Here's what it's REALLY like owning an E-Bike

I had no idea.
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Cheers!
0:00 - What am I talking about??
0:21 - Brain explosions (the best part)
1:49 - How I use power modes
3:25 - Do I miss regular bikes?
3:37 - Do I ride it at DH parks?
4:17 - Am I damaging the trails?
6:03 - Why they're dangerous
6:50 - What Beth thinks about eeeebs
8:31 - My Top 3 LIKES
10:29 - MY Top 3 GRIPES
15:03 - I don't wanna fight no more.
#theloamranger #mtb

[@jurgenstrydom]

An ebike allowed me to continue with some light cycling while undergoing chemotherapy. It improved my mental health and kept me motivated. Allowed me to get back cycling with my friends much sooner.

[@dunkonicplague]

That’s awesome!

[@roblynch99]

heavy radiation therapy and 2 brain surgeries here. my e-bike (purchased after my 2nd brain surgery - i'm 66) has made all the difference to me 80% of my ride is no 0 assistance with stage 1 or 2 being reserved for hills. (definitely less back tire spin on my ebike than my amish/analog bike as it supplements the part of the stroke where you are not powering the crank and feeds it on my smoothly when you are powering the bike. (I went for a ride with my daughter yesterday.. i gave her the ebike and used my old salsa horsethief. - we both had a blast and she wasn't getting left totally in my dust like she would have in the old days. (she is 25))

[@mudkayak6305]

most of my peaceful pedal only climbs are often interrupted by me barfing.

[@frankvehafric5062]

underrated comment.

[@KellyOdie]

Amen!

[@TheSurfskidude]

I’m 75 ( Geezus can’t believe that number SO BIG ) and I still am very active and can still do all I did before but it takes more TIME.. that’s the key. We’ve all got so much of it before the last ride is on the horizon! I have prostate cancer and hopefully with all the treatments I’ll be able to make it but I want it all… I want to do all I can but I don’t want to be gone as long as it takes because TIME is important. I want to get back home and hang with my 0:16 family. The ebike allows me to get out and do some riding … and get back home. I’m an early riser and can now get out at sunrise and pound out 20-30 miles and get back home to have coffee with my wife when she’s getting up. Make good use of your time folks.. there’s no redo!!!

[@johnnyb1829]

Thats sound advice Sir, ❤

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Bravo!! May the treatments work well and give you many more years of the good life!! Thanks for your inspiring comment!

[@frankvehafric5062]

The fitness benefits of ebikes are so overlooked. Not just the ability to pick your heart rate zone, but for some of us, it got us started riding again after several decades of not getting on a bike because you now have the confidence that you weren't going to stroke out on every hill or bonk 20 miles from home. After a couple of years of ebiking I'm now enjoying a good mix of ebiking and fitness riding on a conventional bike as well. I'm in my 70s and in the last year I've lost 30 pounds and can take my regular bike out for a forty mile ride, something which I would would have believed was impossible two years ago.

[@aaronheimbecher9032]

I loved hearing from Beth regarding accessibility, my wife doesn't mountain bike, but her health issues prevented her from even biking with the family. We got her an e-bike for around town and gentle trails and she is now always willing to join us, which is the point to me.

[@MTBMOR]

I bought my wife an e-bike and she loves it. It takes the dreaded climbs out of biking. I use mountain biking to stay in shape so I stick to pedaling, but I can see me using the e bike as a recovery tool. The main thing is it is a tool to get more people outside.

[@user-ih6ln2vk7q]

Start with my background… life-long roadie, but started enjoying it less as I aged (over 65). Also, moved to gravel a few years ago and LOVED riding forest roads and backcountry instead of mixing it up with big rigs on roads. The combo of age and love of being off-road (I’d never been a mountain bike rider) pointed me towards an eMtb. And my mind was blown. First, I learned the obvious-which is spectacularly difficult for analog riders to accept-I can decide how much assist to use. Duh. If I want a good workout, I use Eco, which basically offsets the weight of the bike to make it ride more like an analog bike (except for the extra weight). But, here’s the thing that I love the most about riding an ebike: I can ride with almost anyone. And if we all have ebikes, almost any group can ride together regardless of each person’s fitness and strength. Now, I ride more because it’s more fun and I ride with others more, because I can. Biking has always been social for me and my ebike allows me to keep it that way, no matter what the effects of advancing age throws at me. Thanks for the great video. Keep ‘em coming.

[@jeremyhowell2332]

Eco does not just offset the weight of the bike in most cases. My buddy has a trek rail, which is not tunable. It’s at least 100% easier to pedal up a grade than my Pivot trail 429. He also has a Giant Reign, which is tunable. It has to be down near 5% to make it on par with a non-e-bike. He has been riding e-bikes for years and always rides ECO with us, still can’t make many climbs on my pivot when I let him try. In other words, an e-bike on ECO is still not equivalent to a normal bike. You always have the bail out button and never have to suffer like someone of equivalent fitness on a normal bike.

[@scottamolinari]

I couldn't have written this better. Whoever hates on eMTBs just simply doesn't have a clue about what they are hating on. No way you can hate eMTBs, even if you are a very good MTB rider. They have their place in the market for sure and there are many good reasons why their popularity has risen so fast. You've pointed out some of them.

[@Vilendank]

@@jeremyhowell2332 good thing modern exercise science routinely demonstrates that suffering isn't a prerequisite to either fitness or joy. Also, that low-slung weight makes a world of difference for techy climbing, nice that the assist offsets the resistance you would normally encounter trying to move that extra mass through space.

[@frankvehafric5062]

Yes, the leveling aspect does allow for more mixed ability group riding, as I get older I appreciate this, because only being able to hang with people my own age would be a drag.

