ikr? I picked up a specialized epic pro WC recently. I was like HOLY cow, back in 95... this thing would have destroyed the DH scene... It's an XC bike...
I rode DH in the 90s, and yes, 100mm travel these days is nothing. It's not that you're old, you're just washed out and haven't kept up with the times. How you're able to logon to this new fangled innernet and post a comment on RUclips is quite a mystery. Do you use AOL for email?
I'm an XC Amateur Rider and recently had the chance to try an E-Bike on my regular training trails (27.5, 160mm, XT 1x11 and Shimano Powered): You gain the most on the climbs and of course on the flats after a steep climb when usually go slower to catch the breath again. Faster on descents than an XC bike? Yes, but maily because wider tires and more weight keeps the bike closer to the ground giving you more confidence to loose the brakes, remember that E-Bikes are mecanically assisted so you HAVE to pedal hard in order to go faster. E-Bikes provide a lot of fun, can go faster and safer on descents and you can exercise as much as you want, the more you pedal, the faster you go.
It would be interesting to get a pro athlete to test the same course on a set of different ebikes. Something tells me Bosch/Yamaha/Brose motors will all give completely different results. In particular, Yamaha's instant engagement and ability to start progressively from high gear will play a big role.
About right. Big long travel e-bike on fast techy downs will be able to flow over the rough vs the 100mm will bite hard on a lot of it. Rough steep techy ups the e-bike doesnt wear out like a human non EPO engine. Have an older friend in late 60's was on deaths door, used an e-MTB to get some fitness back, then back onto a LT MTB, then an XC racer and now he has qualified for worlds Masters in Poland. None of that would have been possible without the assist of the e-MTB to get him out riding and having fun with us again.
for all the haters out there: its not cheating...its another discipline. You wouldnt call out a moto-dirt-biker for cheating too or?? Be proud of yourself, that you can do the same trail or track without a motor! But why hating on other people?? Its not a competition if you start in different disciplies...
That deer around 5:01 was a nice touch. Goes on to show how blindingly fast Grant really is. Have had a couple encounters with them myself on a bike and no way I'm staying on their tail that long. Deers disappear into the forest so damn fast. >_
I loved the video, but after reading the comments, I think most of the people didnt understood the diferences between e bike/ bike. Let me just say this - I consider myself a averege rider (10 years in the sport) and I am prety sure I would loose that race, riding the e-bike. BOTH riders have phenomenal downhill skills, and that, no e-bike can give you. Guys, ride safe, enjoy, and dont be haters. Diferent people have diferent reazons to ride e-bikes, and you dont have nothing to do with that. ;)
Crazy you beat the Olympian! And I can hardly believe you took the words right off my comment I was totally going to ask for an Olympian on an E bike! Brilliant
Your no slouch Chris, Put me on that ebike against him and I would have no chance, an E-bike may tern a great free rider into an Olympic Athlete, but not us mortals. Lol Great video.
i dont understand the dislikes, or the thumbs down on this chanel. We already know what the videos are all about, and we are here cause we love these guys and the hard job they put into making it so entretaining and educational. Thank you guys for your videos, hope it will never stop! ;)
Great skills on the eBike. Just loving the channel Guys. Very happy Scott eRide Genius 900 Tuned .... just not enough days in the week now. Cheers Raymondo
Very interesting competition, it must be remembered that Spetral has its limitations and on a long straight trained cyclist will overtake the bike with a speed lock. However, there are no chances for long climbs. More such videos please!
As a superannuation sufferer, this is just the video I was waiting to see. Having lost more aerobic capabilities (150 max heart-rate) than technical skills this gives me confidence to join on the "A" ride with my ebike.
I’m curious how close the E-bike times would’ve been if Chris had took the right turns! Still impressive and somewhat demoralizing for us folks on acoustic bikes 😂 nice vid! 🤙🏻
The great equalizer is the eBike which neutralizes the conditioning advantage Grant has over Chris with regards to climbing hills. Thank you for sharing!
@jriden There's nothing lazy about using technology lmao. It's just physics at work, nothing magical that your muscles aren't held under as well, except that muscles are a very general form of power production whilst motors designed with the intent to propel the wheel is a specialized form of power production.
@@thelelanatorlol3978 and a motorcycle is just physics at work, clearly it's just as physical a workout riding a motorcycle as it a Mtn bike, right? Of course it's laziness. You're compensating for a lack of fitness
Great video. Never thought of doing a compare like that. Interesting race. My "e-bike lusting" is for a 750 watt mid-motor hunting bike with 4" wide tires. I want it to be able to haul all the boned out quarters of a deer and the backstops (filet mignon) plus my 40 pounds of lightweight camping gear and scoped rifle. All this at altitudes from 7,000 ft. to 11,000 ft. in any weather excepting a blizzard or 2+ feet of snow. Spendy at over US $4,000. but for this 76 year old geezer it is a godsend for getting my gear and deer or elk meat out of Nevada's mountainous backcountry without having to make several trips. Yeah, I still backpack Nevada's an Utah's mountains in spring, summer and fall but adding 3.5 kilos of scoped rifle and ammo makes it more difficult at altitude. And did I mention hauling out the meat? E-Bikes are extending the years I can hunt in the mountains.
