I started mtb in 1991, I ride one of my mtb 3 times a week and my emtb 1-2. I got my emtb in 2022 and thought the same, would I ever ride my mtb once I got my emtb? I still like the suffering aspect and climbing techy stuff and DH on mtb. Emtb gives me tons of zone 2 cardio and I now ride on my days off of mtb on same trails instead of just not riding or taking it easy on flat stuff. The hate emtb receive is ridiculous as most haters have never bothered to try one and it is about their ego. They have been legal here in Jefferson County front range of Colorado for 7 years and nothing the haters said would happen has happened, no trails are being destroyed no kids being run over etc...
@@kevjob1 you guys are youngins (1991…sheesh). But yeah, the “zone 2 cardio” thing is REAL. I average 115-125 bpm heart rate on 2 hour rides and it’s absolutely awesome, the amount of miles in the woods I can get. I’m also getting way more experience and riding in, during…makes me a better and more technical rider, in the long run. My averages are slightly different (reversed) though (60% on ebike and 40% on my naught-e bike). But I’m not riding it (analog) any less…just added the ebike rides to total riding…so more than double the riding now. Happy camper.
I definitely do basic maintenance on uphill climbing trails on my EMTB. Including PNW drainage fixing and removing large loose rocks in tech switchbacks. Here's an EMTB tip, a high rise bar with a short 40mm stem help normalize the front wheel pop. And a high bar doesn't hurt the front wheel traction significantly. It might slow the tip-in, but with all that front tire traction it cuts in, like a hard tail on a pump track. There's definitely some "new school" high speed high commitment mini jump trails where an ebike can't hang, but that's a different game.
Love your reviews man! I’ve bought many products based on your reviews especially being a rider of very similar size. I got an ebike and for a while would ride both e and reg on a regular basis. But now because most of my buds have e-bikes it’s mostly e-bikes. That and a schedule with family life now, the ebike just delivers more smiles per mile. The best e-bikes now though are the ones that are full power but lightweight. Give it a shot I bet your mind will be blown. Such as giant trance x advanced elite. The new amflow. Etc. that yeti is nice but like most full powers they are heavy af. People think they like that till they try my lightweight full power bike haha.
Yeah, I'm really excited for the next generation tech and lighter weight. Just like 8 lbs less and they would be perfect. I do really want to get out on a light E Bike soon.
Yes, def the EP801. With the 5 modes (instead of 3) and anything 2024 Yeti and beyond is the 801. Absolutely love mine, including all the reasons you discuss/worry about. Keeping it in 1 or 2 for the single track climbing allows you to still get the “mental reset”.
I have both an e bike and a normal bike but I prefer the e-bike overall. Especially if you’re a larger guy the ebike weight proportional to my body weight is about the same as my wife and her normal mtb. The weight isn’t a big deal to me at all. I will say in the PNW I feel a normal bike is perfect acceptable as it’s more climb up then bomb down style riding. In Europe the riding is more undulating XC style terrain or big 4000+ mountains to explore. Either way the rides are no up being a lot longer mileage than in PNW. Those longer rides are where the ebike really shines.
I think some community led trail maintenence classes to give people the skills would be helpful. For example, I have an ebike and have started helping with Gerry's new trail but don't know enough to go work on patching up someone's trail without their guidance (would rather do nothing than make things worse). For reference, I end up riding my ebike ~60-80% of the time (double what I'd like). And I'm a former xc type person who enjoys a good 4000ft singletrack accoustic climb almost as much as the downhill
True, I think certain things like brushing work and certain puddle drainages (outside of corners) are totally fair game though! I remember an upload the WMBC did for Bellingham that drawing puddles is fair game for anyone to do!
After riding it I bet your perspective changed. The new factory update on the ep801 motor is a must have FYI. I'm riding mostly moto trails in the Yakima area.
@SpencerAstraPOV For sure you need big giant beefy brakes to really enjoy your ebike. I can't recommend enough the TRP DH-R EVOs with 220 rotors. I'm 220lbs geared up and they are confidence-inspiring. I think with better brakes you'd really enjoy riding the ebike on the steeps. Another thought is something like the Heckler SL might be a better fit for you as an in-between since you clearly don't "need" all that extra boost. Either way, with regards to whether or not someone should get an ebike, of course they should get an ebike. The law of N+1 doesn't change just cause a battery got added.
