NEW eMTB's and my experience

[Fenderbender]

So I just thought I would share my experience on how I got to be an eMTB enthusiast.

So I rode Moto and desert for years when I was younger, we camped and did day trips to the track. Pretty much all winter and some summer mornings. When I had my first child we slowed down the camping and desert trips and I did mainly track riding. I picked up a full suspension mountain bike shortly after to fill in the gaps and to satisfy the craving for trail riding. I rode for a couple years and a buddy got me in to enduro racing which is basically a multi staged downhill race which was super fun and got in to great shape at the same time. About this time my wife got pregnant again with twins and we said F it and sold the fifth wheel and pretty much stopped the desert trip all together. I did miss it a bit but knew that it wasn't going to happen enough to justify the payment of the 5ver.

We live in East Simi Valley and there are awesome trails right outside my door. I got heavily in to mountain bikes and trail building with some friends and by building some new trails we attracted a lot of riders to the area and built up a pretty good local scene. Living in SoCal winter and spring are the prime MTB months for riding and summer is for the lake! Unfortunately mountain biking inst something you can be on and off with, its just not that fun when your not super fit. Thats where eBikes come in to the picture.

With three kids, work and lots of stuff to do, riding 7+ hours a week is not happening these days and thats what it takes to be fit for MTB. So I slimmed the herd and put the money in to a new Specialized Levo (pic below) which is probably the best eMTB out right now. I can now in 2 hours ride about 20mi and get 4 good long downhill trails which totally satisfy my need for adrenaline, get out in to the hills to clear my head and can come back and still be pretty fresh for work, family, Kids.

eMTB's are a touchy subject in the cycling community and the trail advocacy community as well. But to be honest there isn't really much enforcement on the trails and the don't have money to put towards that so its kind of the Wild West out here . So basically my point is if you miss riding Moto because its hard to get away for the whole day and you are looking for something new, go demo a QUALITY eMTB. it is SUPER fun and a great way to scratch the itch.

 

[beaverretriever]

I just hooked up my friend through a local shop on that exact bike. HE LOVES IT. I love it. I rode it and couldn't believe how much fun it was. I will never buy an ebike, but they are fun.

 

[Wizard29]

So I slimmed the herd and put the money in to a new Specialized Levo (pic below) which is probably the best eMTB out right now.
View attachment 781529

How much did you pay for that one? I've been considering one because where I live the trails are brutal and some days it would be nice to still be out but take it a little easier.

 

[Waffles]

So I just thought I would share my experience on how I got to be an eMTB enthusiast.

So I rode Moto and desert for years when I was younger, we camped and did day trips to the track. Pretty much all winter and some summer mornings. When I had my first child we slowed down the camping and desert trips and I did mainly track riding. I picked up a full suspension mountain bike shortly after to fill in the gaps and to satisfy the craving for trail riding. I rode for a couple years and a buddy got me in to enduro racing which is basically a multi staged downhill race which was super fun and got in to great shape at the same time. About this time my wife got pregnant again with twins and we said F it and sold the fifth wheel and pretty much stopped the desert trip all together. I did miss it a bit but knew that it wasn't going to happen enough to justify the payment of the 5ver.

We live in East Simi Valley and there are awesome trails right outside my door. I got heavily in to mountain bikes and trail building with some friends and by building some new trails we attracted a lot of riders to the area and built up a pretty good local scene. Living in SoCal winter and spring are the prime MTB months for riding and summer is for the lake! Unfortunately mountain biking inst something you can be on and off with, its just not that fun when your not super fit. Thats where eBikes come in to the picture.

With three kids, work and lots of stuff to do, riding 7+ hours a week is not happening these days and thats what it takes to be fit for MTB. So I slimmed the herd and put the money in to a new Specialized Levo (pic below) which is probably the best eMTB out right now. I can now in 2 hours ride about 20mi and get 4 good long downhill trails which totally satisfy my need for adrenaline, get out in to the hills to clear my head and can come back and still be pretty fresh for work, family, Kids.

eMTB's are a touchy subject in the cycling community and the trail advocacy community as well. But to be honest there isn't really much enforcement on the trails and the don't have money to put towards that so its kind of the Wild West out here . So basically my point is if you miss riding Moto because its hard to get away for the whole day and you are looking for something new, go demo a QUALITY eMTB. it is SUPER fun and a great way to scratch the itch.

