Testing the 45km/hr Shimano EP801 with automatic gears.

I get the chance to review a Merrida E bike but this is a very special custom build with Sram Maven brakes, Shimano EP8 01 with 45km/hr cut out and wireless automatic gears.
Merida E one Sixty
www.vandyks.co.nz/2024-merida-eone-sixty-675-long-silk-fog-green-white/
Bike KTM Prowler Exonic: electrify.nz/
Leatt bike gear: shop.adu.co.nz/
Magic Shine Riding glasses & night light: magicshine.com/

[@madmountainman5197]

There's a reason WRC and Motocross don't use fully automated gearboxes and it's because they can't prdict what's coming. As you found out, they just start shifting after the fact which quickly becomes rather annoying. The auto downshift though, is a positive, but Shimano have only really added a level of complication that we don't need.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I tend to agree. I personally would be happy with manual shifting but who knows what the future will bring.

[@madmountainman5197]

@@bestdayevermtb2 I'm currently feeling rather chuffed that i've prevaricated over buying an e-mtb, as Nicolai have recently launched their new Saturn 16 MGU, which comes in super, super size for a tall bugger like me. That has an auto option, but the manual mode will suit me and you can programme the feature that changes down to a suitable gear to pull away in. The b ig one for those people that forget to change down is that you can change gear whislt staionary. I'm just waiting for a frame only option to be released and will be ordering one.

[@Alan-75]

A lot of complicated unnecessary bike stuff we don't actually need, its just another to jack the prices up even more.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

@@Alan-75 I think you are right. History tells us that progress will keep happening though and we will keep buying the new stuff. If you could go back to a 26inch with caliper brakes and no suspension would you? I do think that some new tech will not last though.

[@rickywoods3101]

​​@@bestdayevermtb2ya but I don't think that's a realistic comparison. Going to suspension and larger tires than 26inch improved performance, this seems to go in the opposite direction. Auto downshift could maybe help though . Edit: I think this technology is suited more for the transportation crowd.

[@MrSupermugen]

cant wait to watch this, been eyeing up this bike

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Love the drag race ❤ sweet custom bike 🚲 rainbow 🌈 colours look 👀 sick!

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Grant looks larger than life on camera 🎥 😂 and he knows alot about Merida e-bikes

[@grantmckinnon2300]

Dam I thought I was looking good 😂 I'm single ladies hit me up 👍😂😂

[@grantmckinnon2300]

Thanks for the not fat comment Lance 😂😂👍👍

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Didn't want people being confused.😊

[@Cat-fp9cf]

Nice profile 😂

[@russellbrebner7664]

Ebike Speed limits on actual mtb trail don't really makes sense. Other than wide flat open track designed for shared use... purpose built mtb track is either naturally speed limiting through technicality, or designed to be run as fast as you are prepared to ride, e.g. big fast jumps trails. I know that aftermarket speed de-restricters are becoming popular, but do void warranties as i understand. The example of fast as you can jump tracks.. speed limiters can actually be dangerous, particularly if you are pedaling for that last big of extra speed beyond the assistance level.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I agree with every single word you have said. I have heard so much rubbish over the years on this subject. For me it is simple if I am pedaling it is because I want to go faster. If I pedal I want to know what it will feel like and not be a lottery as to what I get, especially as I pedal into a large gap jump with consequences for not enough speed. And if I hear one more moron who says well just buy a motor bike instead.

[@grantchandler8294]

I have the Marin alpine trail e2 with the ep801 and it's awesome. I've also ridden the same bike but unlocked and that did 60kmh and wow alot of power shame we can't have it legal here in Australia. It's a shame about the auto shift as I was considering that but perhaps not now. Love your videos

[@bestdayevermtb2]

As a wireless drive train it worked very well in manual. I wish all e bikes were not restricted but can't see that happening.

[@grantmckinnon2300]

I still highly recommend the freeshift mode, that's the best of both worlds 👍

[@jeremyharris4415]

Awesome video Lance . As from me I love the idea it gets to top speeds of 45 Kms per hour but the auto changing gears trying to climb up a hill I don’t think I would like that idea. Think I would rather lock in a gear and climb. But then the other thing it maybe help full. Yes definitely a harmmm situation about the bike. 😊

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Yes, I didn't like climbing with the bike changing gears. Sounded horrible.

[@grantmckinnon2300]

@@bestdayevermtb2 sounds bad but actually shifts pretty smooth even under heavy loads

[@seniorsone5066]

Good informative vid 👍. I can’t help but think it might go the way of the Betamax and pinion will become the VHS… cool tech but it’s a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist in many ways.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Very true. Can't say I have ever wanted auto shitting.

