If E-Bikes Are So Fun, Why Ride an Analog Bike?

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

My favourite part of mtb is cycling uphill on an offroad track in the countryside , and just hearing my breathing and heart rate , a big sense of achievement and grateful i can still do it 🙏 😂

[@timwolf5742]

Exactly! That's much more satisfying than flying through the woods as fast I can, or screaming downhill, or doing GAP jumps over 12", although I do like jumps. But everyone to their own. I also have an acquaintance in Montrose, CO who likes the ebike because it helps him reach higher elevations where he can then ride the singletrack up there.

[@whitetrashblackops4998]

For me, it’s the exact opposite. I can appreciate the sense of achievement climbing to the top of the hill. However, in my opinion, climbing is my least favorite part of the experience.

[@mtadams2009]

Same here I hate climbing with every fiber in my body. I am a long distance backpacker and hike thousands of miles a year but for some reason I hate climbing on a mountain bike. I still don’t own an e bike but I most certainly will someday.

[@timking2822]

After owning an ebike, I found I like a regular mtb. I'm 76 yrs old.

[@themediocremountainbiker_71]

Ride whatever makes YOU happy

[@Wes-o9t]

Thats just it to me, why you have to explain to people to each their own gets so annoying.

[@Whoadayson]

Well said. Short n sweet!

[@jackcarter233]

Human powered machines are poetic and pure.

[@carlp5351]

For me it’s about the challenge of the climb. I really enjoy the climb on the analog bike. At 60 I also still race XC.

[@ChrisBakerElToro]

We live in a world where society wants instant gratification, we’re surrounded by automation, electronic everything and fast paced environments. I personally don’t need these things to infiltrate what I enjoy the most in life and that is riding bikes, enjoying nature (quiet) pushing my limits naturally under my own power. My reasons go on and on. I’m middle aged, healthy and having fun riding bikes of all types and I don’t need one with a motor on it to have “more” fun or go faster etc. I would also like to say I have much respect for you choosing to follow rules. Many people do not, and it could lead to less trail access for all of us. Anyway, good video 🤘🏻

[@cycologist7069]

I agree with all that but I DO have an ebike I work commute in. I ride the ebike to my office the ride it home. When I get home I change clothes and get on my road bike.

[@southernebiking]

“Just wanting to follow the rules”. Thank you for this. You probably do not run into this as often in the eMTB world. But in the regular cycling category, probably at least half of the E bikes out there are not even legal e-bikes. Manufacturers and the consumers are slowly destroying their own industry. Personally, I made a living the majority of my life as a working cowboy. So the idea of going out and cycling at over 60, with the amount of injuries I have had is out of the question. So an E bike can actually help my health, because I could not do it otherwise.

[@cycologist7069]

To ride an ebike or not ride one. There’s no one size fits all.

[@fpeter01]

Ebike is nice for commuting. No sweat, don't have to carry spare clothes. Going to the mountains with a normal bike is more fun.

[@slayer6936]

When i reach 70 i might think about an E-BIKE. But at 64 i still love killing myself. I live in the Blue mtns of Washington St in a 22-foot trailer and i just step outside and ride my mtn bike or my road bike or my YZ125X. Being a retired disabled veteran i love my peaceful solitude life. It's just me my dog Sadie Sue and my toys winters are rough at times but thats just part of life. And I love climbing also.

[@rlsedition]

I'm 76 and still love riding my (analog) mountain bike and climbing.

[@bradsanders6954]

I bet people can hear you coming on that YZ125X! Ive always had KTM 2 strokes of one size or the other. The 200's were great. A 125 though is a blast if kept at peak revs. The trouble with an EMTB, is once you try one you buy one. They are way different than some think.

[@rlsedition]

@@bradsanders6954 If you like e-bikes you'd really like off-road motorcycles.

[@gainknowledgeandinsight]

Yep! Two weeks ago I wanted to see how far I could go on my new Levo Turbo Comp Carbon 2023. Used only eco - wanted to explore. I went 5 hours, 6500 feet of climbing and 43 miles in the hills and had 6% battery left. It was awesome - because I explored areas where I now want to explore on my regular bike and there areas I want to stay away from and my ebike helped a ton. I’ll use my ebike primarily for recovery rides and long adventures.

[@bbitun19]

I'm riding a super-duper "analog mtb" (rigid steel 26er) and never thought it would bring smiles to my face. 😁

[@timwolf5742]

😄

[@2169jp]

Every time I ride I am grateful not to need a motor.

