love your take on the SL category! you're putting out amazing stuff and our riding group loves you. the metaphors are so good and rocko is the cherry on top. emtb etiquette video was masterclass. thanks for being real!
Hahaha yeah I haven't personally bought an eMTB yet, but when I inevitably do, it'll be an SL. I do own 5 electric motorcycles though, so perhaps that's telling? The cats appreciate the love.
Fantastic video mate. Very succinct and your riding style is off the chain!! I've been looking at the lower spec model that's about 8000 aus but given that ebike progression is moving so quickly perhaps I'll wait and see what next year brings...
I always like how you swap over to your Shimano components = 👍 I would do the same....I've demo'd bikes each of the NW Tune Up and they're always the top build with AXS / Sram and I just don not get along with their products. Besides, you know how tall I am and lets face it, a 175 Reverb just isn't going to cut it for me when I ride a 240 on my Ripmo 😆 Great video Jeff, cheers!
It's funny how people get such a decisive preference. I can't move away from AXS now I thought my friends mechanical XTR was broke when I had a quick go, totally forgot how much force you have to push those levers.
We might have rented the same bike 😂 personally I'd rather have that psylo (at least the IFP damper part of it) than a Moco Yari or whatever Moco RS. It was about time they did something else 😅
Ebike motor repair and serviceability is top of my list now. These things should not be designed to be disposable!!! I know older Bosch motors can be worked on, some other brands don't support it.
Agreed. After 3 motor deaths, all at around 150-200 miles and finally a year and a half to get another replacement, Norco left me with a 5k 2020 vlt range that is useless. They abandoned the problem and the warranty. I have a bike with 500-600 miles on it that sits. At the time, was connected to Norco ambassador ship through professional trail building as well. To say the least, I'll never ride or recommend Norco to anyone. Have since moved to Transition. I've had nothing but top notch service on all warranty issues. I've always loved Transition bikes but their service will keep me putting their bikes first on my to buy list.
@@ML-wl9rz it's one of the main things that stops me. Motors need to be home serviceable for me. I also want frame mounting to be the same and frame only options.
Not sure! It looks neat, but it makes the most sense to run bikes that are available through Jenson USA. They are not selling the Stumpy 15 online. I may find a way to make it work, but the amount of bikes I currently already have on hand is pretty nuts, so it'll be a while!
Important technical question - When you said smarties in the back pocket did you mean Canadian or US smarties I love my Turbo Levo but this is really high on my next bike list. I don't need a full emtb at all. Their sizing does feel off to me I'm right between their sizes for sure.
Did you have to buy the bike? That seems like a lot of work to switch everything over and then switch it back to stock form if you aren't keeping it...or maybe it's not and it just seems like a lot because I don't know what I'm doing lmao
This bike is a media loaner. I'll need to take it apart and ship it back. It is indeed a ton of work- I've hired a few helpers over the years since it's a lot of wrench time. But that's the stuff that the public doesn't see when they watch the videos! While building/tuning/packing/shipping bikes is a ton of work, it's still easier than selling old bikes, so I don't complain too much. I'll probably only get 12 bikes through my shop by the end of the year, but the hard part is that they tend to overlap.
Great vid Jeff. What are your thoughts on these low power, SL bikes going extinct? Looks like motor and battery tech will start to help brands to produce lightweight ebikes with 600+wh batteries and >65nm motors in a lightweight package (See the new Orbea Rise, DJI tech, etc.). Should consumers or bike shops invest in these low power SL bikes when full power SL bikes are just about here?
The EP8rs still is very audible, visible, and rattles. If you see a benefit to less noticeable bikes the Fazua system and tq system are both whisper quiet and visually discrete. For me the range and power of the Ride60 has totally replaced my application of my prior ep8 bike. I’m in the aforementioned two hour club Jeff referenced with work and a young family.
eMTBs that weigh more than 44lbs are going to be extinct. At 175 lbs, there is no need for more than 60nm of power, a bicycle tire doesn't have enough traction to support more. Our geometry is too downhill specific to work well on truly steep climbs. People heavier than 200 lbs may benefit from more power, but the fun part of mountain biking is riding downhill at 20-30 mph. It's not pedaling around at 15 mph with a big motor. Folks lose the forest for the trees, and get too excited about the motors, and forget that the fun part of it all is most often the descents. And that's where eMTBs still have the most room for improvement- hence my love of SL eMTB.
This Bosch Performance SX rattled much louder than the EP801RS that was on the Obrea Rise LT I rode. I prefer the Fazua and EP801RS over the Bosch, the Bosch is clunky and feels poorly designed. Fazua is great, but Shimano has better support, more power, more battery life, and a range extender.
I've thought that SL was the way forward from the beginning! Either you have a emoto for moto trails or as-light-and-strong-as-you-can-before-it-gets-too-expensive eMTB. Maybe we just need another evolution in battery tech before these (and emotos) really take off. I'll keep renting eMTBs every once and a while rather than sink $$$$$ into something that might be unfixable in just a few years.
