Sorry if this is repeating old ground but the previous thread was for light weight bikes and the deals are changing all the time.
So, I'm toying with getting an E-Bike and would prefer it to be £5k-ish or below and around 150/170mm travel. Not that bothered about weight, 29er or mullet is fine and not stuck on a specific motor brand but I do want a decent size battery (600 or above) and a full fat motor. I don't want lower end forks but would accept the lower spec better ones (RS Select and the like). Removable battery would be nice as my garage gets damp and cold in winter but it's not a deal breaker.
So far on the radar are the Santa Cruz Vala al, Orbea Wild, Mondraker Crafty or one of the sale Saracens. The bikes mentioned (except the Saracen) are available at shops close enough to visit in case of any problems.
I don't want a Giant or Trek and I'm not that interested in Cube as I've had a couple and the fit is always off for me. The Amflow is obviously tempting but I don't really want to wait until winter for one.
Anything else out there I should be looking at?
was going to suggest one of the Saracens, that would be on top of my list right now for a full on ebike, cost considered, that was on my shortlist, then i ended up with one of the Pauls Cycles Raymons. I'd have gone for the Saracen if id thought a bit longer ,being shorter, having a Mullet would have worked a bit better for me
I Can't see that buying any higher priced none Amflow makes any sense, the resale on it is going to be potentially a lot lower etc etc
I Can't see that buying any higher priced none Amflow makes any sense, the resale on it is going to be potentially a lot lower etc etc
They all have crap resale, you just have to accept that when you buy an ebike. I doubt an Amflow will hold it's value much more than anything else.
I've kept my Kenevo for 7 years, so that owes me nothing. I've had my S-Works Levo for a year and will probably move it on for a DJI powered bike next year.
List was £12.5k (way overpriced), I paid £7.5k (about right in the world of ebikes). I'd probably get around £3.5k for it now, that's if anyone wanted to even buy it
Just over budget at £5650, but how about the Whyte Karve Evo RS? Avinox M2S motor, decent spec and available now.
Otherwise the Wild would be my pick.
I Can't see that buying any higher priced none Amflow makes any sense
Personally I look at a bikes downhill capability more than the power/climbing ability so I would definately consider a non Avinox bike. While I would buy an Avinox powered bike I've little need/interest in 1500w/150nm if it significantly reduces the range of the bike (I've read/watched several reviews suggesting it does) and a Yeti LTE is currently top choice if I do replace my Whyte
Thanks all. Should have mentioned it needs to be XL so the Winstanley Whyte is out. I'll check out the Avinox one though.
Part of the reason for the budget is that I'll be buying something flasher in 3 or so years which means resale is a minor consideration although I accept e-bike's lose money fast.
Just over budget at £5650, but how about the Whyte Karve Evo RS? Avinox M2S motor, decent spec and available now.
Otherwise the Wild would be my pick.
Bums, September seems the earliest to get an XL.
I Can't see that buying any higher priced none Amflow makes any sense
Personally I look at a bikes downhill capability more than the power/climbing ability so I would definately consider a non Avinox bike. While I would buy an Avinox powered bike I've little need/interest in 1500w/150nm if it significantly reduces the range of the bike (I've read/watched several reviews suggesting it does) and a Yeti LTE is currently top choice if I do replace my Whyte
You can de-tune it in the app. You don't need to use all the power all the time. I mostly use my Rise at around 45nm. Rarely ever use the full 85nm.
At the pace this year is flying by, It'll be September before you know it!
Have you considered secondhand? It's somewhat of a minefield but but sensibly and vet the seller best you can and there's good bikes to be had for decent money.
Bit like cars really, let someone else take the hit on the depreciation but buy cautiously.
Have you considered secondhand? It's somewhat of a minefield but but sensibly and vet the seller best you can and there's good bikes to be had for decent money.
Bit like cars really, let someone else take the hit on the depreciation but buy cautiously.
I haven't really because of all the horror stories. When you can get something decent for 2.5 to 4 k I'm not sure I fancy the gamble?
Quick look at the Pinkbike classifieds suggests there are not many bargains about anyway!
Fair. I've literally just come back from buying a Nukeproof Megawatt Factory 2022 and parted with £2500.
Very nice bike and felt about the right price. Everything checked out but it did take some finding (Facebook Marketplace in the end).
Most importantly the child is smitten.
The seller had a few horror stories about some of the 'buyers' who had been in touch too.
We did seriously consider a Decathlon E-Expl 520S too for £2500 new. Pretty decent spec but the Nukeproof err... blows it away (sorry!) spec-wise. 
