I’m going to be 78 this years bought a Trek Rail 9.7 3 years a go and I’m loving every minute. I’ve been mountain biking for 40 years all on mtb bikes, it was fun but the last 3 years have been a blast putting on nearly 8000 kms nearly all on real technical up and down trails and rocky to boot. I ride everyday for 4 months ( our riding season). Can’t wait to get started once more😁😁😁😁
Good on ya., I'm 65 and been riding for 40 yrs and only got an ebike last year but still ride analogue love both still and love the feeling I get from long days out and just bashing around..looking at the Mondraker Neat this year to give myself the best of both worlds in one bike. Great to think I can still be riding on my 70s Arthur
What a motivating post. I thought I was an older MTB’er I hope when I’m 78 I am still riding. One thing I’ve noticed is that EMTB’s get so many more people into the sport that would or could ever dream of it. I was 336lbs a year ago and my dad passed away a year ago from diabetes and a sedentary life. He was 77. Even though I had my EMTB for a year I might have put 100miles on it. After my dad died I decided I wasn’t going to live like that so after a year of 16 mile rides everyday and eating keto I lost 80 lbs. the only way I could do it was with my turbo Levo. Now it has over 2500 miles on it.
I’m 98 and I too have been shredding trails on an e-MTB … I used to only do green and blue trails, now I fling myself down black double diamond trails and fly off huge drops!
I've only ever had analogue bikes.. I raced BMX in the 80s before jumping onto the mountain bike craze that swept the land.. so 'just leg' power is all I've ever really known... but then last month, I had a full day on an Ebike.. and I've never had so much fun on something with two wheels that isnt motor/fuel driven EVER!! I'm now in the process of buying one. 😂 I'm utterly hooked.
My story is exactly the same. About to turn 52. Bought an Ibis Oso in December. Haven’t been on my Bronson since. I highly recommend trying the Oso if you can. It is an amazing jumping and turning bike. Of course it’s also good at smashing. I can’t figure the bike out- it’s a full power 53 lb emtb with a 1300 mm wheelbase (size large) that is as playful as my Bronson. Just throw all expectations out the window and demo one if you can. 🤙
@dadventuretv2538 Thanks for the info. The Ibis was on my radar (I wanted a bosch motor), but sadly my nearest dealer is a 3-hour drive away.. so I decided on a Mondraker xr (after riding one) and thankfully the dealers 20mins away. So hopefully it's the right choice. 🤞 I can't wait to get it👍
@@dirtyoffroader2093 Oooh. I've always read Mondraker as Moon-Raker - i.e. it'll let you jump so high that you'll be able to rake the moon 😂 Hope you'll have fun with yours!
I'm 63 and always been into 2 wheels. For many years I did a lot of trail riding on motor bikes. The enjoyment or rather the challenge was ascending technical climbs. Directly the oposite to mtb's which I have also done for many years where the downhills is the win. My emtb allows me not only to enjoy both the up & down but allows me to access tracks and trails that were closed to motorbikes.. Emtb is win/win for me so sold my trail motorbike a few years ago due to lack of use and would be hard pressed to go back
Steve, good on you mate! I'm 64 and have been riding full sus emtbs since 2016. I absolutely love it. Came from the off-road MC world but gave all that up after discovering emtbs. I like the quiet, much less conflict with other trail users, more cardio workout, and the same thrill with maybe less risk especially on the tighter singletrack trails.
I’m 43 healthy and only ride eMTBs. I feel like I get way more out of mountain biking with an eMTB. I’m glad to hear eMTBs are not only for older riders 😅
@@stevePDx I started on a YT decoy (a full power). Two years later I bought a Kenevo SL (light weight/mid power) but kept my decoy. I now ride 70-80% of the time my SL and 20-30% of the time my full power decoy. I prefer the way the lighter bikes handle and jump. Climbing is not that different with less power but the pace is slower than on a full power bike. Hitting the 20mph limiter is also a non issue on my SL. You can easily push past that limit and not feel any drag. That becomes very obvious on flatter trails. My decoy is great for when I’m more tired and want to climb faster. Also fun for just doing a ton of laps on a shorter time frame. My decoy jumps fine but it takes a little extra effort to clear some jumps. On flatter trails and jumps the 20mph limiter sucks. You feel the bike drag past that speed. That is a common problem with full power/heavier bikes. I know it’s not an option for most people but I love having access to both styles of bikes. I do prefer the lighter ones because they handle more like just a bike. Picking between both would depend on your circumstances. Who do you ride with? How much priority do you want to give to the quality of the ride (bike handling). I think the newer 50-60nm motors are starting to create the perfect blend of both worlds. I loved riding full power bikes for a while but now I appreciate more the lighter weight bikes on steep descends, jumps and berms. I pick quality of ride over the convenience of a full power bike. One more thing to consider is that running out of battery on a lightweight bike is not a big deal. You do not want to run out of battery on a heavy bike.
@@emtbhookes dude thank you so much for the detailed answer. You have convinced me on the e-lite bikes. I would definitely prefer a better handling bike over the power if there's no significant advantage on climbing. It's great that you have both bikes to compare and that you've noticed the handling difference. Almost all the UA-cam videos lean more on to full fats, saying the handling difference isn't that noticeable. I've only ridden hardtail MTBs in the past, now I'm eyeing out the Trek Fuel-Exe. Thanks for the info man!!
@@stevePDx I hope it works out for you. I know many people pick a full power to able to “keep up” with their buddies on full power bikes. That can be a concern if all your fiends ride them. I ride my mid power bike with a friend that also has a mid power bike and we have a blast. I also ride my mid power with friends on full power bikes and I can keep up if they ride on trail mode and normal pace while climbing. If they ride their full power bikes mostly on boost mode then yes they will leave me behind. That is of course on steep climbs. On flatter trails and descends I can keep up with them no problem. I think you will like either. I prefer less power and less weight which means bike like handeling. I think mid power bikes are the best of both worlds. Best of full power bikes and best of non assisted bikes. Good luck!
@@walestrails9603but that’s the fault of ignorant riders not e-bikes. Don’t group all e-bikers in this category. It like saying all roadies are rude, don’t say hello, pass me when I’m walking my dogs within 6 inches, think they own the road, etc when in reality it’s only 99.99999999% of them.
My wife and I have been trying to guess Steve’s age for quite a while, I win. I will be 57 in March. I have a bad back and had a small stroke in 2018 which the worst part of it was my right side is always numb and a little weaker than my left side. I’m very fortunate it wasn’t worse but I bought a Turbo Levo alloy for my retirement and have 2500 miles on it in 1 1/2 yrs. I have a Trek hard tail but it hasn’t been ridden in 1 1/2 yrs. EMTB’s have made it possible for me to get exercise and enjoy that exercise at the same time. I rarely go out of eco mode so it gives just enough help without taking away from the exercise part of it. Really enjoy what you do Steve. Keep it up
Don't know the circumstances of your stroke, and glad you are good now, but those 2500 miles on the E-Bike and the exercise you got from doing them surely have put you millions of miles away from another one. Here's to many more hundreds of thousands of miles!
57 when I got my eMTB. Never looked back. Like Steve, I’ve pedalled off road more than any other form of riding. Steel framed, steel wheeled bikes with 26 x1 3/8” tyres then cyclocross and fully rigid MTBs with ridiculously narrow bars. All sorts of hardtails & full sussers followed. My weekends used to be ride all day Saturday, ride all day Sunday. As I hit my fifties I wasn’t quite getting to the top of the hill with full composure. No one could accuse me of being unfit for my age but something beyond my control was changing. My recovery rate was dwindling. I needed more time before being ready to ride downhill. Uphill made me feel ill if I went too quickly, which was slower than my patience could handle. I was so buggered after riding Saturday that Sunday was off. The eMTB has been a great aid in taking the edge off the effort so I’m inside my operating envelope. Bloody brilliant, thoroughly enjoyable and uphill “trials style” up stream beds or rocky sections has become a big part of the game. I can keep as fit as I can without exceeding my recovery capacity. Brilliant. The only downside is that they are bloody heavy to lift over gates😂
58 years old and have both emtb and analogue bike (only for bike parks) and love both for their intended purpose. great smileage out of both. Will always have both.
Cracking video Steve. The point about the uphill technical bits, and the go anywhere 10/10 days out are spot on . EMTBs are just an adventurer's paradise.
That was quite funny. The difficulty of climbing is why my missus doesn't do it any more. I quite like the challenge, but it is insanely hard work. I'm still on acoustic bikes, but I'm the same age as Steve so I'm seriously considering an eMTB. But they are huge in comparison to my 90s bike - I'll need a new bike rack (as well as spending an awful lot of money). I did rent one once and it was good fun.
