One advantage for me on my ebike is that I ride my trails so often it doesn't matter if I run across a rider or hiker that might cause me to slow down or wait for a bit, I'll be back riding the trail very soon and the next time I probably won't meet anyone at that spot so I get to ride it as I like that time. So I give lots of room and give way every time I can to be polite and let's not forget it is also easier to get back on track with the ebike once you've stopped to allow traffic to clear or go by. I appreciate you were riding the bike in eco/trail mode as many videos I've seen of advanced riders taking an ebike out for the first time pop them into boost/turbo and never explore the lower power modes where you can get a better fitness workout.
Hi Phil, I have the exact same e bike as you and love riding it here in New Zealand 🇳🇿 I did start out on a steam bike, but began to loathe the climbs. The e bike allows me to stay on the trails longer and now will happily climb. It did take a bit of getting used to as it does handle different, but have all my confidence back again. Keep up the good content.
Not sure if I can explain it correctly, but if you take the selector and put it on the right bar, up agains the grip. Then you can move your dropper over closer to your thumb, and if you get the adapter for your computer display mount, you can put your display over on your right hand where you can reach it with your thumb. I was moving my cockpit around modifying where things were, it took me 4-5 rides before I got it, but now it is more intuitive.
just recieved mine last week, I am loving it. Getting back into MTB'ing. I dont have the upgraded shocks. I will keep the suntour ones that came with it. I do find the breaks on the slugish side comparied to my older MTB.
Rode some of those same climbs on Tuesday. Your video makes them look like nothing but I can say it gets steep and its easy to get pumped out quickly. Great video. Cool to see trails I know from a video point of view.
I have both regular and ebike. I ride mostly ebike. Most people say they like to earn the climb. But like you said the climbs after a while do become demoralizing. I know what I’m capable of on a regular bike I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I ride my ebike because it’s just plain FUN. Isn’t that what anything you do should be. Some of my friends do give me a hard time but who cares. You need to ride an ebike just one time to understand, the haters are either jealous or never rode one. Oh on my ebike I hunt for the steepest hills I can find. Can’t say that for a regular bike. 😃
Phil, I have an Orbea Rise. I feel like with that bike I am directing it to where I want to go. I had a chance to ride a non eMTB during a loop. With the non eMTB, I felt I could put that bike anywhere I wanted it to go. Very nimble, and poppy. My riding style tends to prefer flow and techy climbing, so I love my Rise for that. If I were more into jumps, I think I would steer for the non eMTB. I also upgraded my brakes to Shimano Saints. The heavier bike just needs more stopping power.
Honestly I love the traction and stability of my Trek Rail. It feels good in most every situation and I am able to ride up and down no matter the steep
Honestly the best rule of thumb for any mountain biking, no matter what you're riding, ebike or regular bike, is to not be a dick. lol Be considerate of everyone on the trail and we'll all have a good time. Cause that's what we do this for. Having fun.
Eco mode on the climbs? EMTB is all about shredding the uphills as well as the downhills. I’m sure you could do some cool, novel stuff with this bike. Embrace the EMTB because they’re here to stay. Love your content.
Eco or trail mode on the climbs depending on how much you want to work, or how worn out you are. But always click it up to boost mode on the downhills. The weight will rob you of your speed so quick on the pedal sections of the decent. Keeping it in Boost mode makes it so that you can throw a few super powerful strokes in to maintain that decent speed! Give it a try. Makes a big difference!
Spot on on the passing etiquette Phil. I match the regular bikers speed at a distance where they don't feel uncomfortable and then catch up when I know there is a good place to pass. I usually climb on Eco too, so I'm not climbing at 20MPH (more like 8) so I don't really keep catching up to people that often. While personally I don't care if e-bikers blow by me when I'm on my regular bike some people are pretty sensitive about the subject so I try to err on being more polite to my fellow trail users. E-bikes are fun as hell, but as you said, not a complete replacement (maybe when they can get them down to 35lbs). Great video.
I pass people the same way .then someone on a regular bike will pass me to show me how bad ass they are pass the people I was giving a break make them pull over then I can pass. Or I'll be giving someone a break and someone tell me I shouldn't be there when they catch me. 🤣🤣
Nice review Phil. An ebike is in my future, only because at 63, I just don't have the strength and endurance I used to have. Only thing holding me back is the price, and the fact that in 8 months it will be outdated and worth pennys on the dollar.
Sorta reminds me of a NINER rip E from the pov vantage. Not gonna lie. They look really similar. And you’re spot on with all your observations. People seem to think people are gonna get fat from riding ebikes. They don’t seem to understand the concept of pedal assist lol! I’m hoping the shop I work at gets a GT ebike sometime soon lol! Love the video brother! Keep up the great work!! Edit: Glad to hear I’m not the only person who doesn’t mind having a heavier bike if it means it’ll withstand the abuse put on it lol
I didn’t even know GT made an ebike. I have a YT decoy and it’s super poppy , I think it comes down to geometry and suspension. About trails etichette, just use common sense and you’ll be fine. I think you’ll be using that bike more then you think once it’s set up properly. 👍
I leave mine in boost all the time unless other bikers or hikers are around, then I go to eco mode and fall back so people feel comfortable. I just want to make sure they know they don’t need to worry about me passing. I want them to have a stress free ride or hike too. Boost mode is great on downhills especially when you’re riding something blind and get caught on a bad line, losing your speed before that next feature. Boost mode helps you get back to trail speed in a few pedal strokes without getting winded. Best analogy with emtbs is that it makes ride effort feel more like a spin class where you get to control your resistance. Either way your heart will be pumping by the end of the ride.
Dirt bikes and ebikes ride totally differently, and you are allowed to do both! There's a reason why most of the top motocross racers also have an ebike.
