Should Your Next Bike Be An E-Bike?

The debate between EMTBs and MTBs has been raging on since electric bikes first surfaced in the cycling world, but with EMTB tech advancing at an extremely fast rate and getting lighter and lighter, more people are making the switch, but should you?

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[BrettWidner]

I'm a Downhill rider thru and thru, and ever since I started riding my heavy AF Ebike, I've been able to start just tossing my DH around like a feather and I love it. It is a phenomenal training tool that anyone can add to their arsenal. They're also just great fun. Honestly could never bring myself to enjoy trail riding before cause fitness isn't a main focus of mine and I don't particularly care for climbing BUT now I'm riding almost every day having the time of my life. And surprisingly in great shape because of just how much I'm riding. :D So, anytime I hear someone diss me or call me a cheater, I just remember that I'm enjoying life and at the end of the day, that's what MTBing is all about isn't it? Enjoying yourself and having fun with your mates.

[patmarlin]

E-bike has changed my life. I have lost over 60 lbs because I ride more and I can overcome my disabilities that my knees have constrained me into. At fist I thought e-bikes were cheating but after my results I am a believer in the e-bike. I work hard on the climbs but do not hurt my knees as much which means I ride more and still burn calories doing so.

[andypaul]

To be honest it used to be a novelty to see an e-bike on my local haunts. Now its a novelty to see a non-e bike.

[neiss]

I just got my new E-bike 4 days ago, I had stopped mountain biking years ago because the slopes outside of my house were not inviting and despite being fit from kitesurfing and snowboarding, MTB was not rewarding at all. I live north of Barcelona in the mountains that surround the coast, a paradise for hikers and bikers that I have re-discovered thanks to EMTB. Now I’m planning every day new routes, some days up to 40 or 50 Km, I climb crazy rugged slopes that I otherwise would have to walk my bike through and I’m doing more workout than I had ever done with my former analogical MTB. So yes, you should definitely get an EMTB!

[nukedathlonman]

I am considering an ebike for commuting (I'll got the DIY route though) - at 45 years old and 25km to work one way, I'm noticing my endurance just isn't what it used to be (my short explosive sprints are as strong as ever thankfully). I'll never get rid of my roadie or MTB, but if it means I can get into work more comfortably, less sweaty and less tired, then I'm for it.

[NDemanuele]

I am 50 now and still enjoy pedaling up hill for conditioning! I been kicking the idea of an Ebike in my head for some time now. Maybe I'll eventually get a lightweight Ebike.

[HamsterWheelGaming]

I had a friend of mine who bought an E-mtb and my initial reaction was 'lol what are you...lazy?' but he gave me a very good argument which is that with an E-mtb, it takes him less effort to do one lap of a trail, which in return meant he did that trail more than one time.

Basically, the trail itself might be easier, but because it's easier you end up riding longer. Instead of doing just one lap, he would do 2 or 3 so in the end he still burned a good amount of calories and had a decent workout, and he spent more time riding. And my mentality changed a lot too as soon as I tried one. The trails I did for when I rented one were much easier, so I just did it several times instead of being out of breath and my legs being tired after just one round. The only problem of course is that e mtb's are just really expensive if you're looking for a good full suspension bike

[paullt]

Made my choice 4 years ago and never looked back! Still have analog bike but last time i rode it was about 4years ago. E-bikes are future for older men. I own now 2 s-works turbo, 1pro, and 1comp levo for myself, wife and family friends.

[DrivingMatterMedia]

Most of all I just don't like to rely on any kind of electricity for any of my bicycles. That's really not what cycling is about for me. Just have it ready in the shed at all times and all weather conditions, grab it and go as far as you feel like going and for as long as you want to.

[chrisg]

Last year I took the plunge and got myself a Trek Fuel Exe and I can say is it’s an amazing bit of kit - best of both worlds in many ways.

[voltagex]

I love my e mtb for everyday use. When I'm shooting for conditioning/training I turnoff the power, cranking the heavier weight is an obvious positive. When you want fun, crank up the boost and hit the gnarly bits.

[gainknowledgeandinsight]

Hey hey! Thanks for the video! I just did my 2nd e-bike ride on my Specialized Levo turbo comp carbon. It was amazing - what usually takes me 4:30 I did in 3:30 - 5000 feet of climbing. I will say that in no way am I replacing my analogue MTB for the ebike - because I just don’t get the same suffering when riding the ebike. I love the e-bike as a cross trainer or when I want to go on a long adventure and explore different trails.

[roha]

Right now I'm in my 30's and happy with my full suspension "normal" bike.
However I have no doubt that in some point in my life I will switch to a (light) E-MTB.

[chrisridesbicycles]

A few years ago, I hated them because they carried people deep into the woods that were not able to ride technical trails but tried and blocked up everything. Either they have learned to ride or lost interest, the problem seems to be gone. If E-Bikes make people start their ride at home instead of driving their bikes into the woods with cars, I‘m all for it. Personally, I will stick to normal bikes for now.

[ltee]

Aside the bike my dad bought when I was a kid, I've never owned my own bike. Went straight to emtb and never looked back. The hills at the start of the tracks around where I live make life miserable first thing in the morning

[briw]

As Im getting older. less flexible and more injured my riding has changed. i can no longer downhill due to knee, ankle and back and wrist injury(yes, all sport related, some from 30 years ago). i also find road biking boring and the position hurts. my e mtb bike has helped me alot

[rofferdal]

I rode bikes for many years for leisure and transportation. Then didn’t for several years. During the pandemic I got an E-bike (a kinda road EMTB with upgrade potential). This summer I went MMTB (muscle mountain bike), so the opposite way. I have both in my garage and they both have a place in my biking world.

[umarrk]

You should also test entry-level hardtail mountain bikes like Trek Roscoe and Marlin which beginners like me can afford.

[tomshort]

I'm 68 and love my Evil Offering. So nope, no motors for now. Maybe later on if I get too old to have fun. HA

[davidzx]

I am 45 and have some health issues. In the past I loved to ride my mtb. So, I have ordered an ebike and hope to enjoy riding a bike on a trail again.