Ok a couple of things about Crestline as this will most likely be my next ebike and I have done a tone of research. First, that bike offers a ton of adjustability, from the options for mix wheel or full 29, reach and angle adjust headsets, the ability to run the 600, 800 or even the 400 wh battery plus the extender. Their linkage is made by Cascade components, a company who's lower link a currently run in my Santa Cruz Bullet, and it is super plush. The bike can be run either 160 or 180 on the rear via flip chip. And most importantly for me, I can buy it as a frame/motor, meaning I can bring all my high-end parts from my current bike over to the new one. So I can get a top spec bike with a new frame and the latest motor and 800wh battery for less than 7k.
I paid 3165 for a new base model levo great bike for the price. I also bought a Rocky Mountain powerplay a30 had a scratch on the down tube paid 3340. Deals are out there for bikes that may not be High end but they kick ass for the $$$. Santa Cruz was my stomping grounds in the 90s all the trails up around the college campus nicine marks park (spelled wrong). Many miles with Bob from bobcat cycles. RIP BC.
Yep, fully agreed, a 5k bike rides as good or better than a 10k bike in a lot of cases, my 4.5k Canyon Underdog 2023 with the Bosch motor is unbelievable 👍🏾
Love my 2024 Crestline RS180, 200mm dropper on my R4 (XL), Best ebike I've ever ridden, (for reference I also have a 2023 Orbea Wild, and I've tested may others. )
IMHO, Shimano XT was better than Sram AXS GX. But... AXS GX Transmission came along and this has taken the lead over XT. Very robust system with slow, deliberate shifting for powerful ebike motors.
Having 2 G4s in the stable I was thinking of trying an EP801 and playing around with derestricting it to move the 32kph limit up to maybe 36-38 as I sit in the 30 - 34kph area a lot. The new G5 is definitely top of the list now as the DJI needs to have a couple years in the market before I consider the $15K+ NZD pricing. The Santa Cruz really caught my eye as I prefer Horst link suspension and never really enjoyed the VPP system. However, the battery IS a killer for my 105kg weight. I don't use backpacks so need bottle space. With two bum hips I am more and more using Tour rather than eco so need at least 700Wh these days. 800 with an extender option would be perfect for some outback adventure rides. Looks like the Orbea or perhaps the new Trek. LBS tells me the Slash is not too far away.
i de restricted an e8000 with 70nm a few year ago to 62kph with an app that works on most shimano motors but you do have to set the firmware to an earlier version to unlock the max speed, the motor lasted 3600 miles before the e010 error kicked in, put another motor in last year and just left it on us setting, for me been in the uk its fast enough
@@megane230f1 - local dealers in NZ will install a bit of kit supplied by SHimano that takes it to 45kph and not only doesn't cause errors, but doesn't effect warranty either.
You say the Vala is expensive, and the top spec is. But (in Australia) the top spec Wild is over $2k more expensive with objectively lower spec components.
Many new ebikes are shifting to bosch motor, but wonder why is so hard to add 10 lights for battery layout, is a gen 5 motor a screen for battery percentage or rows of lights just for the peace of mind.
It’s unacceptable that any ebike coming out doesn’t offer a percentage with numbers in 2024/2025. It’s the ONLY number I need. All these displays with every data point except a percentage with numbers. Absolutely ridiculous. All you need is one number and it’s nowhere to be found. 🤦♂️
I don't get what is going on with the Santa Cruz Offering. Smaller battery by 15% and less complex suspension but the damn bike weighs as much as the Heckler. Why would I want this again?...At least it has a boost battery option.
Well their last CEO got caught with his pants down with the whole “We will never make an e-bike” line. Then they were behind from the most profitable area of high end mountain bikes. Now PON holdings has so much control and they are just a conglomerate. No quickness, no down to earth mentality. Honestly I have seen the bike in action in SC. The Vala looks sick. Unfortunately it’s just not competitive at their price points. Especially with the smaller battery only. I’m sure people will buy them, but not in droves like they used to…
They call it back order, normal people calls it, made to order. Economy is tough and they're not going to over produce like they did in the last 2 years.
Yeah, could be some very conservative forecasting on their part so they don't lose money on closeouts. But losing sales opportunities with no inventory is losing money as well. I'm sure there's more of these bikes around. Just gotta hunt for the dealer with available allotment still.
He should call around to dealers to see what they have coming in, dealers were placing their orders several weeks before it was announced. I am sure the April/May is the second production run of the bikes.