@@therodenthitman This video just backs up some people's belief that e-bikes are cheating. When Chris overtakes him going uphill, there is nothing at all impressive about that. It really is just cheat mode. I don't even know what the point of this video was. Was there really going to be any other outcome? This Grant guy is at least twice as fit, much better trained, him and his bike are half the weight of Chris and his bike and he still loses because of how much work that motor does for the e-bike rider. For e-bike lovers, this should be more embarrassing than impressive.
@@thenine83 You miss the point of ebikes, they aren't meant to be used in races or competition... They're just meant to let anyone have fun on the trails or roads, and help people keep up with friends or groups. This video was more just to show how far ebikes can push it
@@sam53143 Yeah except in this video, which is obviously what I'm referring to in my comment, they're used in a race, and the rider who is inferior in every regard to his competitor still wins because of how much the ebike helps him. As the video title says though, it really is 'e-bike' vs an olympian because when the bike is doing that much of the work for you, you can't call it rider vs rider. It's like doping if they're used competitively against a normal bike, except it's the bike thats full of PEDs.
@@thenine83 it’s not like this was a sanctioned event that he snuck in an e bike. No reason to get so defensive about it. The script could easily be flipped. Say a new bike owner with a beginner bike was out riding with the pro rider and his lighter bike with better components. Is it cheating when the heavier bike loses?
Of course it's not going to help where skill is needed... DOH!!! But you more then proved what these e-bikes are for! People who can't get out all the time, but want to enjoy the outdoors and mountain biking, they can do so with an E-Bike.
@@fillfreakin2245 That's not necessarily true. There are a lot of out of shape people in this world. Just watch any ATV video. And there is a lot more trail out there not appropriate for beginner riders and that's all some people have access to on a regular basis. If these e-bikes are able to allow them to enjoy the outdoors, so be it.
I agree, there are a lot of out of shape people. They need to get in shape. They can pedal a non-motorized bike starting on gravel paths or roads, then move on to ever harder trails. E-bikes on single track trails will just lead to quicker erosion and destruction of those trails. And it ain't those out of shape riders that are volunteering their time to build the trails.
@@fillfreakin2245 Totally disagree about quicker erosion and destruction! Legal e-bikes can't exceed 20mph using motor assist or throttle only. Not very many people can even ride anywhere near that fast on most mountain bike trails. They will ride pretty much exactly the same speeds that non e-bikes are ridden because that's what the trail and their own abilities dictate due to turns and curves, twists and turns, etc. Legal e-bikes also aren't setup for instant throttle response, they don't just launch from a dead stop, they kind of ease up to speed. So they won't be getting ridden like a full on dirt bike busting ass through trails leaving ruts and spitting dirt everywhere. Now, there is the issue of illegal e-bikes being ridden on trails, but that's another issue entirely.
Facepalm! This video PROVES ebikes can and will be ridden faster than regular mountain bikes. They will also be ridden more. While most people have all they can take after an hour or two, with an e-bike you could easily do twice as many laps as on a regular bike. E-bikes will also mean more brake bumps because riders will be coming in hotter more often, and will often be the less skilled riders that will brake more before turns, and the bikes weigh more so will lose traction easier. And yes, they provide considerable torque, they will wear out the up tracks too. E-bikes belong on the same trails as other motorized bikes. E-bike users don't like that? Let them build their own trails, and negotiate land use agreements.
Good video but on competitions there cannot be ebike vs normal bikes. So many variables indeed to be able to compare these. It is personal preference also. And mostly you need skill to ride the trails (like you guys have). Ebike just gives more power but not more skills. Cheers
I think the key here is do not rush, when the opponent is down then rush after. Nice comparison tho I really appreciate that this video came into my recommended. I was actually finding a comparison to a Road Bike and Mountain Bike, but this video was more interesting so I watched it.
I've shared this video a thousand times -- it's a realistic comparison and a great way to convince people that an electric mountain bike is not a bad thing. I wish you'd edit a version down to 90 seconds or as short as possible in a new version so that people can get the gist of it without watching 15 minute. I think it highlights two things: 1) uphill grinds are not fun for everyone, but an e-bike can inject just enough in the legs to let you keep riding more loops 2) you can have a lot of fun and a big cardio day, and an endorphin ride and enjoy the whole day (day after day) and 3) it's really boring riding an hour climb in the granny gear when you can be blasting uphill with full assist, then back it off and ride a light eMTB that handles well and doesn't feel heavy.
Wow, nice video, thanks for both your hard work! Grant is a machine, mad skills and high output. 2 thumbs up!! now switch bikes, Grant will catch that back tire on fire, lol.