View attachment 781529

These are pedal assisted not full electric right? Do you notice the difference when climbing hills?

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[Fenderbender]

How much did you pay for that one? I've been considering one because where I live the trails are brutal and some days it would be nice to still be out but take it a little easier.

So what I paid and what they sell for are two totally different things. I paid pretty much cost, if I didn't get that deal I would have gone with another option. There are a few direct to consumer bikes like YT and Commencal that you can get a bad ass bike for about 4K.

These are pedal assisted not full electric right? Do you notice the difference when climbing hills?

Sent from my FRD-L14 using Tapatalk

Yes Pedal assist, it has three modes and you can definitely feel the power.

I just hooked up my friend through a local shop on that exact bike. HE LOVES IT. I love it. I rode it and couldn't believe how much fun it was. I will never buy an ebike, but they are fun.

Never say never

 

[wayniac]

I can get behind your reasoning for an e-bike. The +tire mt bike is the only way to go. For me the issue is when just anyone starts tearing through the local trails at 20+mph. Unfortunately, youll never get everyone to be courteous...

 

[SJP]

Yeah - you definitely have to ride a MTB weekly to keep it fun. I am in the worst shape in my group. It sucks but I keep at it.

 

[Dana757]

The best trails are illegal anyway. I have a Santa Cruz Bullit and a old skool Brooklyn Race Link DH bike. And like you I don't ride as often as I used to. Been thinking of picking up an e bike. I bet urban is fun on one too.

 

[Fenderbender]

For me the issue is when just anyone starts tearing through the local trails at 20+mph.

I hear that. I can only police myself. On the other hand with the ability to get further off the beaten path it might not be much of an issue.

 

[96motorhead]

Pretty cool. I've ridden downhill mountain bikes for years on the steep rocky stuff and dirt jumps. I used to build trails all the time also, definitely some of the funnest times I've had. I'm currently trying to sell my giant glory because all the jumps and trails I used to ride have been destroyed. I also lack the time I used to have, I used to ride every day, now I'm lucky to ride once a week. I want to buy a transition patrol so I can pedal and still ride the rough stuff.

 

[monkeyswrench]

As a non- bike type person, I'd just like to say Holy F'k!
Things have sure changed from old Diamondbacks and the like. Your bike has more technology than my daily driver, and is a space ship compared to my boat. Very cool...and I would still end up killing myself on one

 

[beaverretriever]

How much did you pay for that one? I've been considering one because where I live the trails are brutal and some days it would be nice to still be out but take it a little easier.

That particular model ia around 6 to 12k depending on frame material and build group.

 

[Motor Boater]

Was in Maui last week and 2 bartenders were arguing about this exact thing. One guy was hard against it. The other was a girl that said she likes to ride and downhill and the ebike allows her to get in like 3 trails per ride instead of one. She doesn’t have much time but loves to ride. The guy kept saying it’s cheating etc and she finally said “well I rode 3 times last week and you haven’t been on your bike in 2 years”!! LOL

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

To each his own...

But,

 

[wayniac]

To each his own...

But,

electric boat????

 

[Constant840]

Oh snap. nganga with a call out!

 

[Fenderbender]

Was in Maui last week and 2 bartenders were arguing about this exact thing. One guy was hard against it. The other was a girl that said she likes to ride and downhill and the ebike allows her to get in like 3 trails per ride instead of one. She doesn’t have much time but loves to ride. The guy kept saying it’s cheating etc and she finally said “well I rode 3 times last week and you haven’t been on your bike in 2 years”!! LOL

yep exactly.

 

[outboard_256]

my dad just switched to this bike. All his friends 70+ aged switched to them and the 20 year olds can't keep up with them on the up hills. Its amazing how much power these have and how long they last. They don't handle as good on the downhills so you do sacrifice that. It was something crazy like $12k too.

