Trail Talk
Well-known member
Seriously looking for a trail/cross-country ebike, sub 40lbs, but prices are usually the highest of the range. Hoping for recommendations, are there any unicorns out there?
Lightweight E-MTB, does it exist?
- Thread starter Trail Talk
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Trail Talk
Well-known member
That would involve a hub drive though. I did consider that when I retired the old mtb but chickened out, fearing I’d just be throwing money away. I’m hoping for mid-drive on my unicorn.
rruff
Explorer
It isn't a market I've explored, but since half decent full suspension bikes are ~35 lbs, it seems that your specs are unrealistic.
What do you want the "e" for?
One example that is $5200 and 45 lbs. https://www.canyon.com/en-us/electr.../3665.html?dwvar_3665_pv_rahmenfarbe=M166_P01
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Trail Talk
Well-known member
Thanks for the link, Canyon is a pretty good brand. My current analog FS mtb weighs 27 lbs with good components found on many emtb's, ie, XT brakes and SRAM GX drivetrain. Its a XC/trail bike with 100mm travel at both ends and I'm looking for something similar in an ebike - not a heavier enduro, all-mountain or downhill. If the motor and battery of that Canyon weigh 11 lbs combined, it seems 40 lbs is still realistic? But a pound or two more isn't going to kill my desire for something really sweet.
dirtcrazy
Observer
Bikes_Relay.cfm
I'm really considering one of these if I ever get a chance to demo one. Supposedly you can ride with or without the battery
I'm really considering one of these if I ever get a chance to demo one. Supposedly you can ride with or without the battery
Trail Talk
Well-known member
Interesting, thanks for sharing its a new name for me. Looking at the specs on the Relay, the CF medium-frame models are 42-45 lbs with battery, 37-40 lbs without. All long travel as well. Their more XC-oriented models aren't available as e-mtb's. Say's something, just not sure what...
jagarcia89
Active member
My 2020 specialized Levo SL is 38lbs
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Trail Talk
Well-known member
Ah ha, they do exist! Went riding yesterday for 3 hours with a friend, he on his ebike and me on my analog bike. The differences were subtle but real; he had an easier time climbing hills and while I slowed on the return leg, he did not. But his bike is heavy and he struggles to load and unload. He also avoids any trails or destinations where he may have to hike-a-bike so we are limited that way.
jagarcia89
Active member
Yeah. They exist. Honestly was surprised at the responses that made it seem like it was impossible. They are pretty common now.
My bike is now 4 years old and at the time I think only specialized and orbea had offerings. They aren’t as fast or powerful as the 50lb full power e-bikes, but it’s plenty for me.
The new version of Levo SL has about 50% more power than mine while still keeping a similar weight. But there’s a ton more out there now like the Santa Cruz heckler SL, transition relay, pivot shuttle sl, etc…
All have weights in the 40lb range. For me, I can easily lift it, whip it, bunny hop it, and throw it around in the air. And throw it over my tailgate of my pick up after a long ride. My girlfriends 50+lb full power norco I feel like I’ll hurt myself getting in on the tailgate pad.
Trail Talk
Well-known member
Thanks for that list of names. I’m so disappointed that my usual brand Norco is absent from the lightweight party. An interesting brand available locally is GasGas, apparently export versions of Reymon from Austria. Their lightest G Trail Light comes in at my target weight but I just don’t know anyone who has experience with it.
STREGA
Explorer
Strong, light, cheap. Choose any 2. What we use to say 25 years ago when I was in the bicycle industry.
Trail Talk
Well-known member
Just can't win with this e-bike quest. A HUGE sale on GasGas just came out and I pulled the trigger on a very sweat deal for a Trail Light model. Within a few hours I learned that parent company KTM was seeking bankruptcy protection KTM enters self-administration and just shovelling inventory out the door. I've been down that road when warranty protection and parts availability disappeared after bankruptcy so I cancelled. Back to square one.
tacollie
Glamper
My buddy did some digging on Specialized's website and found a demo of their lighter trail bike in the midwest. It showed only 3 charges. MSRP was $11,000 and he got it shipped to the local shop for $3700 out the door.
Side note, I took advantage of ktm's financial troubles and got a sweet deal on a Gas Gas trials bike 🤣
Side note, I took advantage of ktm's financial troubles and got a sweet deal on a Gas Gas trials bike 🤣
Trail Talk
Well-known member
Safe bet on the KTM ICE motos with decades of development behind them. Their E-bikes OTOH, not so much…