Excellent video! And Chris lost at least 20secs in those 2 mistakes. But still most of the people on e-bikes would lose to Grant, ordinary mortals cannot ride like Chris, you must have skill to go that fast on such course, and stamina
You guys are missing the point, e-bikes are FUN! They are not meant to replace regular bikes or be the ultimate workout, they are meant for people that don't have the opportunity to be on a bike and practice every day, on them such people can ride longer distances, spend more time on the trail and get some help uphill before doing the fun downhill parts all over again. For example I work all day, all week, my GF is a national Marathon cycling champion, plus I'm much older and never been an athletic guy, I only was able to follow her and have fun with her once, when I was trying out an eMTB. Plus, did I mention, they are FUN, if I had an eBike I'd be out more regularly
Indeed. I just bought my first e-bike after 15 years of not doing any sport at all. I'm not fat but I'm out of shape. Thanks to the e-bike I got myself back into cycling again and I'm loving it. I can drive up quite steep hills at 25 km/h and very steep hills at 15 km/h that would otherwise defeat me easily. It's still demanding because i'm so out of shape but I can do it and I'm having a blast while doing it. So in contrast to just giving up (again) because the area I live in has too many mountains / steep hills, I'm back out there, having fun and doing something for my health.
I had an open-book hip break, hip replacement, rod in my femur, plate in my wrist and a jacked thumb... still no E-Bike thank you very much. Still prefer my Specialized carbon Epic.
Interesting to note Chris's 250 watt ebike motor assistance was restricted to 25kph the legal on the road mode. He would have blown Grant away on an unrestricted for the off road higher wattage mid drive ebike. Most more powerful higher wattage ebikes are from conversion kits which entails attention to their correct secure fitting to ensure reliability on mountain trails.
Awesome and Geat vid and Purpose and content !! Well Done ! Bud, sadly the Haters comments.... really shows the lack of knowledge in ebike mtb really... its jelousy plus envy combined ... a bad mix of feelings... for a awesome well directed and logical video that enters a new territory of analysis into the ebikes era... ! Thanks Again Guys keep up the great work and effort ! Love this channel !
Hey Chris, great comparison video but it would be really good to know how relative effort/output stacks up... which gave me an idea... I have my Spectral:On arriving this week, and I was thinking it would be interesting to use my Garmin Vector power pedals on it to get some data... thinking I will compare it with my Cyclocross bike.
I am getting old and collecting SS is not far away and I have always hated climbing. I think I can see my future. Its funny people will hate on ebikes but have no issue with lift serv. When I hot 70 I an there.
I love people they all say that's cheating , and turn around and say look at my carbon fiber bike tubeless wheels. I must wonder if runners look at bikers like cheaters? Cheers fellas
The Spark RC 900 is a true dream bike of mine! Amazing specs, paint and carbon is a very good combination. Since it’s too expensive for me I’m just sticking with a Aspect 960 which is fine :/
they need to compete on the DH track to find out who is really the fastest?))) ... not well ... in fact smacks of "old belief" ...?;))) ... we must admit that (each athlete is strong in his territory) ... And we still need to understand that - Electro enduro bike (it is much more versatile than СС bike) My personal opinion is the most versatile bike in the world (except for ... there are no exceptions)
I’ve demoed an e-bike after riding 4 other pedal bikes the same day. It’s a pretty awesome bike if you want to cover more trail in less amount of time. Otherwise, for me, it defeats the purpose of riding mountain bikes. It is about pushing yourself and getting your heart pumping until top of the hill so you can feel the reward of riding down. E-bikes are for older chaps who had better days and aren’t capable of exerting as much energy they used to.
Or people who want to go faster and run more downhill... I’m young and reasonably fit, and definitely plan to get an eBike in the future to keep my trail bike company.
Nitrobucket if you are riding put in the effort for the climbs and the descents feel that much better, also, if you do this you are getting much fitter as a person.
@@capekraken2672 You can put in the effort and go up twice as fast. We're not talking throttle, we're talking pedal assist. Let's say you have an ebike race, it's not like it's going to be a tie between all people, because effort is still rewarded. It's like steroids.. if you have 10 people competing that are on roids, the guys who put in the effort are OF COURSE going to be the winners. It's effort + ebike. Being able to do whole trails two to three times doesn't mean it was easier.. you're just FASTER with the same effort.
Boy there were some fascinating results here. My blanket prediction would have been every place with an incline the e-bike would win in every place on the decline the athlete would win. For starters apparently you're more of an athlete then I understood. Secondly he was able to carry more speed through spots than I thought would be possible. So on short sections of incline you were still able to lose. (Sorry) And lastly holy cow what a fascinating result you were able to beat him down hill through the rock garden. I'm not totally sure how you beat him through the rock garden. I know here in the United States thumb throttles are quite a bit more common. In a spot we're pedal rotation is limited due to obstacles the motor can still be running pushing it Rider faster true tight areas. Oddly I can Ford streams in my e-bike do to the hand throttle without getting my feet wet because I don't need to pedal crossing a stream.
