I used to think eMTBs were for sissies. I finally broke down and came over to the sissy side.
After 2.5yrs with long COVID got fed up with nearly passing out climbing short 1km climbs I used to do regular training repeats.
Found a new 2022 Orbea Rise full carbon Shimano SLX on deep discount.
The positives -
Playful, sorta like a heavy normal dual MTB. I tried the Trek Specialized Giant & Norco which guys I used to ride with have.
Also like the Pivot SL but way too expensive.
Has shortish chain stay & wheel base. Kinda handles & feels like a normal cross-country bike.
Light, decent battery pack - been able to ride 6 days 1-1.5 hrs about 65% on power, rest off, on intermediate single tracks on a single charge.
Light weight 20.05kg with everything shown in photo - saddle bag with spare tube, trail repair kit, clipped pedals fenders, water bottle, pump & computer
Price was right
Rides almost as playfully as my Ghost Asket carbon hardtail.
Critiques -
Still a pricey toy - I was forced to get it due to health & fitness conditions. As you get older you gotta rely on money & tech to keep up with the young bucks.
The indicator lights for power & battery levels is too basic but you get used to it, its of course very light.
Its got a 60nm motor but I think I could do with a 70-75nm motor, but definitely not the std 85nm on std ebikes.
Changed the std saddle to something softer, the std std is like a riding on a brick.
Replaced oversized handle bar with thinner narrower carbon & bar ends - more comfy better trail feel.
I think I could do with a 70-75Nm motor not the 60 on my Rise but not the std 85 on most std wt eMTBs.
Need to change the sorta slippery Maxxis for better tires on moist rooty rocky bits - dont bomb down hill any more but like to get back to playful brisk cross country trail riding on mostly intermediate to expert terrain. Suggestions welcome.
NB -
The fenders are home made from 3ring binder plastic secured with zip ties. - lighter cheaper than you can buy.
The pump is secured to the handle bars with zip tied mount extra secured with velco straps & alien double stick tape
Recommendation
Yes, for all ages, reasonably fit & with reasonably good bike handling skills who want a light eMTB with responsive handling.
Its basically a XC type bike. It can jump with preload and I have taken a 4ft drop jump into a gully, very sure & supple.
The 140mm travel is likely not enough for the crazy hair on fire down hiller types.
After 2.5yrs with long COVID got fed up with nearly passing out climbing short 1km climbs I used to do regular training repeats.
Found a new 2022 Orbea Rise full carbon Shimano SLX on deep discount.
The positives -
Playful, sorta like a heavy normal dual MTB. I tried the Trek Specialized Giant & Norco which guys I used to ride with have.
Also like the Pivot SL but way too expensive.
Has shortish chain stay & wheel base. Kinda handles & feels like a normal cross-country bike.
Light, decent battery pack - been able to ride 6 days 1-1.5 hrs about 65% on power, rest off, on intermediate single tracks on a single charge.
Light weight 20.05kg with everything shown in photo - saddle bag with spare tube, trail repair kit, clipped pedals fenders, water bottle, pump & computer
Price was right
Rides almost as playfully as my Ghost Asket carbon hardtail.
Critiques -
Still a pricey toy - I was forced to get it due to health & fitness conditions. As you get older you gotta rely on money & tech to keep up with the young bucks.
The indicator lights for power & battery levels is too basic but you get used to it, its of course very light.
Its got a 60nm motor but I think I could do with a 70-75nm motor, but definitely not the std 85nm on std ebikes.
Changed the std saddle to something softer, the std std is like a riding on a brick.
Replaced oversized handle bar with thinner narrower carbon & bar ends - more comfy better trail feel.
I think I could do with a 70-75Nm motor not the 60 on my Rise but not the std 85 on most std wt eMTBs.
Need to change the sorta slippery Maxxis for better tires on moist rooty rocky bits - dont bomb down hill any more but like to get back to playful brisk cross country trail riding on mostly intermediate to expert terrain. Suggestions welcome.
NB -
The fenders are home made from 3ring binder plastic secured with zip ties. - lighter cheaper than you can buy.
The pump is secured to the handle bars with zip tied mount extra secured with velco straps & alien double stick tape
Recommendation
Yes, for all ages, reasonably fit & with reasonably good bike handling skills who want a light eMTB with responsive handling.
Its basically a XC type bike. It can jump with preload and I have taken a 4ft drop jump into a gully, very sure & supple.
The 140mm travel is likely not enough for the crazy hair on fire down hiller types.
