[Closed] Electric MTB for light use

Find a local shop that will let you try one for a few days. You'll likely love it to start with, but IMO it takes a few rides to realise the limitations.

I've just returned a Haibike trekking, borrowed to get me back on a bike faster after injury. I did 200km on it over 4 days, mainly commuting, mainly on small unclassified roads.

It was great for local travel, to& from the shop, etc, but on longer rides I definitely prefer a normal bike.
The pedal assist really helps on the hills, especially if you couldn't do them otherwise. But the 25kmh cut off, combined with the weight sapped my soul. It just took all the enjoyment out of the ride. If you try to sprint up a hill, you just can't. See someone Infront & try to catch them, no chance.

That said, my commute is a 70km round trip, and is never done both ways, two days in a row before, so it does make the impossible possible.

If you are planning to ride off road, I don't think I'd even consider a hardtail, the effects weight over bumps will likely be really uncomfortable.

Thanks that is really helpful. It will definitely need to be an electric mountain bike as that's all I can ride with my knees 🙂 Sounds like the eJimi is not really for off road then if it has no suspension at the back and just a carbon fork at the front. It is incredibly lightweight but not sure if that matters so much.

So I've also hired a specialized turbo levo on holiday before - which I did enjoy of course - but they keep changing the models since four years ago and I'm lost and they are too expensive for me.

So as I liked the Trek Powerfly 5, is there something similar with full suspension they make?

I was thinking a hard tail may be ok for just gravel paths and level trails etc.

The pedal assist really helps on the hills, especially if you couldn’t do them otherwise. But the 25kmh cut off

There are ways around this - and you don't have to be irresponsible, just set it to something more sensible

We have a few ebikes we use for a community project to help people get out cycling. Is a rural area with some forest trails so similar to what you are looking at and ebikes are a game changer for making it easy to get out and get started to build up strength and fitness.

For what its worth a few of our riders have gone on and bought the lighter lower power ebikes like the jimi and others the full power models and both groups seems happy.

We find hardtail ebikes work really well a all rounder bikes but also in recent years a lot of the hybrid bikes can now fit 29" mountain bike tyres and have front suspension too. Right now is probably more about what you can find available than getting too fixed on a particular make or model.

We have a cube shop nearby and they seem pretty good at having a good spread of sizes, their hybrid models in particular have the adjustable stems which help getting comfortable.

I ride a 25kg behemoth with 2.8/2.6 sticky tyres

Did this ride a week or so ago - the flat section is 'gravel' - the High peak trail. To be honest, even set on eco (20% assist) I just don't notice the weight or the tyres. It's nice to have 180mm forks and a coil spring for when I need it.

The point being - weight doesn't matter too much on an e-bike

Strava

It sounds like the eJimi is ideal for you. My mum got one and loves it. She got it over the road version just in case she does any forest road type stuff. I don't want to speak for Islabikes but I think they said my mum could have it for a week to try it for size etc and as long as she didn't take the piss doing long/muddy rides they would take it back.

Hi. I’m looking for an electric mountain bike for myself. Not a mountain biker....

So although not intending to do any serious mountain biking... a rough gravel lane....maybe the odd level trail or riding into nearby village a few miles away...

I’ve also used a Trek Powerfly 5... Having some suspension at the front was good.

This isn't specific to ebikes, but for what you describe, I wouldnt necessarily go for suspension at the front. And definitely not at the rear.

It might feel nice to stand over it and give it a bounce by putting your weight on it, but unless you are on a very high end set up, and frequently service it then it isnt going to be adequately smoothing out the frequent little bumps on your gravel lanes etc.

That eJimi with a more relaxed position and big tyres at the appropriate pressures would I think serve you better.

Of course you might get the bug and want to start mountain biking in a few months, in which case you would have another expensive purchase...

But the 25kmh cut off, combined with the weight sapped my soul.

What a strange view of ebikes. What were expecting, to race cars? To have a moped for whizzing around on? The one I've got does exactly what I expected. Helps me ride without aggravating injuries and even on my (road) ride to work the speed limit isn't an issue cos I can either pedal past it on the downhills, or just chill on the ups.

What a strange view of ebikes.