Very good video,I've recently got a Giant e-bike and put semi road tyres on it from 2.6 inch to 2 inch to increase range and a slightly higher top speed on the easier bits,and the horrific noise they made on the road😂,,my point being that my e-bike is shaving minutes off all my normal routes it is hard to notice at first but the ending to this video explains it well,👍
I am new to this sport. Normally I just lift heavy weights and do no cardio. Looking at the build of this bloke I'm thinking I might not have the build for this!
I dont wanna imagine what this CC pro can do on a Enduro Bike ....wow He is very fast and full of Clean flow ...No Games No Show ...Just time is His enemy 🙈🙉🙊
Very good video Chris. Despite liking you videos in the shed I think you do much better on the field. Keep doing the good work. Cheers from New Zealand. 🤙🏼
The form, especially on the drops, was very different. Grant seems to keep his legs almost straight up and down a majority of the time and his chest is further over the handlebars. Also on drops he aggressivle pushes the front tire down after it clears. I think I tend to position my chest further back and legs lower as it feels safer from going over the handle bars. Might be worth trying Grants form.
13:28 "machine can beat man" ? More like: "man+machine can beat man+skill". Which is also the reason why we're all going unemployed as the machines teek eer jeeebs... T_T
Well this race was 15 min long, the longer it goes, the more advantage a ebikes get. also a hacked ebike with a strong rider who gives all, will probably demolish anything if there is just the slightest upphill. Its the uphills the ebike kills or in windy upphill conditions even more, just keeps that high average speed up.
Jeez, the speed Grant came down the rock garden.... Seat up, short travel... Respect!!!
... and no dropper post!
10:26 His head was more stable than my virginity
"short travel " 10 year ago its was the norm. It was possible then it's possible now.
i like this comment
i race xc and its not that hard its just not that nice to do it
I have ridden 30 years, so the 1st 10 years were on a mix of xc ridgid and then short travel 80mm forks...just saying grant is flying...
100mm travel 'not much' and 'skinny' 2.35 tyres? This would have been a good DH bike in the 90's! I'm so old.
I laughed when i heard 2.35 being skinny
Agree so much!
ikr?
I picked up a specialized epic pro WC recently.
I was like HOLY cow, back in 95... this thing would have destroyed the DH scene...
It's an XC bike...
I guess they where talking about the walls of the tire because its a well know skinny tire (besides its size)
I rode DH in the 90s, and yes, 100mm travel these days is nothing. It's not that you're old, you're just washed out and haven't kept up with the times. How you're able to logon to this new fangled innernet and post a comment on RUclips is quite a mystery. Do you use AOL for email?
Great comparison between the two bikes. Now put Chris on the XC bike!
it's a must !
And its only a 6km race, imagine how much gap can he open if they run 50km.
@@oscarcerqueiro4038 the battery wouldn't last that long
@@ethositachi At max power that bikes can reach with help 40 or 50km with out problems.
@@oscarcerqueiro4038 in the flat....
I'm an XC Amateur Rider and recently had the chance to try an E-Bike on my regular training trails (27.5, 160mm, XT 1x11 and Shimano Powered): You gain the most on the climbs and of course on the flats after a steep climb when usually go slower to catch the breath again.
Faster on descents than an XC bike? Yes, but maily because wider tires and more weight keeps the bike closer to the ground giving you more confidence to loose the brakes, remember that E-Bikes are mecanically assisted so you HAVE to pedal hard in order to go faster.
E-Bikes provide a lot of fun, can go faster and safer on descents and you can exercise as much as you want, the more you pedal, the faster you go.
It would be interesting to get a pro athlete to test the same course on a set of different ebikes. Something tells me Bosch/Yamaha/Brose motors will all give completely different results. In particular, Yamaha's instant engagement and ability to start progressively from high gear will play a big role.
About right. Big long travel e-bike on fast techy downs will be able to flow over the rough vs the 100mm will bite hard on a lot of it. Rough steep techy ups the e-bike doesnt wear out like a human non EPO engine. Have an older friend in late 60's was on deaths door, used an e-MTB to get some fitness back, then back onto a LT MTB, then an XC racer and now he has qualified for worlds Masters in Poland. None of that would have been possible without the assist of the e-MTB to get him out riding and having fun with us again.
for all the haters out there: its not cheating...its another discipline. You wouldnt call out a moto-dirt-biker for cheating too or?? Be proud of yourself, that you can do the same trail or track without a motor! But why hating on other people?? Its not a competition if you start in different disciplies...
This!
That deer around 5:01 was a nice touch. Goes on to show how blindingly fast Grant really is. Have had a couple encounters with them myself on a bike and no way I'm staying on their tail that long. Deers disappear into the forest so damn fast. >_
Deer would won the race for sure, half the time of any bike rider :D
Oh wow, didn't notice that at first. Nice catch.
5:02*
Thanks for pointing out the deer!
"MANY, MANY BEERS" Awesome! What a man of the people. :)
I loved the video, but after reading the comments, I think most of the people didnt understood the diferences between e bike/ bike.
