Dixonm

I'm more fit with my ebike than I was riding normal bikes for the last 25 years. I still do 4 hour rides, but they are a lot more enjoyable, a lot more downhill, and I'm equally ready to pass out at the end. Aside from potential environmental impact and some annoyed looks at trailheads, there are zero negatives for an ebike. I have 6k into my orbea rise total and it weighs 38lbs, rides down just like a normal bike. This is less money than it took me to build up any of my last ten regular bikes trying to make them lighter, more efficient, and better on downhill. My upper body is stronger from learning to toss around a heavier bike instead of a sub 30lb bike. I have no desire to ever return to a normal bike. I'm past the age where competing is in my future and mountain biking is just about fun, adrenaline, and connecting with nature now. My EBike allows all of these things to a greater extent and has the benefit of keeping me in shape.

I personally love ebikes and I love Evil (I've owned every bike they have made). This misses on most marks for me. In particular, the ludicrous price. I have 6500 in my Orbea rise with every component being superior.

Yes, I'm cheating in my non racing, non timed, solo ride through the woods to enjoy myself.

Every new city I move to, I'll try out the local shops. Only twice have I felt the desire to return to the shops. High prices, lack of knowledge, pushy with their inventory. I try repeatedly, but almost always end up buying online or buying the parts online to build my own bikes. I'll keep trying, but almost useless once you progress beyond where you need them for mechanic work (which was day 1 of biking for me as I refused to pay their ridiculous prices).

@Stihlgoin: pretty sure I would be deathly afraid of an E-unicycle.

Big unicycle is really getting out of control.

@kingbike2: nice bike and what I view as a nice ebike. Orbea Rise with upgraded wheels and suspension.

I'll keep riding the countless singletrack trails that are fully open to ebikes and shuttling myself up fire roads to the enjoyable downhill on others.

My regular bike costs more than my ebike.

@Blackhat: I do have one health issue going on that contributes to my lack of stamina. I still ride almost daily, about half the time on my normal bike. I hated the climbs when I was 20, though, and in excellent shape. Since then I've gone to med school, done residency and fellowship, and work in a surgical subspecialty. I think I do pretty well overall on the normal bike, but the ebike makes climbing fun and flat Florida terrain more enjoyable between my trips. Not sure if my original post came off as "I'm out of shape and want an ebike so things are easy!" But that seems to be how it was taken. It wasn't how it was intended. I just enjoy my ebike as well as all of my other bikes. Two wheels plus nature equals fun.