Great video Steve ! I have an eMTB and MTB, love both of them to bits and have multiple use cases for these besides the sports/fitness aspect. As I'm also into landscape photography both bikes are a great mean of independent transportation to/from photo locations. By bike or a combo of bike n hike, I can reach the locations of my desire in lesser time instead of a lengthy hike there for either early morning sunrise shots and/or stay even late beyond sunset, i.e. blue hour. My bikes give me the peace of mind/freedom not having to bother of how and when to get back home or back to my accommodation. With my bikes I can combine wonderfully my passion for biking, hiking and photography. Cheers from Bavaria
Mate, there is no place in our sport for hate. I love and admire all those who show skill and dedication doing stuff I could only dream about. I've MTBd for over forty years and I can honestly say I'm still learning.
I ride with a very fit friend who is on a MTB, I use a EMTB I have Lupus so for me to be able to keep up with my EMTB even though I've been ill the night before is absolutely the best thing ever for me.
This video has made me feel better about my recent purchase, a YT Decoy. (won't arrive till some time in April) I myself am 54 and have been on two wheels since I can remember and I feel the same way about the climbs, I just don't enjoy them and they do tend to sometimes ruin the fun. I'm hoping that more trails here in Colorado and the Moab area will start embracing the class 1 e-mtbs. It sort of feels the same way as back in the day when snowboards weren't allowed on the slopes.
Emtb = no problem climbing! Riding a bike "in anger" made me laugh, I have never considered that concept, I have trouble being angry whilst grinning... Love your channel
Being 50, riding mtb for the last 38, and couldn't agree more with you, Steve. When fitted (aka: riding over 12Kkm/year), never wonder to adquire an eMTB. Due to family, my fitness dropped, and eMTB I could encounter again, the joy of some hard miles over the weekend. One thing that eMTB permited, was the discovery of new trails, and blazzing into the outdoors, without worrying too much, if I was on the right trail/direction/whatever. A feeling, that only my MOTO would allow, but without any noise and better still, doing some exercise! Also, being a lot lighter then a MOTO, I adventure alone, without any fear of being strandled. For me, eMTB is more than shuttling uphill. It's more than easying the ride. It's discovery and adventure, with a lot of fun (uphill, downhill or even on the flats - love to drift on the mud while pedaling). Discovery is now the new game, and has refreshed my riding! The only downside, is really the price, battery recharge time (not like a gas MOTO! Where you stop for coffee and top out... 😞), and the reability of the system with all quircks and fails of the system!
I’m 59, since getting a Trek Rail 4 years ago I haven’t missed the slow climbs at all! I still have a Trek Slash but only use that for uplift/downhill days, I also have a motorbike, but for me if I’m on 2 wheels I’m having fun!
Only because of finding your channel I bought an e-bike as in my late 60s (68) I don’t have the fitness to climb with out a heart problem ,now with my e-bike I can climb hills get in a great workout routine with out killing my self and really enjoy the outside life with out panicking about being able to get home !! Brilliant channel and please keep it up thx
I started mountain biking and racing in 1988 I’m a bit older in my 60s but my first EMTB going on two years it’s a blast love the speed I’m right there with you like that challenge of those gnarly, climbs and of course they descend excellent. When I go back to my naturally aspirated bicycle the challenge of going slow is a little monotonous I like the speed I’m a speed freak. Happy trails everybody.❤
Me beeing 56 yrs old can absolutely sign every aspect of this video. EMTB brought me back to riding after 15+ years. I live in a very hilly countryside and cannot even imagine to do all the climbs without a motor. But as you I prefer to ride the whole enchilada with its climbs and descents and not make sitting in a lift or shuttle part of my ride. When i think of it it (again) sounds like the cliché EMTB is for us old boys whilst the young guns ride regular MTB ... in a bike park ... spending half of the time shuttling up instead of riding ;-)
Getting an analog mt bike up a really steep gnarly climb, as shown, is just brutal. Really strong riders can pull it off but even at that its a slow travail. The Spectral CF8 makes the climbs part of the fun, and it can run in boost for 4 hours. Same as Steve I have some on/off road motorcycles, some nice road bicycles, an analog Mt bike, and a good EMTB. And a gravel bike. All are fun. Rain has closed local trails so Im on roadbike. I gotta say the EMTB has sucked me back in to trail riding big time, so much fun. The roadbiking involves so much going straight and flat, and staring at the wheel right ahead. A lot of repetition.
Steve, love your comments and observations and share the same passion for two wheeled things. Different sides of the pond, but true experience and sentiment is spot on. Keep the great content coming!
Cheers Steve. I don't normally watch the EMTB stuff (I can't relate, yet). But I'm glad UA-cam presented this video to me. Loved your honesty and supplying an emtb education. Helping me see the the "why" to emtb. ❤
Emtb is like having a fast pass ticket for rides at a theme park. Instead of waiting in line for hours to get on a rollercoaster, you just skip the crowds and repeat all day long. Been riding mtb for 14 years. Went to emtb 4 years ago and never looked back. I never rode my emtb to get fit. That's what my analog road bike is for. I love how mtb tech constantly evolves and the introduction of motor assist is a game changer for all levels of riders.
Same age as Steve but once in a while I still ride my acoustic bike just for the sake of challenging up the hills. Fully converted to emtb a few years back and love racing it as well. I like this vid👍
I'm 67 and have been riding in earnest for about 2 years. Currently have two bikes for mountain riding: a Pivot Switchblade and a YT Decoy 29. I ride the Decoy far more than the Switchblade. I love both bikes. I use the Switchblade when there is a lift service and when I feel up to it. The Decoy gets much more ride time. If I decide to bomb some downhill trail, the Decoy will bring me right back up. With the Switchblade, I have to decide if I will have enough energy to make that same climb. The Decoy is just more freedom and longer rides.
Before I even watch this , I’m going to say you don’t need any reason why you’ve not ridden an mtb in 6 yrs because for me Steve , you’ve earned the right to ride an emtb . At 49 I’m about to make the transition, simply because I reckon I’m at an age to get me up the hill and still have some fuel in the tank for the downs , I’ve struggled the last few months and hating the climbs , for me an emtb is going to keep me riding
I have my MTB washed, lubed and tuned! Yet when I go into the shed I always pick the EMTB and say “tomorrow” on the MTB. Well tomorrow never seems to come 🤷🏻♂️ Perhaps If I ride with someone on a MTB it will be chosen, or would it? 🤔 🤔 🤔
I'm 36 and consider myself relatively fit, but EMTB is a godsend for me. I still get just as tired on an EMTB because the effort is still the same, yet I'm going so much faster!! And, I prefer the extra weight.😄
Steve, I'm 54 and earned my stripes on my mtb over many years. Moved over to emtb about 5 years ago, and now out nearly every weekend on the emtb, it opens up so much more for a fun day out and I never have to decide between trails, just do them all. But, that being said, given the chance of an uplift, I would choose my mtb every day, especially in FL. Handles so much better. Either way, if you're having fun, carry on 👍
100% agree with everything you said. I'm 46, riding bikes since I was 4. Raced Enduro for a couple years until a bad accident. I recently bought my first E-MTB and absolutely love how much riding I can do on it. I even enjoy the climbing now. I ride more. Being only 65kg, it was always hard to maintain momentum and line, but with the additional weight of the E-MTB, I can carry momentum and line through the rough stuff so much better now. I'm now looking at my 4 x MTBs in the shed and wondering how much will I ever ride them now.
I'm with Steve on the emtb bike it makes climbing a lot more fun, plus we're around the same age. We don't want to put in all the hard work anymore and the embt makes mountain biking a hole lot more fun going up and down hills all day long 😊❤
Ride Emtb on Sundays with my mate I’ve been riding with for last 15 years. We have a great time. Still ride hard and knackered at the end. Took my analogue Hardtail out this afternoon and it was much harder work. Possibly tired legs from yesterday, but that motor is addictive. What convinced me was spending 45 minutes climbing from the car park to the top of Penhydd in Afan and 2 guys breezed up and said they can do Penhydd and Y Wal in an evening. I’ve done both of those on the same day but was a lot younger and fitter and those days are well gone.
Appreciate you sharing your true feelings on the subject. I have been riding both e-mtb and light weight trail bikes about 50/50 the past 2 years on my Levo and Santa Cruz Blur TR. At first I felt some struggle switching between them, trying to decide which experience I liked better. Then it clicked that they are not mutually exclusive and I can enjoy both and do need to take a position on "which is better". In fact when I'm deep into improving my fitness on my pedal bike I see the Levo as a tremendous training tool to contol my effort much more precisely than I can on a non e-mtb. I'll add that I am not interested in mid-powered e-mtbs and enjoy my full powered 53 pounder because it offers a broader range of new experiences.
