Mid-power vs. Full-power E-mtb - 5 questions to help you choose the right electric mountain bike

[@jimbo4203]

I had been riding a full power Giant when I went to get my Specialized from the shop closest to me all they had in stock was the levo sl , after I test rode it i bought it , and I love the bike . My sister and brother have full power bikes and we ride together all the time no problem but they can wax me on all the climbs , i do want the new 50 nm version or full power next ! But I like them all really

[@endymion8672]

I agree with pretty much everything you say in this video. Rider weight and physical fitness are probably most important for deciding. I think I'm very similar to you in terms of weight and fitness (you're the much better speaker though😅). Two full size (360 Wh/4 lbs) batteries make my Fuel Exe 9.7 a long range bike. On the few 60+ mi trips I did, I switched to the 2nd battery but never had to run it down to zero. On a ride yesterday in the San Juan mountains (primitive forest roads and trails) Garmin recorded 29.23 mi distance/3419 ft ascent with one battery.

[@antnasta]

Spot on, great review. Just got a LevoSL, 3 months ago, and you describe perfectly the pros and cons. Love it so far

[@1BrundleFly1]

Hey Francis, I recently caught the e-bike bug and was tickled to find your E-MTB Review channel, having followed RC Review for a couple years. Just want to say I really enjoy your analytical approach and presentation style in both worlds. I'm a life-long road rider and sometime ridgid MTB rider wanting to start spending more time on the trails as finding quiet pavement to ride safely and enjoyably becomes ever more challenging. I no longer have the skeletal resilience to go bombing down single-tracks with abandon or the strength to be climbing thousands of feet under my own power, so I'm going full power to basically allow me to do the kind of long-distance rides with lots of climbing on easier trails and forest roads that I've traditionally done on pavement. Your review and hill-climb test of the Aventon Ramblas helped sell me on that solution. I took a test ride a few days ago and should be taking delivery from that local dealer next week. Keep up the great work!

[@wallenbell]

Just completed two rides in Asheville last weekend. Mid-powered Specialized Kenevo SL for 24 miles down 2,700 feet and back up. Totally wrong bike for that kind of distance. The day before I rode a first generation heavy Rad Rover Step-Thru 33 miles up 4,300 feet and back down (used swappable battery and still had 40% on 2nd battery). If I were into driving places with a Mountain Bike and riding less than 8-10 miles total, mid-drive is beautiful. But I enjoy going 20-30 miles and seeing many types of places. Excellent video. The cultural walls against heavier e-bikes are understandable but the ability to buy 2 heavy e-bikes for half of the Specialized mid-drive has helped me bring friends who haven’t ridden a bike in years ( let alone an e-bike). Love your content!

[@EMTBReview]

Great share. Thank you.

[@milesholland6826]

I am in this decision category, and I have been watching a lot of videos. Just have to say you are an excellent reviewer and really hit the details and nuances that people want to here. With that said I still can’t decide!! 😂

[@ShowMeThePony]

#5 I’m old enough to remember when hikers and horseback riders got mad when we showed up on “ Their” trails with our bicycles. 👴🏻

[@ralphkeith2905]

With roughly half of my friends (young and old) now riding e-mtbs, I recently purchased a full power. I knew it would make climbing easier, but I never expected it to make the fun so much more fun. The biggest factor in deciding on the full power was the battery size and ability to ride much further.

[@EMTBReview]

Exactly!!! The real benefit of full-power is range, especially with a 700+wh battery.

[@kevindunwoodie971]

I recently purchase the Orbea Rise H10. Didn’t do my research very well and wishing I had bought the carbon M series for the carbon frame. Love the bike but with it were lighter. I also have the full power Trek Rail 9.8. Love this beast for the climbs but want something lighter for the technical down hill rides. Keep the great videos, love them.

[@Cheatingforfun]

I have a full for the days I want to go out with the boys and have fun full blast and a mid power for solo training or going on mellow rides with my wife. Love them all. ⚡️🔥⚡️ Good video.

[@EMTBReview]

Best of both worlds right there. My situation as well. Mid-power keeps me fit and the moment of truth is the analog bike time-trial. :)

[@danielpatton9646]

I have what is sort of hybrid.: 360 watt hr carbon Orbea Rise MTeam. Full XTR build, bulletproof DT Swiss FR541 rims, with longer air shaft in Fox 36 and longer Fox DPX2 air shock with offset bushings making it 170/160 bike. Added travel and tough rims did not add much of any weight...just made it way more capable. Trick is I have it tuned so boost is full EP8 85nm / 500 watts. Trail is EP8RS 63nm / 350 watts. Eco 45nm / 300 watts. Small internal battery can't keep up with the 85nm / 500 watts for too too long, but in spurts climbing is fine. Have two range extenders for really big days or when want to ride in boost a lot. As bike is so light and nimble the full EP8 power is so much fun and feels way more powerful than any 55 lb bikes with EP8. Can use Rise as mid power light weight trail ripper. Full power 850+ watt hour enduro ripper. Or, in between.