[@Smaug1]

Very good and fair presentation of the subject. 5:05: "Zen" is the word you're looking for. ;-) 6:24: You're 100% right on this point. I got back into biking when I was pretty out-of-shape. I started on an eBike, and after awhile, I realized I could pedal it unpowered and still make better time than walking or jogging. Then, I bought an acoustic road bike and REALLY got fit. I still love my eBike, as there is the option to NOT arrive sweaty, even with hills or on hot days, but when I go all winter commuting on it, I realize in the spring that I've lost some power in my legs and endurance in my heart & lungs. 7:45: IMO, a well-designed eBike should have its lowest assist level set up to counteract the eBike's extra weight. 8:15 re. "you don't want to ride an eBike without a battery", it's true that they're always heavier, but not always true that you'd be miserable pedaling it. For example, Trek's latest Domane+ eBikes are only 10 lbs. heavier than the acoustic ones, (~27 lbs?) and they still roll quite efficiently. Sure, you'll still feel that weight on an unpowered climb, but we're not exactly suffering, except that the low gears are even MORE important. The mistake a lot of people make these days is buying a 75 lb. fat tire eBike that is set up with its top gear to help keep it moving at 25 mph, and then find the low gear isn't low enough to pedal that behemoth up a hill when the battery's flat. 9:50 re. sticker shock - Correct me if I'm wrong, but only the full suspension MTBs really have to be expensive, right? One can still get a good quality alloy-framed hardtail for around a kiloBuck, right?

[@harrisonwinter4712]

I have an Orbea wild and YT izzo, love them both equally. In the winter time the e-bike is a great tool to get out and blast laps while the days are short.

[@andy5478-MTB]

I'm still deciding if I keep my Stumpy after getting a Levo. I can dial back my Levo's power as much as I want and make it even more work than an analog bike. Most the time my power is really only beneficial on the steepest of climbs and allows me to ride with friends that are much younger and stronger (I'm in my 60's now). I ride with some absolute beastly riders on analog bikes and I still, on purpose, ride behind them and keep my distance especially on climbs because I don't want to be a dick either. As for fitness and endurance training, it requires long duration in Zone 2. Riding an ebike allows for longer rides in zone 2 without all the spikes into 4/5 especially.

[@rheinking2754]

"I still, on purpose, ride behind them and keep my distance especially on climbs because I don't want to be a dick," this is the unwritten E-Bike etiquette that all E-bikers should be required to learn.

[@zed5129]

"Riding an ebike allows for longer rides in zone 2 without all the spikes into 4/5 especially". It's a nice theory, I get the polarised training, this is what I used to say. But in the end I found ebike = less fit. Definitely less strong. The real problem though is what is the endurance you're building actually for when you're an ebiker? As an analog rider it has a purpose.

[@andy5478-MTB]

@@zed5129 I know endurance riders that use ebikes as part of their training for Zone 2. They like being outdoors rather than griding on an indoor trainer for 2 hours. Staying in zone 2 is easier in climbs on the emtb. That's the beauty of the ebike is the versatility. With power set at 10% assist it's pretty close to riding my analog stumpy and why I'm thinking about selling the stumpy. But with that said, I know people that pretty much ride around in Trail and climb in Turbo mode and can see how people won't push themselves. It's true an ebike can make you lazier and less fit if you don't have discipline to push yourself. But for me as an older rider that has had ablation for Afib, cardio exercise is very important but I can't go completely crazy with cardio because otherwise it raises risk factors for redeveloping Afib. Endurance athletes develop afib at 2x-3x the rate of the general population.

[@AnthemX100]

I have both and always will because of the differences. The ebike speed uphill is addictive and the light weight and agility of the analog bike makes it impossible to give up. I still prefer cable gears to electronic too as the simpler the better for me. 🙂

[@VisionMTB]

This debate falls under the "well it depends" category. At the end of the day, as long as you're respectful to the trail, the other people on the trail - ride what you like.

[@tico78742]

I enjoy both my analog and e-bikes. I’m getting a little older and the emtb gets me out more often and for longer distances. The analogy bike is more fun on the descent. My local trail is tough and I can only go 2 or 3 miles on the analog.

[@timwolf5742]

For me, if that's all I can do, then that's all I can do.

[@tico78742]

@@timwolf5742 Sure but I enjoy riding more often and for longer distances. It's great for days when you would otherwise wouldn't ride.

[@derekwallace7544]

I waited until just recently to get my first e-bike. It’s an absolute good time every time. With that being said, my light 120 bike gets ridden more. The goof off or downhill focused days are when the e-bike comes out. ✌️

[@Truth_Spoken]

I haven’t rode an Amish bike in years since I got my first e-bike.

[@cycologist7069]

Oookkay

[@ridedirtymtb9938]

Real bike, not analog or acoustic. Thats like calling an ebike a lazy bike. Just because specialized says dumb things dosent make it an industry standard.

[@Jon-f3w]

Good points here Clint. Purity for sure when it comes to regular, er, analog bikes. But one I don’t often hear people talk about that you raised: home maintenance and servicing . On my (analog) bike I can do pretty much everything.

[@TheBaldTruth1]

The feeling of lightness and nimbleness that comes with a good XC MTB is one of the joys I get out out of the sport. I wouldn't want a heavy E-bike. My Cervelo ZFS-5 (similar to a Santa Cruz Blur) feels so light going up hill, I already feel like I'm getting some kind of pedal assist. I'm glad I came of age at a time when there were no EMTBs because it forced me to endure the often challenging and gut-churning conditioning that comes with building up a set of legs and lungs to ride a real MTB uphill.