[@grahamcheesman9035]

Are those Van Halen brakes as good as Eddie shredding a guitar solo?

[@EMTBNZ]

Awesome Video Lance. Yeah 45kph sounds like the sweet spot for speed. I’m like you with the Bosch. I feels like at 30kph pedalling flat out I suddenly throw a boat anchor ⚓️ out the Back attached to my bike… and my tyres both go flat. 😂 👍🙌 But concerned about installing a sb cause I don’t want to lose the warranty 🤔

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I feel your pain. I don't have a SB on my bike either for the same reasons. I have ridden bikes with them and they feel awesome.

[@nathansaunderson6888]

EMTBNZ check out nls components speedi, not my product but have 1 on my focus and its awesome.

[@EMTBNZ]

@@nathansaunderson6888 thanks for the idea that would be ideal but it won’t work on my bike because the speed sensor magnet is mounted to the air valve. How did you get around that?

[@nathansaunderson6888]

@EMTBNZ ahh bugger, I have the previous model jam2 (2022), sensor is mounted on the rear disk

[@EMTBNZ]

@@nathansaunderson6888 yeah bugger. That would have been perfect otherwise. 🤙 cheers

[@istefanihoerzer1089]

Some of the EP801 are NOT set to 600W peak power from factory and need to be explicitly configured for it. Maybe that explains the lack of power over the older EP800.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I do wonder if something like that could be going on.

[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Nice bike! Higher speed limit 👍. Full automatic be it gear change or power setting not for me, seems to change gear in the worst possible time, I wonder how long that chain will last. Color coordinated 🤔🤭...? Great review thanks!

[@ckkone]

Surprised by the lack of power of the ep801 was considering a bike with one but now I’m not sure…..

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I was surprised as well. I had heard it was more like the Bosch but this motor was not.

[@morris2450]

What's the story when the shifter is changing automatically up or down as far as backing off pedal load between gears.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

That is the issue I had with it. I believe I am good at changing gears. You need to back the power off when changing. You get very good at this riding a gear box bike like my Zerode. With automatic changing you don't know when it will change gear so cannot adjust your power input accordingly.

[@michaelwalas5948]

I rode the automatic transmission.. I couldn’t stand it !!

[@morris2450]

How to wreck a cassette n chain in one ride when in Auto

[@MrSupermugen]

Just Had a look at the website and several others, Vandyks only one's with 'larges/longs' but no shipping option :(

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Give them a call and see what can be done.

[@grantmckinnon2300]

Give me a call on Monday 👍👍

[@MrSupermugen]

@@bestdayevermtb2 I bought a normal one sixty off them and the website showed shipping, now it doesnt even for steamers so probably a bigger no for an ebike. Guess I'll have to wait for more stock or I'll end up buying the new just released Marin probably... Cant sell what you dont have.

[@michaelwalas5948]

I reckon that you should have reset the modes .. and just left it to the original 3 modes. 👍🏼

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Must admit I seldom mess around too much with bikes I have been given to ride.

[@bicyclingbum1551]

If it has an automatic gear box they could of at least out the gears in the motor like other companies and not a derailleur or could of put a rohloff hub

[@sirjames4843]

How difficult is it to increase the top speed of the new EP6 , beyond 25kmph.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I'm not sure about that one. I know the motor software can't be changed, so would need a third-party device.

[@grantmckinnon2300]

It's impossible without voiding the warranty, the 45km motors are a different class of motor with slightly diff hardware and software. You can purchase a 45km motor and have it fitted to your bike, and if you have an older ep8 or e8000 motor you can purchase an entire new kit to convert to a 45km system

[@clarkemunro3033]

I think you might find, that the 45K cut off is only meant the road. Not Legal for the New Zealand trails. But is alot of fun.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

That is the way it is done but would be very keen to see the legislation that shows that. Only law I can find talks about power output and obeying posted speed limits.