Let me just say this - I consider myself a averege rider (10 years in the sport) and I am prety sure I would loose that race, riding the e-bike. BOTH riders have phenomenal downhill skills, and that, no e-bike can give you.
Guys, ride safe, enjoy, and dont be haters. Diferent people have diferent reazons to ride e-bikes, and you dont have nothing to do with that.
;)
That was a fun challenge! Grant tore that stuff up big time! Smokin' fast without a motor!
Very good comparison vid, well presented with the stats etc including the pro on the emtb at the end. 👍
Thanks 👍
Crazy you beat the Olympian! And I can hardly believe you took the words right off my comment I was totally going to ask for an Olympian on an E bike! Brilliant
Your no slouch Chris, Put me on that ebike against him and I would have no chance, an E-bike may tern a great free rider into an Olympic Athlete, but not us mortals. Lol
Great video.
i dont understand the dislikes, or the thumbs down on this chanel. We already know what the videos are all about, and we are here cause we love these guys and the hard job they put into making it so entretaining and educational. Thank you guys for your videos, hope it will never stop! ;)
Bref,faut apprecier ou la fermer.Drole de façon de recevoir la critique🤔
I don't usually watch EMBN, but this video was sick !!!
Chris showed some nice skills as well...kudos
SWAP BIKES? CHRIS ON THE XC BIKE?
Chris Smith Would be funny though 😉
Not enough film in the camera for that. Great video guys
Great skills on the eBike. Just loving the channel Guys. Very happy Scott eRide Genius 900 Tuned .... just not enough days in the week now. Cheers Raymondo
Wow, this shines a light on just how incredible the pro XC racers are
Very interesting competition, it must be remembered that Spetral has its limitations and on a long straight trained cyclist will overtake the bike with a speed lock. However, there are no chances for long climbs. More such videos please!
As a superannuation sufferer, this is just the video I was waiting to see. Having lost more aerobic capabilities (150 max heart-rate) than technical skills this gives me confidence to join on the "A" ride with my ebike.
I’m curious how close the E-bike times would’ve been if Chris had took the right turns! Still impressive and somewhat demoralizing for us folks on acoustic bikes 😂 nice vid! 🤙🏻
Chris Smith - Training Regime : Many Many beers! LMAO
The great equalizer is the eBike which neutralizes the conditioning advantage Grant has over Chris with regards to climbing hills. Thank you for sharing!
@jriden There's nothing lazy about using technology lmao. It's just physics at work, nothing magical that your muscles aren't held under as well, except that muscles are a very general form of power production whilst motors designed with the intent to propel the wheel is a specialized form of power production.
@@thelelanatorlol3978 and a motorcycle is just physics at work, clearly it's just as physical a workout riding a motorcycle as it a Mtn bike, right? Of course it's laziness. You're compensating for a lack of fitness
Great video. Never thought of doing a compare like that. Interesting race.
My "e-bike lusting" is for a 750 watt mid-motor hunting bike with 4" wide tires. I want it to be able to haul all the boned out quarters of a deer and the backstops (filet mignon) plus my 40 pounds of lightweight camping gear and scoped rifle.
All this at altitudes from 7,000 ft. to 11,000 ft. in any weather excepting a blizzard or 2+ feet of snow.
Spendy at over US $4,000. but for this 76 year old geezer it is a godsend for getting my gear and deer or elk meat out of Nevada's mountainous backcountry without having to make several trips.
Yeah, I still backpack Nevada's an Utah's mountains in spring, summer and fall but adding 3.5 kilos of scoped rifle and ammo makes it more difficult at altitude. And did I mention hauling out the meat?
E-Bikes are extending the years I can hunt in the mountains.
Quality
Only one bit of essential information missing Chris time on a non ebike 😀
" I managed to do it in 1:21" Correction; "My E-bike and I managed to do it in 1:21"
He was very clear that the e-bike beat the olympic rider not "himself alone", cut him some slack.
@@therodenthitman This video just backs up some people's belief that e-bikes are cheating. When Chris overtakes him going uphill, there is nothing at all impressive about that. It really is just cheat mode. I don't even know what the point of this video was. Was there really going to be any other outcome? This Grant guy is at least twice as fit, much better trained, him and his bike are half the weight of Chris and his bike and he still loses because of how much work that motor does for the e-bike rider. For e-bike lovers, this should be more embarrassing than impressive.
@@thenine83 You miss the point of ebikes, they aren't meant to be used in races or competition... They're just meant to let anyone have fun on the trails or roads, and help people keep up with friends or groups. This video was more just to show how far ebikes can push it
@@sam53143 Yeah except in this video, which is obviously what I'm referring to in my comment, they're used in a race, and the rider who is inferior in every regard to his competitor still wins because of how much the ebike helps him. As the video title says though, it really is 'e-bike' vs an olympian because when the bike is doing that much of the work for you, you can't call it rider vs rider. It's like doping if they're used competitively against a normal bike, except it's the bike thats full of PEDs.