Do you have any info about the new levo gen 4? I’m considered to buy a turbo levo but I don’t want to have the feeling I bought something old when the new one comes out. Thanks!
I live in Michigan and mtb year round through the freezing cold ice and snow of winter. Having a removable battery that I can bring indoors to safely charge (instead of the whole bike which fan get a bit sloppy in winter) is my #1 eeb requirement. So far, I’m zeroing in on the Transition Relay, but wonder if you have any recommendations for 2025 e-bikes that also have the removable battery? Looking for a 150/160mm type bike
Yeah, kinda funny that SC is flipping to 4bar, but its their first attempt in ages. Compare that to Orbea who has a lot of experience with 4 bar ebikes, and its cheaper and can run different batteries. SC really made a bad choice. I'd love to test a Crestline, but I'll wait for the DJIs to start showing up in other frames. Um... NorCal riding is very hot right now, 100F hot! Normal end of summer conditions up here in the Gold Country, ride at crack of dawn and be ready for loose dry trails.
I'm sorry, but if you can't tell the difference between a carbon fibre bike and an aluminium bike, I really have to question someone's ability to test anything. You can prefer one over the other, you can say the difference isn't worth the price difference, but they have such a drastically different ride feel, I don't know how anyone could say they are the same. Even with Santa Cruz there is a noticeable difference in ride feel between the C and CC carbon.
Ok a couple of things about Crestline as this will most likely be my next ebike and I have done a tone of research. First, that bike offers a ton of adjustability, from the options for mix wheel or full 29, reach and angle adjust headsets, the ability to run the 600, 800 or even the 400 wh battery plus the extender. Their linkage is made by Cascade components, a company who's lower link a currently run in my Santa Cruz Bullet, and it is super plush. The bike can be run either 160 or 180 on the rear via flip chip. And most importantly for me, I can buy it as a frame/motor, meaning I can bring all my high-end parts from my current bike over to the new one. So I can get a top spec bike with a new frame and the latest motor and 800wh battery for less than 7k.
I’m in the same boat. Bought a tone of upgrades for my bullet. And definitely going for the crest line
I ordered the full bike. Which is a little crazy because I have the Copper model also in top spec.
I paid 3165 for a new base model levo great bike for the price. I also bought a Rocky Mountain powerplay a30 had a scratch on the down tube paid 3340. Deals are out there for bikes that may not be High end but they kick ass for the $$$. Santa Cruz was my stomping grounds in the 90s all the trails up around the college campus nicine marks park (spelled wrong). Many miles with Bob from bobcat cycles. RIP BC.
I have the Crestline - it’s very good! It is heavy however, to be expected.
Yep, fully agreed, a 5k bike rides as good or better than a 10k bike in a lot of cases, my 4.5k Canyon Underdog 2023 with the Bosch motor is unbelievable 👍🏾
Love my 2024 Crestline RS180, 200mm dropper on my R4 (XL), Best ebike I've ever ridden, (for reference I also have a 2023 Orbea Wild, and I've tested may others. )
Very good to hear!!! The dropper post length issue is more an issue with shorter riders... as usual.
Having both GX and XT, i choose the XT all day. Better in every way iver GX. But im more interested on gearbox ebike.
IMHO, Shimano XT was better than Sram AXS GX. But... AXS GX Transmission came along and this has taken the lead over XT. Very robust system with slow, deliberate shifting for powerful ebike motors.
Having 2 G4s in the stable I was thinking of trying an EP801 and playing around with derestricting it to move the 32kph limit up to maybe 36-38 as I sit in the 30 - 34kph area a lot. The new G5 is definitely top of the list now as the DJI needs to have a couple years in the market before I consider the $15K+ NZD pricing. The Santa Cruz really caught my eye as I prefer Horst link suspension and never really enjoyed the VPP system. However, the battery IS a killer for my 105kg weight. I don't use backpacks so need bottle space. With two bum hips I am more and more using Tour rather than eco so need at least 700Wh these days. 800 with an extender option would be perfect for some outback adventure rides.
Looks like the Orbea or perhaps the new Trek. LBS tells me the Slash is not too far away.
i de restricted an e8000 with 70nm a few year ago to 62kph with an app that works on most shimano motors but you do have to set the firmware to an earlier version to unlock the max speed, the motor lasted 3600 miles before the e010 error kicked in, put another motor in last year and just left it on us setting, for me been in the uk its fast enough
@@megane230f1 - local dealers in NZ will install a bit of kit supplied by SHimano that takes it to 45kph and not only doesn't cause errors, but doesn't effect warranty either.