Phil it pains me watching you ride in Eco, get that thing in Trail the whole time, REALLY makes the ebike come alive! Only use Eco if you're doing a long ass ride. For the brakes, I had Shimano SLX on my Canyon Spectral:On but switched to Magura 7s and the difference is night and day. I never had confidence in the Shimanos as they just felt underpowered, despite being 4-pots, whereas with the Maguras I can stop on a dime. I would never go back to a non-ebike now (unless I was just doing downhill), it's just so much more fun to ride on normal trails. The extra weight is fantastic for carrying speed through the trails
Phil has now become one of the content creators that I like the video before the initial ad even finishes. Lol Already know I’m gonna enjoy, so why wait, right? Haha
Been riding both my new ebike and old and steam bike switching back and forward for a while now. Definitely agree that ebikes is more plough and less poppy. But... they love speed and then they start to come to life. Also thrash them down AND up. (Practicing good trail etiquette always) One of the funniest things to do on an ebike is ride full power and smash up single track (down hilling uphill) , try and climb silly things (technical uphill). Basically turn the return trip to the top into about as much fun as the way down. So in summary - ride "e" like ya stole it. PS - using power on the way down helps you to remove any dead spots when the bike might slow down - you can quickly get it back to trail speed.
That bike is sick it would be awesome for trails out in wester Massachusetts where the trails are all you must go up to go down your eather flat ground or climbing to hit few nice tracks
EMTBs i struggled with because of the weight so i've stuck to a regular mtb but i've had an e cargo bike for a year now and do 80% of my non mtb riding on that!
@@incredible5587 felt great on the fast techy stuff but on the tighter trails and moving it around, hops etc it just wasn't as fun for me as my standard mtb.
I learned back on free style weight in right places can help on jumps and in ways I had 94GtPro performer tour and Dyno air and the GT heavyer because of some parts I would not lose plus the fram it's self and I liked the GT way better then my Dyno air
Your heart rate is elevated because you need to lay off the ale and the burgers! lol :)🍔🍺. Truthfully from watching your videos if you never ride xc trails on a classic pedal bike your legs will be weaker. If you ride an ebike your legs will get weaker but your cardio / heart will get stronger...because you won't have to stop and rest... if that is your goal. I was 280Lbs when I got my spec levo, and lost 60 lbs because it. Now I can ride my trek slash very easily. I use my ebike on to rest my legs on rest days... and trek slash on workout / enduro days.. thanks for the motivating videos btw. :)
My weekend ride partner has been on a Levo SL and rarely gets out of Eco mode. It just lets him ride further he still gets a workout. And I always have someone waiting for me at the top of hills. As for passing while climbing if someone catches me on single track I happily stop and let them by to take a break. On fireroads I just hog the clean line, if you caught me you can pass me in the marbles.
Riding an Ebike for awhile, along with my regular bike. I have never passed anyone on a single track, I just get in line as I would with my normal bike. In group rides, I just fall in line and so many times there have been people that did not even know I had an ebike until we were talking at the end of the ride. I have talked to many people who mention ebikes "blasting past others " on up hills, yet not one of them have experienced it, just heard it from someone. I believe it is very less common, more often is having a CAT1 rider come up and pass on a up hill.
At 60 yo, I'm working on fitness, but I can see the benefits of an e-mtb. Being able to ride more trails for longer, not walking climbs, etc. We'll all get to the point where we still want to trail ride and downhill, but our bodies aren't capable of the same level of suffrage. With the added weight of an e-mtb, you're still gonna get a workout regardless.
As a 58 year old I dislike E-bikes greatly. I pedal my own way. However, for some there is a need and that's cool. Saw a couple that could have been 80'ish with e-bikes and was happy they could still be out pedaling and enjoying the outdoors.
Shimano is a great motor, especially for slower technical climbing, enjoy! If you want to see how agile a GT eforce can be take a look at Chris Akrig 😀
So (in effect) two freehubs now? I understand why they need one at the motor, so probs could lose the rear one to save weight - interesting to see if this happens over time.
Yeah. I wouldn't be surprised is the shimano motor is using the same style one way bearings as the onyx hubs 😂, but without a rear hub the chain would spin the entire time when coasting. I had a trials bike that used a freewheel in the front so the chain spun when coasting. I lost a lot of pants to them getting caught in the chain, and i cant see that being even more dangerous on an ebike
Ebikes an Volume spacers go hand-n-hand. Wouldnt be surprised to see you with the max 5 installed in the fork. Will definitely add some Pop. Also big brakes or a better pad. Galfer Purple is really good. And yes Eb riders should exercise patience when approaching Amish bikes climbing, a bell would be nice but may be intimidating to some. Can move the mode button to inside of brake lever to avoid accidental BOOST mode.. A mode that a fit person will never use unless doin silly stuff ;) P.S. Welcome to the "Darkside" ;)
I have an Orbea Rise which is a lower power lighter ebike. rides like a normal bike. mine is like 38lbs. I really want to make some Vermont trips but trail systems like stowe, kingdom don't allow them. Ascutney, Slate Hill and some other trail systems I don't think they are a problem. I've been on the Bennington Bat trails with it. I really would like to ride Kingdom Trails and I hope these areas change their policy.
In Vermont most places unless posted otherwise are ebike friendly. I think stowe may have even changed their tune on ebikes, but don't quote me on that.
