Dark side query

[Zorro]

Lurking on this site I am now intrigued by the dark side. I would be a newbie.
Is there advice anywhere on which emtb to get? Things to look for or avoid?
I am based near Redhill.
Many thanks.

[GDAS]

I would get yourself over to https://www.emtbforums.com where you'll find a wealth of information, and enthusiasts to answer any questions

If I can personally offer a few pointers:

1. buy from a reasonably local shop - these things can go wrong and it's much easier if you can take it back to the shop you bought it from

2. If there is a choice of battery size, go large. (e.g. 625 or 700Wh in preference to 500)

3. Specialized is the market leader, with the Levo being the biggest-selling EMTB. Avoid the SL (super light) low power small battery bikes - the 'full fat' bikes are more fun.

4. Stock is very hard to come by at the moment, and don't expect to get any discount. Try and get your self on some demo rides, shops to try would include Head for the Hills in Dorking (Trek Rail), Cycleworks Leatherhead and Ace Cycle Guildford (Levo), Nirvana Westcott (Cube)

5. Expect to pay the same sort of money (if not more) for a new full suss emtb as you would pay for a Honda CRF300L. (yes, it's nuts!)

Hope that helps

[itchychin]

Hi,
I can recommend this free online monthly magazine: https://ebike-mtb.com/en/
It is full of reviews of bikes, kit, comparisons, eMTB developments.
It is allegedly free of manufacturers bribery/bias.

It greatly influenced my choice, happy it did.
But as posted above, beware that the bike of choice may be sold out world wide, mine was!
Good luck.
Ed.

[ScruffyDroid]

Nice replies, so far!

For something a little different, I converted my Mongoose Tyax to an eMTB. I used a 1500w rear hub motor, and 58v battery. It has 5 levels of assist, plus a thumb throttle. Level 1 will assist to 16mph with gentle pedalling, whilst Level 5 (lunatic mode) will get you to 35mph pedalling (you will be spinning like a Peleton Bunny) with/without the use of the throttle. The controller is "programmable", with many customisation options.

You need hydraulic disk brakes (easy 5 minute conversion if you have cable disk brakes).

I have also upgraded the front fork to a RockShox air fork, and a rear suspension seat post (Suntour NCX).

I've done a second one for another member of Surrey TRF.

Cost of conversion is about £1k (battery is £480 on its own).

Sent from my CPN-W09 using Tapatalk

[gavinskii]

Wow that is impressive! I've got a full suspension Spesh Levo. But if I didn't would be very tempted by your offering.
What sort of range does this give you (typically)?

[ScruffyDroid]

I'm not sure who you are referring to, Gav?

I don't sell these things if it was me, you were referring to.

Range on level 1 - over 60 miles / level 5 about 25.

Back the Vacc!

I used a conversion kit like this one.

[Zorro]

Thank you all for the replies. Very helpful. I’d better get on with my research homework.
Everyone I know doing this is having such fun that I just have to have a go! Thanks again