Thanks for your perspective on why emtbs are awesome👍🏿 Also, I still ride my Megatower when out with my friends. That's because they don't have embts yet.
I am turning 51 and bought a Trek Fuel Exe...for the last 12 rides i haven’t ridden my Santa Cruz Tallboy CC. Being busy with work and family I get to ride more often and go further in the 90mins available to me.i do a 25km 750m elevation and get to the trail in 15mins...outif our riding group of 4..we now have 2 on ebikes and we ride more than our mtb mates who are still thinking about making the change.if you struggle with time to ride then bike's are perfect to gwt you out more often.
Sales of EMTB speak for themselves in regards of how much fun you can have out in the wild, on trails, in parks and woods and mountains, at any age. But where they really make a difference is how they can make the fun of riding off road last so much longer when the years start gaining on us. Great video Steve.
Before I bought my first eMTB, i thought it was only about the easier climbing then bombing down the DH trails. I've since learned there is so much more to the eMTB experience. The tech climbing is mind blowing and a whole different challenge. The downhills are crazy faster due to the added weight. Doing flat single track trails makes them so much more exciting due to the added speed. The added weight makes the bike so much more planted and stable. --- There is also a benefit to riding a manual MTB over a eMTB. Manual MTBs are much more playful and easier to throw around. They are similar but different. I am very glad I added a eMTB to my quiver but will not be riding eMTBs exclusively any time soon.
I love to watch EMBN with Stevie at the Mic! I really enjoy his skills, comments and attitude.....I started riding/ racing XC in the mid 80's so I can appreciate Steve's attitude! I'm 72 and just got reacquainted with Mt Bikes after a 20 year absence....The one I got has Batteries! Steve was this done in the Summer? The trails look awfully dry and dusty.. Late January? Looks like Mid July! Thanks for another great issue of EMBN!!!
Aged 64, I was MTBing on my Orange sub5 with Aussie's in their 20's outside Brisbane on great tracks. But the uphills were killing me. Grabbed a train into town and bought a Merida e160 500SE. Changed everything. Started enjoying going up as well as down, and because I wasn't so knackered, I rode the down's better, faster.
I’m 57 and been riding two wheelers for 54 years. Yes it’s also a long time Steve. So I can relate. I’ve never progressed to your level of superb expertise but I can manage ok. I have not taken the plunge to try emtb and still grind up the climbs very slowly these days. Maintaining fitness is getting harder and harder. I think what’s holding me back on buying an emtb is the vast choice and huge price tags. It’s an investment and not sure how long one will really last.
i think you should include the mtb every now and again into your ride maybe a few times a year. i did the same thing and rode rigids, hardtails, and now full sus, to e bikes now and i did not want to get 100% use to/reliant on an emtb so once a month or more i pull out my hardtails and go for a ride on the paved trails or fire roads and it feels great because i feel way more stronger and feel healthier after riding ebikes for about 3 years now, because i now fly up certain hills now on the same hardtail where i use to huff and puff to struggle up the climb.
73 year old in mountainous Arizona. Went emtb one month ago to get my heart rates down. It has worked splendidly and I’m riding farther but about the same duration. Climbing has become fun instead of tedious and unhealthy.
Bought my first e mtb in December after having enduro bikes! Techie uphills are nearly as much fun as flying downhill. And the bike handles better than any other bike I’ve owned.
No way I'm getting back on one, I get my bus pass in 3 months! E Bike all the way, as Rob Warner said, "The best invention since Mountain Bikes" Plus, I always hated climbing!
I was badly injured a few years ago, coupled with previous injuries mtb etc, I really struggled on my mtb when I returned to it. So much so, I didn't enjoy it. I got a emtb after trying one out and really enjoyed it. The assistance helped alot but also I managed to get alot more riding in on the same time as my mtb
Couldn't agree with you more Steve, eMTB was a turning point for getting back on the bike, enjoying it as much as possible and trying to get fit. So, I feel blessed to have the ability to grab my Cannondale with Shimano EP8 normally in Eco mode, enjoy nature and find motivation to get off the couch.
Couldn't agree more Steve and with the comments here. Now 73 have been using an e-bike for about 5 years. The combination of being the oldest in our group with an iffy knee finally persueded me. I've just had the time of my life the last few years staying with my younger mates on our rides, my only worry now is as they get older and eventually into emtb's, it will make it harder for me again, interesting. Bigger motor I guess!
Great video Steve. I totally agree that an emtb turns a technical climb into something really enjoyable... its a bit like the satisfaction of completing a trials line. Also an emtb is a far better tool to take you on an adventure, giving you the extended range to explore, and to not fear "wasting" the elevation you already gained.
Nice to see you on an acoustic MTB again. 👍I also wonder from time to time whether I would still like a regular MTB, but every time I pick up my E-MTB I know that this is no longer for me. I even doubt whether I would still be mountainbiking if there were no E-MTBs.
I am only 42 and have been riding emtbs for the last few years, I kept my "analog" bikes but am finding that I no longer ride them. I have taken them out only on some mellow rides with the kids. I bought a cheap Chinese hub drive jobby as my first ebike, understood quickly how bad it was but I was hooked on the uphill side of things, done some research and got myself a Turbo Levo HardTail that I loved so much but felt I wanted a full sus so I bought another one, A Full Sus after a few years that I customised for my riding. My advice to anyone who would like to get an ebike would be- rent one and see what you like/dislike about it as I went through 2 bikes to find my "sweet spot" bike. It is quite expensive to buy one and realise that it does not suit your riding.
Riding MTB since 1986, I'm 65 and left my analog rig hanging from the rafters since buying an e2 trance. Sure, I don't get that rigormortis feeling after a long ride, but now I can actually get stuff done afterwards. No plans to go back. Selling Jeffsy.
Brilliant video Steve! I myself have been off an mtb for long time it was just the past few months watching these videos it's gave me some Motivation back to want to get another bike so was looking at them all for few months till saved the pennies but really right at the last minute I stopped and thought " will i manage a non emtb now"? Definitely not! Plus the points you hit on are spot on to but I'm trying to loose the weight and I'd get absolutely nowhere on a non emtb! As much as love them Aswell I'm near 40 unfit now and need to watch the old heart aswell now! Not as young as my DH days I went and bought a cube stereo 160 embt action team for a first ebike and new geometry and wheel size its all new! But point is I nearly made a massive mistake and I know as soon as I got a new mtb I'd be kicking myself why I didn't go for the emtb! Especially with the price drops just now just makes more sence to me but everyone's different smaller motors will take over mtb soon I think and normal mtbs will be built for special orders as will be no call for them in future with the new generation growing up and want a smart bike not a dumb bike
I have a medical condition where I have to get back home fast from time to time.. and on my normal bike I just couldn't risk being stuck on a climb so I just stopped riding all together. With my EMTB now I have way more confidence because I can just put it into turbo and be home in a few minutes.. and on the plus side riding up now is actually fun
I'm 35 and love my MTB. I've only been biking for just over a year and i love the challenge of the climbs and the rewards of the descent. For me eMTB would be too restrictive because they are too heavy to lift over multiple styles on a ride
Bought my first e-bike 6 months ago a trek fuel exe I absolutely love it I ride more (power hours from the house) it really takes the sting out of the climbs but feels playful and nimble of the descents I still have a hardtail which I do ride from time to time and my fitness has not dropped so it’s a win win, e-bikes all the way 👏 they are the future of the sport 😃
I’m a reasonably fit mountain biker with a running problem (mainly do trail ultras). I love downhilling and used to hate the climbs up fire roads, I regret turning my nose up at ebiking- it’s revamped my riding so I enjoy all trails again.
I rode raced mountain and road bikes from 35-55. Then I had a back injury (playing American football) and now I’m healthy and 65. I have been riding an analog road bike but I just bought trek fuel EXe and I can now ride with my son. It’s not a full e bike but it gets me back out on the trails
I bought my first 2 emtb because of this channel husqvarna and santa cruz but with all the motor and battery issues I got a regular mtb and like it much more than the heavy battery and clunky motors.