@@NoNotAChance my warranty was out thats why i unlocked it, was the speed torque sensor that went with e010 error code
I like the idea of Wheeltop making bicycle transmissions. Would like bekted gearless
Right on I got # 1 like !
You say the Vala is expensive, and the top spec is. But (in Australia) the top spec Wild is over $2k more expensive with objectively lower spec components.
Why does it seem like Australian’s are getting ripped off? Is it taxes , or import costs. Seems like you overpay for bikes? So close to Asia too..
New 25 Orbea Wild is 170/170mm. Went up 10mm from 160.
Many new ebikes are shifting to bosch motor, but wonder why is so hard to add 10 lights for battery layout, is a gen 5 motor a screen for battery percentage or rows of lights just for the peace of mind.
It’s unacceptable that any ebike coming out doesn’t offer a percentage with numbers in 2024/2025. It’s the ONLY number I need. All these displays with every data point except a percentage with numbers. Absolutely ridiculous. All you need is one number and it’s nowhere to be found. 🤦♂️
600wh isnt enough. 750wh on gen4 is just right. Not a lot of buyers for batteries that are too small.
I don't get what is going on with the Santa Cruz Offering. Smaller battery by 15% and less complex suspension but the damn bike weighs as much as the Heckler. Why would I want this again?...At least it has a boost battery option.
Well their last CEO got caught with his pants down with the whole “We will never make an e-bike” line. Then they were behind from the most profitable area of high end mountain bikes. Now PON holdings has so much control and they are just a conglomerate. No quickness, no down to earth mentality. Honestly I have seen the bike in action in SC. The Vala looks sick. Unfortunately it’s just not competitive at their price points. Especially with the smaller battery only. I’m sure people will buy them, but not in droves like they used to…
the size of those bearings and that link... OMG!
Guy in the FB group for SantaCruz ebikes just posted he ordered a Vala today. Backordered until April/May 2025 😮 WTF! 🤦♂️
They call it back order, normal people calls it, made to order. Economy is tough and they're not going to over produce like they did in the last 2 years.
Yeah, could be some very conservative forecasting on their part so they don't lose money on closeouts. But losing sales opportunities with no inventory is losing money as well.
I'm sure there's more of these bikes around. Just gotta hunt for the dealer with available allotment still.
He should call around to dealers to see what they have coming in, dealers were placing their orders several weeks before it was announced. I am sure the April/May is the second production run of the bikes.
Do you have any info about the new levo gen 4? I’m considered to buy a turbo levo but I don’t want to have the feeling I bought something old when the new one comes out. Thanks!
I live in Michigan and mtb year round through the freezing cold ice and snow of winter. Having a removable battery that I can bring indoors to safely charge (instead of the whole bike which fan get a bit sloppy in winter) is my #1 eeb requirement. So far, I’m zeroing in on the Transition Relay, but wonder if you have any recommendations for 2025 e-bikes that also have the removable battery? Looking for a 150/160mm type bike
Do you change tires in the winter? Is there such a thing as bicycle winter tires? Studs? (I slipped on ice and hurt my shoulder last year)
Shows how great Horst Link is. My DW 6bar still has a Horst Link.
Yeah, kinda funny that SC is flipping to 4bar, but its their first attempt in ages. Compare that to Orbea who has a lot of experience with 4 bar ebikes, and its cheaper and can run different batteries. SC really made a bad choice. I'd love to test a Crestline, but I'll wait for the DJIs to start showing up in other frames. Um... NorCal riding is very hot right now, 100F hot! Normal end of summer conditions up here in the Gold Country, ride at crack of dawn and be ready for loose dry trails.
Sage words my good man. Thug life here in Norcal.
Those orbea bikes have me jelly. I’m not in the market though.
Orbea is killing it when it comes to E. Just wish they had a better dealer network and support infrastructure in the US.
make sense for DJI as they have expertise on drone motores so ebike motor is easier
They're wayyyy ahead in motors, batteries, connectivity and apps.
Now whether they service broken bikes and cranky cyclists is going to be the test.
I'm sorry, but if you can't tell the difference between a carbon fibre bike and an aluminium bike, I really have to question someone's ability to test anything. You can prefer one over the other, you can say the difference isn't worth the price difference, but they have such a drastically different ride feel, I don't know how anyone could say they are the same. Even with Santa Cruz there is a noticeable difference in ride feel between the C and CC carbon.
Right.