[@EMTBReview]

Yessir. I own an Orbea Rise too and so do 10 of my riding buds. Yours sounds absolutely dialed!

[@Gadventure]

Afrer years of mtb marathon racing (and finaly finishing it) I had the chance to testride both the SL and a fullfat Levo side by side before deciding. My expereience was, that Sl is more nimble - but still not like an analoge. If I want long rides, or go fast with fullfat buddies, or climb those trails I not even try with my XC bike any more I need at least 1 battery extender. With the extender the weight advantage is almost gone. So decided to buy the big brother, and use it mostly with limited power - like an SL, but still have the chance to get more if I need. Riding the SL I would limit my possibilities.

[@vashon100]

Don't forget if you'll be riding in cold weather that mid power batt pack will be even less range, 20% hit on those days.

[@EMTBReview]

That is true. I believe in you ride at zero degrees, you lose about 20% of battery capacity it gets worse and super cold conditions.

[@DigitalKudzu]

Still fighting for tail access in Western NC. Lots of trash talk, but I’m seeing more of my generation on e-mtb’s. I’ve never been fast & I rarely ride over 15 miles, so I’m looking to buy a Mid,. it’s getting harder & harder to ride like a kid lol

[@EMTBReview]

That exact thing is happening region by region. So we all know where this is going. Just takes longer in some regions that are XC strongholds.

[@wallenbell]

The fire roads around Pisgah National Forest are amazing for long rides

[@steveridesxc]

As a 63 year old long-time xc rider who is still relatively fit I've found that I still prefer riding my analogue bike when I'm feeling good. However there are days when I have a nagging injury or have an illness when I want full power assist so that I have the option of riding extremely easily. It also helps that I'm 6'1", 200 pounds to muscle the big bike around. I suspect at some point I will replace the analogue bikes with a lighter mid-powered e-mtb, but for now this approach is working well.

[@markhenderson1017]

Excellent questions. I am about to receive my second full-power bike because I want to ride far, explore, live in an area that is mostly accepting, and most significantly most of my friends have full-power E-bikes.

[@EMTBReview]

Yes, yes, yes. You are in a good spot, young man.

[@JohnVHLife]

I LOVE my 60nm 50lb ebike, on boost pedaling up hill is easier than walking, I cant imagine anything better or easier.

[@kenchow8213]

I'll pick a mid-power (Bosch SX, 55NM and 85NM available at high cadence) with a 250WH range extender. All and benefits of mid-power, but can also ride with full-power riders.

[@wsl5585]

While I have not transitioned to emtb my answers to your questions put me in the mid power category. Also, if I run out of power or have a mechanical I would rather be pedaling a 40lb bike. Thank you for sharing your insight between a full and mid power emtb.

[@scretsqurl]

Giant Trance Advance + Elite = Light full power, or in my case an unlocked Orbea Rise with a full EP8. Light and fast, or run a profile with the standard the 60nm. All you need is a battery extender an you can have the best of both worlds.

[@anonymouscitizen9630]

My ass is getting old, I'm getting full power and then some.😂🤣😂

[@EMTBReview]

Age can be a factor. Just need a ramp to get it up on the bike rack. :)

[@brettonrihanek8536]

I have a full (Levo comp carbon gen 3) and am intrigued by the mid powered bikes, I must admit to being addicted to the power of the full. I would love to test ride the Trek FuelEX. I spend most of my time riding in a detuned Sport/EMTB mode so it’s probably comparable to mid power (but it’s nice to have full Turbo available if you get tired). One last thought…not all of us can afford the option of 2 Ebikes (or I would have both).

[@danielboesch9057]

Great video as always. Personally, I have rented various full power and mid power eBikes in Switzerland and in Bentonville. Your guidance is spot on. I purchased a Trek Fuel EXe last year because I preferred the nimbleness and the feel similar to my analog bike. I also didn’t need a lot of power, just a bit here and there to help me survive the 100 deg/90% humidity days we have here in MO or to be able to ride on days between my analog rides.

[@EMTBReview]

Yes, short time window... 100+ degree heat and humidty, or rain... bugs that want to track and crush you... All these issues are alleviated by the emtb, even with fit riders. Enables so much more riding and fun.