[@andersonsridebikes]

One of my favorite uses for an E-bike is using it to conquer new or challenging terrain that I haven’t ridden in a while. I can smash out several laps quickly and not have to worry about riding perfectly on the first or second lap down the mountain. It helps me be more cautious during warmup laps without worry about burning out too quickly

[@cleeve905]

Great content! I’d add one more pro: more people on bikes (of all types) is a good thing. More bikers means more trails, more industry to support (retail and service), more bike lanes, better safety/laws, and (theoretically) more innovation and better prices. Love or hate e-bikes, it’s getting more people out riding. Being part of a growing sport is exciting (ask a golfer about contracting sports). Hardtail, full squish, park, bmx, e-bike, cruiser, commuter, or whatever your flavour, there’s a bike for many tastes. We gotta embrace people in our biking communities rather than drawing lines.

[@KellyOdie]

Preach it!

[@milesholland6826]

I like your comment about the benefit of a meditative climb. I feel like there is a lot of disregard for this part of mountain biking, but the contrast of a serene, quiet, rhythmic, haul up a woodsy switchback, listening to your breathing, followed by an adrenaline-filled downhill, with a different type of intense focus, is why I mountain bike.

[@99MrJ99]

Thats pretty much how I ride as well, meditative and flow state. Some people like to fill the ride with chatting, or just grinding it out.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Amen!

[@Dcully]

Im 53 and ride my 15kg hardtail 30km -100km spins on local gravel canal pathways a few times a week and for me its keeping me fit. Maybe someday when i cannot do these rides ill go the e bike route :)

[@Chuckolicious]

So Specialized Mission Control app allowed you to put in a target heart rate and the motor would adjust to keep you in that zone. It was amazing. And apparently newest release of the app it's gone, but they are reworking it for a future release. Basically like ERG mode for Zwift or a trainer, but outside! Oh yea, and for the uphills, the phenomenon is known as Uphill Flow.

[@Acill]

I loved this and have the old mission control app still just because it is indeed missing in the new app. I hope they get the newer one up to date with the features from old, its no longer supported and nags you when using it even.

[@avlehtine]

I think it’s weird that they don’t have a real ERG mode where you could set the power you want to put out and then the assistance is adjusted accordingly.

[@tonyvaccarelli7950]

do you feel yourself to be over biked on most trails other than riding down parks ? cruzing around with that much travel, i think i would be over biked ,and i can't afford 2 ebikes. 70 % of my riding is not at a mountain bike park .I'm just wondering

[@TheBikeRoom]

@@tonyvaccarelli7950 I lock out my suspension if I'm smooth cycle path and I've never felt overbiked. but it is great when getting to shred our steep tech trails, then my 150mm front and rear travel really gets to own the trail, with me hanging off the rear of the bike.

[@tonyvaccarelli7950]

@TheBikeRoom yeah thats all good, but the 70%of my riding would require about 150 to 160 mm travel. The other 30% would be about 180 to 190 mm so i haven't seen too many longer travel ebikes with lockouts for the travel.as i really never ride, smooth anything .hense, my original question , but thanks for the reply . Cheers

[@billmcmillan7735]

Turning 70 just bought my first e-bike and it’s the difference between continuing to ride mtb or not. In the last few years the climbing has just gotten harder and harder. Now I get 3-4 laps of what I could only do one lap on! And yes I ride on trails that e-bikes are not allowed on but I don’t care those are my favorite trails.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

It's okay I wouldn't snitch on a 70 yrs old anyway. Be safe man 🤘

[@mudkayak6305]

65 here and still on pedal bikes only. Maybe after the current one is paid off ill starting thinking of going e.

[@duffymoon3716]

I’m in the uk (Scotland actually). There are no trails or even trail centre resorts that you can’t take your e-bike on over here. We’re absolutely dumbfounded that e-bikes are banned on some mountain bike trails in North America. Why? What harm do they do?

[@mattsmith2015]

Unpopular opinion here...but I think the reason e-bikes are banned in certain areas is due to the motorized vs non motorized grey area that opens up when you start allowing 'some' things with motors...what's to then stop e-bikes with throttles and full on e-dirt bikes to join in on the fun?? It's easier as a general policy to stick with no motors than to try to enforce a nuanced ruling..even if we know that regular e-bikes are fine, the average local police office or state park worker doesn't know better.

[@JCreole]

I don’t ride in boost/turbo mode…And I get passed going up hill by elite 20 something riders….So heck ban those riders they are going faster than an e-bike.

[@Console_X1]

I honestly don’t miss slow uphill pedaling

[@LoamerMTB]

I totally agree with almost 100% of your points. I will say as more people get e-bikes it’s much easier to get up some painfully steep climbs to some steep loamers. This has exponentially increased traffic on trails that can’t really handle the extra tires and get rutted and ridden in faster. Now this is also somewhat offset by the fact it’s also easier to get up to those zones to dig with the ebike so there are also more trails being built in harder to reach places. Great vid. An ebike has definitely become a tool to increase fitness and explore new zones although the longer I’ve owned it the less I ride it. It just can’t compete with my enduro bike for fun. Quality over quantity for me and I also appreciate the meditative quality of a quiet long grind up the mountain.

[@tyskigolf]

I think that the trail destruction argument is that trails get heavier use since people ride 2x more with an ebike.

[@mattnejmanowski631]

the trail argument is "no motorized vehicles"

[@shaunschneeberger6301]

Almost everyone I know takes the limiter off which means they hit 60 plus all the time they ripping the trails up. No one ever mentions this. Same as he gets fitter. I know of no one that only rides ebike that can get on a normal bike and kick a guys ass that is efficient on a normal bike.