It's not, really. The general concensus of most people that ride e-bikes is that the 25km/h limit is just a bit too low - it's mostly on the flat that it's restrictive. 25km/h uphill is fine, downhill, as you say, you pedal past it - on the flat, you just keep hitting the limiter. Mine's set at 25MPH

Hi, I have had an eJimi for 18months & love it, I use it locally to go to shops & park & on rides along Canal paths. I did a lot of research when I was thinking of an e.bike & got tempted by the Moustache Samedi 27X5 which seemed to have everything & more. It did & have to say it was a beautiful bike, unfortunately I hesitated to ride it as didn't feel confident on it as didn't feel in control because of the weight which I hadn't seriously considered. I also sometimes use the bike tow rack & really struggled lifting it on & off & having to take the battery off each time. For many years have had Islabikes for Grandchildren & always been impressed with them although I know these days there are other good childrens bikes available, so when I saw they were doing the ebikes feeling very guilty that I had made a mistake buying the Moustache sold it & got the eJimi.
I love it, the handling is fantastic, weight makes such a difference, also where the battery is makes a difference to handling as these can be very heavy. The eJimi does only have the smaller range but I don't do long distance & I am also aware thet if for some reason I did run out of power because it is so light I could just use it as normal bike, admit I would puff a bit up a hill though.
The only thing I wonder about is that the battery is in the tube & cannot be removed, I can see the advantage in that I don't have to worry about anybody pinching it & the other thing I'm not keen on is having to use my phone as the computer on it.
Having bought so many bikes for Grandchildren over the years, sizing is a nightmare & am very wary of going off what is recommended. If I went off Islabikes size I would be XS which as e.Jimi started as S I did query but was assured would be fine, it is & I would have been ok with Medium. I don't know where in the Country you are but they do have there own track at their Unit in Ludlow where they will advise & you can try out for size, it does need to be booked. They did allow you to receive a bike & try it & if it wasn't right you could return it, I'm not sure if they have altered the 'trying' bit now.
I did notice a few months ago one of the direct Manufactures is doing an ebike considerably less cost & with a very similar weight to Islabikes & also the pictures looked very similar. I can't bring it to mind at the moment but sure somebody will know who it is.

There is a review of the eJimi on the singletrack ebike channel that might, or might not, help you decide:
https://singletrackworld.com/charged/2020/12/islabikes-ejimi-e-bike-a-real-world-review/

My FiL has a Cube with a step thru frame and suspension fork, more of a hybrid style bike, that he finds great. Let's him carry on keeping up with his mates and stay fit. He thought about the eJimi but was so indecisive that my BiL bought the Cube for him as he saw a good deal on nearly new. Find the style of bike you like and that fits and I'm sure you'll be grand.

Cheers, that's all really helpful. Only thing is the eJimi is out of stock for months apparently.

It's true I have occasionally done some slightly less level trails when we've been on holiday and I've got the bug.

An easy step through would be good too as I wear a built up shoe and it's a total pain trying to get that over a higher tube - not impossible but it's the one time I'm likely to fall over!

I'm quite fit generally but need the electric bike for the knees and would definitely like mtb tyres.

Any views on the Trek Powerfly 5 as I've seen one of those available. Or would any hardtail do the job? I'm thinking parts and maintenance as well as wouldn't want to have to do too much of that if some parts were a bit rubbish.

The other thing I looked at was the Specialized Tero. Which seems to be a hybrid bike with mtb tyres. But reviews I read were a bit dismissive of it for off road. I'd have thought light trails would be ok though?

An easy step through would be good too as I wear a built up shoe and it’s a total pain trying to get that over a higher tube – not impossible but it’s the one time I’m likely to fall over!

This seems to be a common thing with women who have possibly always ridden stepthrough/drop tubes. Unless you are in a dress/skirt, swinging the leg over from the rear seems like a lot less body contortion.

As someone said above, go to a local shop(s) and try etc.

Hi

Have you seen the cube range

E.g https://www.cube.eu/uk/2022/e-bikes/mountainbike/hardtail/reaction-hybrid/cube-reaction-hybrid-pro-500-greynred-trapeze/

They do a trapeze frame (lower at saddle end) and they also do step thru

https://www.cube.eu/en/2022/e-bikes/city-tour/on-road/touring-hybrid/cube-touring-hybrid-one-500-greynblue-easy-entry/

They used to do a 500 trapeze but I’ve noticed they now do 625 and 700?, ie same bike with bigger (*and heavier) batteries, which you may or may not need but it does impact weight and price.

In fact they do a 400
https://www.cube.eu/en/2022/e-bikes/city-tour/on-road/touring-hybrid/cube-touring-hybrid-one-400-greennsharpgreen-trapeze/

Cheers. We live in the middle of nowhere and nearest bike shop is almost a week-end away! So was just thinking about things I'd used before - always bought son's bikes on line after research and not had a problem.