You totally understand it! Bicycles- whether e or analog- are almost always most fun on the descent. Full fat eMTBs are way less fun on the descents, so kind of defeat the whole "fun" part of mountain biking. SL eMTBs handle so much better on the downs- and on traditional MTB trails, they have more than enough power. e-motos are a whole different thing.
I love mine! After my experience with Norco and their bad service and crap warranty, I'll stick with Transition. Good bikes. Good people. Good service.
I live in Bellingham and know the guys at Transition and sooooo wanted to buy a Relay PNW but after demoing it for the day I could not buy it. Sad but it was only fun to go down steep strait lines. High speed corners like Unemployment line and Blue Ribbon were scary. The battery was gone after 14.2 miles and 1800 of vert. I rode the Kenevo SL my friend has with same coil shock and set up as PNW and riding the same rout same power settings and ended with 37% battery left the cornering was way better as well. Plus you can get range extenders to go farther. I am 6'4" 240 aggressive rider. If you are a light rider the Relay might be for you but not for big heavy guys the extra juice in the motor just sucks more battery and you only need that going up supper steep parts like pipeline trail or the wall. Yes I had that on my demo rout as well as Atomic dog and Evolution, Mullet and Bob's. I bought the Kenevo SL and only wish for one change a longer dropper post! Now that the Rise LT is out that might be my next bike. I used to ride my Ripmo but not since I got my light ebike. Why get an ebike that only can ride the same distance I can do on my regular bike?
Two vids in a day, Jeff you’re spoiling us!
End of the month stuff LOL!
love your take on the SL category! you're putting out amazing stuff and our riding group loves you. the metaphors are so good and rocko is the cherry on top. emtb etiquette video was masterclass. thanks for being real!
I’m not quite at the 5th stage of acceptance yet……but enjoying your takes on emtbs. Cat content has been nice touch. Peace
Hahaha yeah I haven't personally bought an eMTB yet, but when I inevitably do, it'll be an SL. I do own 5 electric motorcycles though, so perhaps that's telling? The cats appreciate the love.
Fantastic video mate. Very succinct and your riding style is off the chain!! I've been looking at the lower spec model that's about 8000 aus but given that ebike progression is moving so quickly perhaps I'll wait and see what next year brings...
Sick riding Jeff!
Thanks Andy!
I always like how you swap over to your Shimano components = 👍 I would do the same....I've demo'd bikes each of the NW Tune Up and they're always the top build with AXS / Sram and I just don not get along with their products. Besides, you know how tall I am and lets face it, a 175 Reverb just isn't going to cut it for me when I ride a 240 on my Ripmo 😆 Great video Jeff, cheers!
It's funny how people get such a decisive preference. I can't move away from AXS now I thought my friends mechanical XTR was broke when I had a quick go, totally forgot how much force you have to push those levers.
when are you going to get your hands on the new Schwalbe radial tires. Curious to hear your thoughts on these super hyped up tires.
I rented the C3 and hell of a bike. Took me down sentier du moulin double blacks easily. The new psylo felt really good too
Nice! Maybe one day I'll make it out east to that spot? Phil said it was really fun! Cheers Alexis!
We might have rented the same bike 😂 personally I'd rather have that psylo (at least the IFP damper part of it) than a Moco Yari or whatever Moco RS. It was about time they did something else 😅
@@JeffKendallWeed I'm convinced you would have a blast !
Vid before work, nice!
Cheers!!!
Plz review the yamaha moro e bike, looks like an interesting budget friendly option with huge discounts on at the moment is pretty tempting...
Ebike motor repair and serviceability is top of my list now. These things should not be designed to be disposable!!! I know older Bosch motors can be worked on, some other brands don't support it.
The motors themselves are pretty solid, but wiring and connections are still the somewhat weak links. It'll get figured out over the next few years.
As motors are getting smaller, lighter and more powerful they are less repairable - other than factory refurbishment.
Agreed. After 3 motor deaths, all at around 150-200 miles and finally a year and a half to get another replacement, Norco left me with a 5k 2020 vlt range that is useless. They abandoned the problem and the warranty. I have a bike with 500-600 miles on it that sits. At the time, was connected to Norco ambassador ship through professional trail building as well. To say the least, I'll never ride or recommend Norco to anyone. Have since moved to Transition. I've had nothing but top notch service on all warranty issues. I've always loved Transition bikes but their service will keep me putting their bikes first on my to buy list.
@@ML-wl9rz it's one of the main things that stops me. Motors need to be home serviceable for me. I also want frame mounting to be the same and frame only options.
@@ML-wl9rz are you on a Fazua or EP8 motor from Transition? how is it holding up?
Hey jeff when are you testing the new stumpjumper 15 w the genie tech?
Not sure! It looks neat, but it makes the most sense to run bikes that are available through Jenson USA. They are not selling the Stumpy 15 online. I may find a way to make it work, but the amount of bikes I currently already have on hand is pretty nuts, so it'll be a while!
@@JeffKendallWeed no worries ill be looking forward to that one!