[@Durwood71]

No, it's because e-bikes are heavier and deliver more torque to the rear tire which increases wear and tear to the trail.

[@mattnejmanowski631]

@@Durwood71 and they can ride longer, more laps= more trail wear.

[@Cassienope]

​@@shaunschneeberger6301what sort of trails do you have that you can ride 66 up... I would not even call that an mtb trail. That's a road!

[@douglasalexander4348]

Coming back to biking from a long term injury, the e bike has given me the ability to explore new trails knowing if I start struggling or get lost I can use boost to get me back home. Doing the same safe short rides before this was uninspiring. Now I can’t wait to get out and my mood swings have improved no end.

[@MrM1729]

Yep - helped so much after my knee joint was replaced.

[@michaelsangster5673]

Nailed it. I sold my first e-bike because the ride felt too hectic. surprisingly, it was the climbs on my traditional bike that I was missing I returned to an acoustic bike for a few years until a friend lent me their SL e-bike for a weekend. This is the perfect fit for me. It provides just enough assistance on the hills to keep my heart rate in zones 2-3 and is light enough to handle like a regular bike on the downhills. With my busy schedule and shift work, the ebike also allows me to fit in a ride despite limited time, so I’m riding more. Anyway, good video!

[@sdtrailrider8070]

E-biking has massively cut down on post ride migraines, which had been getting worse as I get older. Game changer in that regard.

[@jimwing.2178]

Are you using a sports energy drink that has the the proper ratio of sodium, potassium, sugar, and water? If not try it. It has made a HUGE difference to how I feel post-ride.

[@Durwood71]

A lack of proper hydration and nutrients will cause migraines during any strenuous activity. By adopting an e-bike, you're not putting as much effort into your riding, so you've eliminated the symptom but not actually solved the problem.

[@sdtrailrider8070]

@@jimwing.2178 Yes, I have been using various high quality sports drinks over the years. They probably have lessened the migraines to some degree, but have not eliminated them. I still use them, and a big believer.

[@sdtrailrider8070]

@@Durwood71 THanks. I do understand this and hydrate as much as possible before and during with good drink mixes. Despite that, in hot, dry Socal I still get dehydrated. The ebike drastically lessens my sweating. Unfortunately, the migraines are a chronic condition with many triggers, but we eliminate them as much as possible while still getting to ride.

[@zed5129]

Same experience for me.

[@jx5012]

Great video! I own an SL and a full power. I spend a lot of time in eco on the full power and the SL if riding with friends on non-ebikes. As me and my brother who are both in our late 60’s say, “It makes you feel like you are 40 years old again”. What you said about being able to choose how you want to ride them is spot on.

[@El_Zalo]

I'm in my 40's and imagining that I will think about how I feel now as "the good ol' days" is disheartening, lol.

[@johnraptis6037]

My ebike got me off the couch. In a year and a half I've done 2500kms on it and ride in all conditions. Initially bought it for fitness and seeing different parts of my city. Then came the lads that dh and I now love the dh!! New shocks and upgrades make this bike unreal to ride!

[@ianfripp3465]

I have a TQ motor on my trek. Going uphill is really quiet. I have to work to hear the motor working. Downside is that it's not a full power motor but it works for me. I love the uphills too but with two bad knees, I can't smash them the way I did when I was 20. I got my fuel EXE because I still got those quiet moments on the uphill but on the steeper climbs, it didn't kill my bad knees. So happy to see you supporting e-bikes this way. I was really against them for a long time until I saw my wife wanting to charge some really hard trails with me, so I decided to try some and realized that maybe I was being a bit of a crumb-bum. You're totally on-point.

[@akosirolandr]

I'm 61 and have been doing triathlons since 1987. Owning an emtb allowed me to get back into cycling. I had 3 cardio ablation procedures to stabilize my AFIB. I have to be extra careful and not to stay longer than a few minutes at zone 5. It also allows me to hang out with my bike buddies. Ebike keeps me fit and enjoying life.

[@pascalbruyere7108]

I completely understand your ‘worst point’ about e-bikes. The climb is actually the best part for me. The downhill is stressful and scary, I actually don’t go that fast. I have been motorcycling for years, dirt bikes, I want to keep the clear distinction between the two.

[@michaelpfister2226]

Genuinely an honest, thorough review on merits of e-bike. Yes, I rented one in Bentonville and covered more ground in 3 days than I could have on my Polygon Siskiu T7 not only conquering more technical features opening up more trails but also maintaining an even HIGHER HR than I would have on my non e-bike because I was having so much fun going longer and farther. True, the climb grinds that force us to slow down I hadn't even thought about till you pointed it out; they balance the overall experience of just getting out there brings. Good job.

[@andybiker-hiker4343]

This is a very helpful and well done video. You nailed it at the end with the comments about the unsung value of that slow, strenuous climb, time where you dig deep to earn your downs. In fact that's my fave part of the ride.. I even hunt down MTB areas that have those long, steady well-aligned climb trails followed by smooth flowy down trails. At my advanced age, with years of riding + injuries from minor to serious, I'm 100% wheels on the ground now and if it weren't for that glorious physical-mental focus that comes from the climb, I wouldn't ride anymore. Thanks to you and Beth for the very helpful insights

[@paulsaunders8900]

After my wife and I both got eebs, I found we rode together way more and were actually ‘riding together’ and both having a great time. She has gotten exponentially better at biking over two years of ebiking and is my favourite riding buddy! These things are time machines and allow the rider to access so much more. We love ours! (I’m 40, advanced rider, been riding Moose area for 25 years, and it has reinvented the zone for me).

