Anyone have recommendations for E-Bike (Gravel/Mountain)?

[SnowDawg]

Appreciate everyone's input! Haha! Nailed the FACT this forum had educated and well versed input too! It's been a long time since I was riding my Columbus SL/SP handbuilt frame at age 13 on old rollers in Toronto after school.... Crazier too that many parts and bikes I used to own are now part of museum collections LOL

You all gave me excellent fodder for research and so far leaving towards a Specialized Turbo Levo (now defining which model and what's in stock too!).

Don't overlook the Trek Rail. I'd probably go for the Specialized Turbo first myself, but specialized is having a ton of issue with availability with everything. A guy I know just got his Trek Rail in and it was nice system. Battery is removable if you ever want to ride it without the battery or lift it up ect. Motor is quality with low drag compared to others on the market (this is something to be wary of on lesser brands motors). Good luck, bikes of all varieties just make you feel like a kid and enjoy the outdoors at the same time

 

[Hemi505]

The Rise is nice! It barely looks like an e-bike and is damn near the same weight as my Ripmo AF.

I hear good things about Ripmos too. Never ridden one though.

 

[Hippsdesign]

First I would say the trek and specialized bikes are great no doubt but you will pay 20% more for them and their dealer networks. Now that means service is great but say you are ok spending 7k on a bike. You will get far better components on other brands then you will on those two. I stated before I have a YT which is a “box” brand but in my experience they have been amazing and I got far better components for my money then I would On a trek. Also not everyone has my bike on the trail which is great. There are some good YouTube channels on E bikes and I think you should study them. If one bike jumps out to you go for it. They have come so far and some of them look amazing.

 

[Ducc]

First I would say the trek and specialized bikes are great no doubt but you will pay 20% more for them and their dealer networks. Now that means service is great but say you are ok spending 7k on a bike. You will get far better components on other brands then you will on those two. I stated before I have a YT which is a “box” brand but in my experience they have been amazing and I got far better components for my money then I would On a trek. Also not everyone has my bike on the trail which is great. There are some good YouTube channels on E bikes and I think you should study them. If one bike jumps out to you go for it. They have come so far and some of them look amazing.

YTs are awesome and a great bang for the buck with their direct to consumer approach (assuming it's still that way). Great looking bike you have.

 

[Mxsledder]

I absolutely love my Turbo Levo S Works, was reluctant to spend the money but have used it so much more than I ever imagined. Since buying it my 450R dirt bike hardly gets used.
With you already liking Specialized I would say go with the best model they make within your budget.

 

[SpeyRod]

Would like to get back to riding again (raced road in the 80's), now 52 and a broken back years ago/expanding family (1/3/5 & 18) contributed to being less active. Interesting to see the Gravel category explode considering the niche of Cyclocross racing we did off-season, even the drop bars of eccentric early mountain bike pioneers...now it's in vogue. Electric has appeal for supplemental speed, range and enjoyment, supplementing my current body and limitations.

Partial to Specialized and similar major brands, budget under $9k. Trying to get familiar with components/batteries commonly used and have some concerns over proprietary designs and future replacement parts. Habitually immerse from simple hobbies into obsession.... just having challenges with an overwhelming number of options and newfound $$ pricing!

Figured among this tech savy group of enthusiasts - wisdom and extensive due diligence includes this category!

Thanks!

I raced mountain bikes for year and rode hard core stuff before shocks were even a thing. Yes I am that old. I rode ultra endurance races and simply loved everything about mountain biking. But as I said, now I am old, 60, and I want to keep riding and see bikes as my avenue. I am A researcher who can’t afford much but buys the best and cry’s once. I have been doing my research and have boiled it down to the Specialized turbo Levo Comp as the best bang for the buck for me.

For more good info watch the LoamRanger 2022 ebike review on YouTube.

 

[SpeyRod]

Ok, for bonus round! Anyone have experience also with bike trailers in particular for a 1 & 3yr old age group?

Rode with a trek trail a bike with my twins. I blame that thing for the fact that my now 16 yo son rides a $6k mtb. It worked great when they were little and the grins when we went off road were huge!