ahoy!

It was a big purchase so I wanted good UK backup. By chance my LBS happened to come up trumps and I now have a Trek Rail 9 GTX. I really don't care about the looks- I have a Nicolai FFS! What I care about is that I can now ride the hills and trails again. Sunday was amazing- and Saturday too in the pouring rain. Previously I would look out onto the Brecon Beacons from my garden and be so down because I knew that I could not get/ go there, my hip and knees are so wrecked.

Now though- yippee!

The bike has improved my mental health and my physical health too. I thought long and hard about the decision; all that needs vs. wants stuff. Pressing the button was a god decisionand I really don't regret it at all.

It's a lot of money for what is really just a vanity bauble.

But I'd say that about any 'expensive' bike stuff.

Personally, I could only justify an e-bike for a long commute.

It’s a lot of money for what is really just a vanity bauble.

What makes you think an e-bike is a vanity bauble? They are really good fun - have you tried one?

Get it done. I would only ever buy specialized due to the amazing Berkshire cycles support if I have any issues.
Coming up to 2 years with none of note though.
You will also reclaim some money when you sell the non eebs due to never riding them again.

I’ve seriously looked a couple of times at Orbea Rise’s

I’m not in a position to have £5.5k just sat there with nothing else to do so it would need to be finance, and then I couldn’t take the risk of finance on something that could be in the bin in 2 yrs time

Mate of mine spent £8.5k on one and is now pay £160 pm for it. Seriously WTF !?

However I can comletly see why people do it

I did it when I was 57, so glad I did, maybe not a game changer but a massive game extender/enjoyment increaser, the only downside is that for cheeky it can be a cumbersome, awkward, heavy object to get over difficult stiles.

I’d have a word with https://www.ebikemotorcentre.com/. About out of warranty motor reliability/rebuildability and take it from there.

I’m loving my levo,(Berkshire cycles) 2 years in no issues, fell in love with an orbea rise m Ltd once I’d picked it up, it was even in a massive sale but I have had a shimano motor before so still on the levo, which will hopefully last till we get a fullish fat motor, small battery (*extender available), 120 xc at about 16/17kg with a rebuildablish motor - roll on the new levo sl (*hopefully other options available)

“something that could be in the bin in 2 yrs time”

Why would an ebike be “in the bin” after 2 years? Just like normal bikes parts can wear out or break. Just like normal bikes, these parts can be serviced or repaired or replaced.

Granted it’s all about how it actually works and I’m sure smiles per mile have to increase over non e bikes but I’m having issues buying the bloody thing.

I haven't read all the previous responses, but if I were you, I'd hire or borrow an e-mtb for a few days. If you love it, the price won't seem quite so dauntingly high. If you're not that blown away, then you've saved yourself six grand.

I used a borrowed Turbo Levo as a long covid rehab aid and loved it for that. As I've got fitter and more back to normal, I'm less and less bothered about it. These days I mainly use it for recovery/easy days when I fancy getting out without pushing hard, but for that, it's really a luxury and I don't think at this point I'd buy one.

the components are not great.

There is something here to perhaps get your head around.... pre - ebike I wouldn't be interested in a steel chainring or heavens forbid, a steel cassette. Trading cost and weight would be a dilemma. Lower spec drivetrains often are heavier but last longer. Brakes and suspension though are still important.

 I think I’ve discounted the Reign and will look to the Trance as it suits my riding much more.

Two of them here. I'd not buy another Giant Ebike due to the poor support. Both have had the complete wiring looms and controls replaced. One had the motor replaced and the other has just had the Rockshox forks replaced - utter junk, but I can't blame Giant for that.

Route of the problem seems to be Giant UK. Both bikes came from a 'Concept' store, but they don't seem to have the authority to condemn a motor. It has to go back to Giant for inspection, before a replacement can be supplied. This all takes time.

And don't get me started on Zyro/Fisher/Sram. Totally useless bunch of swamp donkeys.

Berkshire Cycles are the importer for the Fulgar. Polini motor which is user serviceable, EXT suspension and a modular battery. Price is not as high as you’d expect. Aftersales support will be to Berkshire’s usual high standards*.

https://www.emtbforums.com/community/threads/fulgur-mula-20kg-full-fat-ebike.25806/

*Other shops offer similarly good aftersales support.

You are going to demo some before you splash out, yeah?

I'm not as close to buying one as you, but I probably will in future when the tech is a bit more mature.

When I do, I'll want to try different styles of eeb and different motors to see which suits my needs best.

“Route of the problem seems to be Giant UK. Both bikes came from a ‘Concept’ store, but they don’t seem to have the authority to condemn a motor. It has to go back to Giant for inspection, before a replacement can be supplied. This all takes time.”

This is really poor.

My Levo’s drive belt started slipping a few months ago, after a bit over three years of almost daily use. Popped into my LBS that I bought it from, they asked me to bring it in for a motor replacement the following day and I got it back with a new motor the day after. (FYI the faulty motor units are then refurbed at the factory, they don’t just bin them). All done under warranty.

Is there anywhere near you could hire one for a weekend?

Tbh we’ve had nothing but good service from Giant previously, over 4 bikes with problems that were not their fault as such.

I’m also half pondering building my own hard tail using a bafang or similar. Have 90% of the other bits already and love building bikes. Would save some funds and use it to commute on, thus saving more money in fuel and hopefully help with fitness.

It’s looking like loose 10kg off me and see what is about etc at that point, as I really like the look and reviews of the Cubes and don’t want to restrict my choice based on my weight.

A bit of a vicious circle I spose

Understand your point totally. I can't believe I spent £4.8k on a bike. Wife no problem but it was entirely in my head. Buying it on Bike2work helped and knocked £1800 off. But either way. 4 months in its just fab. i ride 4 times a week. Have lost a stone. Love being out. Ride with mates but a lot alone listening to music and podcasts. Travel much further and ride different places. So totally understand your reticence but my experience has been transformative.

Apart form the abuse. I get a lot of abuse from my non electric buddies

Recently bought a Rise H (60th present) to supplement my carbon FS - I ride both and use the Rise for longer exploring days or when I am feeling a bit tired after a ride out on the 'muscle' bike but still fancy a ride out.

I'm not regretting the 5K spend (Rise H15) - decided I could afford it, I've earnt the money and who knows what is going to happen down the line so enjoy what I can while I can.

Question for those riding lower powered bikes like the rise and Levo SL

Did you try full fat versions first and what swayed you to what you have.

I will have a play on some before buying but, interested in thoughts etc as well.

I would 100% reccomend demo'ing one somewhere fun.

I got one a few years back due to injury and wanting to get back out with some of my annoyingly fit mates, brilliant bit of kit.

Have just ordered a tow rope for it so that the boy and I can go ride some properly big hills.

@twonks What I wanted was something to help me up the hills- because they are brutal here- to spend more time on the downs and interesting bits. The Rise does that. I'm not sure why i'd want more power or range- I rarely do more than 4 hour rides from my back door. I wanted light, as normal as possible, good value. The Rise does that- i'm not sure what I'd get from full fat that i'm missing.

its easily the best thing ive ever bought. I bough mine 'cheap' 3.5k just before things went mental but it had the lowest end kit on it. i rode that stock for a year (well about 3 mechs as the sram 12sp ones just do not work for very long and different tyres for slop) then changed the forks. its been mint.

i just love the freedom it gives you to do another lap or spin up to do a section again. you dont look at the hill and go 'errgh i cant be arsed to push/ride up again - that will do for today'

i ride at least 2x more than i did before. even a cheeky hour snuck off becomes a decent ride/workout.