Hey Phil Great video. I felt like you were roaming around my brain 🧠. Your uneasiness with Ebike tech itself and the image that seems to come with them. The whole etiquette on the trail thing. I started a little over a year ago saving up to purchase an Ebike an like you "ive had it for a year and this is its first ride" I kept waffling for various reasons during that time from cost, ride quality, to yes what my friends family thought. After much studying and getting to understand the machines themselves I became comfortable with their unpopularity. I've been mtbing since early eighties when they were fully rigid, rim braked skinny tired, suicide machines. And having watched every new innovation that has come along be maligned by the purists and the haters as cheating or ruining the sport. It acurred to me that ALL of those purist and haters are now riding the very bikes they were trashing then. That made the what they think thing just become "haters gonna hate" Ride quality was my final personal hurdle with these machines. Like you ive never been a weight weeny build the bike that can survive what you chose to ride but almost 20 plus pounds more weight just seemed well Then an epiphany hit me That my first STEELmtb weighed 46 lbs, thats 3 pounds less then the average Ebike. And I had stupid fun on that beast. So I succumbed to the lure of the Ebike and purchased one. After a month plus now I can honestly say that I am glad I did it. It won't replace my acoustic bikes but will ad to what kind of riding I will do now. Be that going up is as enjoyable as going down im looking at trails differently now. And have effectively doubled the amount of single track near me cause now both directions are FUN. Its been a blast talking bikes with you hope I get to PLAY bikes with you one day. LOL RSD BRAH.
I see my regular bike as a point and shoot machine, whereas my ebike is just amazing at plowing through rock gardens. I love both of them equally, they are very different beasts but each have their own place. In terms of weight I definitely agree with the point that you feel it more at lower speeds but at high speeds you barely notice but that is also true on normal bikes to some extent. For reference my normal bike weighs 15.6kg and my ebike weighs 29.8kg. (I dont know how to convert to lbs for you folks over the pond)
Just purchased Gt force amp 2024 Old school mtb rider here i used to race amateur in the early 90s and was a geek to all components there wasnt much i didnt know ,still own my old Gt team avalanche and tequesta, completly lost touch with all the new components been a runner for 25 years plus so very fit but knees are showing signs have riden boardmans for 10 years to work etc and push very hard my average speed is around 14mph on long rides on canal footpaths, why are the pedals so low to the ground ? Stupidly low, constantly grounding out to the point im always conscious im going to dig in and fall off, is there a modification in crank arm length? Never had this issue on my regular mtb Checked my garmin and tbf you can still get your HR elevated if you work hard
Great thing about ebikes is you can ride the flat like it is the downhill. Turns flat trails into a whole different thing. Gotta be respectful and go slow on blind corners though
very informative, got a question though...I see real tight squeezes while in air between very close trees....Have you ever whacked your knuckles throwing you off track? Some of those look really close...
@ 8:00 Passing is passing. The type of bike one owns has nothing to do with it. I don't currently own an e-bike but I've heard this too many times. Why isn't everyone up in arms about super fit riders on super light bikes passing on the climb? Because Passing is Passing. E-bikes and E-bike ownership/ridership has nothing to do with it. A jerk an acoustic bike will be a jerk on an e-bike. A cool person on an acoustic bike will be a cool person on an e-bike. And since most riders have already been raised by their folks...we can't really teach them otherwise.
Im a little late to this party but I want to still ask, if you recall the stock components, and if you think those wouldve handled the trails you were on during this video? Its a few yrs later and your version is probably the higher end Amp, but I just got a great deal on the lower end Current and I cant find too many videos/info on it. Now that I think about it, beside the frameset, the amp and current are quite different, so its hardly a comparison, but I'd still like to hear about your thoughts on the stock components that you initially had? Thank Phil
Both the amp and current are a good value for what they are especially if there are discounts, but that also comes with trade offs. Some of the components are closer to middle end to keep the cost down, but if you're not familiar with bikes with high end components you won't know the difference. You can always upgrade components as you find limitations. For me as a former professional racer, the difference were noticeable so i upgraded my parts.
@@SkillsWithPhil Interesting. I didn't know they had a cutoff. They definitely seem like a solid way to cut down on gas use for those shuttling and just have an all around fun time.
I have been trying to order one of these for 4 years now and I am GT dealer lol. Would be nice if they could ever send me a nice bike again. It has been over 2 full years since I have had a Force or Sensor to sell. Anything over the avalanche comp has been canned on the last two bookings. I can't get a single bike that will survive local trails from them. Just cheaper hardtails,kids bikes ,and bmx
Some bikes aren't offered in different countries. I don't fully understand the reasoning but i double checked and you aren't blind, it looks like its not on the Canadian site. FWIW If you go to region and change it to international you can see all the models, not that that helps you.
As a candian dealer I was told North America did not get them this year or the last 4 they have been made for. If they have them in the states already then I have been lied too but I can order the cheaper one for late next year. The one shown in the video is just marked as out of stock still with no date but at least it's on the b2b. All road bikes,nice hardtails, every single full suspension from sensor to fury were all taken off the Canadian site and cut from placed orders
alright dose anybody else noitce that sexy stem?? its one of the best things i think ive ever seen. Phil, what are your thoughs on the contraversy on E bikes these days? I can see both sides on how the are helpful (especailly considering that both my parents are older and have one). However i can also see the bad in them. what are your thoughts?
Here's what I did. I bought the fox ebike 38 etuned and then bought a 160mm damper because i could only find the 170mm forks in stock. FWIW normally the stock fork is a 150mm travel fork. I then bought the fox float x2 185x55 trunnion, and had the shop change the compression and rebound circuits. The rebound circuit is the low tune (805-05-487-KIT), the compression is the low tune as well (805-05-481-KIT) I bought everything through the lost.co Fork (not affiliate links) thelostco.com/products/2022-fox-float-38-factory-kashima-e-tuned-29-grip2-shiny-black?variant=39588076748998 Shock thelostco.com/products/2022-fox-float-x2-w-climb-switch?variant=39562625024198
I was actually out riding for a bit over 2.5hrs including stops and chitchats. So probably 2hrs total of moving time and i did just under 12miles and ~3000ft of climbing.
