My Love/Hate Relationship with Lightweight E-Bikes

[@EvansMTBSaga]

My T6e is like 56lbs. I really really enjoy the weight going downhill. I feel more confident descending tech on the ebike compared to my nicest trail bike.

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah! My N8e is a blast to ride. T6e would probably be a tone of fun.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

My 2011 Norco aurum dh bike is 45 pounds and beaten up but I still take it for bike parks over my modern"er"and more capable overall Jeckyll that weighs about ten pounds less. I absolutely don't want to pedal that sucker tho 😂

[@Stockfish1511]

At first i was hyped for lightweight EMTB. But this past year i honestly completely lost interest in them. I think it kinda sucks to pay shit load of money to get small motor. It has its place, but if i bought an Ebike ill probably go all out and buy an enduro big powerhouse like bosch cx motor. I think the big motor ebikes are just fine with their weight. I think unless you do some redbull hardline and time is very important. Heavy ebike is just fine. If you go to the darkside, you have to go all the way :D

[@JaredHoff]

Totally agree with you 👍 I think the big bikes are a little more Tri, and true as well and don’t have as many issues

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I'm the other way I'd like to have the most minimalist and lightweight experience, just a little helping hand on some climbs, would be nice to turn it off and pedal it almost like "any bike"...

[@ridingdeep8530]

I owned a Specialized SL after owning a regular heavier e-bike, I did like the way it handled - much more like a regular bike - however...I much prefer my older Trek Rail with a relatively light weight 540wh battery, it still handles well, and I've never run out of battery. I normally run in the mid-power mode or Eco if I'm riding with peeps on regular bikes. I sold the SL after a couple of months of not choosing it over the older Trek.

[@JaredHoff]

Did you ever have any issues with the SL? I’ve heard mixed results. Some have no issues, some had issues like I did with my Forestal e-bike.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

My 2022 Giant Trance x E+ has been bulletproof...not one issue with the motor or the bike at all. I like the idea of the newest giant ebike, full power motor in a lighter chassy.

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah. Stoked for you man. I am hoping to get this Forestal e-bike fixed and back shredding on the trails soon.

[@br5380]

Seems to me you're using your experience with a specific bike to comment on the genre. FWIW I've a Kenevo SL (gen 1 35nm) and on just the standard battery I can get over 5,000ft of climbing, and with the extender installed I've managed more then 7,500ft - and coming down, as it's only 3-4kg's heavier than an equivalent 170mm enduro bike, it rides just like a standard non-powered enduro bike.

[@JaredHoff]

Awesome man. Stoked for you! I’m glad you’re not running into any issues with that bike.

[@moosicman101]

you should try another sl bike like the levo sl or heckler sl. absolutely incredible quality and ride feel compared to most i’ve tried. i’ve stayed away from forestal for these teething reasons.

[@JaredHoff]

It’s definitely something to consider. I think Forestal is good for people that want that rare boutique bike that very few people have. It does ride really good, when it’s not having issues. Forestal has been great to work with so far so hopefully I can get this bike fixed and learn a thing or two about e-bikes like this along the way 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@taol8258]

I just bought the gen 2 levo sl and it's awesome. I think right now folks who are buying EMTB SL are basically beta testing to get all the kinks worked out for the next generation SL bikes. I'm glad we have more options now, naturally aspirated MTB, light weight eebs and full fat eebs.

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely 👍 I’m hoping to work out the kinks in this Forestal. It rides so dang good when it’s working right.

[@trailpimp6369]

I prefer a full powered e enduro or free-ride e MTB.The new light weight e bikes are not tried and true yet. A lot of people are having issues with these SL motors and these new systems. The full powered e bikes are way funner and the Shimano EP8 is the most tried and true motor on the market. Flying in boost with a big battery and full power is so much fun even at the ski lift bike parks. These SL options need a few more years to get more refined as well as offering a better value.

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely agree. I have no issues with my full powered shimano EP8 bike.