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Good point about body weight. I've been leaning toward an SL but at 240 lbs I should probably go full power. I ride alot of analog bikes so i'd just be using the ebike on off days or in place of a shuttle day.

[@JohnPhan1]

having rented a full-powered 55lb to ride trails in Southern UT (hurricane and st. george), I am for sure in the mid, even lite-powered category ... 125lbs, 5'4, not a long distance rider here in Florida, for sure mid and hopeful lite-powered category guy

[@MatSpooner]

Great vid , done a lot of road riding just switched to mtb I got the Levo sl love it , I ride with guys on full powered , yes they are faster but mine is more fun ! Plus I’m lighter so it evens out .

[@thim8009]

I only get about 1 week of riding out of a 2 month period. I'm 235 pounds and 6'2". I had a levo sl and had to have 2 range extenders. I loved the flickability of the bike, but the full power won out. When I finally get my 6 hour drive to where I can ride, I want to get as many downhills in as possible. There are some out there, but it seems like the lightweight ebikes don't have the travel or as tough of tires. By the time you add up range extenders, heavier components, I'm not far off from full power.

[@Bangbangboom51]

Just get full power ebike. Set it to eco mode if you want more exercise or run it like a mid power ebike. Bigger battery and more power on tap is always best except for the fat weight. Murica!!

[@EMTBReview]

For most people, this is absolutely the right answer. The funny thing about full-powered ebikes is there are a lot who NEVER use Boost or Turbo mode. So their only real benefit is the long range of the big battery. For those who never use Turbo and never drain the battery... mid-power is better.

[@paulmaag6958]

Great analysis! Here in Colorado, there are lots of e-bike haters. BLM and FS have regulations against e-bikes that are not enforced. So stupid! So I have two e-bikes, an full powered Mondraker Level R DH e-bike for big rides and an Orbea Rise for less climbing rides. When I first got the Orbea Rise, no one could tell that it was an e-bike. Now more people recognize it as an e-bike and are hip to mid powered systems. I ride a lot of moto trails with the Mondraker, as it busts through massive baby heads, steep long climbs and big distances. Since the Rise is no longer considered stealth in my area, I am considering replacing it. Stealth is the most important thing for my owning a mid powered bike. So I am considering a brand from Europe that is not known and uses the TQ drive. My typical ride has 800-1800 feet of climbing on the Rise and 1800-3000 feet of climbing on the Mondraker.

[@EMTBReview]

Yes, XC strongholds, especially old-school folks are the most common haters. They don't like getting passed by 'less-deserving' people. Elitism is deep in our sport unfortunately. Same thing in Bend, Oregon, another XC mecca. My friend there has a Levo and a Fuel EXe and he rides the Fuel a ton and no one knows.

[@Mountainslayr]

Great video it was very helpful. Im based in New Zealand, one of my buddies i ride with when i visit him hes about an hour drive from me who is lighter than me has a fuel exe im looking at a specialized turbo levo comp carbon or expert depending on how far i can extend my budget. I love the idea of the SL but feel it will be lacking the power im after...time to do some test riding i think

[@sdtrailrider8070]

Great video! I feel closer to the mid power side, but I could really be in both camps which makes this a tough choice. I want to rip laps sometimes and squeeze in a bunch of DH runs, but unless you have long steep fire road climbs, are you really able to take advantage of full power boost on windy single track uphills?

[@bostondye3736]

My local trails are east coast single-track and flow trails. No long climb and long decent. I have steep downs. But they last 30 seconds to a min. I'm questioning my purchase of full power after 200 miles. I set the ep8 to 35 and 60 NM in eco and trail. That's plenty of power to get up steep climbs.

[@sdtrailrider8070]

@@bostondye3736 I have had some experience on east coast type single tracks, and those places would have been ideal for mid power e-bikes.

[@GT4JB]

Great review and direction. Certainly helps me in making my decision. There must be a middle of thge road full powered emtb? Now I just have to find the right full powered bike (mid drive, torque sensor non fat tire)

[@pedrovillagomez8528]

Thank you for your videos, very helpful and informative! I’m planning to get an Ibis Oso by end of the year , I live in the Bay Area , do you know someone who install frame protection?

[@21armyn]

i am blessed. i have a 160e and a trek ExE!! =)

[@EMTBReview]

You truly are. Yin and Yang.