Ya must be rich, to set-up the rig that way. I removed the Rockshox "Over-hyped," junk, & replaced with Suntour Aion & Triair 3CR. The Deluxe shock, is kept in storage(too expensive to ride with everyday). The WTB rims are atrocious. WTB rims of the past have consistently pancaked on me or just commuting-to-work, have had the nipples breaking through the rim. Those too, are in the closet, with Halo Vortex & Vapor rims, doing a awesome job supporting a 260pound rider. Use it only for commuting-to-work, which is a twenty mile round trip, daily. If I could afford components, I'd have her out on the enduro track. Would like to see GT use Panasonic, which is quieter & more reliable, and better warranty service, than Shimano & Bosch.
Some are pretty low, but most of them aren't in a spot where you are going too fast. We've all been clipped by one at some point, usually while climbing haha. They prop them up once the sugaring season is done.
Everything up to skullies is fine, but once you decide to go to the top, that part is relentless. There are very few breaks, its always a slight uphill grade. It could use 3-4 spots where it just meanders for a bit more to let you spin your legs before you tackle the next section.
@@mtbwithtfb I run the Magura MDR-P 220 rotors with CODE RSC's. The Hayes Dominion A4 is the other high powered caliper option. Also make sure you are running the best Sintered or Ceramic brake pads which you properly bed in and don't run till they are bare trying to save money. Brakes regularly well bled and set up properly. Tyres would specifically be DH carcass = Maxxis Assegai DD MaxxGrip front and rear or the Michelin DH22 front and rear. I could very easily go over the bars on a 24.5kgs eBike on a reasonably high traction surface with this type of set up. Obviously, there are many differences riding monster eBikes vs. your pedal power bike, braking points is just one of them. People just go on about the weight but I find I am also going faster on a DH track with an eBike than I am on a pedal bike ... hence the full-on Pro brake set up
There's no difference between and ebike and an Amish bike when it comes to trail etiquette , it's the rider. Be courteous and polite on the trails and everyone will have a better time.
Phil, I've noticed in your last few videos that there's not as much of a view the horizon as usual. It almost looks like you're using something other than Superview, or maybe the new camera is cropping more than the 7 did. I NEVER used to get a queasy feeling watching your videos. I gotta say....I preferred your chin mount videos previously, and I'm wondering...did a setting change when you moved away from the 7? Are you using the 9 or 10 now?
@@SkillsWithPhil ...Hmm...maybe the angle is just slightly lower? I do notice more of the stem and bars in the field of view. Oh well....maybe my eyes and brain are just overly sensitive lately. :-) Just SUPER GLAD you're back to riding season, and putting content out there! I'll take a Dramamine before I stop watching you videos. LOL :-)
Put it in Turbo/Boost, leave it there, and enjoy the flow UPHILL.
One advantage for me on my ebike is that I ride my trails so often it doesn't matter if I run across a rider or hiker that might cause me to slow down or wait for a bit, I'll be back riding the trail very soon and the next time I probably won't meet anyone at that spot so I get to ride it as I like that time. So I give lots of room and give way every time I can to be polite and let's not forget it is also easier to get back on track with the ebike once you've stopped to allow traffic to clear or go by. I appreciate you were riding the bike in eco/trail mode as many videos I've seen of advanced riders taking an ebike out for the first time pop them into boost/turbo and never explore the lower power modes where you can get a better fitness workout.
That's one of the best e-bike reviews I've seen! Something I've been thinking about for a while... Nice one Phil 🙏🏼
Hi Phil, I have the exact same e bike as you and love riding it here in New Zealand 🇳🇿
I did start out on a steam bike, but began to loathe the climbs. The e bike allows me to stay on the trails longer and now will happily climb. It did take a bit of getting used to as it does handle different, but have all my confidence back again.
Keep up the good content.
More eMTB videos please. Love em!
Just when you thought Phil couldn’t get any faster… 😂 the bike looks like a lot of fun
Not sure if I can explain it correctly, but if you take the selector and put it on the right bar, up agains the grip. Then you can move your dropper over closer to your thumb, and if you get the adapter for your computer display mount, you can put your display over on your right hand where you can reach it with your thumb. I was moving my cockpit around modifying where things were, it took me 4-5 rides before I got it, but now it is more intuitive.
Somewhat elevated heart rate as he hucks a double in between two tight sketchy trees 😂😂….doesn’t even bat an eye. Phil’s a freaking dude
just recieved mine last week, I am loving it. Getting back into MTB'ing. I dont have the upgraded shocks. I will keep the suntour ones that came with it. I do find the breaks on the slugish side comparied to my older MTB.
Rode some of those same climbs on Tuesday. Your video makes them look like nothing but I can say it gets steep and its easy to get pumped out quickly. Great video. Cool to see trails I know from a video point of view.
Where is this?
I have both regular and ebike. I ride mostly ebike. Most people say they like to earn the climb. But like you said the climbs after a while do become demoralizing. I know what I’m capable of on a regular bike I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I ride my ebike because it’s just plain FUN. Isn’t that what anything you do should be. Some of my friends do give me a hard time but who cares. You need to ride an ebike just one time to understand, the haters are either jealous or never rode one. Oh on my ebike I hunt for the steepest hills I can find. Can’t say that for a regular bike. 😃
I'm brand new to the ebike world too and lubing the chain was a pain, I'm glad you put that hack in, so much easier!