[@danielmcrobb9971]

Spot on, and good comments from the viewers. 57 year old here, former die-hard BMXer, then MTBer, then injuries and life got in the way of riding for about 20 years. Bought a fat-tire full-suspension eMTB at the start of winter, and a set of studded tires. Only got a few rides in the winter (turned out to be mostly mud instead of snow and ice). Swapped back to the knobbies and started riding it in earnest in the spring. I'm at 650 miles since May, and I suspect I'll hit 1,300 around September 1. Starting weight was 180 lbs, I'm down to 168 (and hopefully headed to 155, about 10 lbs above my college weight). Typical ride is 45 minutes, and distance covered in that time has slowly but steadily increased while pedal assist level has steadily decreased (from ECO 4 to ECO 3 and now a mix of ECO 3 and ECO 2). Mildly hilly where I live, about 500 feet of climbing in a typical 10 mile round trip ride, around 800 when I choose the harder routes. I definitely agree with many other viewers that one of the big benefits of the e-bikes is the ability to get out and ride at your personal limit, including when that limit changes (injuries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.), without becoming discouraged. I'm nursing a baseball-sized deep calf bruise from two days ago, but the e-bike lets me still go out and run errands (back to ECO 4 yesterday, bu† today I did 10 hilly miles in 37 minutes at ECO 3 despite the calf pain). Limit goes up, you dial back the assist. Limit goes down, you dial up the assist. You still go out, and don't feel discouraged. You get exercise. You get fresh air. You get mind therapy. It's a beautiful thing. I'm finding the e-bike a game-changer in other ways too. My smaller grocery runs are done on the bike instead of in my automobile. If it's less than 20 miles round trip and it'll fit in the bag + panniers, I'm taking the bike if my schedule permits! I've even picked up ice cream from the local dairy farm (bag is insulated and it's only 2.6 miles one way).

[@LEGENDofBEANY]

I love my lightweight e-bike. It’s opened up so much. The biggest thing that I don’t like about it, is the feeling of accomplishment after a ride where you truly worked so dang hard.

[@brandonhays5344]

This is so well done. It explains my nuanced feelings on eMTBs in ways I haven’t heard anywhere else. I started completely out of shape and too embarrassed to say yes to friends who wanted to ride. Started a year ago on.a Levo blasting up hills in Turbo full time, and now riding my Fuel EXe in eco most of the time to get that peaceful sense of effort & cadence you describe. I’m in the best biking shape of my life (not that this is saying a ton), riding every day that I can. Thanks for this thoughtful take (as usual)!

[@travistweedle9674]

I remember my first ride on an E-Bike. It took me back to when I was 4yrs old and my dad took my training wheels off my first bike. It was such a great feeling and I feel that way every time I get on my new e-bike. Great video with a very accurate assessment of Pro's and Con's.

[@safetythird23]

“Breathing through your eyeballs” lol 😆

[@Kennardy]

Yeah, man! The slow quiet climb. I agree! Plus, my wife and I ride for fun and exercise/fitness. The brain feasts on well-oxygenated blood so I have had some of my best ideas and solutions while on a long, extended, grinding climb. Lastly, there is a sense of accomplishment when you conquer, or set a PR on a 45-minute climb. As of this post, I am 55-years old. Machines are great and there will come a time when my body cannot do the things it once did thus an e-bike is in my future…but not yet. When it is time, I will remember this video and abide by your techniques. Thank you.

[@rollingcarbon]

I totally agree. Being able to dial in effort outside is a game changer. E-bike gets you there.

[@netlans]

I am 65 and I broke my femur in 4 places on a motorcycle. It still has a lot of metal and screws in there. The only way I can keep up with my daughter and her husband are on an e-bike and they no longer have to wait for me so everyone is happy. To me the bottom line is the e-bike is a lot more fun and I ride a lot more.

[@guillaumegionet3947]

Glad to hear Beth's experience. I'm also suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis and after getting an eMTB, I went from being borderline disabled to riding hard in bike parks in less than 2 years. I cannot recommend it enough to people with health issues.

[@impactjim]

I worked at MTB specialists in Durango. When E bikes came out while I was there. One week end we did a group shop ride. Ed Zink ask me to do the ride on the e Stump jumper to give him some feedback. I was surprised. After I flatted early. jumping into a rocky section. We continued after the repair and we caught back up to the group. Charlie and I ask if it was cool for us to charge ahead to see how the bike preformed. The group said it was okay. To start with Charlie and I rode together a lot. He's 27 I am a spry 54 at the time. We started behind Purgatory on the Hermosa creek trail. There are a few gnarly climbs that we rode regularly. That is when I saw the benefit. Usually Charlie would wait for me at the top of a climb if it was difficult. On this bike I was able to climb on his rear tire with no issue. We rode together, while I was still putting in effort, but together. On one climb Charlie momentarily lost traction and I was able to slip by because I light pedaled and un wieighted to make it over the root. Make no mistake. I still had to work and could feel the effort afterwords. Because the bike is heavy. In the flats because I ran it at lower output out of respect to Charlie, it was a lot to stay close as we charged on. The one thing that bothered me. The battery was clunking every downhill. We ended up putting a couple of our energy bar wrappers under it to reduce the noise. It never completely went away. We did get it fixed and that was the Demo bike. For the shop.

[@joecanuck3751]

The e-bike is great for an all day ride where I don't want to spend all my time 'breathing through my eyeballs' on the climbs. I'll use turbo mode on the downhills where I know there will be punchy little climbs mid-trail and where I'm usually not in the right gear. The biggest unexpected downside for me is the cost of running the bike. Everything just wears out because you are out riding so much more. Maybe a belt drive is the way to go.