LOL thanks! Here is my story. My vacation started and I drove with my car about 500 km to a place where there are good mountain bike trails. The idea was to ride and enjoy the best days ever. Well, on the first bigger hill, I thought that there was no idea in this after all. Firstly, drive a long way so that you can finally walk with the bike. In that moment - I decided to buy an eMTB and I haven't regretted it a day. I don't have to walk and I can really enjoy riding. I still get better workouts because I don't have to walk. Of course, I still ride a normal MTB, but I'm no longer such an idiot that I'd ruin my vacation by walking :-)
More fun. More distance. More time on the trails (wait until 3 mins before you have to leave and then put it in turbo and zip home or back to vehicle). More crazy climbs. Improve skills quicker because of more reps each ride. Safer because not fatigued. Can get in a ride when the time you have wouldn’t make it worth while on a mtb. Can go to work or be with family after without being wiped out. Can ride trails you normally need to shuttle when your buddies can’t join you. Better upper body workout. Can ride a killer enduro rig everywhere because motor makes up for all the parts that make it suck on the non downhill parts. Zero boring, sucky parts of your ride.
I use a NP Giga for Up lift days and my Marin E2 for local riding for the laps I can do.. Totally get all that Steve said. When I get to his age (47 now) I'll be doing exactly the same... all ebike!
It amazing Steve tells us how old he is and most of the comments include ages The good ol Silver Surfers😊 It's ok I'm one of you guys I've been riding since the early 60's 😮
Enjoy riding mtb or emtb because we are all on a life adventure and it we be different for us all. Thank God that I can still do this after bilateral knee replacement and well on to my later years 🙏
I guess that's why the bike industry is putting its shoulder into light weight ebikes now. Superb content guys and very on point. Having ridden MTB's since the late 80's for me this is now the best revolution the off road cycling sector has gone through however purely being down to my age, almost 62, it saddens me that trail centres are slowly becoming a dusty relic from a bygone era. Uplifts and bike parks are now a thing with younger generations never having experienced real mountain riding as a result the bikes develop around that. Give me the challenge of technical climbs Toni Bou would enjoy followed by a decent that flows with tech in and me and my full fat eeeb are extremely at home. One thing I will say is my fitness is no where near what it was prior to riding an Ebike ( 2018 )
Bet you nearly threw it at the ceiling when you went to lift it up...🤣 I have both analog & emtbs. I strictly stayed off the E while training for a analog endurance race & when i got back on the E it was so fast everywhere, up / down BUT not sideways. Ebike riders need to agree it does allow us to give-up on that intense climb effort sometimes. Also ebikes can allow FUN 'recovery' rides.
I've been riding emtb for 6 years now in the US. I've been the blunt of dirty looks, whispering bad comments, ect. I stood my ground and kept doing it. It's a lot more acceptable now, but still a lot of places they don't allow emtb's. That is the only reason I have my specialized enduro instead of a kenevo sl or a transition relay. Even if I take the batteries out, they won't allow at uplift parks and even Pedal up trails in places.
Some people moan about EMTBs, some people moan about hatrdtails, some people moan about flat pedals, some people moan about clipless pedals... who could have guessed that different people like different things 😁
When I saw the thumbnail for this video, I figured… finally, a Jonesy bit without the “Uphill Power-Wheelie Switchback Turn”. Well…12:06 just proved me wrong. 😂
The key point in mtb is the same as life acceptance. Accept that we are all different and just enjoy what you like and don't hate other people's differences to you.
I am 48 yrs old and just switched to electric motorcycles. As I don't like lying to myself or others that I can make it to the top of a hill without electric motor. Just honest and now ride straight motor uphills.. But have my analog for flat single track with small hills.
I watched this video yesterday and went for a mtb ride this morning. Like Steve, i was making a list: without motor, it's very quite and you can listen to the nature, pleasure to reach the top of the climb and thinking i'm still fit at my age, controlling the bike going down rather than being a "passenger" . Still think eMTB is a motorised sport rather than a cycling sport. I know you still have to pedal, don't shoot me .
I'd raced BMX nationally back in the early 80's then had a Carrera Quatro Comp MTB in the late 80s, my first MTB. In the early 90s I grabbed a cherry red GT Avalanche...and then I got mixed up with the hedonistic, debauched times of the 1990s and spent more time in Ibiza and travelling than on a bike. About 2000 I jumped back on a bike after being given a SCOTT hardtail to "Do up", I spent about 3 years on it and then for some reason I just stopped riding. Skip forward 20 years and in a fit of mid life crisis I decided to ride again and blew the budget on an Intense Primer last June, go big or go home I suppose, I ride it twice a week and I still haven't a clue what I'm doing, everything had changed. I'd never ridden a full suspension before so that was a new thing, never ridden on a bike with such geometry so I had to change my riding style, for the first few months I felt like selling the bike as it was so different to what I had been used to and I was finding it hard to adapt to, but luckily I stuck with it, 8 months later and I'm back to throwing the bike around trails, I still haven't a clue what I'm doing half the time, it's a bit of trial and error and the odd face plant with me and being on the wrong side of 50, I realise at some point that the mind is willing but the body isn't and I'll have to start to slow down...But at the moment, not a chance, even if I haven't a bloody clue what I'm doing most of times.
Just sold my emtb after two years, I loved and will miss the climbing, esp. tech or really steep stuff. But, I missed having a nimble enduro bike too much for descending and general farting around. When full power enduro (160/170) emtbs under 20kgs are affordable one day, I'll be back. Until then, pops and manuals. But, can't go 'wrong' either way though really.
I'm 66 and I have been riding since 54. I started on Urban flat bar, then Aldi road bike (7.4kg carbon fork). At 56 I thought I'd try MTB, so I brought and Aldi 29er Pro (Polygon hardtail), why spend more that A$350 on something I may not like. Well that didn't end well did it. I still have the bike up at our holiday house to ride up there. How did it not end well you may be thinking. I meant that after 3 years I brought a Norco Optic C9.2 one year later I brought a secondhand (18months old) Trek Powerfly FS7 for my wife . I borrow the EMTB when riding with the the younger 50 something's and my Norco when I'm riding with the 60+. I'll ride my Norco when my wife rides or if I'm doing a solo 20-30km XC ride. Other wise for 30-50km XC or rides in between with a lot of up and down. Riding here is an all year thing. I did need to edit this. The climbs I do are nothing like Europe or any other alpine areas infact they are flat in comparison. Highest would be maybe 500m from a base of 80-100m. The ups and downs are steep gradients but only 10-40m in short durations and maybe 150m over 1-2km. So yes flat but it gets my lungs, legs and heart working. All bush XC, I don't find manicured bike park trails and big air are not my thing.
I’m going to be 78 this years bought a Trek Rail 9.7 3 years a go and I’m loving every minute. I’ve been mountain biking for 40 years all on mtb bikes, it was fun but the last 3 years have been a blast putting on nearly 8000 kms nearly all on real technical up and down trails and rocky to boot. I ride everyday for 4 months ( our riding season). Can’t wait to get started once more😁😁😁😁
Good on ya., I'm 65 and been riding for 40 yrs and only got an ebike last year but still ride analogue love both still and love the feeling I get from long days out and just bashing around..looking at the Mondraker Neat this year to give myself the best of both worlds in one bike. Great to think I can still be riding on my 70s
Arthur
What a motivating post. I thought I was an older MTB’er I hope when I’m 78 I am still riding. One thing I’ve noticed is that EMTB’s get so many more people into the sport that would or could ever dream of it. I was 336lbs a year ago and my dad passed away a year ago from diabetes and a sedentary life. He was 77. Even though I had my EMTB for a year I might have put 100miles on it. After my dad died I decided I wasn’t going to live like that so after a year of 16 mile rides everyday and eating keto I lost 80 lbs. the only way I could do it was with my turbo Levo. Now it has over 2500 miles on it.
I’m 98 and I too have been shredding trails on an e-MTB … I used to only do green and blue trails, now I fling myself down black double diamond trails and fly off huge drops!
@@zacharypump5910 wow that’s awesome
Yes boys and girls! E-MTB it is at 67 🎉 Loving it 😊
I've only ever had analogue bikes.. I raced BMX in the 80s before jumping onto the mountain bike craze that swept the land.. so 'just leg' power is all I've ever really known... but then last month, I had a full day on an Ebike.. and I've never had so much fun on something with two wheels that isnt motor/fuel driven EVER!! I'm now in the process of buying one. 😂 I'm utterly hooked.