[@a.m.graham6120]

And just rich 😂

[@ashberger2717]

Q1.Are midpower bikes also mid drive bikes? Q2.Most people are looking for MTBs but I'm looking for an e-bike that can go on soft beach sand and over sand dunes. I haven't found anyone talking about this type of bike. Can you suggest what this type of e-bike should look like? Thxs

[@wallenbell]

For sand dunes you will probably want a fat tire e-bike. The types of E-Mountain Bikes discussed on this channel are generally purpose built for narrow mountain paths where rocks, trees and ups and downs challenge riders to engage full attention on the immediate path ahead. E-MTB is a brilliant activity but very different for those who want a multipurpose e-bike. I love having a more city street friendly upright ergonomic fat-tire e-bike. But this channel is genuinely great for e mountain bike understanding.

[@ashberger2717]

Does anybody know of a channel for beach bikes for fishermen?

[@dadventuretv2538]

So where does a bike with the Fazua 60 fit in? 60 nm torque, 250W continuous power, 400W peak power, 430Wh battery. Same watts as full power bikes, torque that is in between but closer to full power bikes, battery capacity that in between but a lighter motor with supposedly less drag. Interested to hear your thoughts on it, bc I think that seems to hit the sweet spot for me.

[@EMTBReview]

That's a mid-powered motor, on the higher end of the current offerings It is actually a 50nm and there's a bit of marketing going on since it can have a momentary 'boost' for a few seconds that will bump it to 60nm for less than 10 seconds. Not a bad feature but they really should not mention that it's a 60nm motor. Battery capacity is very good. The extender batteries have long been promised but won't be ready til 2024.

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@EMTBReview cool. Didnt know about nm discrepancy but that must be the 10 sec boost feature. When I have demoed a few full power ebikes I found they were really too much assistance for my liking- I still want to work at it you know with just enough help to hit the downs a few more times, or maybe access that sweet down that is outta reach on an acoustic bike. I was riding them on eco mode most of the time, with a switch to trail once in a while to get up a burner section. But the feeling of the weight, while I could see being kinda fun once in a while just smashing everything, is really a hinderance in the ride I’m looking for. I def want a more mtb handling kinda bike. Thanks for the info on the extender- probably waiting til next year anyway- I REALLY like the Relay but have a feeling Santa Cruz is coming out with a Fazua motor emtb (teased in the Skitch vid) and want to wait and see what they come out with. What ever I get I still plan to keep my SC Bronson for local trails.

[@robzielinski]

what about full powered light weight...Giant Trance X E+ Elite. all the power with no weight cost.... a review soon?

[@EMTBReview]

I'll try and find one of those. They weren't able to send me one on the first media demo fleet. Seems similar to the hallowed Orbea Rise which walked the line very well.

[@stevenschiff808]

I can turn my full power into a mid power. I cannot turn a mid power into a full power. I really don't find the weight difference concerning or hampering the fun factor.

[@EMTBReview]

Absolutely, a full-power can operate as a mid-power and do it efficiently. The only real downside is the extra weight of 10-15 lbs. If your riding style and terrain is not really bothered by the extra weight, then it is all good. Bike weight is proportional to body weight so one is a bigger, stronger person, the effect of bike weight is less. Also, one really gets used to bike weight and allows one to develop upper body strength and riding style to throw the bike around. In our experience an extra 15 lbs on the bike frame makes it less less willing to pop up small jumps and change quickly change direction in very tight terrain. Also, in very rough, chunky terrain, the heavy bike delivers more shock to the rider.

[@eugenux]

@steven, no, you cannot. A full power electric rides very differently, in feel, feedback and trail approach to a lightweight mid-power, who, in fact just rides like more planted big bruiser enduro bike. My friend's new levo SL is one full water bottle away in weight difference, to my Nuke Giga.. and on the trail, it feels like a normal bike. A full power ebike it is not that. In my opinion, it is not a matter of fitness.. or lap speed(time consumed going up(climbing) than down the trail), no..., it is a matter of what do you like to ride?! do you like riding actual bikes, perfect get yourself a mid power ebike. do you like to ride something else, which feel like shi.te on the trail(inertia, much earlier braking, that awful self gyroscopic motion, etc-etc) due to weight and are actually slower on the downs due to said weight, then perfect, ride a full power ebike.

[@mtnmnkymilitia]

"Mid" power is just a nice way of saying "low" power😂🤜✌️

[@EMTBReview]

Rrrrrrright? The early mid-power bikes worked like ECO mode. Now, the new Levo SL and Fazua bikes are stronger.

[@DaBinChe]

That settles it Surron it is. 🥸

[@burnx45]

That's an electric motorcycle. Can't ride in on class 1 MTB trails. I have a specialized turbo levo and it gets me anywhere I can keep traction on the steep trails.