[@forrestgladding8423]

I think belt drives etc are the future, and yes I wear tires fast! But I honestly think ebikes are going to drive innovation for regular bikes

[@10Filip]

I didnt like the belt on mtb due to noise of gearbox, so test before you buy

[@cjones7692ify]

I have my 1st ebike en route. I had that same feeling with a sweet electric longboard I had. The exercise is part of the fun and reward.

[@dtrides]

I know this video content is MTB, but not all e-bikes have a turbo mode. My bike at a glance looks like a regular flat bar bike and the rear hub motor is whisper quite. The only thing that probably gives it away is the sustained speeds I can ride. I am really enjoying riding again ( now 66) and have a ton of trails I can access right from my house. it's all thumbs up from me. :)

[@jmkos]

I totally agree. I notice my average heart rate is down but I ride longer and still am spent by the end of my ride. It’s a bit frustrating that I can’t ride some trails due to regulations. My bike and me are no heavier than a lot of guys on there accoustic bikes. I Am 67 and need a bit of help keeping up with my younger friends. I loved my Pivot 429 but my ebike is my first choice now.

[@nl3712]

Makes a lot of sense when you explain it like that, especially the HR zone training part. Good video, thanks

[@thelifeofjessejames]

I’ve been using a chest strap heart rate monitor on my bike rides for the last year or so. Using my Garmin Edge 830 mounted on my stem, I can see my heart rate at any time and manage my effort for the ride we’re doing to make sure both me and the bike make it to the end successfully. Added bonus of the E bike is you’re not completely gassed before your descent

[@tommoritz6659]

The biggest advantage I have found with my e-bike is the momentum carry through at the top/bottom of the pedal stroke. My e-bike has a bit of lag of the pedal assist kicking in. It also lags on the pedal assist dropping out. I found if I pedal at rate of 70 RPM that the drop out lag helps me carry momentum through the weaker phases of my pedal stroke. This is what really helps me conserve energy. It also motivates me to shift more often to keep the faster pedal rate.

[@jrludwig1]

I totally get what you're saying about taking your time on the climbs. It's a lot of the same reasons I also like hiking.

[@kevinseel3258]

That was cool, thanks! Answered a lot of questions I had. I see one in my future.... but not yet.

[@KellyOdie]

Great video LR. Sorry I didn't meet you at MBO a couple of weeks ago! I am a nearly 66 YO rider who has cycled off/on for the past 40 years and recently returned to MB from a 20 hiatus. I am reasonably fit but trying to climb with younger folks has been my nemesis and I seem to spend more time/focus on not dying than I do riding. Last year at MBO I demo'd an E-MB and my life changed forever. It turned what could have been a very difficult ride (Alpine) into a very enjoyable experience. A month later I purchased my own and rarely look back. I still ride my acoustic but mostly for shuttle days. My E-MB allows to ride further/longer than I ever could before. It also brings more folks into the sport of cycling/MB which, in turn, means more support for trail development and maintenance. I do get a great workout as you are steadily pedaling (unlike some of the road-oriented non-MB E-bikes that are available). Now, how do we get the prima donna's (local authorities, Forrest Service, etc) to stop banning E-MB on so many trails!

[@jeffp5418]

I've been on a Trek Rail for 3 years switching back before between my regular bike. I can say you nailed everything perfectly, The only thing you need to add in has to do with sitting and spinning, because the motor doesn't like it when you push it too hard so that aspect of the exercise is tremendous.

[@rustychain9518]

This is the most honest e-bike video I’ve seen, I’m 56 so there might be one in my future but with the type of riding I do it would just cause my fitness to wane so I’ll put it off until I need it.

[@Bikemagazine]

Great insights.

[@theokingshango]

flying past anything on an ebike is awesome and a reason to buy it One year in and I still dont miss non powered company because it constricts

[@gbarton800]

As a 50+ rider, the eMTB has been the cliched game-changer. I ride at a pace my skills allow without getting gassed in no time. I agree that it is better for fitness and fun. I am in better shape because I enjoy riding so much that I ride more often and at the right pace for my target zones. When I switch to my acoustic CF XC bike, it’s amazingly good in its own poppy, agile way.

[@mattfarrar5472]

For me a treat riding my normal bike in 3 sections / = Fitness, path the fun downs _ = Chillout, enjoy the scenery and outdoors and catch breath \ = The fun part and why we ride! Im still not ready to make the switch yet maybe one day.

[@soloist777]

I'm 62 and I've been riding since 10years old. When E bikes started taking off a few years ago I poo pooed them. I thought it was cheating and I thought they looked unattractive. However a few years ago I was diagnosed with the heart condition ARVC (think of Hawaiian IM champion Greg Welsh and World Champ triathlete Emma Carney). Two years ago, due to my condition I went to a Trek Rail 5 mtb and just recently bought a Bianchi Alcadex E gravel bike. Both with Bosch CX motors which provide great assist when needed, and I love them. They not only enable me to continue hitting the trails and gravel worry-free but also, as our bike packing bags fit them, with a bit more planning, my wife and I are still enjoying multi-day bikepacking adventures.

[@TheCreepyhorseman]

I'm new to biking. We picked up a couple of cruiser bikes for paved trails, and we absolutely love them. Great video!!!

[@JonRawlinson]

Brilliant! I absolutely agree with everything you said! Great video! (I've had my e-bike for 3 months. I absolutely LOVE it. I ride WAY more often than I ever did before!)

[@scottydiver5114]

I can do the same thing on my MTB, keep my HR exactly where I want it throughout the ride. I have an ebike as well, and can do the same thing on it, the only difference is the speed at which I am moving.

