Can One Electric Bike Really Work for Mountains and Roads? Commuting on an Electric Mountain Bike

[@whiskeytangowhiskey]

This is great - sometimes you can save a lot of time on your commute by going off-road. Plus it's way more fun.

[@a2audrey]

I struggled with this decision. My price point didn’t allow me to consider the r&m. It’s awesome! I liked the Gazelle Medeo T10 for the commuter, but went with a Surface604 Shred. It’s a hardtail emtb with plus size tires and works great both on and off trail! I added the rear rack and shock seatpost they sell. It’s near-perfect for my needs.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Nice! I love a hardtail eMTB

[@basvanleeuwen4502]

Gazelle would have been a solid choice with a better fork. The new Gazelle ultimate T10 is also nice.

[@Torsan1977]

I used to have and old GT Timberline with no suspension. I used that for road racing, MTB races, commuting, and touring for 15 years. I had to say goodbye to it when the bottom bracket got stuck to the frame and couldn't be removed. Having a bike that doesn't stop you from exploring is a great thing.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Couldn't agree more!

[@noaherwin3135]

Love this video, took my levo through downtown San Diego this week and I couldn’t imagine riding those rough streets without a full suspension emtb

[@FlyRidesUSA]

It's definitely bumpy down there in the Gaslamp!

[@whiskeytangowhiskey]

It's cute when Californians think their streets are bad - visit Massachusetts in the spring and then you'll know what a real pothole looks like.

[@SwiftySanders]

I rode an ebike in downtown SD a few months back. It was pretty much amazing I thought. The streets are certainly more well maintained than SF and Oakland Streets and of course NY Streets. They also don't put their bike lanes on top of the grates or the man hole coverings like they do in NYC. So there's that.

[@_papawilly]

I commute on my focus Jam2 eMTB and have now found three alternative routes off-road because of it. In the end, I’d say it doesn’t hurt to own both but if you only can choose one, eMTB all day with a smoother tread tire like rock razors. Another banger Scotty Wonka!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Thanks Will!

[@JulieOParkCity]

I got from your shop a Cube Stereo full suspension mountain bike. I put on it an Old Man Mountain bike rack that can go on a full suspension bike and it can hold up to 70lbs. I have two Panniers on it. I use it for both commuting and riding trails. I take the panniers off when I go on single track trails.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Nice! I'll have to check that rack out. I've never heard of them. Good to hear from you Juile!

[@JulieOParkCity]

@@FlyRidesUSA Max helped me buy my Cube this spring. I can text him a picture of how my set up looks. I used it to grocery shop and had two fully loaded panniers often along with my big ABUS chain lock.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

@@JulieOParkCity Max is a big eMTB commuter, so if for no other reason probably he'd love to see it for his personal set up!

[@PhilipH570]

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp is my every day ride. I am currently waiting on an Old Man Mountain rear rack that is coming in tomorrow to add to the overall versatility of the ride.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

I keep hearing about this rack! I gotta check it out.

[@hermann-josefbreitmar718]

This bike is madness, I can only confirm that. I have been riding a Superdelite with Rohloff and 140mm suspension for 9 months, a poem. I have ridden more than 8000 km with it. Every Euro or Dollar worth. Unrestricted purchase decision. Best greetings from Germany

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Great review! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@brianbassett4379]

photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27

[@2hug]

HS version? How are your feelings about your purchase after 2 years?

[@hermann-josefbreitmar718]

@@2hug I've been riding this great bike for over 3 years now, more than 33000km by now. In any case, I would always take an S-pedelec type.

[@Dracurosu]

On my first bikepark trial with the Superdelite I hit some rocks and bend the front belt guard on the trail and scraped pedals too much when taking gnarly turns. The pedals sit lower to the ground than my dedicated emtb trek powerfly, so I learned to be more careful and choose less challenging rough terrain with the R&M. Thanks for the video, enjoyed it.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Thanks for the advice!

[@Kit2KatBar]

Hmmm... Makes me want to get that Bulls Iconic EVO TR 1 Speed after seeing this. It says on the product page that it "brings the soul of an XC eMTB to the streets where it devours commutes and errands". Basically it's a Full suspension class 3 ebike with a rack. It's even got a dropper post! Could you guys do a review on that?