My story is exactly the same. About to turn 52. Bought an Ibis Oso in December. Haven’t been on my Bronson since. I highly recommend trying the Oso if you can. It is an amazing jumping and turning bike. Of course it’s also good at smashing. I can’t figure the bike out- it’s a full power 53 lb emtb with a 1300 mm wheelbase (size large) that is as playful as my Bronson. Just throw all expectations out the window and demo one if you can. 🤙
@dadventuretv2538 Thanks for the info. The Ibis was on my radar (I wanted a bosch motor), but sadly my nearest dealer is a 3-hour drive away.. so I decided on a Mondraker xr (after riding one) and thankfully the dealers 20mins away. So hopefully it's the right choice. 🤞 I can't wait to get it👍
It only takes once! Lol
@@dirtyoffroader2093 Oooh. I've always read Mondraker as Moon-Raker - i.e. it'll let you jump so high that you'll be able to rake the moon 😂 Hope you'll have fun with yours!
Prejudice is usually blind
I used to hate climbing, now I love it especially when there's a rocky or very steep challenge. Roll on emtbs
Mtb = fun down EMTB fun up and down 👍
At 54, I have rediscovered the joy of trail riding when electrification got me back on 2-wheels after 25+ years of knee pain! You're my hero!
I'm 63 and always been into 2 wheels. For many years I did a lot of trail riding on motor bikes. The enjoyment or rather the challenge was ascending technical climbs. Directly the oposite to mtb's which I have also done for many years where the downhills is the win. My emtb allows me not only to enjoy both the up & down but allows me to access tracks and trails that were closed to motorbikes.. Emtb is win/win for me so sold my trail motorbike a few years ago due to lack of use and would be hard pressed to go back
Steve, good on you mate! I'm 64 and have been riding full sus emtbs since 2016. I absolutely love it. Came from the off-road MC world but gave all that up after discovering emtbs. I like the quiet, much less conflict with other trail users, more cardio workout, and the same thrill with maybe less risk especially on the tighter singletrack trails.
I'm only 38, but love the power and speed, especially in wet, muddy winter months. And the climbs!
I’m 43 healthy and only ride eMTBs. I feel like I get way more out of mountain biking with an eMTB. I’m glad to hear eMTBs are not only for older riders 😅
Did you guys go for a full fat emtb or a e-lite mid assist? I'm trying to decide if I want the "best of both worlds" or go full emtb
@@stevePDx I started on a YT decoy (a full power). Two years later I bought a Kenevo SL (light weight/mid power) but kept my decoy. I now ride 70-80% of the time my SL and 20-30% of the time my full power decoy.
I prefer the way the lighter bikes handle and jump. Climbing is not that different with less power but the pace is slower than on a full power bike. Hitting the 20mph limiter is also a non issue on my SL. You can easily push past that limit and not feel any drag. That becomes very obvious on flatter trails.
My decoy is great for when I’m more tired and want to climb faster. Also fun for just doing a ton of laps on a shorter time frame. My decoy jumps fine but it takes a little extra effort to clear some jumps. On flatter trails and jumps the 20mph limiter sucks. You feel the bike drag past that speed. That is a common problem with full power/heavier bikes.
I know it’s not an option for most people but I love having access to both styles of bikes. I do prefer the lighter ones because they handle more like just a bike. Picking between both would depend on your circumstances. Who do you ride with? How much priority do you want to give to the quality of the ride (bike handling). I think the newer 50-60nm motors are starting to create the perfect blend of both worlds. I loved riding full power bikes for a while but now I appreciate more the lighter weight bikes on steep descends, jumps and berms. I pick quality of ride over the convenience of a full power bike. One more thing to consider is that running out of battery on a lightweight bike is not a big deal. You do not want to run out of battery on a heavy bike.
@@emtbhookes dude thank you so much for the detailed answer. You have convinced me on the e-lite bikes. I would definitely prefer a better handling bike over the power if there's no significant advantage on climbing. It's great that you have both bikes to compare and that you've noticed the handling difference. Almost all the UA-cam videos lean more on to full fats, saying the handling difference isn't that noticeable. I've only ridden hardtail MTBs in the past, now I'm eyeing out the Trek Fuel-Exe. Thanks for the info man!!
@@stevePDx I hope it works out for you. I know many people pick a full power to able to “keep up” with their buddies on full power bikes. That can be a concern if all your fiends ride them. I ride my mid power bike with a friend that also has a mid power bike and we have a blast. I also ride my mid power with friends on full power bikes and I can keep up if they ride on trail mode and normal pace while climbing. If they ride their full power bikes mostly on boost mode then yes they will leave me behind. That is of course on steep climbs. On flatter trails and descends I can keep up with them no problem. I think you will like either. I prefer less power and less weight which means bike like handeling. I think mid power bikes are the best of both worlds. Best of full power bikes and best of non assisted bikes. Good luck!
Bottom line Steve is that they allow you to enjoy the climbs and the descents in almost equal measures.
@@walestrails9603but that’s the fault of ignorant riders not e-bikes.
Don’t group all e-bikers in this category.
It like saying all roadies are rude, don’t say hello, pass me when I’m walking my dogs within 6 inches, think they own the road, etc when in reality it’s only 99.99999999% of them.
@@walestrails9603 bit of a daft statement, your saying climbs are only for analogue 🤦🏻♂️
@@walestrails9603that’s a shame. My group are definitely respectful of other riders.
@@walestrails9603 you don't have to be on an EMTB to plough past me on a climb
My wife and I have been trying to guess Steve’s age for quite a while, I win. I will be 57 in March. I have a bad back and had a small stroke in 2018 which the worst part of it was my right side is always numb and a little weaker than my left side. I’m very fortunate it wasn’t worse but I bought a Turbo Levo alloy for my retirement and have 2500 miles on it in 1 1/2 yrs. I have a Trek hard tail but it hasn’t been ridden in 1 1/2 yrs. EMTB’s have made it possible for me to get exercise and enjoy that exercise at the same time. I rarely go out of eco mode so it gives just enough help without taking away from the exercise part of it. Really enjoy what you do Steve. Keep it up
Don't know the circumstances of your stroke, and glad you are good now, but those 2500 miles on the E-Bike and the exercise you got from doing them surely have put you millions of miles away from another one. Here's to many more hundreds of thousands of miles!
@@exorder2005 thanks.
57 when I got my eMTB. Never looked back. Like Steve, I’ve pedalled off road more than any other form of riding. Steel framed, steel wheeled bikes with 26 x1 3/8” tyres then cyclocross and fully rigid MTBs with ridiculously narrow bars. All sorts of hardtails & full sussers followed. My weekends used to be ride all day Saturday, ride all day Sunday. As I hit my fifties I wasn’t quite getting to the top of the hill with full composure. No one could accuse me of being unfit for my age but something beyond my control was changing. My recovery rate was dwindling. I needed more time before being ready to ride downhill. Uphill made me feel ill if I went too quickly, which was slower than my patience could handle. I was so buggered after riding Saturday that Sunday was off. The eMTB has been a great aid in taking the edge off the effort so I’m inside my operating envelope. Bloody brilliant, thoroughly enjoyable and uphill “trials style” up stream beds or rocky sections has become a big part of the game. I can keep as fit as I can without exceeding my recovery capacity. Brilliant. The only downside is that they are bloody heavy to lift over gates😂
58 years old and have both emtb and analogue bike (only for bike parks) and love both for their intended purpose. great smileage out of both. Will always have both.
Cracking video Steve. The point about the uphill technical bits, and the go anywhere 10/10 days out are spot on . EMTBs are just an adventurer's paradise.
“This is just wrong “ 😂 almost blew coffee out my nose. Funny thing is I agree with your prospective between the two.
That was quite funny. The difficulty of climbing is why my missus doesn't do it any more. I quite like the challenge, but it is insanely hard work.
I'm still on acoustic bikes, but I'm the same age as Steve so I'm seriously considering an eMTB. But they are huge in comparison to my 90s bike - I'll need a new bike rack (as well as spending an awful lot of money). I did rent one once and it was good fun.
@@xxwookey acoustic = sound. emtbs have sound not mtbs. Makes no sense. emtb and mtb is better.
@@vashon100 It comes from guitars (and instruments in general): acoustic guitar is non-electric guitar.
Great video Steve ! I have an eMTB and MTB, love both of them to bits and have multiple use cases for these besides the sports/fitness aspect. As I'm also into landscape photography both bikes are a great mean of independent transportation to/from photo locations. By bike or a combo of bike n hike, I can reach the locations of my desire in lesser time instead of a lengthy hike there for either early morning sunrise shots and/or stay even late beyond sunset, i.e. blue hour. My bikes give me the peace of mind/freedom not having to bother of how and when to get back home or back to my accommodation. With my bikes I can combine wonderfully my passion for biking, hiking and photography. Cheers from Bavaria
Mate, there is no place in our sport for hate. I love and admire all those who show skill and dedication doing stuff I could only dream about. I've MTBd for over forty years and I can honestly say I'm still learning.