Thanks for the links to the Cube bikes. They look very nice. I think I'd still prefer a mountain bike rather than hybrid, especially for the tyres. I would probably just go for the EJimi but it's out of stock for months.

Seeing some of the issues that people have I'd be more likely to consider buying in store even though I'm usually an online buyer. Or perhaps buying online to get the same brand as the nearest (faraway!) dealer.

The Giant Fathom is also available as a Liv "womens" version that might give a bit more options for inbetween sizing, it also looks like it comes woth pretty fat tyres which might give a bit more squish offroad without the complication of full suspension. Having said that, if you liked the superfly Trek do a full-susser version that's a bit milder than their Rail trail eBike.

Which full suspension is there? I saw the Rail ebikes and wasn't sure what they were. I'm guessing the Superfly 7 is the same as the 5 but with full suspension, is that right?

Islabikes do have the eJanis in stock - which can be fitted with "Mixte" tyres for light off roading. Just wondering if those tyres would be good enough for our lumpy gravel downhill lane.

Trek Powerfly FS
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/mountain-bikes/electric-mountain-bikes/powerfly/powerfly-full-suspension/powerfly-fs-4-500/p/32757/

Thanks. That looks great, although I'm getting quite keen on the idea of stepthrough now :-). I think actually the eJimi would be good for me - but it's not available. Or the Specialized Tero. But the only stepthrough model doesn't have the higher power electrics and I'm not sure it would be good for the hills round here. The Tero 5 would be better for that but no stepthrough version.

Anyone know what those Islabike "Mixte" tyres are like?

If you haven't spoken to Islabikes it is worth giving them a ring I have always found them very helpful. The bike I had seen online which looks similar to Islabikes is by Ribble, gone up in price since I first saw it but worth having a look to compare but again probably wouldn't be available until June/July & I don't know anything about the Company but have seen them mentioned on this site so sure information is available.

Thanks. Yes I've emailed them (which is when I found out the eJimi won't be in stock for a long time). I'll ask them about the Mixte tyres. The eJanis is not really an offroad bike though I think.

I'll check out Ribble.

I wouldn't put too much of the decision into what tyres the bike comes with.

Tyres are easily changed to suit. It's just a case of checking that the frame takes the width of tyre that you want.

The Mixte tyre looks fine for light off-road and gravel.

Maybe just keep the pressures a little lower than you might on the road and go easy on the brakes.

Thank you Kayak, that is really helpful. As all replies have been. So I need to narrow down my confusion now. I'm looking at

a) a road bike with the mixte gravel tyres
b) a full suspension mtb
c) a specialized tero step through which is neither a hybrid nor a mountain bike and mixed use but is a hardtail.

And apart from that I realise I don't know much about motors. I guess most full suspension bikes would have powerful motors and do hills well. Some other mixed use bikes it seems could not be as powerful on hills. And I know there's a speed limit but assume some are a bit faster than others?

The only "trying out" I've done before is hiring a bike. So have ridden

1) A specialised turbo levo (4 years ago) which was great but I had issues - couldn't get the sizing right. Hard to get on and off
2) A Trek Powerfly 5 - I much preferred the type of pedal assistance on this, it was easier to use. But the bike was very hard to get on and off without nearly toppling over - so I'm guessing I need something with a drop post for that?
3) A hybrid bike from a local hire centre, can't remember the make but hated it - it didn't feel stable on a light level trail.
4) A very heavy electric mountain bike which I also can't remember the make which rode absolutely great but also very hard to get on and off.

Hence my comments about sizing - medium size is right for me in terms of cycling and leg proportions but a bit high for getting on and off with the weight of an electric mtb. Small size easy to get on and off but my knees are too high. So I'm a medium size in most I think but need something easier to get on and off - either a step through or a drop post.

None of those were just perfect for that reason. I think I would enjoy the eJanis with mixte tyres - but not sure it would be any good for more off road type things. I probably need two bikes! But that's not an option right now.

Of all the electric mtb's I rode I was happy with all of them riding (except the light unstable hybrid one) - but not getting on and off. The least favourite for pedal assistance and gearing was actually the Specialized Turbo Levo.

What I do find confusing is how different "pedal assistance" can be on different bikes. I preferred the ones where the bike acts like a normal bike - eg if you stop pedalling it carried on cruising as usual. With the Turbo Levo I seem to remember, you had to keep pedalling.