[@montanastyle9614]

I just bought a Bulls Iconic TR 1 speed earlier this year, can’t review it for you but can say I am totally stoked with it. Can’t stay off of it. I’m a little older and not interested in leaping off a cornice at the top of the mountain but this bike can do anything. Curb hopping, staircases, single track, dirt roads…. TR 1 is no longer available I think, I had a hard time finding mine in an xl frame but in late December the TR 2 will be available with a couple upgrades. I have already put 2 on layaway order for my nephews for Christmas. Class 3 is a total bonus, when the coast is clear I power up a little and catch that 28 mph and holy crap… I always slow down when I come up on other riders and ding the little bell that is preinstalled on the bike. Only thing I added was rear view mirror and panniers for when I have errands or extra stuff to carry. Bike is awesome and looks tuff and sturdy, feels like much more than a cycle and a little like a dirt bike. Anyway, my 2 cents.

[@ecoworrier]

Waiting... waiting... waiting... for my superdelite GX (ordered last week only). I like the versatility of commuting or off-roading or bike packing on that thing. Or just going for a spin around the neighbourhood after work. I live on a hill so that stops me doing that now on my 22 year old trek hybrid. I used to commute on an mtb when I was younger but hated the rolling resistance and noise. Now with a motor the equation has changed. I'm sure I will still be riding that in another 22 years time.

[@HectorSalcedo]

We've had some customers who mostly commute 5-10 miles, don't need, or want, a Class 3 28mph, go with a comfortable eMTB to get to work. Even a hardtail electric mountain bike is great for commuting. Then on the weekends you can legally hop on Class 1 trails and enjoy the scenery.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Great point!

[@clamato54]

I upgraded the freewheel and brakes on Lectric XP 2.0 and use it for a decent ride on very choppy trails in NJ and choppy streets in Boston to do deliveries. I used a lighter road bike for one day in Boston and I was so sore from the bumps, returned it right away

[@edwardgomez3633]

I use my Specialized Levo for everything. Love it!

[@SwiftySanders]

I love the display on your bike. The Super D is amazing but I want class 3 28mph bike. I love the belt drive system though.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Check out those high speed options on the Superdelite GX models for sure! Similar geometry and tires are rugged enough for most trails.

[@scottnickley3605]

I'm actually thinking of switching to an eMTB full time after this test! Thinking I can probably carry a bit less gear most days and save myself some cash!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Gotta love having mo' money!

[@james-p]

Aaah, yeah - I know and ride all those streets. Except for Cahuenga through the pass. You're a brave man lol. Luckily I l don't have to ride that road! 3:18 - that's one of my favorite streets to ride. 4:51 - that's where I _plan_ on going once my Delite GX arrives! Funny it's kind of like watching commercial films based in LA, because I know the area and I see them jumping from one place to another miles away, like in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood where Brad Pitt picks up the hippie girl in Burbank and then hops onto the freeway from Hollywood Bl. It's sort of like here going from Cahuenga to Hollyridge Loop to Griffith Park. It's kind of fun, really. Anyway great vid, nice to see it in a local (for me) setting!

[@dad7720]

Putting the boot on the other foot, I run a R.&M. Charger which is firstly a commuting bike, but with the right tyres, is as good at off road and trails as any mtb I have ever ridden.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

R&M definitely makes some of the more versatile ebikes in the world. Just a few adjustments, and those bikes can do just about anything!

[@bruiser6479]

l have the R and M Supercharger 2 and it is very versatile. Expensive, but really worth it in my view. The Supercharger 2 can definitely do trails and dirt tracks if you are sensible.

[@johnjuza2659]

I own a Surface 604 Shred....Does well on the trail and street and can get 28mph pedal assist

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Nice! Sounds like a fun ride!

[@tobibu76]

always interesting so see the questions coming up from different legal situations... Here in Germany, well... those "Class 3" bikes, as you call them, are practically unknown. Because, they are legally seen as a motorcycle. So you have to stay on the road. Cycling paths are not allowed, trails or forest paths are also illegal to be used. So basically nobody buys them anyways. And being limited to Class 1, well, then this gets more of a no-brainer, doesn't it?

[@deannalofquist4106]

I can't see why not! One bike for all situations = eMTB is best bet!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Totally agree! I really loved the commute on this one!

[@macpdm]

Great idea for a video and the presenter made it fun too. Just wish my Tern HSD was as fast.