Important technical question - When you said smarties in the back pocket did you mean Canadian or US smarties
I love my Turbo Levo but this is really high on my next bike list. I don't need a full emtb at all. Their sizing does feel off to me I'm right between their sizes for sure.
I didn't know the third world had their own Smarties?! Hahaha!
@@JeffKendallWeed Next time you are up north try them out but I wouldn't recommend putting them in your back pocket for sure!
Did you have to buy the bike? That seems like a lot of work to switch everything over and then switch it back to stock form if you aren't keeping it...or maybe it's not and it just seems like a lot because I don't know what I'm doing lmao
This bike is a media loaner. I'll need to take it apart and ship it back. It is indeed a ton of work- I've hired a few helpers over the years since it's a lot of wrench time. But that's the stuff that the public doesn't see when they watch the videos! While building/tuning/packing/shipping bikes is a ton of work, it's still easier than selling old bikes, so I don't complain too much. I'll probably only get 12 bikes through my shop by the end of the year, but the hard part is that they tend to overlap.
Great vid Jeff. What are your thoughts on these low power, SL bikes going extinct? Looks like motor and battery tech will start to help brands to produce lightweight ebikes with 600+wh batteries and >65nm motors in a lightweight package (See the new Orbea Rise, DJI tech, etc.). Should consumers or bike shops invest in these low power SL bikes when full power SL bikes are just about here?
The EP8rs still is very audible, visible, and rattles. If you see a benefit to less noticeable bikes the Fazua system and tq system are both whisper quiet and visually discrete. For me the range and power of the Ride60 has totally replaced my application of my prior ep8 bike. I’m in the aforementioned two hour club Jeff referenced with work and a young family.
eMTBs that weigh more than 44lbs are going to be extinct. At 175 lbs, there is no need for more than 60nm of power, a bicycle tire doesn't have enough traction to support more. Our geometry is too downhill specific to work well on truly steep climbs. People heavier than 200 lbs may benefit from more power, but the fun part of mountain biking is riding downhill at 20-30 mph. It's not pedaling around at 15 mph with a big motor. Folks lose the forest for the trees, and get too excited about the motors, and forget that the fun part of it all is most often the descents. And that's where eMTBs still have the most room for improvement- hence my love of SL eMTB.
This Bosch Performance SX rattled much louder than the EP801RS that was on the Obrea Rise LT I rode. I prefer the Fazua and EP801RS over the Bosch, the Bosch is clunky and feels poorly designed. Fazua is great, but Shimano has better support, more power, more battery life, and a range extender.
How about the new Norco sight?
Haven't ridden it! Working on getting some high pivots in soon tho!
I've thought that SL was the way forward from the beginning! Either you have a emoto for moto trails or as-light-and-strong-as-you-can-before-it-gets-too-expensive eMTB. Maybe we just need another evolution in battery tech before these (and emotos) really take off. I'll keep renting eMTBs every once and a while rather than sink $$$$$ into something that might be unfixable in just a few years.
You totally understand it! Bicycles- whether e or analog- are almost always most fun on the descent. Full fat eMTBs are way less fun on the descents, so kind of defeat the whole "fun" part of mountain biking. SL eMTBs handle so much better on the downs- and on traditional MTB trails, they have more than enough power. e-motos are a whole different thing.
It's called the solid state battery.. They are here but I wouldn't expect them in any emtbs for at least 3 years..
Review Neko’s enduroframeworks bike
zomg kittens 😍
They might just need their own UA-cam channel
Smarties and skittles kinda melt, I always go for the sour patches worst case scenario it will become a eatable blob! Nom
LOL good point! I get the Motts fruit gummies for my kiddo.
Jelly babies for me.
Day 735 of asking for a Trek Fuel EX gen 6 review 🥲
Rides like a fuel ex with light assist. There you go.
Hahaha maybe one day I'll get to try one!
Epic
Cheers!
First
Thanks Fearless!
Try out a Transition Relay PNW! Lightish, rowdy AF...
I need to! I believe you me, it's on the list! So many bikes, such little time!
I love mine! After my experience with Norco and their bad service and crap warranty, I'll stick with Transition. Good bikes. Good people. Good service.
I live in Bellingham and know the guys at Transition and sooooo wanted to buy a Relay PNW but after demoing it for the day I could not buy it. Sad but it was only fun to go down steep strait lines. High speed corners like Unemployment line and Blue Ribbon were scary. The battery was gone after 14.2 miles and 1800 of vert. I rode the Kenevo SL my friend has with same coil shock and set up as PNW and riding the same rout same power settings and ended with 37% battery left the cornering was way better as well. Plus you can get range extenders to go farther. I am 6'4" 240 aggressive rider. If you are a light rider the Relay might be for you but not for big heavy guys the extra juice in the motor just sucks more battery and you only need that going up supper steep parts like pipeline trail or the wall. Yes I had that on my demo rout as well as Atomic dog and Evolution, Mullet and Bob's. I bought the Kenevo SL and only wish for one change a longer dropper post! Now that the Rise LT is out that might be my next bike. I used to ride my Ripmo but not since I got my light ebike. Why get an ebike that only can ride the same distance I can do on my regular bike?