Ok I've ruled out the Turbo Tero - the 4 step through only comes as an equipped option and is way heavier than most e mountain bikes. About 26kg. I think the eJanis will not do what I want (and I'm not sure I want a really light road bike actually).

So I basically need an electric mountain bike, probably full suspension, even if that's not as good on roads - it should be good enough as I'm not planning long distance road cycling. And when I hired the turbo levo a few years ago, enjoyed riding it on road.

So off to check out those Cube reactions again and the Trek Rail 5 listed above. The Trek Rail 5 is a bit expensive for me though. The Cube reactions are a good price, but they're also a hybrid type bike aren't they? But seem more of a hardtail mountain bike. So I guess if I want full suspension I'm going to have to pay at least £4,000.

When you say, difficult to get on and off, it would be helpful to describe exactly how you're doing it perhaps.

I certainly can't just hop on my bike on the saddle when the saddle is at optimum pedalling height.

I swing me leg over the saddle and stand up with the crossbar between my legs, get going while standing up and then sit in a fluid motion. Either that or the old school method of pushing off on one pedal and swinging up and onto the saddle as you're moving.

If your saddle is the right height for efficient pedalling, then you shouldn't also be able to touch the ground whilst sat on it.

It sounds basic but are you getting on and off the right way?
This is especially important with a heavy ebike.

A dropper post can help with this of course but they're not really designed for this specifically and it may be something that adds further complexity and cost that you may not need.

The Trek Rail is a pretty burly bit of kit. It doesn't immediately sound to me like you're after a full e-enduro bike.

Definitely need to try some.

Would a decent suspension seat post like a thudbuster negate the need for rear suspension if it's a comfort issue ? I ride all over ,often with full panniers ,on and off road on a rigid bike ( not ebike) and simply use high volume tyres, low pressure and tubeless to enable grip and comfort combined with the aforementioned thudbuster seatpost . I actually have 3 thudbusters and use them on all my bikes ...Not great for fast lumpy downhill but I rarely ride like that these days anyhow due to age and vision issues. All the bells and whistles like complex suspension etc can be nice but you pay a price both initially and maintenance wise. Just my thoughts and maybe irrelevant .

Thank you. The saddle sounds a good idea for a hardtail. Ok so the Trek Rail sounds like overkill then :-). I get on as you described. And yes to have the saddle the right height for cycling, I can only just touch the ground (hardly) when on the saddle. With the Powerfly 5 the only way I could get on was to push off on one pedal and then get on the saddle. Which was a bit wobbly at times. The only way I could get off that bike was to jump forwards off the saddle then leg over the crossbar.

With the Turbo levo I don't remember having issues getting on but had to lean sideways to get off - which at times was not very stable with it being so heavy - I kind of got used to it but only had it for a couple of days.

I think I maybe need to narrow down the options and then try hiring one - and am also wondering if I'm actually a small rather than a medium. Every time I've hired they tell me I'm a medium and the position is right - but I'm on the cusp of both sizes (5'6).

So if the Trek Rail is overkill (someone linked it above) are you thinking I'd be better with a hardtail? Hardtail electric bike seems much harder and bouncier at the back than a regular hardtail - but I've only used two.

Or the cube suggested above = hybrid pro 500. I'm not quite sure what that is - is it a hardtail mtb or a hybrid bike?

iirc Cube call their electric bikes "Hybrids" and hybrids are called "trekking" bikes.

What about this?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Reaction-Hybrid-Pro-500-Trapeze-2022-Electric-Mountain-Bike_242552.htm

Fwiw, that looks good to me as its a bosch motor which should be easier to get repaired down the line and it's got 85nm. Didn't see exactly which gearset its got but shimano don't do a crappy 11speed set up. Also its got an x-fusion air fork which has to be better than some cheapo coil sprung suntour that's often spec'd on cheaper bikes (relatively speaking of course!). It's not going to be as light as the eJimi but if you aren't planning on picking it up or heating over fences...

(I should add, I have next to no eBike experience! 😉)

https://ebiketips.road.cc/content/reviews/hardtail-leisure-e-mtb/cube-reaction-hybrid-performance-500-2021-3283

A review of last year's lower spec model I think. 🤔

Thanks. Yes I know anything will be heavier than that. That doesn't worry me too much - every electric bike I've hired has been heavy and I do think I want some front suspension. It's been commented on in a couple of reviews about the eJimi - depends what kind of cycling done I suppose. And I don't want to wait months for a bike either.

Just working out if there's anywhere round here I could hire the cube for a day. The nearest hire place I know is where I got the Powerfly 5 from last time.