 

[Danger Dave]

ebikes remind me of that picture of Obama in his mom jeans riding a bike with that goofy helmet.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

electric boat????

Negative...I get his reasons and can sympathize. The point is, as he identified the issue himself, multi-use. We as a community WILL LOSE ACCESS because of E-bikes. The hikers and equestrians will throw a considerable fit and get bikes...all bikes banned from trail systems. The horse community have mucho-dinero and know how to organize.

The balance on access in Arizona is fragile and there are already groups separating into "tribes" over this. For anyone who has ever ridden or used the Black Canyon Trail system, just north of the Phoenix area, its some of the best, well layed out, singletrack in the entire world. It was professionally routed and build for flow and fun. It has become a target because of E-bikes. Its ~70 miles of un-interrupted high quality trail. There are 3-4 trail-heads along the way for entrance/exit. It begins at Orme/Dugas rd and terminates at the AZGFD on Carefree Hwy.

Oh snap. nganga with a call out!

Imagine dat...

 

[cakemoto]

Those trails you’re riding around simi I have built and maintained for years with my friends. We used to hold underground races on stagecoach.Just going to say if you get caught riding up a trail that you shouldn’t be it’s probably going to be a problem. I would give you props though if you could hit g spot on that

 

[2Driver]

That specialized levo expert is the bike I’ll end up with. Wish they had the 700 watt in the aluminum frame. I can cough up the $9k OTD but just having trouble coming to grips with it. Can you get another bike from your source

In AZ all Maricopa country parks okey them and Scottsdale parks are considering it. The issue is that laws we’re written before ebikes so rules said “no motorized vehicles” . Towns have to rethink this as the segment grew 75% last year. My hard core bike shop which always said never to ebikes now carries Trek ebikes and has their service dept certified.

In addition as many of our old trails for dirt biking have closed to dirt bikes and would make brutal MTB bikes the ebike would be a good way to acccess back country. I thought I might even quail hunt with mine.

 

[2Driver]

I can get behind your reasoning for an e-bike. The +tire mt bike is the only way to go. For me the issue is when just anyone starts tearing through the local trails at 20+mph. Unfortunately, youll never get everyone to be courteous...

It’s non-issue that opponents like to point to. Here’s why

Peddle assist eMTBs cut off power at 20 mph. You are on your own after that. If you can’t ride and you pedal assist up to 20 mph on a down hill you are still doing a lot of work and if you aren’t a decent rider at 20 MPH you are going to eat a dirt sandwhich on your first ride. You aren’t going up a rocky climb at 20.

Last most avid mt bikers go well over 20 routinely on manual bikes. My kid's high school team practiced on all the local trails and would routinely be over 20 MPH and occasionally up to 35+. His top speed was 48. The whole, ebikes will be like dirt bikes, thing is a myth.

 

[Fenderbender]

Those trails you’re riding around simi I have built and maintained for years with my friends. We used to hold underground races on stagecoach.Just going to say if you get caught riding up a trail that you shouldn’t be it’s probably going to be a problem. I would give you props though if you could hit g spot on that

Cool story. most of the trails I ride have been built in the last 5 years or have been resurrected from the being unused for years by hikers or MTB. I don't need your props though thanks.

That specialized levo expert is the bike I’ll end up with. Wish they had the 700 watt in the aluminum frame. I can cough up the $9k OTD but just having trouble coming to grips with it. Can you get another bike from your source

In AZ all Maricopa country parks okey them and Scottsdale parks are considering it. The issue is that laws we’re written before ebikes so rules said “no motorized vehicles” . Towns have to rethink this as the segment grew 75% last year. My hard core bike shop which always said never to ebikes now carries Trek ebikes and has their service dept certified.

In addition as many of our old trails for dirt biking have closed to dirt bikes and would make brutal MTB bikes the ebike would be a good way to acccess back country. I thought I might even quail hunt with mine.

Yeah the battery and motor technology is what is changing at light speed for sure. The 700wh battery is pretty awesome..