@@thenine83 it’s not like this was a sanctioned event that he snuck in an e bike. No reason to get so defensive about it. The script could easily be flipped. Say a new bike owner with a beginner bike was out riding with the pro rider and his lighter bike with better components. Is it cheating when the heavier bike loses?
I wonder how much juice was left in the battery after the first race.
Probably a lot
Daaaamnnn. That rider just punched the e-bike into the ground on the first hill... Cheers to sheer human power.
The part where Chris hits the first slight climb in his granny gear is pretty hilarious!
HOw much battery did the E-bike use? Would you have been able to do 5 or 6 laps as in a World Cup?
4x6 is 24 miles on a 100 % load. I think the e-bike will barely make it.
What's your ebike if you don't mind me ask?
@@cyper89 for this range you need 350watt battery that's all the info you need
@@cyper89 a Radpower cargobike, the Radwagon.
Of course it's not going to help where skill is needed... DOH!!! But you more then proved what these e-bikes are for! People who can't get out all the time, but want to enjoy the outdoors and mountain biking, they can do so with an E-Bike.
They can do it without an ebike. They just won't be going on the same level of difficulty trail.
@@fillfreakin2245 That's not necessarily true. There are a lot of out of shape people in this world. Just watch any ATV video. And there is a lot more trail out there not appropriate for beginner riders and that's all some people have access to on a regular basis. If these e-bikes are able to allow them to enjoy the outdoors, so be it.
I agree, there are a lot of out of shape people. They need to get in shape. They can pedal a non-motorized bike starting on gravel paths or roads, then move on to ever harder trails. E-bikes on single track trails will just lead to quicker erosion and destruction of those trails. And it ain't those out of shape riders that are volunteering their time to build the trails.
@@fillfreakin2245 Totally disagree about quicker erosion and destruction! Legal e-bikes can't exceed 20mph using motor assist or throttle only. Not very many people can even ride anywhere near that fast on most mountain bike trails. They will ride pretty much exactly the same speeds that non e-bikes are ridden because that's what the trail and their own abilities dictate due to turns and curves, twists and turns, etc. Legal e-bikes also aren't setup for instant throttle response, they don't just launch from a dead stop, they kind of ease up to speed. So they won't be getting ridden like a full on dirt bike busting ass through trails leaving ruts and spitting dirt everywhere. Now, there is the issue of illegal e-bikes being ridden on trails, but that's another issue entirely.
Facepalm! This video PROVES ebikes can and will be ridden faster than regular mountain bikes. They will also be ridden more. While most people have all they can take after an hour or two, with an e-bike you could easily do twice as many laps as on a regular bike. E-bikes will also mean more brake bumps because riders will be coming in hotter more often, and will often be the less skilled riders that will brake more before turns, and the bikes weigh more so will lose traction easier. And yes, they provide considerable torque, they will wear out the up tracks too.
E-bikes belong on the same trails as other motorized bikes. E-bike users don't like that? Let them build their own trails, and negotiate land use agreements.
Good video but on competitions there cannot be ebike vs normal bikes. So many variables indeed to be able to compare these. It is personal preference also. And mostly you need skill to ride the trails (like you guys have). Ebike just gives more power but not more skills. Cheers
Great video, but what were you doing on that first climb...was it in eco mode?
Looked like Eco at 15%
Maybe Turbo ?
Thanks to both of you for that video. Answered a few questions I had floating around in my head.
I think the key here is do not rush, when the opponent is down then rush after. Nice comparison tho I really appreciate that this video came into my recommended. I was actually finding a comparison to a Road Bike and Mountain Bike, but this video was more interesting so I watched it.
I've shared this video a thousand times -- it's a realistic comparison and a great way to convince people that an electric mountain bike is not a bad thing.
I wish you'd edit a version down to 90 seconds or as short as possible in a new version so that people can get the gist of it without watching 15 minute.
I think it highlights two things:
1) uphill grinds are not fun for everyone, but an e-bike can inject just enough in the legs to let you keep riding more loops
2) you can have a lot of fun and a big cardio day, and an endorphin ride and enjoy the whole day (day after day)
and 3) it's really boring riding an hour climb in the granny gear when you can be blasting uphill with full assist, then back it off and ride a light eMTB that handles well and doesn't feel heavy.
Wow, nice video, thanks for both your hard work!
Grant is a machine, mad skills and high output.
2 thumbs up!!
now switch bikes, Grant will catch that back tire on fire, lol.
Excellent video! And Chris lost at least 20secs in those 2 mistakes. But still most of the people on e-bikes would lose to Grant, ordinary mortals cannot ride like Chris, you must have skill to go that fast on such course, and stamina
At last!
Someone who realy saw the video!
Right then, waiting for new E- XC bikes to crop out in coming years,
mean time, let's keep fitness at personal optimum.
That was good!!!