[@rheinking2754]

Your presentation in this video was very well thought out. The main advantage of owning an E-MTB for me is that it opens all of the doors that were open to me 30 years ago when I rode an analog MTB. I still ride with an elite group of analog mountain bikers who are extremely fit. At age 63 and slightly overweight, I have the time of my life riding with this group and am so very grateful that they allow me to ride with them on my E-MTB. Cheers and greetings from Bonn, Germany

[@roadlesstraveledtruckee]

Of course a really light ebike with just enough assist to make big mountain rides here in Tahoe a bit more accessible makes the equation even more complicated. Riding for fitness and solitude is what gets me out every day and the light mid power bike has been the answer for me.

[@2011buddylee]

I rode analog MTB's for 30 years but after 6 left ankle surgeries and 2 right knee surgeries, in 2019 I bought a Turbo Levo😊

[@davidbee9563]

I am not a MTB rider, more into road and gravel exploring. Would an ebike cause more wear and, thus, maintenance of trails? Part of MTB or BMX is being part of a community that builds and cares for the trails you use. Many just benefit from other people's work - consumers if you like. A few ebikes won't make a difference but the cumulative effect would apply. Keeping the peace in the wilderness is important to access to places to ride.

[@WoolyChewbakker]

Legal eBikes in the UK are not an issue. The problem is the illegal electric powered motorbikes that people sell, buy, and use to destroy the countryside and give genuine eBike riders a bad name both off-road and on-road 😢

[@jonathanjones8895]

Sounds like you need to try the Orbea Rise. 2023 models can be had for very cheap. Mid power at less overall bike weight is the way to go especially for a guy who doesn’t mind pedaling.

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Batteries don't stay charged forever. Once battery goes dead, be sure it pedals easily in low gears.

[@theadventurebiker]

lol This! 😂👍

[@trailrunnerwarrior]

I love being in the woods. On bike, kayak or on foot. My mind is most clear(enough to pray) when trail running.

[@dadventuretv2538]

I just mulletted my 2019 SC Bronson and absolutely love it. But right now in my life, it’s sits there a lot looking at me with its big sad eyes as I ride my emtb. Maybe when I retire and have more time I’ll be back on it more. But for now, other than for dicking around riding street in my hood, my emtb allows me to ride more and more often.

[@topheavy7616]

You’re wrong about the fitness. The e-bike means my heart rate stays in the cardio zone and out of the red zone - it’s far more healthy. I also ride for longer and since I like technical downhill the most, I get to do more of the physical challenge that type of riding offers. There’s more to fitness than grinding up hills.

[@dannyheyrman4848]

He is right about the fitness part. if you need an e bike to stay out of the red zone, it actually means you are out of shape. And you don't ride longer on an e bike, the bike takes you on a longer ride for the same amount of energy available in your body.

[@pmaly9473]

@@dannyheyrman4848 not all bikers are young and athletic. Most older bikers are cardio compromised and of course heart rate limited due to age. Of course riding either bike type more often will help improve cardio health and performance, but it does not change the realities for those that are already old and might have compromised heart health.

[@topheavy7616]

@@dannyheyrman4848 You can’t ride down a hill, unless you get up it first.

[@dannyheyrman4848]

@ inlees you live on top of the Mountain. But you need to get your *ss back up afterwards 😂

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have very limited experience with eBikes but extensive experience with analog bikes. I not only like the simplicity of an analog bike but also like even more simplicity of a single speed mountain bike. From my perspective a class 2 eBike with throttle or the modern eMX motorcycle would be the best option for wanting to get back into the woods faster and not depend too much on climbing up a mountain and gravity for downhill speed.

[@deathbringr124]

After having total hip replacement at 37, I still prefer an analog bike over E-bikes.

[@NewbGamingNetworks]

There’s so much emotion in a sprint. The dopamine and adrenaline. The DRIVE. I’ve hopped on an ebike once or twice and I had to get off. It felt empty. That being said, they seem like a total blast for those only wanting to go down the hill, and they enable a lot of people to continue enjoying the sport, even when life gets in the way. Rock on 🤘

[@jayefyve9212]

They are a blast going up hill to get to the downhill. I climb slow and descend slow so I can climb slow again.

[@rlopez9044]

Great video.. the reason 01 and the climb feeling is all what I need to continue riding my “normal” mountain bike for ever. 👍👍

[@leightonbohl1920]

Yes, I think you apply the term correctly, and, yes, all pure bikes are analogue because they are self-sufficient. I ride road bikes and feel exactly the same, including electronic shifting in my list of electronic dependencies.

[@Jimmy.meyer.76]

I have nothing against E bikes, I have ridden a few, but I still prefer to pedal under my own power , there’s something more satisfying to me about doing it that way . That plus the look of most E bikes simply do not appeal to me at all, but each to their own.

[@johnsheetz6639]

2 ebikes, 1 pre built, 1 mid drive build, but Im still in love with my old, 96 rockhopper its soo comfortable with my 90mm bars

[@WoolyChewbakker]

My stem is longer than your bars 😂

[@johnsheetz6639]

@WoolyChewbakker rise, lol I knew someone was going to say something like that!