Phil, I have an Orbea Rise. I feel like with that bike I am directing it to where I want to go. I had a chance to ride a non eMTB during a loop. With the non eMTB, I felt I could put that bike anywhere I wanted it to go. Very nimble, and poppy. My riding style tends to prefer flow and techy climbing, so I love my Rise for that. If I were more into jumps, I think I would steer for the non eMTB. I also upgraded my brakes to Shimano Saints. The heavier bike just needs more stopping power.
Honestly I love the traction and stability of my Trek Rail. It feels good in most every situation and I am able to ride up and down no matter the steep
me too, just like my Slash but with a motor, nothing like grabbing a fist full of brake when going up thru switchbacks!
Honestly the best rule of thumb for any mountain biking, no matter what you're riding, ebike or regular bike, is to not be a dick. lol Be considerate of everyone on the trail and we'll all have a good time. Cause that's what we do this for. Having fun.
Agreed but problem is most people who are just dicks have zero self awareness and don't even realize they're acting like jerks.
We love our ebikes!! Thanks for this, Phil
Agreed it is just one of the items in the quiver. They do make the breeze better for the same effort, very important here in E Texas (Houston) area.
Eco mode on the climbs? EMTB is all about shredding the uphills as well as the downhills. I’m sure you could do some cool, novel stuff with this bike. Embrace the EMTB because they’re here to stay. Love your content.
Eco or trail mode on the climbs depending on how much you want to work, or how worn out you are. But always click it up to boost mode on the downhills. The weight will rob you of your speed so quick on the pedal sections of the decent. Keeping it in Boost mode makes it so that you can throw a few super powerful strokes in to maintain that decent speed! Give it a try. Makes a big difference!
Ebikes are awesome 🤘
Spot on on the passing etiquette Phil. I match the regular bikers speed at a distance where they don't feel uncomfortable and then catch up when I know there is a good place to pass. I usually climb on Eco too, so I'm not climbing at 20MPH (more like 8) so I don't really keep catching up to people that often. While personally I don't care if e-bikers blow by me when I'm on my regular bike some people are pretty sensitive about the subject so I try to err on being more polite to my fellow trail users. E-bikes are fun as hell, but as you said, not a complete replacement (maybe when they can get them down to 35lbs). Great video.
*laughs in EUC* :-)
I pass people the same way .then someone on a regular bike will pass me to show me how bad ass they are pass the people I was giving a break make them pull over then I can pass. Or I'll be giving someone a break and someone tell me I shouldn't be there when they catch me. 🤣🤣
This is why im glad to have trails that don't allow you ebikers. Eff off seriously
TURBO Phil. Always turbo.
If it's good enough for Chris, Hans & Phil.... it's good enough for me!!
love your ish, bro. I'm glad you have been posting more.
The silent hub is sooo nice!!!
Nice review Phil. An ebike is in my future, only because at 63, I just don't have the strength and endurance I used to have. Only thing holding me back is the price, and the fact that in 8 months it will be outdated and worth pennys on the dollar.
What do u think about enojes phill?
Sorta reminds me of a NINER rip E from the pov vantage. Not gonna lie. They look really similar. And you’re spot on with all your observations. People seem to think people are gonna get fat from riding ebikes. They don’t seem to understand the concept of pedal assist lol!
I’m hoping the shop I work at gets a GT ebike sometime soon lol!
Love the video brother! Keep up the great work!!
Edit: Glad to hear I’m not the only person who doesn’t mind having a heavier bike if it means it’ll withstand the abuse put on it lol
I didn’t even know GT made an ebike.
I have a YT decoy and it’s super poppy , I think it comes down to geometry and suspension.
About trails etichette, just use common sense and you’ll be fine.
I think you’ll be using that bike more then you think once it’s set up properly.
👍
Ebikes rule 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
I leave mine in boost all the time unless other bikers or hikers are around, then I go to eco mode and fall back so people feel comfortable. I just want to make sure they know they don’t need to worry about me passing. I want them to have a stress free ride or hike too. Boost mode is great on downhills especially when you’re riding something blind and get caught on a bad line, losing your speed before that next feature. Boost mode helps you get back to trail speed in a few pedal strokes without getting winded. Best analogy with emtbs is that it makes ride effort feel more like a spin class where you get to control your resistance. Either way your heart will be pumping by the end of the ride.
Or...you could ride a dirt bike
@@Duckhead3000 You should give an ebike a try sometime. You don’t have to love or buy one, but it’s totally worth demoing.
Dirt bikes and ebikes ride totally differently, and you are allowed to do both! There's a reason why most of the top motocross racers also have an ebike.
Phil it pains me watching you ride in Eco, get that thing in Trail the whole time, REALLY makes the ebike come alive! Only use Eco if you're doing a long ass ride. For the brakes, I had Shimano SLX on my Canyon Spectral:On but switched to Magura 7s and the difference is night and day. I never had confidence in the Shimanos as they just felt underpowered, despite being 4-pots, whereas with the Maguras I can stop on a dime.
I would never go back to a non-ebike now (unless I was just doing downhill), it's just so much more fun to ride on normal trails. The extra weight is fantastic for carrying speed through the trails
Your nuts at bike !!!!
It’s surprising you don’t have more subscribers
Phil has now become one of the content creators that I like the video before the initial ad even finishes. Lol Already know I’m gonna enjoy, so why wait, right? Haha
Been riding both my new ebike and old and steam bike switching back and forward for a while now. Definitely agree that ebikes is more plough and less poppy. But... they love speed and then they start to come to life. Also thrash them down AND up. (Practicing good trail etiquette always) One of the funniest things to do on an ebike is ride full power and smash up single track (down hilling uphill) , try and climb silly things (technical uphill). Basically turn the return trip to the top into about as much fun as the way down. So in summary - ride "e" like ya stole it. PS - using power on the way down helps you to remove any dead spots when the bike might slow down - you can quickly get it back to trail speed.