That's the thing, Greg. Conventional bikes are really at a high point in their evolution. E-bikes are just getting started
You guys are missing the point, e-bikes are FUN! They are not meant to replace regular bikes or be the ultimate workout, they are meant for people that don't have the opportunity to be on a bike and practice every day, on them such people can ride longer distances, spend more time on the trail and get some help uphill before doing the fun downhill parts all over again. For example I work all day, all week, my GF is a national Marathon cycling champion, plus I'm much older and never been an athletic guy, I only was able to follow her and have fun with her once, when I was trying out an eMTB. Plus, did I mention, they are FUN, if I had an eBike I'd be out more regularly
Indeed. I just bought my first e-bike after 15 years of not doing any sport at all. I'm not fat but I'm out of shape. Thanks to the e-bike I got myself back into cycling again and I'm loving it. I can drive up quite steep hills at 25 km/h and very steep hills at 15 km/h that would otherwise defeat me easily.
It's still demanding because i'm so out of shape but I can do it and I'm having a blast while doing it.
So in contrast to just giving up (again) because the area I live in has too many mountains / steep hills, I'm back out there, having fun and doing something for my health.
Dude I laugh so much with the riders specs, It deserves my kudos only for that!
I really liked the analysis.. and what the man could do on downhills and DROPS without a dropper...
Lol I loved that you didn't bother showing him on the ebike
I had an open-book hip break, hip replacement, rod in my femur, plate in my wrist and a jacked thumb... still no E-Bike thank you very much. Still prefer my Specialized carbon Epic.
Whaou, impressive, exactly what i was looking for. Thanks for the job and effort, electric or not !!!
@3:36 training regime: barspins, manuals, and many, many beers hahahahahaha
may have been different with the US version at 20mph? Two great riders 💪🏻
Interesting to note Chris's 250 watt ebike motor assistance was restricted to 25kph the legal on the road mode. He would have blown Grant away on an unrestricted for the off road higher wattage mid drive ebike. Most more powerful higher wattage ebikes are from conversion kits which entails attention to their correct secure fitting to ensure reliability on mountain trails.
Awesome and Geat vid and Purpose and content !! Well Done !
Bud, sadly the Haters comments.... really shows the lack of knowledge in ebike mtb really... its jelousy plus envy combined ... a bad mix of feelings... for a awesome well directed and logical video that enters a new territory of analysis into the ebikes era... !
Thanks Again Guys keep up the great work and effort ! Love this channel !
Hey Chris, great comparison video but it would be really good to know how relative effort/output stacks up... which gave me an idea... I have my Spectral:On arriving this week, and I was thinking it would be interesting to use my Garmin Vector power pedals on it to get some data... thinking I will compare it with my Cyclocross bike.
Well done Grant, respect. 👍🏻
Awesome riding and awesome trail!
What i learned; Grant is FASTTTTTT
I am getting old and collecting SS is not far away and I have always hated climbing. I think I can see my future. Its funny people will hate on ebikes but have no issue with lift serv. When I hot 70 I an there.
You both did a good job. I'm not of a mtb bike guy myself(although I have one)..I prefere road. But I enjoyed it.
Props to Ferguson for kicking ass with a carbon seatpost!
I love people they all say that's cheating , and turn around and say look at my carbon fiber bike tubeless wheels. I must wonder if runners look at bikers like cheaters? Cheers fellas
The Spark RC 900 is a true dream bike of mine! Amazing specs, paint and carbon is a very good combination. Since it’s too expensive for me I’m just sticking with a Aspect 960 which is fine :/
You guys should swap bikes to see who's really faster!!
Did you watch the whole video? 😄
they need to compete on the DH track to find out who is really the fastest?)))
...
not well ... in fact
smacks of "old belief" ...?;)))
...
we must admit that (each athlete is strong in his territory)
...
And we still need to understand that - Electro enduro bike (it is much more versatile than СС bike)
My personal opinion is the most versatile bike in the world (except for ... there are no exceptions)
@@MrBJPitt yes, but they should make a whole video of it.
Exactly, put Chris on the Xc Bike! He would need 3 Times longer! E Bike Is great!
Just me who seen the deer... 5:04
I would say its an Rabbit
It's a roe deer you can see
5:02 Grant Ferguson chases a rabbit.
GP
It was not a rabbit.
Brilliant battle .
@Chris Smith your not verified 🤣
Grant on a destricted e-bike.... Grant is a super, pleasant guy... And that physique and bidy weight...
I’m thinking of getting into xc skiing but I want skis that will make me go as fast as Olympic xc skiers. Any advice?
E-Skis 😂
@@th_js Jet-Skis :D
That track looks awesomely fun!!!
I’ve demoed an e-bike after riding 4 other pedal bikes the same day. It’s a pretty awesome bike if you want to cover more trail in less amount of time. Otherwise, for me, it defeats the purpose of riding mountain bikes. It is about pushing yourself and getting your heart pumping until top of the hill so you can feel the reward of riding down. E-bikes are for older chaps who had better days and aren’t capable of exerting as much energy they used to.
put it better then I could
Or people who want to go faster and run more downhill... I’m young and reasonably fit, and definitely plan to get an eBike in the future to keep my trail bike company.
