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Review: Electric MTB -- Wow! Philpug and Tricia's Ownership Edition

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Philpug: I tried my first e-bike a couple of summers ago -- and almost two years to the day later, I bought one. I am writing this follow-up review not as a discussion on cheating, accessibility, and stigma, all that stuff; instead I want to explain how and why we went from being extremely intrigued to actually making the purchase.

First, I didn’t wake up one morning intending to buy an e-bike. No, I kind of backed into it. It started when Tricia and I got our bikes ready to ride this year. With everything Covid going on, and being unable to ski, you would have thought we were excited to switch gears and go ride, but that wasn’t really the case. Tricia’s allergies were getting worse and worse, and she could barely ride more than a couple of miles -- literally, as in two or three -- before she was done. This made it not fun for either of us. So, the intent was to upgrade her ride to an e-bike, which we felt would level the playing field so both of us could enjoy riding again.

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Tricia: [cough] So there I was with a sinus headache and tight chest from spring allergies and a huge desire to get out on the bikes, but hesitant at the same time because I wasn’t sure if I could last very long. I’m not sure if Phil loves to climb, but he seems to go for it and clear stuff that I have always looked at as a necessary evil to enjoy the trails on the other side of the climb. I always had to take breaks to drink extra water and grab a Ricola. Having a test ride on the Moterra two years ago, I had hopes that going "e" would keep me enjoying the trails. [/cough]

Philpug: Tricia and I started exploring the options, brands with which we have some sort of affiliation through the site, but it came down to a universal lack of inventory and limited availability. Exhausting our options, we came back to Cannondale (not that that's a bad thing).

Tricia: I knew I didn’t want a Moterra, not because it isn't a good bike but because it has evolved into a longer travel bike, more enduro-esque, not the type of riding that I prefer.

Philpug: For 2020, Cannondale started producing an electric version of the Habit, the Habit Neo. With available model options here in the US, the Habit Neo 2 was the best choice for her. Now, how to make this happen with limited financial exposure? With the supply and demand of bikes being disproportionate, used bikes have been selling for way above their value. By pulling some strings and using industry pricing, the outlay to the new bike was very minimal. So, we put one of our Triggers up on Facebook marketplace, and it was gone within hours. Off to order Tricia’s bike.

Like I said, I myself wasn’t in the market for an e-bike at this point ... but when I saw how fast the first Trigger sold, well, being a salesman at heart, when I see money waved in my face, my head automatically starts nodding up and down and my hand automatically extends to accept it.

Tricia: [Cough] This is when I started to literally hear gears turning in Phil’s head.[/cough]

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Philpug:
I contacted one of the other people who had expressed intense interest in Trigger No. 1, and Trigger No. 2 was gone within the next hour. The second Habit Neo 2 was immediately placed in the order banks.

First impressions Well, this is the first bike I ever bought without test riding; I never even saw it in person. So, other than having ridden a regular Habit, I went into this completely blind. At 5’11” I always felt I was in between a medium and a large. and since I couldn't test ride, I was going to have to go with my gut. Except the decision was made for me, since Cannondale was out of larges. I am glad this was the case, because stepping up to the Habit with the 29-in. wheels from the Trigger with the 27.5s, it was indeed the right choice. Comparing mediums, the wheelbase is almost 5 cm longer on the Habit Neo than the Trigger (120.5 to 115.8 cm). The medium Habit Neo is more like a medium plus. But even with the longer wheelbase, it is still more nimble than the Moterra, which has evolved into a big-mountain bike.

Along with its big brother, the Neo 1, the Neo 2 is the first level that incorporates Bosch’s Performance Line CX Gen4 drivetrain with the Kiox display and 625Wh battery. The lower-level Neos have a 500Wh battery. My first rides out, I had 35 mi on the battery with 22% left, so I see no reason that someone cannot get around 45 mi out of a full charge. I would say that 80% of the battery usage was in Eco, 15% Tour, and 5% eMTB; I never even touched the highest setting, Turbo. In addition, 90% of the Tour and eMTB usage was actually on the road, riding to and from the trailheads. The Kiox display is very intuitive. It can be paired with your mobile device, and all of the data can be transferred right to it along with sites like Strava. Remembering and comparing the newest Bosch Performance CX to the previous one I rode with the Moterra, the evolution is very noticeable.

On the trail. As mentioned, the new Performance CX is seamless, with very little delay or even jerkiness that was apparent but still could be felt in older models, it felt just normal ... well, normal if I were Superman. The Maxxis 29x2.6 Rekons don’t initially have the bite and feel of the Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5x2.5 front, High Roller II 2.4 rear, but I still have to play with the tire pressures. I was initially tempted to swap the SRAM GX/NX derailleur/shifter combo over to Shimano XT, but I can definitely feel this is a step up from the NX that was on the Trigger.