[@wldtrak]

100% accurate on all points. You hit the nail on the head, Clint. Great video.

[@TCraigLinz]

Hi Clint, I know this subject is a big deal for some, but I really think we tend to over analyze it sometimes. Most riders, of all bikes, are not racers or top athletes, they just want to go out in nature and have some fun. Maybe get a little exercise or a cheap thrill conquering something scary. I'm happy riding all my bikes and I change things up regularly. Cheers!

[@jaredmathews2983]

"Yeah, but bacon tastes good. Pork chops taste good.” (Pulp Fiction) To each his own. Variety is the spice of life!

[@is2good4u]

There are bicycles and there’s everything else. Put a motor on one and it is a motorized bicycle. Why would we argue one should render the other obsolete? Ridiculous

[@johnmccool6875]

Those trails are beautiful. Something about being out there under my own power is nice.

[@dannyheyrman4848]

love an good analoge/e bike rant 🙂 Now to be clear: 1. e bikes are a good sollution if you have a medical issue or getting older and still want to ride with your friends 2. if bike parks are your thing, an e-bike is as good as an shuttle or lift 3. e bikes are good for commuting if they replace a car. 4. i can live with an e-bike on trails for those who want to go out for a ride, but not calling themself a mtb-er. 5. mtb is a sport, e-mtb is a different sport. don't go bragging on your e-bike fitness levels or to an "analog" cyclist. MX is also a sport and an mx bike will be faster than your e-bike. Yet a mx rider doesn't brag to you on the speed of his bike. 6. You don't like to ride uphill on a analog bike? well, as the name "mountain bike" sugests, it's a bike to pedal up and down. if you only like to go downhill, stick to bikeparks where you can go as fast as you can without the risk to find someone on the trail going slower than you ( that is nr 2 in the above list) 7. Yes, an e bike is going to make you fitter, but only when you start at a low fitness level. if you where led to believe something else: it's a lie invented to let you buy a more expencive bike. Wout van Aert (one of the better road racers) lives 2 streets away from me. we've met sometimes on training rides (he passes me, that is) and he never seem to takes his e-bike. and last: your body has an certain amount of energy that goes up when you're getting fitter. That amount of energy can take somewhere on an analoge bike and probably a bit further on an e-bike. so who are you trying to impress by saying a can ride 20 miles on a pedal bike but 50 miles on a e-bike? As a 50 year old, i do xc marathon races ranging 80-150 milles. does the battery of your e-bike last that long?

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

I prefer a "regular bike," but I'm not gonna fight evolution here. My FIL is 82 and he can ride local bike paths with me because of his e-bike. All good. But at some point we're gonna need to discuss in detail what happens to all these electric motors/batteries when they die. Land fill? I saw a kid tossing his dead e-scooter in the dumpster yesterday. Can't be good for the planet.......

[@ClintGibbs]

A friend of mine had a hoverboard catch on fire last week and burnt down his garage and everything in it. Probably not likely with a higher quality e-bike but there's that as well!

[@K9Manhunters]

Thanks for the video. I agree with your comments. 1 more reason if I may: sustainability. Many regular bikes have several lives, you can buy them 2nd hand. Don’t know how it is in the us, but here in Switzerland, most people won’t buy a 2nd hand e-bike because usually the battery power is already weaker and the bikes are still expensive. Also, batteries don’t live forever and one has to dispose of them. I like the idea of E-Bikes for communiting replacing a car, but as long as i can ride a regular bike in my free time I’ll stick with it. But it’s great that people who are not able to ride regular bikes anymore have this option.

[@andy5478-MTB]

Carbon Fiber bikes are definitely NOT a friend of sustainability as once they reach end of life the frame goes to the dump. Plus carbon fiber often has a shorter working life and can't be repair like an alloy frame. My alloy levo is nearly 100% recyclable aside from the battery--- and they are continuing to get better at recycling batteries.

[@ClintGibbs]

Good point! I haven’t owned an E bike long enough to realize that one.

[@zed5129]

@@andy5478-MTB Alloy fatigues and breaks, and if ridden hard should be actually periodically replaced. Well made carbon does not have this problem.

[@andy5478-MTB]

@@zed5129 I can't argue that when used properly carbon might last longer. This is probably realistic for gravel and road bikes. But let's face it, in the real world MTB's can live a hard life with rocks flying up and hitting the frame, generally more abuse and crashes--- all which can cause catastrophic failure. I've seen more carbon components get destroyed than alloy. Junk carbon fiber goes right to the dump. Whereas old alloy components will be grabbed by a scrapper and will eventually be melted down and turned into something else.