Anyone who likes climbing likes to be touched by their uncle. It's all about the DH
Nice edit at 7.00 to make the bikes/riders look even
He's only 25?! That's an advert for eating red meat and drinking beer if ever I saw one.
Superb race, excellent comparison, superb! More such broadcasts.
I'd love to see this comparison done with a more Apples to Apples bike -->>> Scott Spark vs S-Works Turbo Levo
What an epic race!
that was unfair....
but there is no doubt that Emtb brings the Fun back for the people who aren’t young and strong anymore
That was unfair?? That was the whole point of it.
It does. It also makes the rides more fun for everyone else lol. I can do 2 big rides in a row when everyone else in my group is gassed after the 1st
Nitrobucket if you are riding put in the effort for the climbs and the descents feel that much better, also, if you do this you are getting much fitter as a person.
@@capekraken2672 You can put in the effort and go up twice as fast. We're not talking throttle, we're talking pedal assist. Let's say you have an ebike race, it's not like it's going to be a tie between all people, because effort is still rewarded. It's like steroids.. if you have 10 people competing that are on roids, the guys who put in the effort are OF COURSE going to be the winners. It's effort + ebike. Being able to do whole trails two to three times doesn't mean it was easier.. you're just FASTER with the same effort.
The skills of the pro definitely matter a lot
Boy there were some fascinating results here.
My blanket prediction would have been every place with an incline the e-bike would win in every place on the decline the athlete would win.
For starters apparently you're more of an athlete then I understood.
Secondly he was able to carry more speed through spots than I thought would be possible. So on short sections of incline you were still able to lose. (Sorry)
And lastly holy cow what a fascinating result you were able to beat him down hill through the rock garden.
I'm not totally sure how you beat him through the rock garden. I know here in the United States thumb throttles are quite a bit more common. In a spot we're pedal rotation is limited due to obstacles the motor can still be running pushing it Rider faster true tight areas.
Oddly I can Ford streams in my e-bike do to the hand throttle without getting my feet wet because I don't need to pedal crossing a stream.
Very good video,I've recently got a Giant e-bike and put semi road tyres on it from 2.6 inch to 2 inch to increase range and a slightly higher top speed on the easier bits,and the horrific noise they made on the road😂,,my point being that my e-bike is shaving minutes off all my normal routes it is hard to notice at first but the ending to this video explains it well,👍
An absolutely smashing trail! Would love to have a ride there and train a little!
I am new to this sport. Normally I just lift heavy weights and do no cardio. Looking at the build of this bloke I'm thinking I might not have the build for this!
29 front wheel 27.5 rear ? That’s so weird
And why is it weird? Roll over and accuracy up front and massive grip, drive and comfort out back.
Actually it give you more confidence..... you should try it
I used to race cyclo cross then I moved to MTB and I love it so much more
Nice vid, next time pls do a Can An Dirt Bike Beat A World Cup Pro?
At the start when they were reviewing the riders they put "many, many beers" 😂
I dont wanna imagine what this CC pro can do on a Enduro Bike ....wow He is very fast and full of Clean flow ...No Games No Show ...Just time is His enemy 🙈🙉🙊
I went there a few weeks ago and did the black route and the dirt jumps
Very good video Chris. Despite liking you videos in the shed I think you do much better on the field. Keep doing the good work. Cheers from New Zealand. 🤙🏼
Thanks! 👍
The form, especially on the drops, was very different. Grant seems to keep his legs almost straight up and down a majority of the time and his chest is further over the handlebars. Also on drops he aggressivle pushes the front tire down after it clears.
I think I tend to position my chest further back and legs lower as it feels safer from going over the handle bars.
Might be worth trying Grants form.
That's a great track.
Why don't the UCI include it in the race calendar?
Cool idea! And wow that Olympic cyclist is fit!
Yea, thats rare. Most are fat slobs.
Imagine Grant on an e bike Racing against Chris 😂
Govt should put a speed limit on regular bike too haha on a downhill
next time give E-bike to pro XC guy, that would be INSANE! I want to see it please
@Chris Smith i know, BUT! I wanted to see him :/ not only numbers. And different trail would be better to see
You guys are crazy. I don't even like jumping curbs
With one of the super light e bikes from focus the difference would be even bigger.
13:28 "machine can beat man" ?
More like: "man+machine can beat man+skill".
Which is also the reason why we're all going unemployed as the machines teek eer jeeebs... T_T
They took er jeebs
Still would rather have a ebike
Imagine if he raced someone like nino schurter or Mathieu van der poel
While on the limiter you should of been able to catch your breath,
good run.
Super vidéo , belle comparaison 👍😁💪. Thx
Well this race was 15 min long, the longer it goes, the more advantage a ebikes get. also a hacked ebike with a strong rider who gives all, will probably demolish anything if there is just the slightest upphill. Its the uphills the ebike kills or in windy upphill conditions even more, just keeps that high average speed up.
Have you tried the same race switching the bikes?