I’m in exactly the same thought process… and have been for some time!
I’m perpetually torn between the Trek Rail 8, crafty S and Wild H10.
Seems like they're the sweet spot atm?
Seen a few posts online about Orbea quality control. There is also a new Wild due soon. Non-integrated headset cable routing and removable battery were must haves for me.
Feels that way for sure. I also need an XL… can get all locally so I just have to make a decision.
TBH - any of them will be more than good enough for anything I’ll do.
Yeah, I'm of the same opinion, they'll all be decent. Think I like the Mondraker best atm although I then push the budget up and start looking at other things!
Saying that, the 2.5k Saracen is back in stock at XL.
Lots of places advertising great deals on Crafty's right now... Sounds like Mondraker have dropped the prices by 25% and dealers are passing this on...
I owned a carbon Wild... Orbea idiosyncracies were annoying (terrible headset with cable routing through it, insistence on sticking with 750Wh battery and proprietary mounting system)... The bike rode superbly, but working on it was a massive PITA...
I now own a 2025 Mondraker Crafty... Superb bike! Bit more of an all rounder than the Wild, which probably suits me better to be honest. The removable battery and excellently thought out cable routing make it a breeze to work on by eBike standards, the geometry is bang on and the zero suspension system works incredibly well too.
I bought a base model 2025 Crafty R just over 12 months ago, knowing I'd upgrade the spec as I went on, but that's only cos I'm a real fussy bugger, the Crafty's are all specced pretty well anyway... Mine now has SRAM Eagle 90, an EXT Storia coil shock, 38's upgraded with GRIPX2 damper and a Diaz Runt, DT 350's on FR541 rims, Trickstuff Maxima brakes, Pinnd cranks etc... Love it and wouldn't hesitate to replace it with another one if I had to...
I'll not apologise for sharing this video yet again...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef8Tf5BzBr8
It came out only a few days after I'd ordered my bike, so I sat watching it almost on repeat for about 10 days whilst waiting for my bike to arrive! Needless to say, I agree with pretty much everything in it, and it's definitely one of if not the best corner carving bikes I've ridden full stop (not just eBikes) in 30+ years of MTBing... The slightly longer than usual chainstay really helps when climbing too.
2nd hand can save you so much money
Some Spesh Levo’s that are 2-3 years old can be picked up for 2-4k depending on model that leaves a massive amount of your budget if there are any motor or battery issues, motor rebuild is around £280, worst case £600 for a brand new motor and batteries I've seen as low as £300 for a 2nd hand 500w versions
My gen 2 Levo Expert is coming up for 7 years old this year, its had one motor under warranty (belt issue acknowledged by Spesh and they extended the warranty by 2 years) and last year i had the motor overhauled at a cost of £250
Paid £6.5k for it in 2019 and its prob worth a max of 2k now, doubt ill ever sell it, just ride it till the frame dies
There was a 2023 gen 3 Levo Pro on ebay that sold for £3600, they were 11k new
Spesh comp carbon’s are selling for 2-2.5k
Had a look at second hand but they all seem too much money when you can get the bikes I've mentioned or the Saracen for a similar amount new along with the warranty and shop back up. With tech moving so quickly I won't be spending 2-4k on an older Specialized when I can get the Mondraker with the latest Bosch motor in the same ballpark.
On a similar note, my sister just asked my opinion on an ex-demo Haibike she was looking at buying. 1455kms, 89% battery and plenty of scratches but fully serviced with some new parts fitted. They wanted £1450 for it when you can still buy the same model new for £1800. Crazy.
£5.1k in XL. Obvious overlap with SL bikes but it's still for the Shimano EP801 with 85Nm and 601Wh battery - not sure if that's full-fat enough for you? Trade-off is being at the lighter end of full-fat bikes.
Had a look at second hand but they all seem too much money when you can get the bikes I've mentioned or the Saracen for a similar amount new along with the warranty and shop back up. With tech moving so quickly I won't be spending 2-4k on an older Specialized when I can get the Mondraker with the latest Bosch motor in the same ballpark.