I hope I can try those brakes soon. I tried some TRPs a few years ago and I thought they were decent, but I doubt they were the model everyone is excited about.
I'm pretty sure I tried a Repeater with that EP801 at TuneUp. Man, hilarious. Doing side hits going uphill?! It's pure fun, and thats good sometimes. I don't think I'd want to ride one 100% of the time, but I think the level of hate around ebikes is excessive.
I have a Heckler SL. Feels much more like a regular bike (42ish lbs) than a 50 lb full power bike and with enough power to still cover all that extra distance and get laps in on my favorite trails.
Hmm!! Guessing for the heavy breathing I can tell immediately you’re on an ebike…😂 These things gets you cooked like a non ebike…more power, more laps and more muscle to throw it around!! They are machines with different training modes (easy, medium and hard)…the choice is at your fingertips! I’m 56 and loving them since 2019!! More laps, more miles and more (much more) FUN!! 🙌
I picked up a used 160E a few weeks ago. My first e-bike. Really a pretty fun bike but I agree, those codes are not up to the task, even the XT's on mine felt under powered with the added weight (I am over 210 geared up as well). Updated to some Hayes A4's and testing them out right now. Tell you what though, after riding the Yeti and then jumping on my SC 5010, which feels insanely easy to throw around and gets really deflected off things in comparison. I do like that I can throw the Yeti in eco (I boosted my eco up a few nM of support because of my weight), still get in a good workout and get in a couple extra trails in my limited time to ride.
Sounds like you would love an SL emtb. A bit less power (since you're not using it on boost anyways) and it's significantly lighter and rides like an anlog bike.
@@SpencerAstraPOV Really depends on your fitness level and how willing full power guys are to turn down a mode or two... and you don't move a hell of a lot faster than analog on the low settings. It's actually quite a nice bridge. The Relay SL would be a good bike to snag for a test day.. It's got the fazua like my Heckler SL.
Thanks for the trail work. Can you tell us where you were riding or are the trails there unsanctioned? I have found that with my e-bike I am both fitter (more zone 2 riding uninterrupted by having to slow or stop after punchy climbs) and faster (more seat time including uphill tech riding at faster speeds). I do about 40% of my riding on the e-bike which probably equates to about 30% of my ride time as I do go about the same amount of time or a bit less because I can cover twice the distance.
Interesting! Yeah I wonder if that Zone 2 time does in fact help a lot. Unfortunately I won't be sharing information about Unsanctioned trails, including this one, thanks for checking!
@@SpencerAstraPOV Cool. It's generic PNW terrain that could be anywhere. 🤣 Also, Shimano brakes on my e-bike with 220mm rotors. And I'm heavier than you but ride less steep stuff and they work great.
I live in SoCal and the vast majority (at least all the ones I see, which are a LOT) of pro downhillers who live down here use ebikes a lot for training.
I started mtb in 1991, I ride one of my mtb 3 times a week and my emtb 1-2. I got my emtb in 2022 and thought the same, would I ever ride my mtb once I got my emtb? I still like the suffering aspect and climbing techy stuff and DH on mtb. Emtb gives me tons of zone 2 cardio and I now ride on my days off of mtb on same trails instead of just not riding or taking it easy on flat stuff. The hate emtb receive is ridiculous as most haters have never bothered to try one and it is about their ego. They have been legal here in Jefferson County front range of Colorado for 7 years and nothing the haters said would happen has happened, no trails are being destroyed no kids being run over etc...
Great thoughts, and I was born in 91! I’ll have to look into this zone 2 cardio training.
@@kevjob1 you guys are youngins (1991…sheesh). But yeah, the “zone 2 cardio” thing is REAL. I average 115-125 bpm heart rate on 2 hour rides and it’s absolutely awesome, the amount of miles in the woods I can get. I’m also getting way more experience and riding in, during…makes me a better and more technical rider, in the long run. My averages are slightly different (reversed) though (60% on ebike and 40% on my naught-e bike). But I’m not riding it (analog) any less…just added the ebike rides to total riding…so more than double the riding now. Happy camper.
