robholland

They look like they belong on a 12 year old standing outside McDonalds rather than on a mountain biker.

@Hazab: Exactly this as a guy in my 40s. I had a top spec XC bike and i am pretty fit but going for a long ride with big climbs just wiped me out, with our life commitments. Least on my e bike i can get out for some exercise, reach the top of the big hills and ride places i would just not have bothered before.

£8,956 for base model or a top spec Amflow for 9K. Hmm..

Interesting as the Ibis Ripley just won the Singletracks readers trail bike of the year award. The trek didn't make the first round.

I use this hip pack, which has a 100% waterproof zip and i just rinse it off after a ride. Been great past winter for carrying the essentials. https://www.spinlock.co.uk/en-GB/uk/products/explorer-2l

@kashimadaddy: Personally now, after trying the DJI motor and Bosch i would be going for the DJI motor just on performance alone.

I had a demo on this e bike and it was the best ebike i have ever tried, not just because of the power but how smooth it felt. This actually spoilt my existing Bosch e bike, which might eventually hurt the wallet. I also see no issue with e bikes as it opens the industry up to new people who otherwise wouldn't be riding at all, which in turn boosts the industry. I have about 5 friends who i have got into biking in the last 2 years because of e bikes. I ride XC and road but they wouldn't do it and felt it was too exhausting for them. We do 30 plus mile rides, stop somewhere for a catch up, have a laugh and i feel like their overall health and wellbeing is improved. This also means the local bike shop sold 5 e bikes, the helmets, clothes, spares and boosted their revenue stream, which in todays market is tough. They can also drop the bikes in, have a chat, cup of tea etc and meet new people.

Had a look around online or deals and i can actually buy a GX T type AXS Rear mech, Shifter pod, battery and charger for less than this upgrade kit.

@znarf: I have tried a lot of e bikes and i went with full power in the end. I still ride a normal bike too but for long rides and fun exploring you cannot beat full power. The low power lightweight ones are ok but just feel hard work in low power modes due to the weight, which means you tend to ride on full power and use the battery up quickly. I'd rather have a heavy bike with 40% range left after a super long ride than a bike with a dead battery that feels like a heavy old beast to ride back anywhere.

Tried this model and the moterra carbon 1 with Bosch motor. Have to say the Bosch version just feels so much nicer to ride and the bike is way more comfortable long distance. This felt too slack, slow and the Shimano motor just feels a bit dated. I like the weight and the grey colour on the lower model but that was about it.