The problem with modern tech is you are the guinea pig, its only when new tech is out and being used that any issues will show themselves that didn't happen in the development & testing stage, same thing goes for new cars (wet belts, BMW chains etc...)
its only when the tech is a few years old you truly know what issues there are and how much they will cost to fix
The 2023 Levo Pro that sold for £3600 is a high spec bike, FOX X2 Factory shock, FOX Factory Grip 2 38’s, FOX Factory dropper, invisframed from new, Sram XO Transmission wireless groupset, Roval carbon wheels on DT Swiss 350 hubs and it had only done 825 miles
Id happily pay that for it if i was in the market and then stick the left over cash aside in the unlikely event there is any motor or battery issues
Warranty is good but you pay way over the odds for it and sometimes they don't honour them (think it was the Trek warranty thread)
Obvious overlap with SL bikes but it's still for the Shimano EP801
That's what I've got. It's full fat, but I ride mostly in level 2, which would be ECO on a Bosch, the lightweight means it just rides superbly.
I blame you for getting me looking at those 👍 . If I wasn't stuck with a Fazua-powered bike (which I suspect nobody would want to buy secondhand now...) I'd have one of those Moterra's between my legs.
Another of the Evans empire shops - Lovell Sports - had them too with the bonus of 10% student discount, so I could've abused Mrs a11y's status taking it down to £4.6k for that one...
I bought a Crafty in December, and im extremely happy with my purchase. I’ve ridden the Crafty more than any other bike in my life. Which is really saying something. Superb bike.
So, I'm toying with getting an E-Bike and would prefer it to be £5k-ish or below and around 150/170mm travel.
Not that bothered about weight, but I do want a decent size battery (600 or above) and a full fat motor.
So far on the radar are the Santa Cruz Vala al, Orbea Wild, Mondraker Crafty or one of the sale Saracens. The bikes mentioned (except the Saracen) are available at shops close enough to visit in case of any problems.
The Amflow is obviously tempting
The questions for buying an e-bike, really, should be the same as for a regular bike. What type of bike do you want - trail or enduro - and what geometry. A 150/160 front probably means trail and a 36. 170 probably a 38.
Weight makes a big difference to how an e-bike rides - a low spec heavy aluminium enduro bike (Wild?) is a very different beast to a light carbon Trail bike (Amflow). These are really quite different bikes you list.
On the motors and battery I think theres a huge fuss about Amflow right now, much of which feels out of proportion to the actual difference it makes. The system weight is within a few hundred grams of Bosch/Shimano. The single biggest impact on e bike weight is battery size - an 800 battery will be about a kg heavier than a 600 battery
The biggest impact from Avinox system cost to bike co's is lower than the competition and that's driving down prices (with their 4k bike setting the floor). The power is completely excessive and unnecessary and if you use it then it will eat battery very quickly. Yes, you can shuttle up a fire road on the limiter (or above it if you've hacked) easily but that's not how many of us ride. In a mixed group of e bikes there's no benefit to all that power. I've just unlocked my Orbea Rise to 600w and riding that in the 42nM torque setting it's enough to keep up with a full fat group and apart from steepest pitches no need to turn it up any more.
So, I'm toying with getting an E-Bike and would prefer it to be £5k-ish or below and around 150/170mm travel.
Not that bothered about weight, but I do want a decent size battery (600 or above) and a full fat motor.
So far on the radar are the Santa Cruz Vala al, Orbea Wild, Mondraker Crafty or one of the sale Saracens. The bikes mentioned (except the Saracen) are available at shops close enough to visit in case of any problems.
The Amflow is obviously tempting
The questions for buying an e-bike, really, should be the same as for a regular bike. What type of bike do you want - trail or enduro - and what geometry. A 150/160 front probably means trail and a 36. 170 probably a 38.
Weight makes a big difference to how an e-bike rides - a low spec heavy aluminium enduro bike (Wild?) is a very different beast to a light carbon Trail bike (Amflow). These are really quite different bikes you list.
On the motors and battery I think theres a huge fuss about Amflow right now, much of which feels out of proportion to the actual difference it makes. The system weight is within a few hundred grams of Bosch/Shimano. The single biggest impact on e bike weight is battery size - an 800 battery will be about a kg heavier than a 600 battery
The biggest impact from Avinox system cost to bike co's is lower than the competition and that's driving down prices (with their 4k bike setting the floor). The power is completely excessive and unnecessary and if you use it then it will eat battery very quickly. Yes, you can shuttle up a fire road on the limiter (or above it if you've hacked) easily but that's not how many of us ride. In a mixed group of e bikes there's no benefit to all that power. I've just unlocked my Orbea Rise to 600w and riding that in the 42nM torque setting it's enough to keep up with a full fat group and apart from steepest pitches no need to turn it up any more.
That Cannondale looks a great deal - 600W full power EP8 you should get about 1200m vertical and it sounds like there are some alternate profiles for longer range.
That Saracen looks a compelling option if buying it new. I've recommended it to a couple of the child's friends who want to go the new route.