[@K9Manhunters]

@@andy5478-MTB I know, i have 2 aluminium bikes and one carbon that i bought 2nd hand

[@janjacobsen4804]

I think you pretty much nailed it in this video Clint. This is exactly the intelligent content I have become to expect on this channel 👍

[@willbros1499]

Clint, you're describing the experience of riding a fully powered heavy ebike that weighs in excess of 50 lbs. The lightweight category that has some bikes closer to the 40 lbs number feel much closer to "analog" bikes. I've been riding bikes for decades, and my most recent bike has been various versions of the RIpmo since 2019. But I recently rode and compared the Ari Nebo Peak (lightweight, 43 lbs) with the Timp Peak (52 lbs). Not sure why exactly, but that 9 lbs is a big difference in how the bikes feel and how their characteristics compare to an analog bike. I'm not getting rid of my pedal bike, but at 56 I'm sick of the ups and downs with recovery, and how I can feel great one ride, and like crap the next. I could tell very quickly that you can get a very good workout on the Nebo, and to take that a step further, you can ride it with the motor off, and it just feels like a heavy trail bike. And in the lowest mode, Eco, it's FAR less assist than the Eco mode on the full power bikes, so if you're pushing it, you will still get the higher heart rates and push into zones 3 and 4. I wasn't able to do that on the full power eBike unless I was on very steep hills. Long winded I know, but I'm glad I did the comparison. It made me feel less "guilty" or hesitant about wanting an eBike and being concerned that I would become fat and lazy. The lower powered bikes at 60Nm in the low setting make you feel like you're getting a workout, but it tips the scales significantly toward more pleasure than pain. The pain has been a big part ot it for me for a long time now, with an arthritic hip, knee, and other nagging issues, and to be blunt, I'm just ready to look forward to riding and doing away with a bit of those pains. I feel I've earned it, and I think eBikes are here to stay, and we'll just see them continue to proliferate.

[@rheinking2754]

I agree and then some.

[@danfromabove]

Range is huge for me; a big day on the enduro bike usually means doing ~2000m climbing and ebikes just aren't there yet. Obviously I usually don't have enough time for that and an ebike is great for getting more fun from a short blast but those epic days are what motivate me to explore and push myself.

[@ajtronic]

I like feeling myself get faster on the uphill and technically challenging and physical parts of the trail. It’s definitely rewarding to me.

[@tracicooper7443]

Analog is a term they use in music industry. Its used to describe signal path.

[@dannysalasmtb]

I love both analog bikes and e-bikes, now I’m wondering your thoughts on light weight e-bikes.

[@ClintGibbs]

Have not tried one as of yet

[@TeddyParker]

youtube in 2024. let the rage bait commence

[@flamencoguru]

Thanks for the videos. Is it possible that you can put chapter markings in your videos? That would great for your audience. Just an ask. Thanks!

[@MTBPerspective]

Last 2 times I went out analog I was surprised my legs hadn't lost anything and may actually be upgraded (for sure upper body upgraded) due to all the extra mileage gained by riding an ebike and being able to go when it is hotter than I would be willing to go ride analog. I've improved quite a bit at BMX since last season also - at 57 that is pretty noticeable. I'm leaning towards selling off my XC mtb and my single speed 29r - just didn't have as much fun on them last outings as I thought I would. If there a places to backwards to allow class 1 ebikes then I'll just skip those and if I go somewhere like Breckenridge again (lifts) I'll just rent what they have for bikes. Regionally we are seeing more and more emtb category for races - I've done a few just for grins but after doing 40+ races a season for over 20 years I'm pretty much over trying to be competitive - ymmv. Easy way to load emtb or heavy mtb: kzbin.infoy8maAwFKqzI?si=u1ize1ON0jYSFf_r

[@rock_machine01]

It’s about exercise, not ease!

[@davidpayne8413]

agreed

[@bradsanders6954]

The crazy thing is, I did a 62 mile ride on my Canyon EMTB, 4000' of climbing, 95% of the climbing in ECO mode. Which means spinning like crazy to make the bike go......you dont realize how trashed your legs are getting. Its like the EMTB encourages you to give your all to make it go . My legs were so wobbled out the next AM they hardly worked. But yeah, as it turns out I only ride the EMTB once a month, and put 1000's of miles on my amish roadbike, or gravel bike, or normal Mt bike. The E is a novelty.

[@seano218]

Amish roadbike? Are the "Amish" building roadbikes? Is so, where and what brand? You make fun of a people that can dedicate their lives to their religion and cast away so many modern conveniences that you probably couldn't go a day without... That's kinda rude and ignorant. Not kinda, it is. ​@bradsanders6954

[@ChopperChad]

You say. Others ride for a variety of other reasons. I, for instance, have been riding mountain bikes since the 90’s and have never once rode for exercise, to compete or chase a KOM. I ride to get outside and do fun things in nature. It’s weird, but a lot of us don’t give a shit about Strava times, KOMs, or exercise. Cycling is fun, thats why I ride. Any exercise is a side effect to having fun.

[@rheinking2754]

It's about exploring nature, riding fast and slow with exercise as a welcome side benefit!

[@sadiejones7991]

Excellent bro, I wished I'd watched it on time.