I ride with a very fit friend who is on a MTB, I use a EMTB I have Lupus so for me to be able to keep up with my EMTB even though I've been ill the night before is absolutely the best thing ever for me.
This video has made me feel better about my recent purchase, a YT Decoy. (won't arrive till some time in April) I myself am 54 and have been on two wheels since I can remember and I feel the same way about the climbs, I just don't enjoy them and they do tend to sometimes ruin the fun. I'm hoping that more trails here in Colorado and the Moab area will start embracing the class 1 e-mtbs. It sort of feels the same way as back in the day when snowboards weren't allowed on the slopes.
Emtb = no problem climbing! Riding a bike "in anger" made me laugh, I have never considered that concept, I have trouble being angry whilst grinning... Love your channel
I'm pleased Steve used the terms EMTB/MTB rather than resorting to 'analog'
or worse: acoustic (yuk!). Totally agree with you.
I’ve just upgraded to a 700wh for my Turbo Levo. What’s not to like?
Being 50, riding mtb for the last 38, and couldn't agree more with you, Steve.
When fitted (aka: riding over 12Kkm/year), never wonder to adquire an eMTB.
Due to family, my fitness dropped, and eMTB I could encounter again, the joy of some hard miles over the weekend.
One thing that eMTB permited, was the discovery of new trails, and blazzing into the outdoors, without worrying too much, if I was on the right trail/direction/whatever.
A feeling, that only my MOTO would allow, but without any noise and better still, doing some exercise!
Also, being a lot lighter then a MOTO, I adventure alone, without any fear of being strandled.
For me, eMTB is more than shuttling uphill. It's more than easying the ride.
It's discovery and adventure, with a lot of fun (uphill, downhill or even on the flats - love to drift on the mud while pedaling).
Discovery is now the new game, and has refreshed my riding!
The only downside, is really the price, battery recharge time (not like a gas MOTO! Where you stop for coffee and top out... 😞), and the reability of the system with all quircks and fails of the system!
Enjoying technical uphill just sums it up for me. 66 with a cube gen 4 bosch, 750 battery , pure fun.
I’m 59, since getting a Trek Rail 4 years ago I haven’t missed the slow climbs at all! I still have a Trek Slash but only use that for uplift/downhill days, I also have a motorbike, but for me if I’m on 2 wheels I’m having fun!
Steve, this is your best work here to date on EMBN. Thank you 🎉
Only because of finding your channel I bought an e-bike as in my late 60s (68) I don’t have the fitness to climb with out a heart problem ,now with my e-bike I can climb hills get in a great workout routine with out killing my self and really enjoy the outside life with out panicking about being able to get home !! Brilliant channel and please keep it up thx
I started mountain biking and racing in 1988 I’m a bit older in my 60s but my first EMTB going on two years it’s a blast love the speed I’m right there with you like that challenge of those gnarly, climbs and of course they descend excellent. When I go back to my naturally aspirated bicycle the challenge of going slow is a little monotonous I like the speed I’m a speed freak. Happy trails everybody.❤
Me beeing 56 yrs old can absolutely sign every aspect of this video. EMTB brought me back to riding after 15+ years. I live in a very hilly countryside and cannot even imagine to do all the climbs without a motor. But as you I prefer to ride the whole enchilada with its climbs and descents and not make sitting in a lift or shuttle part of my ride. When i think of it it (again) sounds like the cliché EMTB is for us old boys whilst the young guns ride regular MTB ... in a bike park ... spending half of the time shuttling up instead of riding ;-)
Getting an analog mt bike up a really steep gnarly climb, as shown, is just brutal. Really strong riders can pull it off but even at that its a slow travail.
The Spectral CF8 makes the climbs part of the fun, and it can run in boost for 4 hours. Same as Steve I have some on/off road motorcycles, some nice road bicycles, an analog Mt bike, and a good EMTB. And a gravel bike.
All are fun. Rain has closed local trails so Im on roadbike.
I gotta say the EMTB has sucked me back in to trail riding big time, so much fun. The roadbiking involves so much going straight and flat, and staring at the wheel right ahead. A lot of repetition.
Steve, love your comments and observations and share the same passion for two wheeled things. Different sides of the pond, but true experience and sentiment is spot on. Keep the great content coming!
Cheers Steve. I don't normally watch the EMTB stuff (I can't relate, yet). But I'm glad UA-cam presented this video to me. Loved your honesty and supplying an emtb education. Helping me see the the "why" to emtb. ❤
Emtb is like having a fast pass ticket for rides at a theme park. Instead of waiting in line for hours to get on a rollercoaster, you just skip the crowds and repeat all day long. Been riding mtb for 14 years. Went to emtb 4 years ago and never looked back. I never rode my emtb to get fit. That's what my analog road bike is for. I love how mtb tech constantly evolves and the introduction of motor assist is a game changer for all levels of riders.
It’s funny because the biggest volume of yr emtb videos are downhill and now on a normal bike you have discovered the uphill. Love it. :)
Emtbs have allowed me to view the uphill terrian with so many possibilities!
Same age as Steve but once in a while I still ride my acoustic bike just for the sake of challenging up the hills. Fully converted to emtb a few years back and love racing it as well. I like this vid👍
acoustic = sound. emtbs have sound not mtbs. Makes no sense. emtb and mtb is better.
I'm 67 and have been riding in earnest for about 2 years. Currently have two bikes for mountain riding: a Pivot Switchblade and a YT Decoy 29. I ride the Decoy far more than the Switchblade. I love both bikes. I use the Switchblade when there is a lift service and when I feel up to it. The Decoy gets much more ride time. If I decide to bomb some downhill trail, the Decoy will bring me right back up. With the Switchblade, I have to decide if I will have enough energy to make that same climb. The Decoy is just more freedom and longer rides.
What Mike said
Before I even watch this , I’m going to say you don’t need any reason why you’ve not ridden an mtb in 6 yrs because for me Steve , you’ve earned the right to ride an emtb . At 49 I’m about to make the transition, simply because I reckon I’m at an age to get me up the hill and still have some fuel in the tank for the downs , I’ve struggled the last few months and hating the climbs , for me an emtb is going to keep me riding
Earned the right?
LOL
I have my MTB washed, lubed and tuned! Yet when I go into the shed I always pick the EMTB and say “tomorrow” on the MTB.
Well tomorrow never seems to come 🤷🏻♂️
Perhaps If I ride with someone on a MTB it will be chosen, or would it? 🤔 🤔 🤔
I'm 36 and consider myself relatively fit, but EMTB is a godsend for me. I still get just as tired on an EMTB because the effort is still the same, yet I'm going so much faster!! And, I prefer the extra weight.😄
100% agree. I am 43, healthy and I only ride eMTBs.
Steve, I'm 54 and earned my stripes on my mtb over many years. Moved over to emtb about 5 years ago, and now out nearly every weekend on the emtb, it opens up so much more for a fun day out and I never have to decide between trails, just do them all. But, that being said, given the chance of an uplift, I would choose my mtb every day, especially in FL. Handles so much better.
Either way, if you're having fun, carry on 👍
100% agree with everything you said. I'm 46, riding bikes since I was 4. Raced Enduro for a couple years until a bad accident. I recently bought my first E-MTB and absolutely love how much riding I can do on it. I even enjoy the climbing now. I ride more. Being only 65kg, it was always hard to maintain momentum and line, but with the additional weight of the E-MTB, I can carry momentum and line through the rough stuff so much better now. I'm now looking at my 4 x MTBs in the shed and wondering how much will I ever ride them now.
I'm with Steve on the emtb bike it makes climbing a lot more fun, plus we're around the same age. We don't want to put in all the hard work anymore and the embt makes mountain biking a hole lot more fun going up and down hills all day long 😊❤
Ride Emtb on Sundays with my mate I’ve been riding with for last 15 years. We have a great time. Still ride hard and knackered at the end.
Took my analogue Hardtail out this afternoon and it was much harder work. Possibly tired legs from yesterday, but that motor is addictive.
What convinced me was spending 45 minutes climbing from the car park to the top of Penhydd in Afan and 2 guys breezed up and said they can do Penhydd and Y Wal in an evening. I’ve done both of those on the same day but was a lot younger and fitter and those days are well gone.
Appreciate you sharing your true feelings on the subject. I have been riding both e-mtb and light weight trail bikes about 50/50 the past 2 years on my Levo and Santa Cruz Blur TR. At first I felt some struggle switching between them, trying to decide which experience I liked better. Then it clicked that they are not mutually exclusive and I can enjoy both and do need to take a position on "which is better". In fact when I'm deep into improving my fitness on my pedal bike I see the Levo as a tremendous training tool to contol my effort much more precisely than I can on a non e-mtb. I'll add that I am not interested in mid-powered e-mtbs and enjoy my full powered 53 pounder because it offers a broader range of new experiences.