I definitely do basic maintenance on uphill climbing trails on my EMTB. Including PNW drainage fixing and removing large loose rocks in tech switchbacks. Here's an EMTB tip, a high rise bar with a short 40mm stem help normalize the front wheel pop. And a high bar doesn't hurt the front wheel traction significantly. It might slow the tip-in, but with all that front tire traction it cuts in, like a hard tail on a pump track. There's definitely some "new school" high speed high commitment mini jump trails where an ebike can't hang, but that's a different game.
@@ryansmith7974 I love some highbars. I'll have to try this out!
Love your reviews man! I’ve bought many products based on your reviews especially being a rider of very similar size.
I got an ebike and for a while would ride both e and reg on a regular basis. But now because most of my buds have e-bikes it’s mostly e-bikes. That and a schedule with family life now, the ebike just delivers more smiles per mile.
The best e-bikes now though are the ones that are full power but lightweight. Give it a shot I bet your mind will be blown. Such as giant trance x advanced elite. The new amflow. Etc. that yeti is nice but like most full powers they are heavy af. People think they like that till they try my lightweight full power bike haha.
Yeah, I'm really excited for the next generation tech and lighter weight. Just like 8 lbs less and they would be perfect. I do really want to get out on a light E Bike soon.
I rode those Code RSCs for 5-6 years and switched to DHR EVOs this year and love them; I'm approx 215# geared as well. Thanks for the video.
Good to know, I hope I can try those again soon
Yes, def the EP801. With the 5 modes (instead of 3) and anything 2024 Yeti and beyond is the 801.
Absolutely love mine, including all the reasons you discuss/worry about. Keeping it in 1 or 2 for the single track climbing allows you to still get the “mental reset”.
Yeah the 801 feels really good!
I have both an e bike and a normal bike but I prefer the e-bike overall. Especially if you’re a larger guy the ebike weight proportional to my body weight is about the same as my wife and her normal mtb. The weight isn’t a big deal to me at all.
I will say in the PNW I feel a normal bike is perfect acceptable as it’s more climb up then bomb down style riding. In Europe the riding is more undulating XC style terrain or big 4000+ mountains to explore. Either way the rides are no up being a lot longer mileage than in PNW. Those longer rides are where the ebike really shines.
My brain stopped reading at “wife” and I was flabbergasted
Been hanging for an eeb review. You picked a banger.
I think some community led trail maintenence classes to give people the skills would be helpful. For example, I have an ebike and have started helping with Gerry's new trail but don't know enough to go work on patching up someone's trail without their guidance (would rather do nothing than make things worse).
For reference, I end up riding my ebike ~60-80% of the time (double what I'd like). And I'm a former xc type person who enjoys a good 4000ft singletrack accoustic climb almost as much as the downhill
True, I think certain things like brushing work and certain puddle drainages (outside of corners) are totally fair game though! I remember an upload the WMBC did for Bellingham that drawing puddles is fair game for anyone to do!
I love all things Yeti
Are you a dentist?
…because you haven’t tried a Specialized…😂 Just kidding… nice and well built machines!!
After riding it I bet your perspective changed. The new factory update on the ep801 motor is a must have FYI. I'm riding mostly moto trails in the Yakima area.
@SpencerAstraPOV For sure you need big giant beefy brakes to really enjoy your ebike. I can't recommend enough the TRP DH-R EVOs with 220 rotors. I'm 220lbs geared up and they are confidence-inspiring. I think with better brakes you'd really enjoy riding the ebike on the steeps. Another thought is something like the Heckler SL might be a better fit for you as an in-between since you clearly don't "need" all that extra boost.
Either way, with regards to whether or not someone should get an ebike, of course they should get an ebike. The law of N+1 doesn't change just cause a battery got added.
I hope I can try those brakes soon. I tried some TRPs a few years ago and I thought they were decent, but I doubt they were the model everyone is excited about.
I'm pretty sure I tried a Repeater with that EP801 at TuneUp. Man, hilarious. Doing side hits going uphill?! It's pure fun, and thats good sometimes. I don't think I'd want to ride one 100% of the time, but I think the level of hate around ebikes is excessive.
The suspension system on the 160E is a treat, much less punishing under braking than the regular SB160.
Yeah seems like maybe a better way forward without having the extra kashima part, I’ll have to look into it more.