That bike is sick it would be awesome for trails out in wester Massachusetts where the trails are all you must go up to go down your eather flat ground or climbing to hit few nice tracks
I always enjoy your videos!!
Keep up the great work.
EMTBs i struggled with because of the weight so i've stuck to a regular mtb but i've had an e cargo bike for a year now and do 80% of my non mtb riding on that!
when you mean the weight you talking carrying the bike? if not the extra weight you dont feel. it actual help keep your center of balance low.
@@incredible5587 felt great on the fast techy stuff but on the tighter trails and moving it around, hops etc it just wasn't as fun for me as my standard mtb.
I was thinking this would only cool one room, but it does well at cooling the entire floor.
RUclips Autoplay strikes again! I suspect this comment was meant for another video hehe
I still don’t even know what I’m about to watch all I know is its phil so it should be good
I learned back on free style weight in right places can help on jumps and in ways I had 94GtPro performer tour and Dyno air and the GT heavyer because of some parts I would not lose plus the fram it's self and I liked the GT way better then my Dyno air
Your heart rate is elevated because you need to lay off the ale and the burgers! lol :)🍔🍺. Truthfully from watching your videos if you never ride xc trails on a classic pedal bike your legs will be weaker. If you ride an ebike your legs will get weaker but your cardio / heart will get stronger...because you won't have to stop and rest... if that is your goal. I was 280Lbs when I got my spec levo, and lost 60 lbs because it. Now I can ride my trek slash very easily. I use my ebike on to rest my legs on rest days... and trek slash on workout / enduro days.. thanks for the motivating videos btw. :)
need more cowbell! nice bike, i like the copperhead stems you have on all your bikes.
What do the granola folk over in VT think about e-bikes? Seems like they'd crack down on them big time in VT
My weekend ride partner has been on a Levo SL and rarely gets out of Eco mode. It just lets him ride further he still gets a workout. And I always have someone waiting for me at the top of hills. As for passing while climbing if someone catches me on single track I happily stop and let them by to take a break. On fireroads I just hog the clean line, if you caught me you can pass me in the marbles.
That's a nice bike and a great review 😃👍
Funny I just went form a nuckproof scout too the mega 290 and I feel the same its a plow compared so much faster but I love it so far
5:30 What are the strings between the trees for?
Those are sap lines for maple syrup.
Riding an Ebike for awhile, along with my regular bike. I have never passed anyone on a single track, I just get in line as I would with my normal bike. In group rides, I just fall in line and so many times there have been people that did not even know I had an ebike until we were talking at the end of the ride. I have talked to many people who mention ebikes "blasting past others " on up hills, yet not one of them have experienced it, just heard it from someone. I believe it is very less common, more often is having a CAT1 rider come up and pass on a up hill.
LOL Plow vs. Billy goat.... best analogy 2022
At 60 yo, I'm working on fitness, but I can see the benefits of an e-mtb. Being able to ride more trails for longer, not walking climbs, etc. We'll all get to the point where we still want to trail ride and downhill, but our bodies aren't capable of the same level of suffrage. With the added weight of an e-mtb, you're still gonna get a workout regardless.
As a 58 year old I dislike E-bikes greatly. I pedal my own way. However, for some there is a need and that's cool. Saw a couple that could have been 80'ish with e-bikes and was happy they could still be out pedaling and enjoying the outdoors.
Shimano is a great motor, especially for slower technical climbing, enjoy! If you want to see how agile a GT eforce can be take a look at Chris Akrig 😀
hey love your videos cant wait for your newest video
Bike park vids>>>
So (in effect) two freehubs now? I understand why they need one at the motor, so probs could lose the rear one to save weight - interesting to see if this happens over time.
Yeah. I wouldn't be surprised is the shimano motor is using the same style one way bearings as the onyx hubs 😂, but without a rear hub the chain would spin the entire time when coasting. I had a trials bike that used a freewheel in the front so the chain spun when coasting. I lost a lot of pants to them getting caught in the chain, and i cant see that being even more dangerous on an ebike
@@SkillsWithPhil ah, good point. Two freewheels it is.
Ebikes an Volume spacers go hand-n-hand. Wouldnt be surprised to see you with the max 5 installed in the fork. Will definitely add some Pop. Also big brakes or a better pad. Galfer Purple is really good. And yes Eb riders should exercise patience when approaching Amish bikes climbing, a bell would be nice but may be intimidating to some.
Can move the mode button to inside of brake lever to avoid accidental BOOST mode.. A mode that a fit person will never use unless doin silly stuff ;) P.S. Welcome to the "Darkside" ;)
“Amish bikes” LOL I like that
Stealing this...
I have an Orbea Rise which is a lower power lighter ebike. rides like a normal bike. mine is like 38lbs. I really want to make some Vermont trips but trail systems like stowe, kingdom don't allow them. Ascutney, Slate Hill and some other trail systems I don't think they are a problem. I've been on the Bennington Bat trails with it. I really would like to ride Kingdom Trails and I hope these areas change their policy.
In Vermont most places unless posted otherwise are ebike friendly. I think stowe may have even changed their tune on ebikes, but don't quote me on that.
@@SkillsWithPhil I think Stowe opened up a section of trails to E bikes as a trial but not everything.
is this cochrans? I rode there for the first time a two weeks ago on one of the super humid days - those climbs had me in the heat
Hey Phil, would you take that Ebike down A-Line?
Hey Phil
Great video.
I felt like you were roaming around my brain 🧠. Your uneasiness with Ebike tech itself and the image that seems to come with them. The whole etiquette on the trail thing.