Im not sure how this is going to play out but I have seen a lot of neigh sayers rethink things in the last few months. Its also funny how people are ok with shuttle services and lift access riding but shun the ebikes.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

It’s non-issue that opponents like to point to. Here’s why

Peddle assist eMTBs cut off power at 20 mph. You are on your own after that. If you can’t ride and you pedal assist up to 20 mph on a down hill you are still doing a lot of work and if you aren’t a decent rider at 20 MPH you are going to eat a dirt sandwhich on your first ride. You aren’t going up a rocky climb at 20.

Last most avid mt bikers go well over 20 routinely on manual bikes. My kid's high school team practiced on all the local trails and would routinely be over 20 MPH and occasionally up to 35+. His top speed was 48. The whole, ebikes will be like dirt bikes, thing is a myth.

I don't see this as the issue. It's essentially an entirely new Genre. The problems arise when trail access issues are decided. If, we as a cycling community want these just "thrown into the bike" demographic, governing bodies will need to decided on an entirely new matrix...Closed or not closed. I've been to trail use group meetings and the horse people are threatening that very thing. They will advocate for total closure to ALL bikes.

You stated City of Scottsdale is considering it. If these things become legal at Pima and Dynamite, the equestrians and the loud and vocal hiking community up there will throw enough money at it to get us thrown off completely.

 

[montaj629]

Does Strava have a new section for E-Bikes now?

 

[Danger Dave]

We should just put a chairlift up Mt Everest so no one has to bother hiking.

 

[2Driver]

I don't see this as the issue. It's essentially an entirely new Genre. The problems arise when trail access issues are decided. If, we as a cycling community want these just "thrown into the bike" demographic, governing bodies will need to decided on an entirely new matrix...Closed or not closed. I've been to trail use group meetings and the horse people are threatening that very thing. They will advocate for total closure to ALL bikes.

You stated City of Scottsdale is considering it. If these things become legal at Pima and Dynamite, the equestrians and the loud and vocal hiking community up there will throw enough money at it to get us thrown off completely.

Its been in the conversation at least at BR from what I have been told. I know 3 people involved with the trail system for the preserve. Speed was constantly put out there as if a emtb was an electric dirt bike. LOL Those folks are mostly a bunch of libturds that just wrapped up a hiking class at REI and are out to be the cape crusaders of the desert. We ride there weekly.

You are spot on about the horse folks. Ironically one of my MTB buddies on the trail committee was a horse trainer. His thought is train your horse or ride somewhere else. You can take a horse into wilderness or just about anywhere why show up at browns ranch to ride a horse. Sorry for the folks that bought in rio verde but it is what it is. I used to dirt bike there and cant anymore. Shit changes

 

[beaverretriever]

We should just put a chairlift up Mt Everest so no one has to bother hiking.

hahaha. Yeah, I feel that way some times as I am a hard core rider. However, I think it's great people are using them now to get to work etc. Less traffic on the road makes it better for everyone. If it helps someone stay a little bit more fit I am all for it.

I personally always use to look at them as a novelty. They are really fun to ride, but I am over it fairly quickly and prefer just to pedal my ass off.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

We should just put a chairlift up Mt Everest so no one has to bother hiking.

All boats should be wind powered only too.

 

[2Driver]

People are narrow minded

Where do you draw the line. Maybe bikes shouldn’t have gears they assist you in peddling up hills that's not right. And shocks?! Those belong on a dirt bike that takes away the pure essence of biking. Blah blah blah

 

[Danger Dave]

All boats should be wind powered only too.

"I like the way you think." Gavin Newsom

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Its been in the conversation at least at BR from what I have been told. I know 3 people involved with the trail system for the preserve. Speed was constantly put out there as if a emtb was an electric dirt bike. LOL Those folks are mostly a bunch of libturds that just wrapped up a hiking class at REI and are out to be the cape crusaders of the desert. We ride there weekly.