[@RideShagbark]

You can get a light powered eMTB with Shimano EP6-RS or EP8-RS. So you've got the reliable platform, but just tuned down to be smoother instead of punchy.

[@jerryspeedbumps512]

I dont doubt E bike issues. I still want my 1st Ebike to be "light"! I have no more than 300 feet of elevation near me. BUT. Im old, and unfit. So the E-Bike that feels more analogue is what I want, to help me a bit up that 300 steep feet but dissapear when im rippin down! I'd like to try the Trek EXE! Wish they'd sell E-bike frames!

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely wish they would sell frame only. I’ve rode the EXE and it’s amazing.

[@netposerx]

My Commencal ebike was doing something similar. I took it to The Hub (Pisgah, NC) for new brakes and asked them if they could troubleshoot my power issues. After an hour they found out there was an issue with one of the battery connectors and the corresponding connector on the bike. It's a Shimano battery. Looks exactly like that Polygon battery. The plastic around the connector was melted slightly and the lead was discolored. They called Shimano for a warranty replacement of the batter and the battery connector. I was 23 months into a 2 year warranty. The battery alone is around $900.

[@JaredHoff]

I’m glad you got that covered under warranty. I have a video coming out on Friday. I tore this e-bike apart and fixed it myself 😂 😬

[@Teamsmash7379]

Having mechanicals on any bike is a bummer. Both my ebike 22 Rise and 23 Wild have over 2,000 miles zero issues with electrical systems guess I’ve just been lucky! How’s Spence Mtn looking? Looking forward to getting back down that way this year! Speed King is rad!

[@JaredHoff]

Glad you had no issues 👍 Spence only has a couple dry trails right now. It should be good after a couple dry weeks though. Hopefully I’ll see you on the trails.

[@kevinc7632]

Maybe unrelated but keep tabs on normal bike stuff like dragging/ stuck brakes or over torqued axles. On heavier emtbs it can be missed easy. On my emtb i had a sticky piston and it wrecked battery life. I always spin both wheels before a ride lol

[@JaredHoff]

Great point. I can see how you could miss on an e-bike.

[@skipm2703]

Jared, a bit off subject, but how about doing an on trail survey of what bikers consider the price point should be for an entry level full suspension aluminum frame. Seems all blogers are evaluating high end bikes provided by manufacturers. Getting tired of looking at reviews of $7k-$12k bikes. As you have demonstrated in the past, starting out with a good frame that allows for component upgrade, is important. Love your passion!

[@JaredHoff]

Thank you for the feedback. That means the world to me. A trail survey for price point is a great idea. I’ll look into filming that. It might be better during the bike park season at a busy trail.

[@thebdceigal]

I had some random disconnect issues with the ep8. I would have to manually power cycle the battery to get it back running. After running a software update on all of the components it fixed my problems.

[@JaredHoff]

Thanks for sharing. I’m hoping I can fix this bike. It rides so good when it’s working right.

[@davefreeman9347]

Really interesting I have a Trek Fuel EXe it has a 360 watt battery, love how it feels compared to a full fat, but more importantly it hasn't missed a beat in some real cruel UK winter conditions, I've rode 20 Miles with about 3200 feet of climbing in a mix of modes and had around a third left in the tank, I’m quite light at around 80Kgs so that helps, but I think over the next couple of years once they get full fat power with a great range at under a 20 kg package that will be the sweet spot, you can already see it moving to that direction.

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely 👍

[@nickparki]

I suspect that the battery recall that forestal are undertaking will resolve the issues that you've had! I also have a diode and suffer from battery bugs here and there. Im Looking forward to the updated battery and motor software!

[@JaredHoff]

Good info man. Thanks for sharing.