I started a little over a year ago saving up to purchase an Ebike an like you "ive had it for a year and this is its first ride" I kept waffling for various reasons during that time from cost, ride quality, to yes what my friends family thought.
After much studying and getting to understand the machines themselves I became comfortable with their unpopularity.
I've been mtbing since early eighties when they were fully rigid, rim braked skinny tired, suicide machines. And having watched every new innovation that has come along be maligned by the purists and the haters as cheating or ruining the sport. It acurred to me that ALL of those purist and haters are now riding the very bikes they were trashing then. That made the what they think thing just become "haters gonna hate"
Ride quality was my final personal hurdle with these machines. Like you ive never been a weight weeny build the bike that can survive what you chose to ride but almost 20 plus pounds more weight just seemed well
Then an epiphany hit me
That my first STEELmtb weighed 46 lbs, thats 3 pounds less then the average Ebike. And I had stupid fun on that beast.
So I succumbed to the lure of the Ebike and purchased one.
After a month plus now I can honestly say that I am glad I did it. It won't replace my acoustic bikes but will ad to what kind of riding I will do now.
Be that going up is as enjoyable as going down im looking at trails differently now. And have effectively doubled the amount of single track near me cause now both directions are FUN.
Its been a blast talking bikes with you hope I get to PLAY bikes with you one day. LOL
RSD BRAH.
I see my regular bike as a point and shoot machine, whereas my ebike is just amazing at plowing through rock gardens. I love both of them equally, they are very different beasts but each have their own place. In terms of weight I definitely agree with the point that you feel it more at lower speeds but at high speeds you barely notice but that is also true on normal bikes to some extent. For reference my normal bike weighs 15.6kg and my ebike weighs 29.8kg. (I dont know how to convert to lbs for you folks over the pond)
Just purchased Gt force amp 2024
Old school mtb rider here i used to race amateur in the early 90s and was a geek to all components there wasnt much i didnt know ,still own my old Gt team avalanche and tequesta, completly lost touch with all the new components been a runner for 25 years plus so very fit but knees are showing signs have riden boardmans for 10 years to work etc and push very hard my average speed is around 14mph on long rides on canal footpaths, why are the pedals so low to the ground ? Stupidly low, constantly grounding out to the point im always conscious im going to dig in and fall off, is there a modification in crank arm length? Never had this issue on my regular mtb
Checked my garmin and tbf you can still get your HR elevated if you work hard
Put that thing on Tour and you’ll see everything changes. Everything has flow on a Ebbzzz.
Great thing about ebikes is you can ride the flat like it is the downhill. Turns flat trails into a whole different thing. Gotta be respectful and go slow on blind corners though
very informative, got a question though...I see real tight squeezes while in air between very close trees....Have you ever whacked your knuckles throwing you off track? Some of those look really close...
Love the video!
@ 8:00 Passing is passing. The type of bike one owns has nothing to do with it. I don't currently own an e-bike but I've heard this too many times. Why isn't everyone up in arms about super fit riders on super light bikes passing on the climb? Because Passing is Passing. E-bikes and E-bike ownership/ridership has nothing to do with it. A jerk an acoustic bike will be a jerk on an e-bike. A cool person on an acoustic bike will be a cool person on an e-bike. And since most riders have already been raised by their folks...we can't really teach them otherwise.
Cool vidéo !!
Im a little late to this party but I want to still ask, if you recall the stock components, and if you think those wouldve handled the trails you were on during this video? Its a few yrs later and your version is probably the higher end Amp, but I just got a great deal on the lower end Current and I cant find too many videos/info on it. Now that I think about it, beside the frameset, the amp and current are quite different, so its hardly a comparison, but I'd still like to hear about your thoughts on the stock components that you initially had? Thank Phil
Both the amp and current are a good value for what they are especially if there are discounts, but that also comes with trade offs. Some of the components are closer to middle end to keep the cost down, but if you're not familiar with bikes with high end components you won't know the difference. You can always upgrade components as you find limitations. For me as a former professional racer, the difference were noticeable so i upgraded my parts.
@@SkillsWithPhil Thats what I was assuming. Thx for your feedback!
Oh my lanta! You left an F bomb running free within your video? Tis a slippery slope...😜
Such a cool bike. Where are you riding? I’m in nh and always looking for new places to ride my levo
Wait till GT makes a superlight emtb like the other brands lol. =)
Love your vids
love me some e-bikes :D
Did you have the motor assist on while descending?
Yes but once you go over 18mph, the motor doesn't provide any assistance. So unless i come to a dead stop it never kicks on while descending.
@@SkillsWithPhil ah okay!
I'm curious if you were to use a higher mode than ECO for downhill if you'd get yourself in trouble with speed in trying to slow down quick enough.
I wouldn't be going any faster. The motor cuts out around 18mph. All my speed on the downhills is generated by pumping.
@@SkillsWithPhil Interesting. I didn't know they had a cutoff. They definitely seem like a solid way to cut down on gas use for those shuttling and just have an all around fun time.
I have been trying to order one of these for 4 years now and I am GT dealer lol.
Would be nice if they could ever send me a nice bike again.
It has been over 2 full years since I have had a Force or Sensor to sell.
Anything over the avalanche comp has been canned on the last two bookings.
I can't get a single bike that will survive local trails from them. Just cheaper hardtails,kids bikes ,and bmx
Any suggestions best way too get front rear suspension feeling the same I guess u just gotta ride see how feels
Stick with the poppy jackrabbit version of phil! Lol
I'm looking for an EBike, in Canada, I do not see this bike on their website. Is this bike not released yet?
Some bikes aren't offered in different countries. I don't fully understand the reasoning but i double checked and you aren't blind, it looks like its not on the Canadian site. FWIW If you go to region and change it to international you can see all the models, not that that helps you.