You are spot on about the horse folks. Ironically one of my MTB buddies on the trail committee was a horse trainer. His thought is train your horse or ride somewhere else. You can take a horse into wilderness or just about anywhere why show up at browns ranch to ride a horse. Sorry for the folks that bought in rio verde but it is what it is. I used to dirt bike there and cant anymore. Shit changes

I lived at the top of Jomax for about 10 years. I moved out there specifically for both the MTB and the fantastic road riding. I could ride to Rio Verde and back and see perhaps 2-3 cars.

When the "preserve people" appeared, there was "Carla." an entitled easterner whom thought the trails, made by dirt bikes ("Murphy's Trails") were her private property. You are right in your assessment as to how they are, but they are organized and have a political voice. We used to be hauling the mail down the "drop off trail" and there they would be, standing in the trail, blowing whistles and flapping their arms. i would slow down to go around them and politely ask, why couldn't they simply step off the trail and let us proceed?

People don't wish to compromise, they wish to achieve their said agenda. They win incrementally and keep us on our heels.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

@2Driver have you ridden Black Canyon Trail yet?

 

[2Driver]

@2Driver have you ridden Black Canyon Trail yet?

We’ve been out here for 25 years riding. We are up just north of Pima and Cave Creek rd.
As far as your question, No but I want to this winter
My son did a 3-day bike camping trip on it in December. Remember that nasty cold snap, he and his buddies were camped out there, I think it was in the mid 20’s. LOL good stuff for 18 year olds.

Last year we did trail 401 in crested butte - amazing. and another trail there that almost killed me called Reno flag bear Dutchman. Crested Butte is great

Did you know that browns and the Sonoran trail network now have 650 trail steward volunteers. LOL they call them pathfinders and they have to pass a silly test then they get a badge to go spew their new found knowledge and rules. I know a guy In charge of 25 of them. They have to document every conversation they have with someone on the trail then put it on a spread sheet and hand it in each week. My buddy who is a world class wilderness archer and all around bad ass was stopped and interrogated for only having one bottle of water on his bike. They stopped a another guy who was hiking in Tevas. it’s freaking out of control

 

[Sharp Shooter]

No thanks! I may be getting old, but I’m not THAT lazy yet.

And yes, I’ve ridden one once.

 

[Universal Elements]

Negative...I get his reasons and can sympathize. The point is, as he identified the issue himself, multi-use. We as a community WILL LOSE ACCESS because of E-bikes. The hikers and equestrians will throw a considerable fit and get bikes...all bikes banned from trail systems. The horse community have mucho-dinero and know how to organize.

The balance on access in Arizona is fragile and there are already groups separating into "tribes" over this. For anyone who has ever ridden or used the Black Canyon Trail system, just north of the Phoenix area, its some of the best, well layed out, singletrack in the entire world. It was professionally routed and build for flow and fun. It has become a target because of E-bikes. Its ~70 miles of un-interrupted high quality trail. There are 3-4 trail-heads along the way for entrance/exit. It begins at Orme/Dugas rd and terminates at the AZGFD on Carefree Hwy.



Imagine dat...

This x2

Within 3-4 years a lot of trails and access will be restricted, hopefully just to Ebikes. You can’t ride Ebikes anywhere in the hills above Laguna. The hikers put and end to all those idiots who were riding like they are on a race course.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

They’re not legal where I ride, but I still see them from time to time including today.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

We’ve been out here for 25 years riding. We are up just north of Pima and Cave Creek rd.
As far as your question, No but I want to this winter
My son did a 3-day bike camping trip on it in December. Remember that nasty cold snap, he and his buddies were camped out there, I think it was in the mid 20’s. LOL good stuff for 18 year olds.

Last year we did trail 401 in crested butte - amazing. and another trail there that almost killed me called Reno flag bear Dutchman. Crested Butte is great

Did you know that browns and the Sonoran trail network now have 650 trail steward volunteers. LOL they call them pathfinders and they have to pass a silly test then they get a badge to go spew their new found knowledge and rules. I know a guy In charge of 25 of them. They have to document every conversation they have with someone on the trail then put it on a spread sheet and hand it in each week. My buddy who is a world class wilderness archer and all around bad ass was stopped and interrogated for only having one bottle of water on his bike. They stopped a another guy who was hiking in Tevas. it’s freaking out of control

The trail stewards are a problem in themselves. I know one and used to ride with him. His name is BJ and they all wear yellow jerseys. They let their power go to their heads.