[@arch30]

I had my siryon about a year ago now and I love the bike but I have a lot of issues too like you pointed out. It’s the one I use a lot on my 3 e-bikes. The software ends up a gimmick including the phone app. The power is almost like full power ebike but I hate the high pitch noise. Seat post is still high for a small size. Mine weight 18.4kg(40.5lbs) far from 17.2kg as advertised. Now down to 18.2kgs with tubeless. Yes, the bike can be ridden with motor off. I had one update ever since I had the bike and believe it or not, I check update everyday. It take ages to start because it’s android. The company is so slow for updates and I just stop following it. I still ride this bike often than my (downhill)intense tazer mx(ohlins) which is 50.7lbs and my (xc)felt redemption30 wt 51 lbs. still the best enduro bike I own so far, better than my manual enduro bike. Sadly, it’s hard to recommend as there is a lot better bikes out there like the unno ikki or the Mondraker neat. I hope v2 of siryon will use tq.

[@JaredHoff]

V2 with a TQ motor would be awesome.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The levo was 46lbs iirc but it didn't feel that heavy, especially compared to the other emtbs I rented before. I guess it's how the masses are distributed on the chassis...frame... Anyway I'll consider buying another one when lightweight means light for real and they are silent, or near silent 😊

[@JaredHoff]

This Forestal rides so good. I think in 3-5 years these e-bikes will be a lot better.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

@@JaredHoff seeing how things go I think so I'd probably sacrifice some autonomy for even lesser assist and smaller batteries, that would be interesting to see ...

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

@@JaredHoff go take a peek at the latest pinkbike vid, it's exactly in the spirit of what I'm looking for... Title: "A power ... That doesn't compromise your riding experience"

[@loganrhodes1741]

I’ve got an SL bulls Wildflow and a full power T7E. I usually take out my SL when riding solo. EVERYTIME I hop on the T7E for a buddy ride i find myself asking myself why I even bother with SL😂 I tell myself it’s for the fitness but then I don’t end up getting the miles I’d prefer.. it all seems to offset in the end I guess. At the end of the day I love maximizing distance with what little time I have

[@JaredHoff]

I love riding my N8E as well. Especially when I ride with friends that have e-bikes

[@tombeck129]

If fitness is what you are looking for, then distance is irrelevant. It is all about time and effort - as anyone who raced and trained with power will tell you.

[@loganrhodes1741]

@@tombeck129 hopefully you understand the dilemma then! It’s hard to want both😂

[@Iggy52]

Yo, how is your manual progression? Just curious..

[@JaredHoff]

🤦🏼‍♂️ I had good intentions, but let fe kind of kicked my ass over the winter months. I’m just getting back into shape and starting to train again. Manuals are on my to do list those season…

[@matho8262]

You've made a video about e-bike issues and because it happens to be a lightweight attributes it to lightweight ebikes. Association not causation.. been riding specialized SLs for 4 years (levo and kenevo) with not one battery, motor, electronic issue. Missus has one too the same.

[@JaredHoff]

The e-bike I’m testing is the same bike that Loam Wolf tested in there videos. So it’s need rode hard. I spoke with the guys at Worldwide Cyclery and my local bike shop and they said e-bike issues are hit or miss. Some people have no issues. Others have issues like I’m having. I didn’t make the video based solely off my personal experience but rather what the experts were telling me who sell hundreds of e-bikes. But I get what you’re saying and stoked that you haven’t had any issues 👍

[@brianwilliams2907]

Dude, it's not lightweight e-bikes, it's THAT e-bike. Never had any issues with my Shuttle SL or Orbea Rise.

[@JaredHoff]

Awesome man. Glad you haven’t had issues. Talking with guys who sell a lot of e-bikes and that’s where I got my info from saying that there have definitely been some issues with other bikes as well.

[@jimmythehead4857]

Your problems are the bike you bought. I have an Orbea Rise H. Years with no issues at all.

[@JaredHoff]

Glad to hear that man. There are a lot of other people with the Forestal that haven’t had these issues. I also kind of wonder about this bike because it’s the same Forestal that Loam Wolf rode for there videos then it was handed to me to review. 🤷🏼‍♂️ But I’m going to troubleshoot it and try to fix it. Hopefully learn something and share something with others as well.

[@FloppyWaffle]

Sounds like you got a bad bike, I'd guess it was manufactured on a Monday after a long weekend.

[@JaredHoff]

I’m just hoping I can fix it and get it back on the trails.