Just mulling on paper but I am more and more thinking I should try a small frame rather than a medium. I'd still need the saddle the right height for the pedals but the standover would be lower for getting on and off and it might feel more right. At 5'6 I'm right on the border of the sizes. -

My daughter is 5' 6" and rides a medium Turbo Levo with no problems. The small was way too small for her. She doesn't have any problems getting on and off even with her dodgy knee. She always sets off with the dropper post dropped as do I as its a lot easier You can see the clearance she has in the photos

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Have you considered buying a second hand one. The Specialized warranty is transferable. I've just upgraded mine to a second hand 2022 one. It had done 34km. Had a 750 mile round trip to get it but was a massive saving on new and worth the drive. Made a weekend of it and rode from the Nevis range

Thanks that is really helpful. As I've only hired one for a day before I probably didn't know about the dropper post! Although I do remember complaining that the saddle kept shooting down for no reason while I was out riding lol. That's a good idea looking for a second hand one - I was a bit nervous about knowing if it had any damage or wear and tear in places but guess I could get it checked out by a bike mechanic.

I was fine when I was on it. Getting off I found tricky as had to lean to get a foot on the ground and support the bike. But the worst that could have happened was falling over I guess and the bike falling on me. I do wear a built up shoe (bad foot as well) so that maybe affects my footing getting off and would just have to get used to getting off right sided instead of left.

I rode that one quite a long way along a normal road as well and found it fine on road.

Although I am 5'6 my height is mainly in my back so my legs aren't the length you'd expect for 5'6 if that makes a difference. Probably not!

Ok so I'm thinking of this one. If I can find one in the right size. Any thoughts? Trapeze version. I'm not good at understanding all the specifications. Does this have a dropper seat post? If not, is it easy enough to fit one and does that mean changing the saddle as well? Will probably want to change the saddle anyway as I find most too hard.

https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/bikes/electric-bikes/cube-reaction-hybrid-pro-625-trapeze-electric-bike-2022-greygreen__369472

That dosent come with one but it's a standard size seat tube so you should be able to get one in. Brand X are good and not to expensive.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/brand-x-ascend-dropper-seatpost-100-125-150-/rp-prod149024?gs=1&sku=sku773207&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=base&gclid=CjwKCAjw3cSSBhBGEiwAVII0Z7rkohGlrorv2vvIGw1fdGodTslaOLVxGN0sHJM2uYONYc-M_RGKFhoCb3gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

It may be worth asking where you are getting it from where the cable would be routed and if it can be. They may even fit one in for you in with the price

Nope. Definitely want full suspension so it'll mean paying more. I like the look of that Trek Powerfly fs4 above. And it's fairly low standover as well. As I understand it, its good for trails but not necessarily for steep hill mountain biking - hence I was also wondering about that Rail 5 (which is hard to find). Just in case I want to do hills. Assume that would be ok on level trails as well?

I would say that unless you really want to get really lairy the Powerfly FS will do a good job. Having said that as you'll have a motor being "over eBiked" is probably less of an issue that when riding normal bikes. Personally if you can afford it then just buy the one in the nicest colour. Nobody big makes bad bikes anymore...

Thank you. Yes I am maybe getting a bit hung up on the fork travel of the Powerfly FS4 - the main issue is finding anything in stock rather than what colour! I was trying to compare because I have ridden the specialized turbo levo on country roads with no issue - very enjoyable and I believe that has a fork travel of 150. Whereas the Rail 5 is 160. And wondered if that might be too much. The Powerfly FS4 is 120 which seems quite short - the trails here are level but can be steep and have huge rocks in them sometimes and tree roots.

Assume the Rail 5 will have a different riding position to the PFS4 as well? It would be good to get to see them both and try them out but it's hard enough finding anything in stock at all. Rutland cycling do a 30 day trial period on full priced bikes but a) they don't stock Trek and b) most of their bikes are "discounted price"! Which limits the 30 day trial period to not many bikes.

Does anyone have the Powerfly FS4 to give some feedback please?

So there's a Powerfly FS4 fully equipped for £4,700 and a Rail 5 for £4.600. Hmm. As the FS4 fork travel is slightly more at 120 than the Powerfly 5 I rode (100) I would think it's ok off road. Don't have to get it fully equipped but it's hard to find and the price is very close.

Lots of my fellows brought from eskute to help them get more fun on trails

I wonder which of those heaps of shite your "fellows" purchased for this purpose...
(Above reported as spam)

shite

eskute

Two words often seen in a sentence together 😆  😆