He decided I wasn't civilized enough to "hang" in their group of intellectuals because...one day, I needed to drop a deuce. I needed to borrow some paper from him. He asked where my plastic bag was. I said, for what? He said I HAD to take it out with me. I told him to piss up a rope and took off one of my socks and performed the task.

I even left the sock out there.

Also, I stopped riding out at Browns Ranch when the dumbed down all the bitchin routes.

The dirt bikes burned in some amazing trails but the city took out the challenges because.."They present an attractive nuisance, and expose the city to pointless liability."

 

[Sharp Shooter]

..one day, I needed to drop a deuce. Also, I stopped riding out at Browns Ranch when the dumbed down "

Is it safe to say they named Browns Ranch after you? haha

 

[SJP]

Whiting Ranch in Orange County just posted signs no E Bikes on trails. Ranger said is was a fire concern. To Nganga points the increase trail impact will get all bikes thrown out. It will draw a bunch of kooks out if they do not have to peddle up the hill.

 

[MotiV8]

That's a cool bike! Lots of technology to allow for a mtn bike with pedal assist that doesn't weigh a ton. Ebikes aren't for me, but I get why they are so popular.

As far as the whole is it cheating thing; I haven't made up my mind. It would allow me to not expend as much energy on a ride and thus ride further. On the other hand, I ride to stay/get into better shape not just put extra miles of saddle time in. My thought has always been if I'm tired and can only go so far then I need to keep working and next time I'll make it a little farther until I can make the distance I am shooting for.

By coincidence, I have been seeing the similar issues for years as the sport grows. People no longer suit themselves to riding a trail, they change the trail to suit them when the obstacles are too tough or they can't make it. That is kind of the light I see the whole ebike thing in. Can't make it those last few miles? Just grab an ebike so you don't wear yourself out as early (you will still be worn out, just not as quickly) and now make it the distance you wanted. Nowadays, everyone wants instant gratification, not too many people want to work as hard for it.

I have ridden Bootleg Canyon for over 20 years and to watch what has happened to those trails has been heart breaking. But, times change and the audience changes. At least there are still a few trails that people are afraid to ride, which means they are left mostly unchanged.

All of this mountain bike talk has done one thing though, made me want to go jump on my bike. I like other have let myself get WAY too far out of shape. Maybe I'll go for a night ride this weekend. I'm a little 'old fashioned' though; I still ride a *gasp* 26" mtn bike.

 

[wayniac]

It’s non-issue that opponents like to point to. Here’s why

Peddle assist eMTBs cut off power at 20 mph. You are on your own after that. If you can’t ride and you pedal assist up to 20 mph on a down hill you are still doing a lot of work and if you aren’t a decent rider at 20 MPH you are going to eat a dirt sandwhich on your first ride. You aren’t going up a rocky climb at 20.

Last most avid mt bikers go well over 20 routinely on manual bikes. My kid's high school team practiced on all the local trails and would routinely be over 20 MPH and occasionally up to 35+. His top speed was 48. The whole, ebikes will be like dirt bikes, thing is a myth.

not really a non issue.... if mt bikes were only ridden up and down on dedicated trails i might agree with you. You should never ride faster than you can control your bike whether up or down, so someone riding up hill and around blind corners going 20mph is a bad idea. The last local 50 mt bike race, the pros finished just north of 20 mph avg. This includes flat fire roads with drafting. These are people with great handling skills as opposed to just some guy who bought a 6k bike and is having a great time avg 20mph on a multi use trail with dogs and children. The local ranger proved this point by going out and avg just that while pretty much soft peddling through the park.