[@gr8scotrolls]

I truly enjoyed riding bikes since I was a kid, I went from BMX/Freestyle bikes to to road bikes. I enjoyed the road riding and events but as people became more distracted it became more of an issue. I got my first MTB after doing a century ride and thought it would be fun, but quickly realized it was a different ride. I went through many different MTB's and events and trying to figure out my comfort level and decided to try and eMTB, it was great! However I have since discovered that the adventure is more important to me than being able to just go play on the bike.

[@cycologist7069]

Sooo you like the non electric better?

[@gr8scotrolls]

@@cycologist7069 I personally do, I am not an eBiike hater by any means but for me trail riding, at 51, it's more about the accomplishments than the downhills or jump sessions.

[@cycologist7069]

@@gr8scotrolls All good. I was just eying to get the gist of your post. I’ve test ridden a few e-bikes and did a couple guided e-bike tours in Mexico. They are fun but I still get more enjoyment and satisfaction from non electric.

[@daves485]

I only have an analog bike but when I see someone that may be overweight or not very healthy on an e-bikes I think of the positives, they may have had a health scare or a warning from their doctor that they need to start exercising. An analog bike may be too intimidating but that e-bike their riding is much more healthier than sitting on the couch, More power to them!

[@ChrisWinner-p4u]

I agree with you and my two bikes are e-bikes, my regular bike got stolen. But I hate all the hate.

[@chuckhunter77]

My attitude while recreationally riding - "I will ride a manual bike until my doctor says not to." My attitude while commuting - "I should have gotten an ebike."

[@drakulie]

Don’t have an issue with E-Bkes, but have yet to run across someone on the trails that doesn’t ride like a jerk and respects other riders.

[@Scomelbasses]

I rarely encounter any type of cyclist that isn’t a jerk no matter whether they’re riding an e-bike or regular bike. I’m not sure why this sport attracts so many douche bags.

[@rustychain9518]

@@drakulie I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been climbing on single track and hear a polite “when you have a chance”, and someone 20 years younger than me goes by in turbo mode…I feel a little sad for them.

[@BrawndoDrinker]

Funny, I have been riding mtbs for over 40 years. The worst etiquette I see is in high population locations, regardless of which decade or trail use type. Ride out in a small unknown trail system vs a urban trail with high usage and tell me its that same. Realize, its not about the bike its the person on the bike, horse, or hiking boots.

[@esurfer89]

@@rustychain9518 Do you want them to pass you slowly? I turn mine up when I pass then back to normal

[@hammertime7740]

So True. Can't wait to hear your review of your niner sir 9.

[@SystemParanoia]

If I wanted the bike to do it all for me, I'd be on a Suron or a Yamaha 450

[@Jesse_James_]

Hi! I came to the same conclusions as you. For the last 2.5 years I have been riding an electric bike and only on it. Until the Shimano motor broke after 14k kilometers.. And it is impossible to fix it, only to buy a new motor. I did not want to spend so much money on all this, took out the battery and have been riding a bike with a broken motor but without a battery for several months. Weight is about 17 kg. In addition to any resistance, the Shimano motor does not create, thank you at least for that.. I also realized that this motor weight of about 2.5 kg in the bottom bracket area adds stability. If you tie this weight to the frame at the lowest point on an analog bike, you will have about the same sensations that an ebike gives when descending). And I also agree that an ebike is much more expensive and more difficult to maintain.. After 2 years of riding an ebike, my legs have already become an order of magnitude weaker, so an electric bike definitely does not burden the body as much as an analog. You get used to the help quickly.. I'm tired of constantly monitoring the charge level, I want to take the bike at any time and go somewhere without any thoughts about the range. Well, as you said, simplicity, that's what I also want from a bike. In general, for me personally there are more minuses than pluses, at the moment I agree that an analog bike is a more useful and reasonable purchase, it will keep you in good physical shape and will not suck out so much money..

[@simonbowlzer9046]

Same boat as you, agree 100%

[@rheinking2754]

...reminds me of people who complain that going tubeless is such a hassle.

[@the1andonly]

My own power it will be until I loose it due to death, old age or injury. I don't want to mess with batteries and a more complicated bike. I'm not a racer or even sport cyclist (except for some fun longer rides on a 1980's road bike). All my bikes are 1980's vintage and I've had them for a long time. That alone says something about the quality of those vintage bikes.

[@woduk]

A friend has recently just got an ebike, I’m just really not bothered at the moment. I’m more looking at gravel bikes at the moment and bike packing. I also want to build a titanium hardtail too at some point. Not avoiding it entirely, just not right time for me

[@MTNMAX88]

Analog implies electric power. The industry needs to stop referring to mountain bikes as analog. They are not acoustic either. Mountain bike and e-mountain bike. If they want to go the whole analog thing, pedal assist e-bikes are analog. Great discussion and video.

[@williammorris4419]

So are there any mountains in Florida? A mechanical bike buddy.

[@SmittyMTB]

Ebike definitely require more maintenance. I bought mine in August and already destroyed the hub which I replaced and now the rim is fooked. Damaged the motor casing before I got a chance to put a downtube protector on it that extends to my motor case. Replaced that cause I didn't like looking at something broken on my bike even though it functioned fine. I'm sure next year will be more of the same lol.