Great vid as always. U should try an SL e-bike.
Yeah I'd love to. Any you especially recommend?
I have a Heckler SL. Feels much more like a regular bike (42ish lbs) than a 50 lb full power bike and with enough power to still cover all that extra distance and get laps in on my favorite trails.
Hmm!! Guessing for the heavy breathing I can tell immediately you’re on an ebike…😂 These things gets you cooked like a non ebike…more power, more laps and more muscle to throw it around!! They are machines with different training modes (easy, medium and hard)…the choice is at your fingertips! I’m 56 and loving them since 2019!! More laps, more miles and more (much more) FUN!! 🙌
I was breathing hard for sure! Not quite as hard as I would on that climb on a non E bike, but certainly got my heart going!
I picked up a used 160E a few weeks ago. My first e-bike. Really a pretty fun bike but I agree, those codes are not up to the task, even the XT's on mine felt under powered with the added weight (I am over 210 geared up as well). Updated to some Hayes A4's and testing them out right now. Tell you what though, after riding the Yeti and then jumping on my SC 5010, which feels insanely easy to throw around and gets really deflected off things in comparison. I do like that I can throw the Yeti in eco (I boosted my eco up a few nM of support because of my weight), still get in a good workout and get in a couple extra trails in my limited time to ride.
Glad to hear I'm on the right track with my thoughts! It's a sweet bike! Lucky you for snagging one!
Rad! Do you film 4x3 Wide or 16x9 Superview and then crop to 4x3 in post? I have a hero 10 and was curious on how you filmed on your old 7
4:3 “Open gate” as they say in the film industry. All of the pixels.
@@SpencerAstraPOV right on, thanks!
Try using the power modes like an extension of your gear range
That makes sense!
Sounds like you would love an SL emtb. A bit less power (since you're not using it on boost anyways) and it's significantly lighter and rides like an anlog bike.
True, I need to test one out soon! I've just heard they alienate you from full size E bikers and Analogue bikers, but for solo rides they sounds nice.
@@SpencerAstraPOV Really depends on your fitness level and how willing full power guys are to turn down a mode or two... and you don't move a hell of a lot faster than analog on the low settings. It's actually quite a nice bridge. The Relay SL would be a good bike to snag for a test day.. It's got the fazua like my Heckler SL.
@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_ My thoughts exactly, will do! Thanks for the beta
An aswer to you question at the 3 minute mark is a mid assist bike.
Damn, the code hate is real! haha!
Maven's are far superior for the EEb's tho
Really ruined the end of the ride on this one 😂
Thanks for the trail work. Can you tell us where you were riding or are the trails there unsanctioned?
I have found that with my e-bike I am both fitter (more zone 2 riding uninterrupted by having to slow or stop after punchy climbs) and faster (more seat time including uphill tech riding at faster speeds). I do about 40% of my riding on the e-bike which probably equates to about 30% of my ride time as I do go about the same amount of time or a bit less because I can cover twice the distance.
Interesting! Yeah I wonder if that Zone 2 time does in fact help a lot. Unfortunately I won't be sharing information about Unsanctioned trails, including this one, thanks for checking!
@@SpencerAstraPOV Cool. It's generic PNW terrain that could be anywhere. 🤣
Also, Shimano brakes on my e-bike with 220mm rotors. And I'm heavier than you but ride less steep stuff and they work great.
@@DRSpalding Sweet, I've been wanting to try out the Galfer purple pads with my Shimano's too.
@@SpencerAstraPOV I just stick with the Shimano metallic finned pads.
I live in SoCal and the vast majority (at least all the ones I see, which are a LOT) of pro downhillers who live down here use ebikes a lot for training.
Did you view that tree LIDAR map on the WA DNR website?
It was a Reddit forum! if you look up Reddit biggest tree Whatcom county it should come up..
u better post the deets on this trail now ebike boy
Sorry, no can do. That would cause a real sh*t storm. At least you know it's out there!
If you’re an e biker now I’m un following you 😂
You'd better stick around to find out ;)
Yeeeet!!
Why?
@@applicablerobot It’s a joke.
@@justinfournier1285oh 🤦🏻♂️. Sarcasm in person sometimes works, but online it flies over my head by a mile.