Negative...I get his reasons and can sympathize. The point is, as he identified the issue himself, multi-use. We as a community WILL LOSE ACCESS because of E-bikes. The hikers and equestrians will throw a considerable fit and get bikes...all bikes banned from trail systems. The horse community have mucho-dinero and know how to organize.

The balance on access in Arizona is fragile and there are already groups separating into "tribes" over this. For anyone who has ever ridden or used the Black Canyon Trail system, just north of the Phoenix area, its some of the best, well layed out, singletrack in the entire world. It was professionally routed and build for flow and fun. It has become a target because of E-bikes. Its ~70 miles of un-interrupted high quality trail. There are 3-4 trail-heads along the way for entrance/exit. It begins at Orme/Dugas rd and terminates at the AZGFD on Carefree Hwy.

Imagine dat...

I agree with everything you say here, and need to look into this trail system...

 

[2Driver]

IMO e MTB peddle-assist bikes don’t do anymore damage to a trail than a regular bike. But I’m sure there is a group of 20 old ladies in their zipoff pants, hiking poles and shade hats that have been measuring dirt movement and have recorded berm growth of over 1.5 centimeters and 4 native plants were ridden on. It’s the same dam bike. Serious regular riders can ride faster and more aggressive than most peddle assist eMTBs. I ride pretty good but am passed by regular riders totally ripping it. You guys are acting like these are throttle bikes. Your legs are still the power.

If you think that isn’t the case and are worried about your trails being torn up then you should be campaigning with those old ladies for a 15 MPH speed limit.

Here’s the issue.
Areas are getting over used by the masses getting outside for exercise and recreation. 15 years ago that wasn’t there or at least not as much. The internet makes it easy for the masses to find otherwise little known trails. Shit, every REI has 25 classes a month on: how to use hiking poles, how to tie hiking shoes, how to buy all the equipment you’ll need to go for a walk and all the things to be fearful of.....blah.blah blah. Nothing was wrong when these trails were simply open land and used by outdoor enthusiast. Enter the over-control of town governments and all the crisis have suddenly popped up.

Funny, our 1000's of acres used to be open state land. People rode dirt bikes, horses, hiked, biked and hunted it without a single issue. Enter in “preserve status” the government takes over managing it and all the problems were created. Its not about the problems it’s about the paranoid, no-nothing fucks that now go there that have no business being outside. They are afraid of their own shadow and everything in between. They sit in meetings on how to control everything under the sun and make a rule for each one. They litter the place with “Do Not” signs and Rule billboards. They then sit around and belly ache about how to enforce all the rules they just made. It’s not eMTB it’s just another thing for these fucks to wig out about just like climate change - it’s the end of the world syndrome.

Ironically our whole area was heavily dirt biked in the day and there were no issues with the trails being used for hiking and biking back then.

When these people take over you get things like the attempt to no wake the whole gorge.

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

This thread is both infuriating and makes me want to ride.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[2Driver]

This thread is both infuriating and makes me want to ride.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Makes me want to go out on my regular MTB and ride 25-30 MPH on all the downs.

 

[Fenderbender]

apparently eMTB's are like MAGA hats!

Bottom line is they are here and we have to figure it out. They aren't going away. We who want to have them need to lead by example, especially if you want to use them on mixed use trails. How many of these "real riders" do trails work probably 1-5% I probably did 80hours in 2018. Legal or not there are more MTB specific trails because of people like me and it will become even easier to get trail work done on an eBike.

Maybe Im ignorant but I will tell you that I am not the problem. This whole debate is sounding similar to a few other debate I hear a lot about in CA like the KIND of gun you own or simply just another thing to freak out about. Horse people and hikers are ridiculous out here too. In fact that is what started the trend of so many people building new trails so that we didn't NEED to use only mix use trails.

If it was up to me I would have 10 bikes... DH bike, XC Race Bike, DH eBike, Slacked out hard tail.. and on and on and on

Ripped 20 miles of trail on the hard tail this morning since the kids are off school and I have more time!