The extra wheelbase is felt more on the descents than the climbs. It feels like I am actually descending more slowly than I am climbing, even though I know that is not true. I think I just need to trust the bike and the tires. Of course, a lot has to do with technique: I still think back to what @Erik Timmerman taught me more than a decade ago: press down the inside handlebar and point the knee where you want to go. Just like skiing: basics, basics, basics.

Tricia: The first time I sat on my Habit Neo 2, which I bought without trying first, I thought, "WOW, this is a lot of bike." Even though it is a medium, same size as my Trigger 3, it sure doesn’t feel like the same size. More on that later.

One of the things I absolutely loved about the Trigger 3 was the lightweight frame and nimble feel on flowy trails. I knew that light was something I’d be giving up by switching to an e-bike. At the time I got the medium Trigger 3, there was no doubt it was the right size for me, so I naturally ordered the Habit Neo 2 in a medium as well. The first time I sat on the Habit to get the suspension set up, I wondered if a medium was a mistake because it sits a bit higher and definitely feels big compared to the Trigger. But, it's mine now, so let's get ready to ride.

Once we got on the trails, I felt more comfortable with the size and was confident that a small would have been too small, so we just need to tweak the setup a bit. Tight switchbacks are something that I’ve struggled with and have been working on at the progression trail system north of Reno, but this bike has me back inside the learning curve. Whether it's the 29-in. wheels instead of 27.5, or the 5cm-longer wheelbase, this is something I must get used to. I’ve only had two solid rides on this new Habit of mine, but I climbed a few things that I would have either struggled with or opted out of in the past. One ride was 13 mi, which is pretty long for me during the height of allergy season.

We have plans to cut the handlebars down about an inch off the 780 mm to make them fit my wingspan a little better; other than doing that, tweaking the suspension a little, and adjusting the seat position, we are ready to roll.

Philpug: I am very happy that I made the e-jump. This is the first time in getting back into riding that I am really excited to get out. I even went for two rides one day, something I haven’t wanted to do since I don’t know when. I am now looking for reasons to go for another ride. Now, seeing a climb now and thinking "I got this" instead of slumping my shoulders and thinking of an excuse for why I could turn around makes everything so much more fun now.
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Tricia: After a week of ownership and a few more rides under my padded shorts, we had tweaked the suspension and moved the brake levers to address my smaller hand span. We rode up Peavine again, on one of the longer rides I’ve had in a very long time, going through some nice flowy trails as well as a handful of tighter switchbacks. With the latest fit adjustments, I was able to make my way through switchbacks that seemed daunting to me just a week ago. The most important improvements to my ride have been endurance and confidence: I’m not as fatigued so I can stay out longer with my head in the game, and the added wheelbase and 29er wheels seem to roll over things that once caused chaos in my head. I may just get in the Habit of riding longer distances.

I can say this is one of the best purchases I’ve made in a very long time for my health and summer activities.

Philpug: I will add one last thing. While Tricia was writing the last of her contribution above, I went for a quick 1:30 ride. I blasted out 14 mi with 1600 ft of elevation gain. I came back sweaty and spent. I got a great workout, and I could not have had a better time. In fact, I don’t recall ever having as much fun riding as I have had since we got these new Habit Neo 2s.
About author
Philpug
I started skiing in the mid-70s in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania; from then on, I found myself entrenched in the industry. I have worked in various ski shops from suburban to ski town to resort, giving me a well-rounded perspective on what skiers want from their gear. That experience was parlayed into my time as a Gear Review Editor and also consulting with manufacturers as a product tester. Along with being a Masterfit-trained bootfitter I am a fully certified self proclaimed Gear Guru. Not only do I keep up with the cutting edge of ski gear technology, but I am an avid gear collector and have an extensive array of bindings as well as many vintage skis.

Replies

To make matters worse, most e-bike riders don't have the bike handling skills to be riding that fast in tight quarters
I'd be curious to know how many e-bikers are experienced riders who, due to injury or age or whatever, have moved from regular bikes to e-bikes.
 
I have just over 300 miles on my HN2. I did have an Error 550 code for a while but that has since gone away...like a miracle. I have been very happy with the bike, the one main upgrade I did was to swap out the tires from the Rekons to the more aggressive DHR II and DHF's. For the soft terrain and "moondust" we have here in the hills of Northern Nevada, I feel it was the right choice. I did sacrifice a bit in steering but gained much more in areas where the cround was soft and dry, common here.

The Kiox system works well but does not stay synced with my phone all of the time. About 50% of my riding is in Eco with Tour, EmTB being the other 49% and Turbo used only when I am rushing home on the main road up to my house. Overall the Habit has gotten me out riding much more than I ever did on my Trigger. I just got back from a quick 18 miles this AM with about 2,200 ft of climbing. On the ride, I did run into another E-MTB'er, one of the things that was addressed as a knock against people on E-bikes was new riders and poor etiquette, this rider was on a $10K Santa Cruz E-Heckler. In stopping to chat with him, we both stopped to let the other pass, it turns out he has 30+ years of MTN biking and perfect and respectable etiquette. In fanct I have yet to meet an Ebiker on the trails that is not an experienced and seasoned rider.
 