Thanks for your perspective on why emtbs are awesome👍🏿
Also, I still ride my Megatower when out with my friends. That's because they don't have embts yet.
I am turning 51 and bought a Trek Fuel Exe...for the last 12 rides i haven’t ridden my Santa Cruz Tallboy CC. Being busy with work and family I get to ride more often and go further in the 90mins available to me.i do a 25km 750m elevation and get to the trail in 15mins...outif our riding group of 4..we now have 2 on ebikes and we ride more than our mtb mates who are still thinking about making the change.if you struggle with time to ride then bike's are perfect to gwt you out more often.
I'm 55, I'm very lucky, I've got a few bikes, a few acoustic bikes & one eeb, with me it's different bikes different rides 😆🤪
I'm 18 and a lazy bastid this is why I love emtb
At least you're being honest! 😂
My ebike has encouraged me to get out alot more than i was doing on mtb.
That's the only bonus i need although it comes with many others
Sales of EMTB speak for themselves in regards of how much fun you can have out in the wild, on trails, in parks and woods and mountains, at any age. But where they really make a difference is how they can make the fun of riding off road last so much longer when the years start gaining on us. Great video Steve.
Before I bought my first eMTB, i thought it was only about the easier climbing then bombing down the DH trails. I've since learned there is so much more to the eMTB experience. The tech climbing is mind blowing and a whole different challenge. The downhills are crazy faster due to the added weight. Doing flat single track trails makes them so much more exciting due to the added speed. The added weight makes the bike so much more planted and stable. --- There is also a benefit to riding a manual MTB over a eMTB. Manual MTBs are much more playful and easier to throw around. They are similar but different. I am very glad I added a eMTB to my quiver but will not be riding eMTBs exclusively any time soon.
I love to watch EMBN with Stevie at the Mic! I really enjoy his skills, comments and attitude.....I started riding/ racing XC in the mid 80's so I can appreciate Steve's attitude! I'm 72 and just got reacquainted with Mt Bikes after a 20 year absence....The one I got has Batteries! Steve was this done in the Summer? The trails look awfully dry and dusty.. Late January? Looks like Mid July! Thanks for another great issue of EMBN!!!
Aged 64, I was MTBing on my Orange sub5 with Aussie's in their 20's outside Brisbane on great tracks. But the uphills were killing me.
Grabbed a train into town and bought a Merida e160 500SE.
Changed everything. Started enjoying going up as well as down, and because I wasn't so knackered, I rode the down's better, faster.
I’m 57 and been riding two wheelers for 54 years. Yes it’s also a long time Steve. So I can relate. I’ve never progressed to your level of superb expertise but I can manage ok. I have not taken the plunge to try emtb and still grind up the climbs very slowly these days. Maintaining fitness is getting harder and harder. I think what’s holding me back on buying an emtb is the vast choice and huge price tags. It’s an investment and not sure how long one will really last.
i think you should include the mtb every now and again into your ride maybe a few times a year. i did the same thing and rode rigids, hardtails, and now full sus, to e bikes now and i did not want to get 100% use to/reliant on an emtb so once a month or more i pull out my hardtails and go for a ride on the paved trails or fire roads and it feels great because i feel way more stronger and feel healthier after riding ebikes for about 3 years now, because i now fly up certain hills now on the same hardtail where i use to huff and puff to struggle up the climb.
73 year old in mountainous Arizona. Went emtb one month ago to get my heart rates down. It has worked splendidly and I’m riding farther but about the same duration. Climbing has become fun instead of tedious and unhealthy.
Bought my first e mtb in December after having enduro bikes! Techie uphills are nearly as much fun as flying downhill. And the bike handles better than any other bike I’ve owned.
100 percent RESPECT to all Analogue bike enthusiasts! Ive owned Ebikes/Emtbs for well over 20 years i'll never go back, its to much fun!
No way I'm getting back on one, I get my bus pass in 3 months! E Bike all the way, as Rob Warner said, "The best invention since Mountain Bikes" Plus, I always hated climbing!
I was badly injured a few years ago, coupled with previous injuries mtb etc, I really struggled on my mtb when I returned to it. So much so, I didn't enjoy it. I got a emtb after trying one out and really enjoyed it. The assistance helped alot but also I managed to get alot more riding in on the same time as my mtb
Couldn't agree with you more Steve, eMTB was a turning point for getting back on the bike, enjoying it as much as possible and trying to get fit. So, I feel blessed to have the ability to grab my Cannondale with Shimano EP8 normally in Eco mode, enjoy nature and find motivation to get off the couch.
Couldn't agree more Steve and with the comments here. Now 73 have been using an e-bike for about 5 years. The combination of being the oldest in our group with an iffy knee finally persueded me. I've just had the time of my life the last few years staying with my younger mates on our rides, my only worry now is as they get older and eventually into emtb's, it will make it harder for me again, interesting. Bigger motor I guess!
Comments like this just give the haters confirmation
It's not about age or bad knees, it's about the fact emtbs are just more fun
Great video Steve. I totally agree that an emtb turns a technical climb into something really enjoyable... its a bit like the satisfaction of completing a trials line. Also an emtb is a far better tool to take you on an adventure, giving you the extended range to explore, and to not fear "wasting" the elevation you already gained.
Nice to see you on an acoustic MTB again. 👍I also wonder from time to time whether I would still like a regular MTB, but every time I pick up my E-MTB I know that this is no longer for me. I even doubt whether I would still be mountainbiking if there were no E-MTBs.
I am only 42 and have been riding emtbs for the last few years, I kept my "analog" bikes but am finding that I no longer ride them. I have taken them out only on some mellow rides with the kids. I bought a cheap Chinese hub drive jobby as my first ebike, understood quickly how bad it was but I was hooked on the uphill side of things, done some research and got myself a Turbo Levo HardTail that I loved so much but felt I wanted a full sus so I bought another one, A Full Sus after a few years that I customised for my riding. My advice to anyone who would like to get an ebike would be- rent one and see what you like/dislike about it as I went through 2 bikes to find my "sweet spot" bike. It is quite expensive to buy one and realise that it does not suit your riding.
Riding MTB since 1986, I'm 65 and left my analog rig hanging from the rafters since buying an e2 trance. Sure, I don't get that rigormortis feeling after a long ride, but now I can actually get stuff done afterwards. No plans to go back. Selling Jeffsy.
It’s not hate… Climbing on the mtb feels like being on the stair-master (during winter months).
Great video! 👍
Brilliant video Steve! I myself have been off an mtb for long time it was just the past few months watching these videos it's gave me some Motivation back to want to get another bike so was looking at them all for few months till saved the pennies but really right at the last minute I stopped and thought " will i manage a non emtb now"? Definitely not! Plus the points you hit on are spot on to but I'm trying to loose the weight and I'd get absolutely nowhere on a non emtb! As much as love them
Aswell I'm near 40 unfit now and need to watch the old heart aswell now! Not as young as my DH days I went and bought a cube stereo 160 embt action team for a first ebike and new geometry and wheel size its all new! But point is I nearly made a massive mistake and I know as soon as I got a new mtb I'd be kicking myself why I didn't go for the emtb! Especially with the price drops just now just makes more sence to me but everyone's different smaller motors will take over mtb soon I think and normal mtbs will be built for special orders as will be no call for them in future with the new generation growing up and want a smart bike not a dumb bike
I have a medical condition where I have to get back home fast from time to time.. and on my normal bike I just couldn't risk being stuck on a climb so I just stopped riding all together. With my EMTB now I have way more confidence because I can just put it into turbo and be home in a few minutes.. and on the plus side riding up now is actually fun
I'm 35 and love my MTB. I've only been biking for just over a year and i love the challenge of the climbs and the rewards of the descent. For me eMTB would be too restrictive because they are too heavy to lift over multiple styles on a ride
Bought my first e-bike 6 months ago a trek fuel exe I absolutely love it I ride more (power hours from the house) it really takes the sting out of the climbs but feels playful and nimble of the descents I still have a hardtail which I do ride from time to time and my fitness has not dropped so it’s a win win, e-bikes all the way 👏 they are the future of the sport 😃
I’m a reasonably fit mountain biker with a running problem (mainly do trail ultras). I love downhilling and used to hate the climbs up fire roads, I regret turning my nose up at ebiking- it’s revamped my riding so I enjoy all trails again.
EMTB is a great way to explore trails and tracks for ages.