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

IMO e MTB peddle-assist bikes don’t do anymore damage to a trail than a regular bike. But I’m sure there is a group of 20 old ladies in their zipoff pants, hiking poles and shade hats that have been measuring dirt movement and have recorded berm growth of over 1.5 centimeters and 4 native plants were ridden on. It’s the same dam bike. Serious regular riders can ride faster and more aggressive than most peddle assist eMTBs. I ride pretty good but am passed by regular riders totally ripping it. You guys are acting like these are throttle bikes. Your legs are still the power.

If you think that isn’t the case and are worried about your trails being torn up then you should be campaigning with those old ladies for a 15 MPH speed limit.

Here’s the issue.
Areas are getting over used by the masses getting outside for exercise and recreation. 15 years ago that wasn’t there or at least not as much. The internet makes it easy for the masses to find otherwise little known trails. Shit, every REI has 25 classes a month on: how to use hiking poles, how to tie hiking shoes, how to buy all the equipment you’ll need to go for a walk and all the things to be fearful of.....blah.blah blah. Nothing was wrong when these trails were simply open land and used by outdoor enthusiast. Enter the over-control of town governments and all the crisis have suddenly popped up.

Funny, our 1000's of acres used to be open state land. People rode dirt bikes, horses, hiked, biked and hunted it without a single issue. Enter in “preserve status” the government takes over managing it and all the problems were created. Its not about the problems it’s about the paranoid, no-nothing fucks that now go there that have no business being outside. They are afraid of their own shadow and everything in between. They sit in meetings on how to control everything under the sun and make a rule for each one. They litter the place with “Do Not” signs and Rule billboards. They then sit around and belly ache about how to enforce all the rules they just made. It’s not eMTB it’s just another thing for these fucks to wig out about just like climate change - it’s the end of the world syndrome.

Ironically our whole area was heavily dirt biked in the day and there were no issues with the trails being used for hiking and biking back then.

When these people take over you get things like the attempt to no wake the whole gorge.

You're not getting my point. I couldn't give a single shit what you ride or how you ride it. And I agree they are not and will not be responsible for trail damage.

My entire premise is about access and those that have the power or authority, with the stroke of a pen, close our trails to ALL BIKES...

When you pick a fight with a well funded and VERY organized group, you're gonna lose and I'll lose my access, right along with yours. But please carry on. I ride road bikes as well.

I've made zero comments about trail damage or "its not a real bike".

 

[manxman]

My buddy is a dealer for fantic bikes http://fantic-bikes.com/us/
These were the first e-bikes that I have ridden. Being a larger guy that doesn't get enough exercise to begin with, I love the e-bikes. It's the only way I can keep up with my fit friends!! There expensive, but if you like riding 2 wheels, it's a great way to get exercise and still get that rush.

 

[footer]

Really cool bike. I hope you have great times riding it.

The discussion reminds me of when snowboarders started showing up on ski resorts. Lots of emotional responses initially, with resorts limiting the use, or the outright banning, of snowboards. Then over time almost everyone adapted to the new normal, and the new sport brought in a millions of new customers. I know this isn't an apples and apples comparison.

Trail access is a real issue. I watched my favorite off-road motorcycle trails close here in Wisconsin five years ago because the popularity of the place went through the roof as internet communication grew. Where I used to ride 90 miles and see a dozen other riders, I started to see literally dozens of ATV/UTV and 4X4 clubs on busy weekends, from states all over the midwest. The real points of contention became erosion and, even worse, pollution. Some popular camping spots started to become literal garbage dumps after a big holiday weekend.

I believe as more people interact with ebike riders, or start to ebike themselves, fear will be replaced by understanding. It's an experience far more like a regular MTB than might be imagined.

The way through this change is with respect. Respect for riders of all abilities. Respect for all types of bikes. Respect for the trails themselves. Respect for other forms of recreation, like horseback riders. Respect for the law. Respect for the sometimes slow process of change.

I work for a bike company, and we're paying very, very close attention to the global issues around eMTB, and ebikes in general. The overall direction that regulations and legislation is heading is positive for all involved, but of course there are occasional set-backs. Bottom line is that it's growing bicycling, which ultimatly is a win for all bicyclists.