[@geoffreyquaile4383]

Purity of sport? Most MTB I see are in parks with ski lifts.

[@zed5129]

I've literally never seen one in a park with a ski lift.

[@geoffreyquaile4383]

@@zed5129 google MTB Whistler.

[@cycologist7069]

@@zed5129😮

[@Whoadayson]

As someone who doesnt stay up on all this stuff very well, I more easily link the term 'analog' bike than the term 'acoustic' bike which I cant figure that one out. Anyone like to help me out on understanding that? Regarding the ebike for fitness, I definitely get a full workout, but I cover 4x the distance, 4x the sights to see, but I agree with all your reasoning! I enjoy them both and reasons for riding either change occasionally. Thx for the video!

[@garyonnen7634]

I’m 62 fat and out of shape. I’m not buying one.

[@thim8009]

Just be thankful people have made up reasons for ebikes not be in certain places or they would out number analog bikes. All of europe have determined that ebikes dont harm anything or are more dangerous than a regular bike.

[@Evippe-l7b]

My primary means of transportation is the ebike. It is full suspension, trail-rated, lightweight, mid-power and Class 1. On pavement I'm overbiked but I can take grass routes with ease anytime needed. Car comes second. I believe my carbon footprint now is lower than 2 tons (US avg is 16 tons) and I have reduced cost on car ⛽, maintenance and depreciation. Next year I will break even on ebike vs car money spent. Do I sound like a Dutchman🥴no South FL😁

[@Spellscape]

so now normal bikes called "analogue" .... ok

[@cycologist7069]

Been that way for awhile now.

[@rheinking2754]

I agree that riding an analog bike is more difficult but only uphill. And riding an E-bike doesn’t make you unfit either, it’s what you do off the bike that makes you unfit. I consider riding a mountain bike with a motor like sailing. Analog biking is like rowing a boat. The choice is yours.

[@turret_sindrone]

I hate that e-bikes are prohibited so much. I was an avid MTB rider for years and had to give it up because of a spinal cord injury. I just don't have the power or stamina I use to no matter how much I train. The supplemental power could be the boost I need to get me back out there in the woods but having to worry about confrontation and condemnation from purest snobs is a massive deterrent from buying one. I miss Santos. I miss Ern n Burn and Troll.

[@cycologist7069]

Thank the idiots who ride like idiots getting trails restricted. We’ve had a a few in my area ban e-bikes. Sadly a few people I know in your your situation now have to drive to farther area and/or simply give up the sport. Again blame the idiots who ruined it for others.

[@ClintGibbs]

I've seen quite a few e-bikes at Santos and have not witnessed any backlash

[@zed5129]

I'm 49. I've had 6 ebikes, 5 full fat and a lightweight. Bosch, carbon, alloy, shimano, brose, Rocky Mountain, many flavours. For me ebikes seem like a lot of fun initially but I lose interest in riding a couple of months in. With full fat because the bike is so capable the limiting factor is only my self preservation. I steam roll everything because the bike is a heavy pig. It just gets uninteresting. With a light weight ebike, it's too heavy for it's level of capability. An enduro weight bike with trail ability. Again not really playful but also not enough grunt for shuttle type riding. The answer FOR ME is a shorter travel trail bike with medium tires. I now have previous gen Stumpjumper like you had/have Clint, running Nobby Nic/Wicked Will combo. There is room to learn and progress and I have to work on my fitness. It pedals FAST and is way faster than any ebike over our 25km/h limit. Getting faster on a trail depends on skill and bike handling and my local trails are interesting again compared to an ebike. Fitness and strength are very important as we get older - I'm willing to do the work to stay able bodied longer in life. Ebikes are boring in ECO, and even then they're not demanding the same torque from the legs. I'd rather ride an analog bike, by a long way. My Stumpy is a such a sweet, refined, light machine. It's a beautiful thing and ebikes just don't evoke that feeling. It's a more satisfying ride on an analog bike. Ebikes become mehhh. Humans are programmed to enjoy progress (it's a dopamine thing), I certainly am, and there isn't much progress on an ebike. Just the same ride every time. However - If I lived actually in serious mountains, well an ebike would probably be in order. It's just not a requirement for my local trails.

[@honan101]

Clint, I’m surprised you didn’t buy the Levo Sl. It’s 10 pounds lighter and a different ride. It only gives you half the distance but no problem for me. I still can do faster laps on my analog bike (very flat) , go figure.

[@eph8334]

One of the great things about E-bikes is that if you can ride from your own house to locations then the vehicle doesnt have to come and get dirty, theres less messing about, you get an amount of aerobic time, in the UK the trails are muddy most the time so its a bonus if the vehicle aint needed. There is plenty good but and the bad for me i think i have become much less focussed on maintaining fitness, my analogue bike is collecting dust, before i knew that if im not regular out on the bike my fitness would reduce and climbs get even more horrible. im an older guy in my 50's so letting things drift from prime is not good

[@WoolyChewbakker]

Ummm.. You need an eBike to be able to ride on the road ?

[@eph8334]

@ ?