[@dennisdownes9319]

Great video.....30 mph downhill on ANY bike is fast in the city!! DD

[@kevinmurtagh3434]

I have started to explore, and go off road, On my Kalkhoff pro connect I would not have done it on my hybrid….. ps over 60years and a hundred mile commute per week

[@kashk455]

This bike is not only for point a to point b but also it is the point. Awesome e bicycle

[@brandongopoop4997]

Nice vocals ...nice bike solid like vintage Mercedes

[@Crovex250]

It is nice to see that no matter where people are at in the country, the roads are universally regarded as "crappy".

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Finally something we can all agree on!

[@rcmits]

i see yer in my neighborhood... how do you handle vineland up and down? :)

[@snowfalleon7629]

If your mountain biking looks like where this guy took his superdelite I'd still consider my Benno ejoy. Cruiser style bike with 2.35" tires, 28mph top speed. Instead of commuter vs mtb bike for your question I'd consoder a cargo bike as the obvious in between unless you're getting into more technical mountain biking then it would just be ovious you'd habe to go with an emtb.

[@wb3809]

Bulls E-Stream EVO 45 AM?? Travel light, go fast. My friend just got one from Fly Rides.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

That's a great commuting eMTB. We actually did a video on it awhile back. Check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWjJZKJpmZygaKc

[@jamesn1155]

That Superdelite is the one!

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Such a great bike!

[@90slimit1]

For commuter e bikes do you have a video or any recommendations for bags or a backpack to go in the store with so my battery doesn't get stolen?

[@andregunawan2269]

would you share the distance range riding this eMTB on the pavement?

[@davidwalter1528]

Which bike (exactly) were you testing? With the Gates Carbon Belt Drive and Rohloff 14 speed with electronic shifting or derailleur?

[@gregthurgood]

Damn..my man took the 70lb Delite down some flight of stairs...

[@SwiftySanders]

I'm curious about that too... I only have one small flight of stairs to go up and I still haven't got my strategy down for how to get it up and down the stairs.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Haha maybe this would be a good video topic! My strategy is basically the same as on steep inclines. Stand on the side that you can more easily push from and just push the bike up grabbing the handlebars like you would on a hill. Don't use walk assist because you don't want the pedals to move. Then it's the same thing on the way down except you're grabbing the brakes!

[@erikmalmberg7319]

I Will buy E MTB becuse the long winter here in Sweden

[@philipkefford5644]

Would the RandM Charger range not be a better bet. Great as a commuter and pretty good on the trails?

[@FlyRidesUSA]

The Charger or Supercharger would be a great hardtail commuter. And it is indeed pretty good on the trails. Check out our review of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX7JeZ2lg6aMeaM

[@jeffharper6259]

Those wide, knobby mountain bike tires are okay on pavement as long as it rarely rains where you live or for those that only ride in nice weather. When the pavement is wet, knobby tires reduce safe cornering speeds by 80 to 90% and braking distances can be double. When I was younger I rode mountain bikes, but I never found them comfortable for extended periods. Now that I am over 60, I want an upright seating position and dual suspension for less than the price of a good used car (unlike the mountain bike in this video hint, hint).

[@FlyRidesUSA]

This one's definitely up there in price, but we definitely have a few that will keep you under $5k

[@Content465]

Charlie go straight home 🇨🇦🤙

[@JulieOParkCity]

Here’s a link to the Old Man Mountain bike rack that holds up to 70lbs on a mountain bike. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3bUc62DZ7qNb5I

[@derankweert]

Terrible to drive in your country with a bicycle among all those cars. Come living in Holland.

[@Zetler]

This guy is commuting with a bike that cost as much as some used cars.

[@markaprill6501]

Lol ten grand bike or buy 5 different 2000 bikes. Lol that's the world's nicest bike. It better do both.

[@brianbassett4379]

As usual, a great question circumcised by limiting yourself to the lame selection of production ebike. Yes, there is a "Jack Of All Trades" ebike but it's not a production model. Step 1: Find the perfect bicycle for what you want to do. Step 2: Mount a BaFang BBSXX mid-drive on it. Step 3: Enjoy a better ebike than anything manufactured today for less money. Why limit yourself to small over-priced proprietary batteries and motors with limited power? I wanted the best all-around ebike I could find... that was 5 years ago and now it has 34K miles on it. - photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27