E-bikes are a thing

[Ian F]

So honest question to those who ride e-bikes:

Do you (or would you) still ride them in places that don't allow them? ie: Kingdom or DuPont

Not myself, but my friend does. She carries a Dr note that basically says her knees are toast. She also rode her Trek instead of her Heckler, so at first glance it doesn't look like an ebike. Less assistance also meant she didn't fly up the hills like she does on the Heckler.

 

[ebarker9]

I've done zero comparisons to anything already on the market, but this thing looks like a really fun way to get to work. Hmm.

Skitch

Redefine Your City Travels with the Skitch Electric Road Bike: With the powerful and light Fazua motor, you’ll look for even more excuses to get on your bike because even a city commute can be as much fun as bike park laps.

www.santacruzbicycles.com

 

[Santapez]

I've done zero comparisons to anything already on the market, but this thing looks like a really fun way to get to work. Hmm.

Skitch

Redefine Your City Travels with the Skitch Electric Road Bike: With the powerful and light Fazua motor, you’ll look for even more excuses to get on your bike because even a city commute can be as much fun as bike park laps.

www.santacruzbicycles.com

I'm not sure who the market really is for that. They're $$$$ for a commuter. I saw some REI commuter electric bike got so cheap, around the 1k mark the other day I almost was able to justify it for myself. While that Santa Cruz is kind of neat, it's really just an electric road bike, not a beater commuter.

I took this picture yesterday as it's what I see a ton of now. They make sense as trying to pedal this around no assist would suck, especially in bad weather but can actually carry all your stuff to work, shopping, etc. I've been seeing a ton with 1 or 2 kids being transported. Tassles not necessary.

 

[ebarker9]

I'm not sure who the market really is for that. They're $$$$ for a commuter.

Jerks like me who want an overly expensive, fancy looking toy 😂

But yes, I agree and I'm certainly not going to buy one although it does look like fun. Probably no justifiable use case.

 

[SAM]

60 nM and 30 lbs. SL concept for a road/gravel bike, I guess. Their marketing is confusing.

 

[GreenMachine]

I've done zero comparisons to anything already on the market, but this thing looks like a really fun way to get to work. Hmm.

Skitch

Redefine Your City Travels with the Skitch Electric Road Bike: With the powerful and light Fazua motor, you’ll look for even more excuses to get on your bike because even a city commute can be as much fun as bike park laps.

www.santacruzbicycles.com

That looks awesome - $6299 though 👎 I could only justify that if I used it to commute to work daily.

I was riding Wissahickon last week and there were a few E mtbikers just blowing up those technical climbs - have to say they are enticing.

That Orbea Rise looks awesome.

 

[Mahnken]

I'm not sure who the market really is for that. They're $$$$ for a commuter. I saw some REI commuter electric bike got so cheap, around the 1k mark the other day I almost was able to justify it for myself. While that Santa Cruz is kind of neat, it's really just an electric road bike, not a beater commuter.

I took this picture yesterday as it's what I see a ton of now. They make sense as trying to pedal this around no assist would suck, especially in bad weather but can actually carry all your stuff to work, shopping, etc. I've been seeing a ton with 1 or 2 kids being transported. Tassles not necessary.



View attachment 221272

I almost bought one of those rei bikes when they were on sale under 1k. But I really want one of those cargo bikes with the huge basket in the front door hauling the kids around. Something like this

Family - Urban Arrow North America. The ultimate cargo bike

Discover the versatility of the Urban Arrow Family bike. Say goodbye to traffic and hello to hassle-free trips with your little passengers.

na.urbanarrow.com

 

[tonyride]

I almost bought one of those rei bones when they were on sale under 1k. But I really want one of those cargo bikes with the huge basket in the front door hauling the kids around. Something like this

Family - Urban Arrow North America. The ultimate cargo bike

Discover the versatility of the Urban Arrow Family bike. Say goodbye to traffic and hello to hassle-free trips with your little passengers.

na.urbanarrow.com

I saw one of those at a bike shop in Bentonville. I think it was a Trek. The front basket has attachments for up to 2 child seats with seatbelts. It did look pretty cool.

 

[ebarker9]

I almost bought one of those rei bones when they were on sale under 1k. But I really want one of those cargo bikes with the huge basket in the front door hauling the kids around. Something like this

Family - Urban Arrow North America. The ultimate cargo bike

Discover the versatility of the Urban Arrow Family bike. Say goodbye to traffic and hello to hassle-free trips with your little passengers.

na.urbanarrow.com

I rode something like that when visiting friends in Amsterdam. It was awesome. Great utility and you can cover ground really quickly, comfortably with the electric assist.

 

[Mahnken]

I rode something like that when visiting friends in Amsterdam. It was awesome. Great utility and you can cover ground really quickly, comfortably with the electric assist.

I rode one years ago at the Philly bike show with my kid in the basket. It was a lot of fun.

 

[rick81721]

I've done zero comparisons to anything already on the market, but this thing looks like a really fun way to get to work. Hmm.

Skitch

Redefine Your City Travels with the Skitch Electric Road Bike: With the powerful and light Fazua motor, you’ll look for even more excuses to get on your bike because even a city commute can be as much fun as bike park laps.

www.santacruzbicycles.com

I got the email today too. This their first road bike? When you compare it to the Cannondale and Trek road ebikes, the SC is the only one that looks just like a regular road bike.

 

[Ian F]

First road e-bike, but SC have offered a road frame in some shape or form for a long time, starting with the Roadster back in 1999 and then with four generations of the Stigmata since 2007.