[@colingryms3373]

Well done! This is the best review I've seen on e-bikes. The group I ride with (age 57 to 63) are considering transitioning to e-bikes mostly due to aging body parts... we are resistant to the change because there is something gratifying about suffering through the intensity. Well, until we realize we can barely walk for the next two days.

[@growlith6969]

I can't pretend I understand any of you who don't use full power all the time. If you live anywhere that has mountains, then you will still get that workout even on the highest setting, it will just be a little more brisk. I never try to make my analog e-denier friends feel better by grunting along with them, that's because I'm the second type of rider: Fun Focused. I realize that there are people out there who bike for the suck, the grind, the effort, the achievement, and that's cool bro, but I'm not here for that. I explore on a massive scale, I bomb downhills, I go for a ride, eat lunch, and then go for another ride. I have a blast, and sure I get a damn good workout in the process, but that is never why I swing a leg over. That's the nut of the debate folks, there's two mindsets, like there always is about every topic. Cheers!

[@zed5129]

Yep, couldn't say it better really.

[@AlexSp0114]

Couldn’t agree more 👏🏽

[@99MrJ99]

ive also always been one for the fun mindset, its the adventure. The climbs I just had to endure as I had no other option. Some people think you 'have to earn it' sort of mentality. There are no rules, let the sufferfest folks have it and the others enjoy the ride lol. On a plus side i've done more dh trails than I ever have so my skills basically doubled 😅

[@growlith6969]

@@99MrJ99 Yeah, it's come in handy when I visit Trestle. I don't even invite my friends when I go because I know they will get hurt. Down hill sections to them are used for recovery. They just don't spend as much time at maximum yeet. A year ago I was living in flat land, so I bought a smaller dirt bike to get me back used to hanging it out at speed before moving. I know my friends would clown over that idea, but it really helps.

[@JasonFoxLCB]

Bought an ebike almost exactly a year ago. Fitness increased so much more rapidly than on my non-e. I usually ride for time, not distance. So if I have an hour, I can ride harder (without killing myself) and farther than on my non-e. Which also means I get in a lot more practice on jumps, berms, drops, etc. I'm so much better this year than last, and a big part of that is having the e.

[@JubeProductions]

I've been riding mountain bikes for longer than most of your viewers have been alive. I started riding mountain bikes when the norm was rigid steel frame monsters. I've ridden just about every type of mountain bike there is and I've owned a Specialized Turbo Levo Expert for just over 1 year now. I think the E-MTB is the best technology I have ever ridden. I ride more, I ride longer and I have way more fun than I have had in a long time. One of the arguments against E-bikes is that you don't get any exercise. I don't ride mountain bikes for exercise, I ride mountain bikes for fun and EMTBs are a ton of fun. If riding mountain bikes was bad for my health, I would still do it. But putting that notion aside, you still have to be in good shape to ride EMTB and it is good exercise. You're still pedaling, and you're still relying on fitness. Riding with a motor just allows you to ride faster. It takes more skill and better fitness to be able to handle those speeds. Pedaling up a hill isn't the only physical apart of riding. You still need upper body strength to move your bike and you still need to be in good cardio shape to be able to keep your heart rate up. I think my fitness level has increased this past year because of my EMTB riding. Most of the hate towards EMTB comes from ignorance. Most of the haters have never ridden an EMTB and don't really understand what they are about. They just think because there is a motor, it's not really mountain biking because it makes riding too easy. I remember some of these same arguments when suspension was introduced. People said it was like cheating because it made it to easy. Now suspension technology is the norm. I would recommend to anyone that hates EMTB to go out an actual ride one in the trails. For me EMTB will never replace regular MTB, it's just another type of riding. I own several different mountain bikes for different types of riding. I also own a DH bike that I can only ride at a bike park with lift service, or on trails with a shuttle. Riding a DH bike on every trail isn't realistic and it will never replace all of my bikes, just like an EMTB will never replace my other bikes.

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

In Hood River around the Post Canyon trails, where MANY locals still live under the myth that the eRides damage the trails, the spots where you find the Electro Riders are actually the least rutted out, because the application of power is less on-off and evenly torque-y than guys absolutely huffing it and spitting out little rooster tails on ascents. Every cycle of the cranks, you can see trad bikes digging and jerking their tread into the dirt

[@tacticooldennis]

I have a huge ebike, its probably more motorcycle than MTB. I burn through tires fast. I eat through tires a lot cause I'm putting on a ton of miles now. street, trails, fire roads, just basically everywhere is within reach now.

[@Wabit01]

My biggest concern is when things go wrong. For influences and pro's, there is always some level of support, or a new bike to ride / review. For regular folk who will own just one bike, when the eeeb throws up an error and its not easily fixable, or its out of warranty - that's a massive issue. Considering the price point of these bikes, the reliability, weather proofing, length of warranty as well as warranty support should be much better. Personally I would like to see these problems discussed more so, making manufactures held accountable, but in the land of sponsorship its just not happening.

[@bertschuh5720]

Purchased a pedal assist efatbike at 71. we have wonderful groomed fatbike trails, but some challenging climbs that had me maxed out on my analog fatbike. My enjoyment factor went up exponentially and I was riding almost every day as a result. Now 72 and recently purchased a pedal assist FS trail bike for the same reason, and again, riding almost every day. I never use boost except briefly to catch up with a much younger and fitter friend riding an analog trail bike. I ride in Trail mode almost 100%, which closely replicates the analog riding experience. I don't road ride, it's forest trails only for me, and loving it!

[@DNDinitials]

I was skeptic about E-bikes until I got a kenevo sl from specialized, even the sl is nice and noticeable. They’re awesome and I’m so happy I own one.