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

No spead limit in Nz

[@grantmckinnon2300]

Perfectly legal for NZ Trails 👍

[@gregggiddens]

Just Googled it, it says off road are only allowed to go 32 45 is for road bikes only.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

@@gregggiddens I would be interested to see that piece of legislation. My research comes up with this. So, what is the regulation regarding e-bikes (pedal assisted electric bicycles) in New Zealand? Regulations about e-bikes vary. Different countries have different regulations based on different parameters to a e-bike to be considered a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle. Europe, in general, restrict the assistance to 25 km/h but also the output of motor to 250 watts. USA allows e-bikes to be assisted till 20 mph (31 km/h approximately) by a motor up to 750 watts. New Zealand follows a different path. New Zealand regulations only restricts the motor output. If your e-bike's motor has an output of 300 watts of less it's a bicycle, no matter what speed you can achieve with assistance. Simple, isn't? If didn't get it check the table bellow. Motor output (watts) Legal bicycle 300 :-( I am no expert and may be proved wrong. In fact that happens a lot, but I can't find a law that states what you say. Who is to say a EMTB couldn't be ridden on the road and a street bike ridden on gravel off road paths? I genuinely would be interested in the definitive answer on this one.

[@Jbjmtb]

Aussie rider here…..I’d give a left nut for 45kms speed limit. The automatic sounds really rough. Not a fan of all the colours but each to their own. Great review lance.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks very much. Keep the left nut and just come to NZ for riding holidays.😃

[@BramBiesiekierski]

Easiest thing is to just not buy shitmano / bosch / brose powered bikes. I've been riding an e22 enduro eMTB rig with an ultra. Does 50kph out of the box. Has about 2 x the power / torque of the name brands. And best part, the motor, battery and carbon frame was about $3.5k delivered. Currently have around 50/60 trail/enduro KOMs on that bike.

[@BramBiesiekierski]

Best thing is to simply not purchase shitmano / bosch / brose then. If your half way handy you can get better performance with less expense. My Ultra powered e22 enduro rig does 50kmh right out of the box. Had it up to 75/80 bombing gravel fire trails. Around 2 x the power / torque of the legacy eMTB motor brands without mods. (Much more of your want to mod it.) Bike has nearly 60 trail/enduro KOMs and I'm just an average rider. Best part was the motor / battery / carbon frame was about $3.5k AUD delivered. Geo is pretty good for an oriental frame. Only gripe is I would like a steeper seat tube. It's a bit on the long / heavy side, but I'm a big boy myself and have no problems leaning it over. Bike can be a handful on tight single track switch backs, but excellent at hi speed flow. And with the ultra motor, your doing hi speed in no time. Im now planning an X1 conversion on my old Remedy for a more trail less enduro orientated hi power eMTB. Should be about 5 x the power of the Ultra e22. But with a bigger weight penalty with a 72v battery capable of pushing 5kw.

[@bigdel306]

I think that motor is out of a pedelec . Can do 45 KMH but has much lower torque . Hence why he couldn`t keep up with the BOSCH motor . Good for commuttng ordinary for trail riding .

[@doctorpc4x4]

Interesting you sounded just like every truckie when they first got into a truck with an Auto gearbox. Didn't take long before they changed their tune after they got use to it and had it dialed in for them

[@zed5129]

Noooooo. MTB is not a truck, very different use case. Even just for simplicity and cost it's a no. I have NFI what they're thinking... Urban commuters maybe? Even then...

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I know what you are saying. I drove a manual most of my life but now only drive an automatic. The bike would need to improve dramatically for me to want auto on an mountain bike though.

[@grantmckinnon2300]

There's a lot of customisation possible in the e tube app, I've not fiddled too much with it but you can really get it dialed in is what I've been told by long term users. The free shift is amazing though👍

[@grantmckinnon2300]

@@zed5129 it's awesome for on the road commuting. I've not played around a lot with the settings but it's very customizable. The 2nd mode called free shift is amazing.

[@CHIEFSFAN1969]

Free Shift Yes, Auto Shift No. Free Shift is pretty awesome.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Yes, the free shift did seem quite cool. I did pedal a few times midshift which wasn't great but mostly it worked well.

[@grantmckinnon2300]

It's my fav setting.. It seems to overrun quite a bit in the freeshift mode too which I love

[@bwdown]

BoschCX > EP801

[@ddsgardening7437]

WTF what next 👎

[@censorshipBS]

10k for an electric bike you must be off your head 😂😂😂

[@bestdayevermtb2]

They are expensive, I agree but you can easily spend that much and more on a bike with no motor or battery.

[@censorshipBS]

@@bestdayevermtb2 also complete madness. The spec of bike you get now for 3k is beyond a joke people will just stop buying them

[@bestdayevermtb2]

@@censorshipBS I don't disagree with you but history tells us people will keep buying them. History also tells us they won't get cheaper either.

[@carterschichtel9678]

Love my 4k Santa Cruz with a ep8