[@WoolyChewbakker]

@eph8334 Read what you said. Why would it need to be an eBike to ride from your house to locations.?

[@eph8334]

@ cause with an ebike u can hold heart rate in z2 and conserve energy for the dh. Last week i went out for 2 hrs and 26 mile, visited 2 riding places 1 with steep climbs for 300metre

[@eph8334]

@ never said “needed” nothing

[@xnihilo64]

An avid motorcyclist for 45+ years who is just getting into "analogue" cycling, I see e-bikes as cheating. Just my opinion, but if I want a powered two-wheeled vehicle, I'll take a petrol machine.

[@isawit9722]

Yeah, it's not cheating.... I ride the coolest ebike you've ever seen I'm sure...... and I love to cruise around town looking at people without getting tired and sweating..... I don't need any damn exercise,... I do that at the gym 😂

[@cycologist7069]

@@isawit9722 😮

[@rustychain9518]

I comment the same way when one of the KZbinrs I watch talks e-bikes, for the type of riding I like to do I would absolutely lose fitness if I had an e-bike. I then get response after response with rationalizations about how they’re getting more exercise on an e-bike(which might be true for them) and labeling me a hater even though I couldn’t care less if someone wants to ride an e-bike.

[@Mr050278]

The Ebike math they try to use for saying its more or equal of a workout as a regular mtn bike is ridiculous and entertaining lol

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

I just turned 57 and refuse to get an Ebike. The older I get the more I want to use my legs. People all the time are blown away when they find out how old I am. Stay healthy.

[@rustychain9518]

@ I just turned 57 also and I agree completely.

[@dpstrial]

I could not agree more. I am 63 and want to keep going as long as possible under my own power. Those who say they gain fitness on an e-bike are obviously coming from a low level.

[@rheinking2754]

E-bike@@Mr050278 if you ride an E-bike and an analog bike the same route for one hour you would quite likely burn more calories on the Ebike simply because you ride further. But, I agree you won't build as much muscle.

[@cjdaking]

It's a moped. Full stop.

[@number817]

It's a fun moped.

[@kingOfTheMountain76]

I thought about buying an e-bike, but I live on the 4th floor of a building where a bike doesn’t fit in the elevator. So, I’d have to carry it up and down the stairs. It’s already a hassle to manage with an 11kg (24.25lb) Epic Evo-imagine an e-bike weighing over 20kg (44.09lb)!

[@rheinking2754]

Have you tried pulling up the front of the bike with your hand on the rear wheel brake in the elevator?

[@kingOfTheMountain76]

@@rheinking2754 Yes, it’s a very small elevator, fitting only 2 people. This type of elevator is quite common in Portugal, as in most cases the buildings are old. The only way would be to remove the front wheel.

[@jamespond7496]

My trek fuel EXE with the tiny silent TQ now weights 15.80kg. A trek fuel EX gen 5 weights 15.70kg. For me motor off analog bike. Motor on electric bike. Simples

[@arrowrod]

Ebike, cuz, I always chose it when going anywhere in town. Amusing, a bicycle can be purchased new for $100. I spend $3000 for a Ebike. I just ordered a new one, my old one is 4 years old.

[@bradsanders6954]

EMTB's arent just more expensive, they are outdated quickly no matter what they cost new. Tech is changing quickly and continuously. Many only want the very latest so they snub a year old bike. They question the battery, its been used and a new battery is very pricey. The batteries tend to fit only that one bike, interchangeability is not a thing. Value can die very quick on a new EMTB. 7K is a LOT to spend on a bike. Many spend over 10K.

[@shawnpritchard366]

I'll be sticking with my rigid steel single speed.

[@suspicioustumbleweed4760]

For the same reasons you’d pick an ebike over a dirt bike

[@theadventurebiker]

I've been an anolog rider my entire life. I've also been a motorcyclist for several decades (both off road and on). When I look at things like cost, performance, and fun factor, e-bicycles don't make any sense to me, and I personally can't see myself buying one (at least not in the foreseeable future). To me it's either full manual or full bore power (ie. gas motor 450cc and up), for different reasons. I see e-bicycles as some sort of middle ground bastardization that I'm not really intersted in.

[@worldstallestmidget]

I will say you lost me with the first one. Unless you’re riding a klunker from the 70s or 80s you’re not being a purist! And to the rest of your points I ride a regular bike during the week. And e bikes are gif the weekends!!

[@patrickgibbons8353]

I'm kind of surprised you went with a full power instead of an SL ....🤔

[@ClintGibbs]

It's what was on sale 🙂

[@ronjamman8798]

i have both and use my analog more due to exercise but if i want to relax i use my ebike.

[@stevestewart5496]

Put it in turbo drop into the 10 cog and climb.

[@jayswavely6371]

The PNW trails are shot half the year. Great video.

[@sakulascrow1984]

as long as i ride park i can’t really shout too loud about ppl on emtbs.

[@TRG36]

If you really wanna simplify, SS

[@jimbo6993]

There is a bit more danger to riding an e-bike. You don’t want it falling on you in a crash.