Great review. I have about 3,500 miles on 2 eMTB's and as I have progressed some of my opinions have changed and yours probably will too. Regarding assist levels, on my Bosch bike it's ALWAYS in eMTB mode (level 3). It's just more fun. The Bosch motor's greatest asset is the perfectly tuned eMTB mode. The harder you peddle, the more power you get. Eco and Tour are reserved for rides where I need to preserve battery. Personal preference applies here for sure, but if the objective is fun, it's like switching from 1975 205cm race skis to 2020 90-105mm underfoot all-mountain skis. Yes, I can go fast on the Strato 105's, but it's a lot harder and not that fun. I'd rather grab the Head Kore 93's or Volkl Mantra's any day.

Regarding the 20mph limit, these bikes can be used for multiple purposes. I used to commute to work on my Giant Trance E+1, 28 miles round trip and about 80% of that in top gear right at the 20mph limit before Covid. A 15 mph limit really limits the usefulness for anything other than singletrack.

Have fun and enjoy!
 
The question has come up "what happens when the battery dies?" Well, this week I was out on a ride and with about 1/2 miles out, I miscalculated what I had for range and sure enough my battery died. Fortunately, it was moslty downhill back to the house. Speaking of downhill, this is exactly what my 48lb Habit Neo 2 felt like, a downhill bike. If you have every ridden a purposely bult downhil bike, you know that have one purpose, to go downhill, even with a full range of gears, they do not climb well, nor are they fun even on the flats or twisties. No, it wasn't fun coming back in on anything else but the decents. With that said, it was nothing that surprised me but was doable and it's not like I was left stranded. Note to anyone considering or already owning an eMTB, make sure you have enough range to get back.
 
With more that 750 miles on the Habit Neo I am liking it more and more. The Neo is turning into that old comfortable pair of jeans making me question my usual buying habits of upgrading and replacing a bike when it has it's most value. This is a practice that has equally positives and negative results. I am really thinking about keeping the Habit for more than just one season and not fix something that really isn't broken becaue better isn't always that...better. Anyone have any thoughts here?
 
One year later. @Tricia replaced her Habit 2 Neo with a Trek E-Caliber 9.6, a light weight eMTB but not because of the weight but more because of size. Where she was very happy with her prior Cannondale Trigger 3 in a medium, the Habit 2 Neo was just too big and the truck like feeling was a hinderance on tight trails and switchbacks. this was addressed in her Medium is not a Medium thread. That 2020 Habit 2 Neo has a new owner in @Andy Mink so you should expect some additions to this review from him.

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One year in, I just past 1,000 on my Neo and for the most part I have been very happy with very few issues. From time to time I was getting a 550 Error code in the Kiox system which turns out it was from the wires from the headlight that were touching. Once I put some tape on them the code went away. I also upgraded the Maxxis Rekon tires to the DHF/DHR combo...twice. With the newest ones having the gumwall which look great with the moss green color of the Cannondale. I did have to bring the bike into the shop to get a software update, too bad in todays age that can not be done over the net.

Only other issues I had was a broken chain, not sure how that happened but fortunately it was close to home and I just pretty much coasted back to SkiTalk's HQ. the Magura brakes are about shot so I will be replacing the pads shortly. Other than that, nothing really unusual about the ownership experienced
 
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The other day I just went over 1000 miles on my Trek Super Commuter +8s and today I just finished up a 33 mile ride. I’m still impressed with it. Great ride and a ton of fun. As I’ve said before it opens up a whole bunch of terrain I could not have done before. The more fun something is the more you will do it. It makes exercise a thing I want to do.
 
That 2020 Habit 2 Neo has a new owner in @Andy Mink so you should expect some additions to this review from him.
I've been riding said Habit Neo 2 now for two summers and have about 1,000 miles on it. In that time I went from the Rekons that were on it to the tried and true DHF and DHR2 tires, both in 2.6. Since the bars were cut for @Tricia I put a PNW Range bars and PNW Loam grips on it and left the bars at 800mm. The leverage seems to work for me. Other than that and some new pedals, it's basically stock. I haven't been riding this summer as much as I'd like but when I get out I have a good time. I try and keep it in the lower assists as much as possible for a good workout. I breath hard, sweat a lot, and get the heart pumping. When I read that ebikes are cheating, I figure the only thing getting cheated is my couch. I'll never be a downhill racer but I do pretty well with the Habit. It's tough enough to take some hits (I've had a few less than graceful dismounts resulting in the bike banging down hills on its own) with just barely visible scratches. Overall, it's been a good bike for me, getting back into riding after a couple of decades off. At 58 and out of shape, the assist is a game changer. Without it the couch would be getting all my attention!
 

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