 

[mtn]

Most people don't know I'm riding a 65lb ebike until I either turn it on or tell them. I can see there being slightly more wear on uphills with the higher torque, however the ability to be seated to limit tire slip does mostly mitigate that. The biggest concern I see on a trail system is what it has always been (minus ticks): running into hikers or horses on a downhill. That honestly scares me more than anything, and no more with or without an ebike. I'll ride the ebike anywhere and just turn it off when passing people, just to ease any concerns, especially those with horses.

I will say that not everyone needs an ebike. There are physical ailments that are good reasons to get ebikes. There are trail systems where it makes sense to get ebikes. And there are riding styles that make it make sense to get ebikes. If we are all courteous to each other, there is nothing to worry about.

 

[a.s.]

Why XT?

I'm with @mattybfat that Microshift is probably the best option for an e-bike. More durable and probably lighter.

“XT level” meaning any mid-upper tier group set. Not fancy like XX1. Unless I can get it for under $6K then definitely give me an XTR level eBike that weighs under 35 lbs.

 

[Santapez]

“XT level” meaning any mid-upper tier group set. Not fancy like XX1. Unless I can get it for under $6K then definitely give me an XTR level eBike that weighs under 35 lbs.

Orbea

Bicycles, helmets and cycle clothing. Orbea develops technology applied to products for bike lovers.

www.orbea.com

$6k. So buy that and a ramp.

XT level. No idea on the weight but it's self powered. Apparently the high end model is *just* over 35lbs.

That doesn't even seem bad as I think that's not far off from my regular bike I pedal around weighs.

 

[jdog]

Just did my first bigish day in the mtns around sugarbush with an ebike

New Pivot shuttle am.

Some interesting notes.


2800 feet of climbing today.. not bad after a total knee replacement in dec. Still had two bars left after as well. 3 hrs pedaling


Rode up some stuff that I’d never consider climbing on any bike


It’s slower downhill. Not in a huge way, but my brain tells me it is. Of course the climbing is reducnkuloius

Traction is stupid. Run the magic Mary’s. Never once wished for more grip. More volume maybe, but not more grip.

The Bosch drive unit is far an away the best I’ve tried. Smooth and quiet. Not as quiet at the FAZUA, but way stronger.

The new sram transmission is flawless. On e-bikes I’ve tried before, the drivetrain was clunky, loud and overwhelmed. None of that here. This stuff was clearly made for e-bikes and the unique punishment they can provide. I hated the new shifter and ran old axs shifter instead. Much more to my liking. Also ran Magura ebike brakes.. Way better than the stock codes for a bike of this weight. The new forge and bond wheels are wonderous and while these are ebike specific… they didn’t seem overwhelmed in the slightest.

These bikes are great for exploring. Especially on trails you don't know. I was able to test out a few trails that were not on any map.. and of course they were the best ones I rode. Rode down some steep lines with comfort and control. The low center of gravity makes steep rollers way more comfortable.

So far, NOT fantastic in the air. This bike is really close to the Switchblade geo, which is a bike I know and love. Kind of like a switchblade if it was full of cement. At first I was fighting it, but then I dug into my Moto handling habits. This of course felt insanely light as compared to my 240 pound KTM.


I have been riding every day this week and so far I’ve been doing 2-3 hrs on the ebike and then 2 or so hrs with my family. This confirms what I’ve always suspected, I will still ride a ME-bike more than an E-bike. It least for the near future.

Yes, this is still an unbelievable work out. Tired legs, sweating and still mosquito bitten. No, it wasn’t cheating. yes, it’s fun as any bike I’ve pedaled. No, it’s nothing like a motorcycle (something I know and understand more than most) ye, it’s stupid pricey. No, I would t want to ride this with people riding regular bikes.. (unless they were pros 🤔 perhaps).

Anyway, e-bikes are here to stay. Ride one in the mountains soon to really understand where they shine.

 

[a.s.]

Orbea

Bicycles, helmets and cycle clothing. Orbea develops technology applied to products for bike lovers.

www.orbea.com

$6k. So buy that and a ramp.

XT level. No idea on the weight but it's self powered. Apparently the high end model is *just* over 35lbs.

That doesn't even seem bad as I think that's not far off from my regular bike I pedal around weighs.

The top spec Rise is ~37 lbs (with pedals), not to mention it cost $9k. I like popping off of stuff and jumping my trail bike over obstacles. I want lighter.

If I was just looking to pedal through the woods for 3 hours, I already do that on my regular bike. I want something that’ll get me to the top of climbs easily, yet still feel fast and lively on tight, technical descents. Shit, if I had $15,000 I bet I could build a solid 34 lb eBike.

But I don’t. So I’ll wait.

 

[scott62]

Want a lighter e bike? Just rig up a cable and carry you battery in your hydration pack, you will be heavier but the bike will be lighter.

 

[GreenMachine]

The top spec Rise is ~37 lbs (with pedals), not to mention it cost $9k. I like popping off of stuff and jumping my trail bike over obstacles. I want lighter.

If I was just looking to pedal through the woods for 3 hours, I already do that on my regular bike. I want something that’ll get me to the top of climbs easily, yet still feel fast and lively on tight, technical descents. Shit, if I had $15,000 I bet I could build a solid 34 lb eBike.

But I don’t. So I’ll wait.

Santa Cruz is apparently releasing the “ Superlight” very soon.

 

[scott62]

Santa Cruz is apparently releasing the “ SuperUNDER POWERED” very soon.

Fixed😁