[@mtbalpinecounty]

I've been Off road cycling, as it was called then, since 81. But my history as a child, Young man and the turned adventure rider began. I never had a stop light. Just could go forever. Now add 40+ yrs.. Still doing the same but more deeper and steeper than I was at 18. I live at 6k and up to 10k riding..4 seasons with regards to winter. 1 year ago I got a E.. I said, well sell it before winter. I still ride it today but, modified the hell out of it. I've 3 others I use still frequently. But my take on an E. Yes, if you learn to use the cadence curve, you too can still out preform your recent old self. I'm a firm believer but still love my rigid Fatty, 6/7 Trail and my 7 freeride. It was said that you don't need all those skis when shape skis came about. Ask any skier, they own as many as I do bikes. But, I prefer dirt...or snow. Pavement is not in my blood..

[@user-gj3in5yz3i]

Great video. I lost 20kg riding my first emtb in 6 months. The best thing I've done is buying my ebike. I hardly use my car any more!! Hills and distance are no longer an issue. I agree 100%

[@redrover9988]

Thank you for a very concise way to look at my new eMTB.

[@Adventures4vida]

I love my ebike, I can get more exercise than a normal bike when I ride mostly no assist, and I can get around town or too work without even coming close to breaking a sweat. I love the options my ebike gives me. I've went from over 300 lbs, and not being able to ride 25 miles without using a whole 500wh battery, to 240 lbs now, and last week I did 55 miles with 60 percent of my battery left. I have a Diamondback Union 2 with a Bosch performance speed motor.

[@simonpage2941]

Thank you very much! This is by far the best content on how an ebike can make trails accessible too all. I personally only use low power modes as those quiet times on the climbs are priceless! Used correctly they are an absolute game changer both physically & mentally. Absolutely fabulous video! Keep up the great work 💪 😊

[@Demonpixyb]

After losing my leg in November ebike is the only way I can get back on the trail. It's not cool we are still banned on so many mountain bike trails.

[@barcs4515]

I agree 100% with all. My Kenevo SL was painful in the pocket but completely paid for itself with the increase in riding I was able to do.

[@billgeorge8415]

Your last point is so true. I'm mildly overweight so I'm generally breathing pretty hard on extended climbs, but there's a fantastic climb trail on Bootleg mountain here in Kimberley that despite the suffering of it I love the solitude and reflective time. Good vid!

[@JamesSmith-bd3fc]

Totally agree with all of your points. Great review, especially living in Canmore. Like you touched on, there's fit and then there's Canmore fit. 😅

[@themeach011]

Climbing hills on my ebike puts me in my happy place big time. There's two steep as hell hills at my local spot that i haven't been able to beat yet. Still learning how to handle the bike on those super steep climbs. Last couple cracks at it ive made it substantially further up. Super rewarding. Hoping to make it up both by tge end of the summer.

[@sportysbusiness]

I used to run a MTB tour company and adding ebikes to our fleet transformed the business. It allowed less fit riders to join the tours knowing they could keep up. In groups of friends, where historically they may get 6 to 8 people together, suddenly they could get 10 friends as the others would just hire an ebike. Amongst my friends, people rode further and more often when getting an ebike. The downsides though, they are very expensive, the batteries are dangerous and need to be very carefully maintained, charged and stored (I wouldn't keep them in the house, for example) and, when you need to replace the battery, as bikes are changing so quickly, it may not be available, writing the bike off if it's a custom fit to your frame. As we were early adopters of ebikes, we were also some of the first to discovery what happens when you can't get new batteries to fit...

[@mopahls]

Nicely done Ryan! Last year I bought an E-Bike and I love every moment when riding it. Good meeting you down in Kanuga! This year I got back to my roots and added an XC bike and have been smashing the trails on them all. When my legs are good I ride the XC or Enduro bike and when I’m a bit worn down I grab the E-bike and keep on riding.

[@clydecustodio1]

Exactly!!! I’ve been running mine in eco mode for my climbing for the exact same reason…sometimes I’ll even shut the assist off all together and see how far up the hill I can pedal a 50 lb bike! Great workout!

[@kevjob1]

well stated. I started mtb in 1991 at 22 years and now at 53 I dont recover like I used to. I ride 50/50 on emtb and mtb. I use lower power modes on most rides. Both are great and different and that is what I love. Mtb I can focus on my breath and downhill is a bit more fun due to bike weight of 20 lbs less. Emtb is the most fun I have ever had on 2 wheels.

[@captnhuffy]

Thanks a hell'a lot. I seriously appreciate this vid. I know the huge value of high intensity.. and it sounds like I could have than whenever I want to exercise that option.. Thanks again!!

[@paulcleary3284]

After owning an e-bike for 2 seasons..I completely agree with your comments on power usage…I find myself using the tour setting more than anything. With this video, now I’m interested in monitoring heart rate to see how I’m doing… great vid cheers

[@antonego8356]

I really appreciated this video. Good thoughts. I’m on a regular bike, still, at 41, and I hope to power my own way through at least the end of the decade, but I’d never considered some of the benefits you’ve mentioned, and I’m not scared to get an ebike when that time eventually comes.

[@jackbauer562]

Its a personal preference. I owned both regular and an ebike, side by side in my garage. In 3 years I always pick my ebike… just sold my ebike, and keep my regular bike.

[@SubaruWRC1996]

I got my first E bike a few weeks ago, which is the Specialized turbo levo, and personally I love it, I also think anyone who hates on e bikes haven't tried them. I agree with basically all your points, and although having to think about when you're going to ride to charge, it can be a pain. I think that the pros beat it.