@@SkillsWithPhil Thanks Phil!
As a candian dealer I was told North America did not get them this year or the last 4 they have been made for.
If they have them in the states already then I have been lied too but I can order the cheaper one for late next year. The one shown in the video is just marked as out of stock still with no date but at least it's on the b2b.
All road bikes,nice hardtails, every single full suspension from sensor to fury were all taken off the Canadian site and cut from placed orders
alright dose anybody else noitce that sexy stem?? its one of the best things i think ive ever seen. Phil, what are your thoughs on the contraversy on E bikes these days? I can see both sides on how the are helpful (especailly considering that both my parents are older and have one). However i can also see the bad in them. what are your thoughts?
Does anyone know what all those ropes in the trees are for?
Those are sap lines for Maple syrup! 🍁
So much fun
😁 bikes handy but are they reliable? let's see
Cara que Massa! Acabei de me inscrever no canal curti demais os vídeos! Parabéns!
Boost all day bud!
I have this bike and would like to buy the same fork and shock. Is it available to the public?
Here's what I did. I bought the fox ebike 38 etuned and then bought a 160mm damper because i could only find the 170mm forks in stock. FWIW normally the stock fork is a 150mm travel fork.
I then bought the fox float x2 185x55 trunnion, and had the shop change the compression and rebound circuits. The rebound circuit is the low tune (805-05-487-KIT), the compression is the low tune as well (805-05-481-KIT)
I bought everything through the lost.co
Fork (not affiliate links)
thelostco.com/products/2022-fox-float-38-factory-kashima-e-tuned-29-grip2-shiny-black?variant=39588076748998
Shock
thelostco.com/products/2022-fox-float-x2-w-climb-switch?variant=39562625024198
@@SkillsWithPhil Thank you so much for the quick response! Cheers!!!
So how long did the battery last? 1 hour? 2?
Definately a good option if you can't shuttle and have the spare $$$
I was actually out riding for a bit over 2.5hrs including stops and chitchats. So probably 2hrs total of moving time and i did just under 12miles and ~3000ft of climbing.
Ya must be rich, to set-up the rig that way. I removed the Rockshox "Over-hyped," junk, & replaced with Suntour Aion & Triair 3CR. The Deluxe shock, is kept in storage(too expensive to ride with everyday). The WTB rims are atrocious. WTB rims of the past have consistently pancaked on me or just commuting-to-work, have had the nipples breaking through the rim. Those too, are in the closet, with Halo Vortex & Vapor rims, doing a awesome job supporting a 260pound rider. Use it only for commuting-to-work, which is a twenty mile round trip, daily. If I could afford components, I'd have her out on the enduro track. Would like to see GT use Panasonic, which is quieter & more reliable, and better warranty service, than Shimano & Bosch.
Lost bike co is legit
They're were awesome to deal with A++ would recommend.
💯%
Total cost of a bike like this?
How low are those sap lines? Looks like they are at eye level. Yikes!
Some are pretty low, but most of them aren't in a spot where you are going too fast. We've all been clipped by one at some point, usually while climbing haha. They prop them up once the sugaring season is done.
Yeah, that Cochran's climb is REAL demoralizing
Everything up to skullies is fine, but once you decide to go to the top, that part is relentless. There are very few breaks, its always a slight uphill grade. It could use 3-4 spots where it just meanders for a bit more to let you spin your legs before you tackle the next section.
@@SkillsWithPhil amen to that! Glad to see it's open. Might have to head over from Northern NY
Where I notice the weight is when I'm braking. Especially on a downhill.
220 rotors, the right calipers and the right tires ... no problem
@@oliverbourne9599 what is your opinion of the right calipers and tires?
@@mtbwithtfb I run the Magura MDR-P 220 rotors with CODE RSC's. The Hayes Dominion A4 is the other high powered caliper option. Also make sure you are running the best Sintered or Ceramic brake pads which you properly bed in and don't run till they are bare trying to save money. Brakes regularly well bled and set up properly. Tyres would specifically be DH carcass = Maxxis Assegai DD MaxxGrip front and rear or the Michelin DH22 front and rear. I could very easily go over the bars on a 24.5kgs eBike on a reasonably high traction surface with this type of set up. Obviously, there are many differences riding monster eBikes vs. your pedal power bike, braking points is just one of them. People just go on about the weight but I find I am also going faster on a DH track with an eBike than I am on a pedal bike ... hence the full-on Pro brake set up
@@oliverbourne9599 Thanks so much Oliver. Looks like I'll be upgrading soon.
There's no difference between and ebike and an Amish bike when it comes to trail etiquette , it's the rider. Be courteous and polite on the trails and everyone will have a better time.
Amish bike! 😆😆😆
Cool🤘👍
Nice
Phil, I've noticed in your last few videos that there's not as much of a view the horizon as usual. It almost looks like you're using something other than Superview, or maybe the new camera is cropping more than the 7 did. I NEVER used to get a queasy feeling watching your videos. I gotta say....I preferred your chin mount videos previously, and I'm wondering...did a setting change when you moved away from the 7? Are you using the 9 or 10 now?
Same chin setup and settings I've used in the past, nothing has changed
@@SkillsWithPhil ...Hmm...maybe the angle is just slightly lower? I do notice more of the stem and bars in the field of view. Oh well....maybe my eyes and brain are just overly sensitive lately. :-) Just SUPER GLAD you're back to riding season, and putting content out there! I'll take a Dramamine before I stop watching you videos. LOL :-)
That's a nice looking ebike , lets hope we never see it again on your channel.
It wont be the last.
Ebikes should always be tested in boost mode. Show us what its really capable of. ✌️