My daughter has the Giant Trance E
I have the Giant Reign E it's my missile.
Bought a Turbo levo about a month ago. I love riding again. EMTB is the way to go
I feel that rising of gravity while getting older, my Grandfather told me about it. He didnt know ebikes! 😀
You're not getting older, gravity is just getting stronger! I like that 😂
I rode raced mountain and road bikes from 35-55. Then I had a back injury (playing American football) and now I’m healthy and 65. I have been riding an analog road bike but I just bought trek fuel EXe and I can now ride with my son. It’s not a full e bike but it gets me back out on the trails
I bought my first 2 emtb because of this channel husqvarna and santa cruz but with all the motor and battery issues I got a regular mtb and like it much more than the heavy battery and clunky motors.
LOL thanks! Here is my story. My vacation started and I drove with my car about 500 km to a place where there are good mountain bike trails. The idea was to ride and enjoy the best days ever. Well, on the first bigger hill, I thought that there was no idea in this after all. Firstly, drive a long way so that you can finally walk with the bike. In that moment - I decided to buy an eMTB and I haven't regretted it a day. I don't have to walk and I can really enjoy riding. I still get better workouts because I don't have to walk. Of course, I still ride a normal MTB, but I'm no longer such an idiot that I'd ruin my vacation by walking :-)
More fun.
More distance.
More time on the trails (wait until 3 mins before you have to leave and then put it in turbo and zip home or back to vehicle).
More crazy climbs.
Improve skills quicker because of more reps each ride.
Safer because not fatigued.
Can get in a ride when the time you have wouldn’t make it worth while on a mtb.
Can go to work or be with family after without being wiped out.
Can ride trails you normally need to shuttle when your buddies can’t join you.
Better upper body workout.
Can ride a killer enduro rig everywhere because motor makes up for all the parts that make it suck on the non downhill parts.
Zero boring, sucky parts of your ride.
Pretty much sums it up, but if I may, I have one more.
Less cash in your wallet 😉
@@sjaan7370 lol. Truth.
This video is right on on all points. EMTBs are freedom, and only make life better.
I use a NP Giga for Up lift days and my Marin E2 for local riding for the laps I can do.. Totally get all that Steve said. When I get to his age (47 now) I'll be doing exactly the same... all ebike!
It amazing Steve tells us how old he is and most of the comments include ages
The good ol Silver Surfers😊
It's ok I'm one of you guys
I've been riding since the early 60's 😮
Enjoy riding mtb or emtb because we are all on a life adventure and it we be different for us all. Thank God that I can still do this after bilateral knee replacement and well on to my later years 🙏
Razzing around the woods. Yup. That's me too at 58 and loving every bit of it. 😁
Great to hear! What bike are you riding?
@@embn - I have a Scott Strike 930 2023 model. Oh, and I applied for a job at Canyon too. That's how much I love eMTBing. 😁
That's great to hear! Always good to have people who love the sport working in the industry 🤘Let us know if you get the job
@@embn Unfortunately they pulled the opening.
I guess that's why the bike industry is putting its shoulder into light weight ebikes now. Superb content guys and very on point. Having ridden MTB's since the late 80's for me this is now the best revolution the off road cycling sector has gone through however purely being down to my age, almost 62, it saddens me that trail centres are slowly becoming a dusty relic from a bygone era. Uplifts and bike parks are now a thing with younger generations never having experienced real mountain riding as a result the bikes develop around that.
Give me the challenge of technical climbs Toni Bou would enjoy followed by a decent that flows with tech in and me and my full fat eeeb are extremely at home. One thing I will say is my fitness is no where near what it was prior to riding an Ebike ( 2018 )
Bet you nearly threw it at the ceiling when you went to lift it up...🤣
I have both analog & emtbs. I strictly stayed off the E while training for a analog endurance race & when i got back on the E it was so fast everywhere, up / down BUT not sideways. Ebike riders need to agree it does allow us to give-up on that intense climb effort sometimes. Also ebikes can allow FUN 'recovery' rides.
I'm new to mtb. But last week I had a go of an emtb, it was a game changer. I've ordered anew one.
That's great, which bike have you chosen?
I've been riding emtb for 6 years now in the US. I've been the blunt of dirty looks, whispering bad comments, ect. I stood my ground and kept doing it. It's a lot more acceptable now, but still a lot of places they don't allow emtb's. That is the only reason I have my specialized enduro instead of a kenevo sl or a transition relay. Even if I take the batteries out, they won't allow at uplift parks and even Pedal up trails in places.
Some people moan about EMTBs, some people moan about hatrdtails, some people moan about flat pedals, some people moan about clipless pedals... who could have guessed that different people like different things 😁
Should do a video on, is there any difference on trail impact between mtb and emtb. People here in the US need to realize they are not motorcycles.
Luving my 1st emtb. But am I correct in thinking I wouldn't be allowed to take it on a plane somewhere like this? If so that is a negative.
spot on im 58 and use my hardtail only for flowing singletrack everything else off road i use my emtb's
When I saw the thumbnail for this video, I figured… finally, a Jonesy bit without the “Uphill Power-Wheelie Switchback Turn”. Well…12:06 just proved me wrong. 😂
It has to be done 😂
You can definitely handle a bike, all your points are valid 😀
The key point in mtb is the same as life acceptance. Accept that we are all different and just enjoy what you like and don't hate other people's differences to you.
I am 48 yrs old and just switched to electric motorcycles. As I don't like lying to myself or others that I can make it to the top of a hill without electric motor. Just honest and now ride straight motor uphills.. But have my analog for flat single track with small hills.
I watched this video yesterday and went for a mtb ride this morning. Like Steve, i was making a list: without motor, it's very quite and you can listen to the nature, pleasure to reach the top of the climb and thinking i'm still fit at my age, controlling the bike going down rather than being a "passenger" . Still think eMTB is a motorised sport rather than a cycling sport. I know you still have to pedal, don't shoot me .
Some great points! Thanks for sharing 🤙
I'd raced BMX nationally back in the early 80's then had a Carrera Quatro Comp MTB in the late 80s, my first MTB. In the early 90s I grabbed a cherry red GT Avalanche...and then I got mixed up with the hedonistic, debauched times of the 1990s and spent more time in Ibiza and travelling than on a bike. About 2000 I jumped back on a bike after being given a SCOTT hardtail to "Do up", I spent about 3 years on it and then for some reason I just stopped riding. Skip forward 20 years and in a fit of mid life crisis I decided to ride again and blew the budget on an Intense Primer last June, go big or go home I suppose, I ride it twice a week and I still haven't a clue what I'm doing, everything had changed. I'd never ridden a full suspension before so that was a new thing, never ridden on a bike with such geometry so I had to change my riding style, for the first few months I felt like selling the bike as it was so different to what I had been used to and I was finding it hard to adapt to, but luckily I stuck with it, 8 months later and I'm back to throwing the bike around trails, I still haven't a clue what I'm doing half the time, it's a bit of trial and error and the odd face plant with me and being on the wrong side of 50, I realise at some point that the mind is willing but the body isn't and I'll have to start to slow down...But at the moment, not a chance, even if I haven't a bloody clue what I'm doing most of times.
Just sold my emtb after two years, I loved and will miss the climbing, esp. tech or really steep stuff. But, I missed having a nimble enduro bike too much for descending and general farting around. When full power enduro (160/170) emtbs under 20kgs are affordable one day, I'll be back. Until then, pops and manuals. But, can't go 'wrong' either way though really.
I'm 66 and I have been riding since 54. I started on Urban flat bar, then Aldi road bike (7.4kg carbon fork). At 56 I thought I'd try MTB, so I brought and Aldi 29er Pro (Polygon hardtail), why spend more that A$350 on something I may not like. Well that didn't end well did it. I still have the bike up at our holiday house to ride up there. How did it not end well you may be thinking. I meant that after 3 years I brought a Norco Optic C9.2 one year later I brought a secondhand (18months old) Trek Powerfly FS7 for my wife . I borrow the EMTB when riding with the the younger 50 something's and my Norco when I'm riding with the 60+.
I'll ride my Norco when my wife rides or if I'm doing a solo 20-30km XC ride. Other wise for 30-50km XC or rides in between with a lot of up and down. Riding here is an all year thing.
I did need to edit this. The climbs I do are nothing like Europe or any other alpine areas infact they are flat in comparison. Highest would be maybe 500m from a base of 80-100m. The ups and downs are steep gradients but only 10-40m in short durations and maybe 150m over 1-2km. So yes flat but it gets my lungs, legs and heart working. All bush XC, I don't find manicured bike park trails and big air are not my thing.