[@Burden05]

For me, my riding has improved 10 fold though getting more seat time, and more actual downhill time. Where I used to do 2 runs and be spent, I now do 6 to 8 in the same time. Just as pooped at the end, but with waaay more experience and minutes of having actual fun. I'm there for fun, not meditation, not for the grind. Fun. And for me, nothing unlocks more fun than a little help from a motor.

[@Fike250]

Emtb are the only reason I started mountain bike and i have gotten my girl friend and my dad that is 55 years old in to mountain biking and we all love it, it has helped use all so much with are fitness, thanks for the awesome video 👍keep it up

[@troybrouillard5266]

Lifelong Rider. After having surgery I built an ebike. Using the ebike allowed me to regain and exceed the fitness I had lost!

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

I just recently got my first ebike: Trek Fuel EXe 8. It's changed my biking experience. I can now adventure further than before, and as a photographer, i can now carry my camera equipment without being bogged down. In terms of fitness, it's the greatest tool ever. Instead of spiking my heart rate and cutting a ride short due to fatigue, i can maintain a steady pace and it saves my knees. Having a lightweight ebike still gives me a feeling of a normal bike, especially how the TQ motor behaves. It's the best thing I've ever bought 👍

[@rtiljander]

I also brings a lot of camera gears out in the woods and the fields. Things i wouldnt bring on my old bike. My emtb actually have giving me shots i wouldnt have otherwise🙂 This weekend im hope to bring a full Syrp 3-axis setup in my back pack to do a timelapse with 2 cameras...a heavy back pack 🙂

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

@rtiljander 2 camera bodies? That's wicked 🤙 the most I've brought was 1 body, 2 lens, 2 flashes, light stand with a bracket

[@thearoom]

Great to read this. I'm deciding between the exe 8 or the exe 9.5 tuff choice. Carbon lower spec parts 9.5 or higher spec parts Aluminum 8 .. I ride A Trek fuel 8 now ... shed some insight if you can.. thanks

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

@thearoom I gladly chose aluminum frame with better components. I had a Santa Cruz 5010 carbon with lesser components, and I hated the NX drivetrain and Guide brakes, and lesser suspension; it just felt like crap. I sold it for a Ripmo AF with Shimano XT groupset and better suspension, and it was an amazing difference. That's why I waited for an aluminum Fuel EXe. Frame type doesn't matter for the everyday rider. My Fuel and Ripmo are nearly identical in components, and I can shred both equally good. Though I'm less worried about dings and scratches on the aluminum frame 😅

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

@thearoom also with the 9.5 spec, you end up changing the brakes and suspension. That's just more money out the door. The Shimano Deore drivetrain is actually really good, but 2 pistol brakes on a 'heavy' ebike is a bad choice. And the suspension is terrible. The Fuel 8 is almost perfect; I just bought a 160mm Fox Performance with a Grip2 damper on sale, and it became perfect

[@TallGuyTrails]

Great vid! My friend just got an ebike and now we’re able to ride together way better. Although… now he’s having way more fun lapping the jumplines while I huff and puff back to the top.

[@scaber247]

Yep, you're right with everything you said. Well, I guess that really means we are in agreement with out approach to mountain biking. Thanks for this.

[@Stockfish1511]

Have gen 5 high end trek slash and recently got high end gen 4 trek rail. After riding rail for about 2 months, its almost impossible to go back. I was ebike hater, now im a believer. I think this things will take over. They take fun of the mountainbikes to the next level. If they manage to create 750 watt battery and 85 nm motor that will be at total weight of 15-17 kg range. Its game over traditional bikes will be a gooner. Thats where they win, its the weight. If ebikes solve that, its game over.

[@TooMuchBike]

Great video. Good explanations on a lot of the comments I hear on the trail.

[@markgoicoechea7826]

Your description of the e-bike experience was right on!

[@garethrobinson2275]

The two main e-bike dislikes here are fixed with a light e-bike like the Specialized SL. It's not too heavy to lift, and it's not going to charge up super steep trails with little effort from the rider. It's playful and pops of everything too, so much fun.

[@josephhale8924]

have to agree that being in the highest mode (boost, turbo, etc,) is less enjoyable than the lower modes. Only time I find myself using that mode is on an approach road or when i'm really crunched for time. Great video. Thank you.

[@MrM1729]

With my seniors riding group, I always ride analog and lead all of them even though half are on e-bikes. I solely ride my e-bike ( creo 2 or turbo Levo ) by myself.

[@tedhawk1]

Nailed all the good and not so good. Same for me on the climbing mode. Miss the quiet grind. Excellent video!

[@TK-pv6qu]

I just got my first e-bike 3 months ago. I agree, green mode (eco) just takes the weight away while pedaling. I spend the majority of my time in the middle mode or blue and rarely ever go in turbo. I’ve only owned an acoustic bike up until now and now ride both types. My fitness level has only increased since owning the e-bike. I go out at least 2 to 3 times more than I used to, because I no longer have to travel to the “fun” trails and now I ride my local trails. My local trails are cross country type trails and I only rode them for fitness only. With an e-bike the trails are fun and the e-bike encourages me to explore more trails.

[@linemanap]

On my Ebike I'm never afraid to take some random side trail and push myself just that little bit extra, no need to save yourself for the trip back.

[@malmtb]

Thanks Ryan. Another sensible well rounded review

[@ashurany]

Currently have an 'all road' that I beefed up to be a nice little hardtail. Most of the trails near me aren't super technical, but I'm in a mountain town, and at >50yo, pushing 225lbs, and often time constrained by work/family obligations and recovering from a serious health issue, having the motor has been freaking incredible. I'm able to ride more, climb without wasting myself, and get the most out of my time, plus it's a great bike to do some shopping etc. Other hand, I hate that I really like riding it, if because I love my analog steel ht and full rigid bikes.