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So me and the rest of family are going to buy my old man an ebike. He's pretty inflexible, so low top tube essential, but most modern Geo MTBs are like that. We don't really want to spend much more than £2k, 2.5 max. But looking at bikes of that price range and what I can see is a load of utter shit! Components are what i expect in a sub £500 bike. Suntour xcr forks, sub deore gears, and bits that I don't even recognise. Surely there is something that can be suitable.
Ok maybe I'm thinking with my component quality in mind and he won't be needing such tough and light components, but I just can't see past what I see as cheap rubbish! Any recommendations. Riding will be no more than bridleways and a possible jaunt upto local blue trail.
Hmm. Maybe. A step through isn't really what I'd like to see him on. Being Isla, I'm sure it's very light and perfectly capable, but I'm looking for a MTB frame with front suspension and I'll probably get a dropper for him as it makes it a lot easier on off bike
Islabike will supply a dropper for that reason. My mum got one a couple of months ago. Main reason was the small size but also the relative lightweight for an ebike. Islabike also have a pretty good return policy, providing you don't take the Mickey. Is your dislike of a step thru design anything other than vanity? Sounds ideal for him.
STW review of the e-jimi Have to agree with SteveMM, it looks a great option.
You’ll struggling against exceedingly busy year for all ebikes, so there aren’t the sales bargains there has been, in previous years. The like of the Vitus E-Sentier (& probably cubes offering) look to be where you want be, for a reasonable spec decent e-bike, but their sold out (for now). It maybe that second hand might be an option, bought as a COVID exercise option, but unwanted in the wet & rainy winter months. All that said, if you dad want/needs a proper MTB, a full susser e-MTB is the better option imo
How about a regular HT with an aftermarket kit?
Speaking as an old bloke, I have a Vitus Sentier which I bought two years ago and has been ideal. It's fine to potter on road and trail but is quite happy to do more serious stuff. Spec is decent too,XT mech, Guide RE, Rev forks and DT Swiss wheels. Might be worth waiting to see if CRC get some 2021 bikes in stock.
Does it need to be a "mountain bike"?
I recently bought a Vitus Mach-E. It's sold as an urban/commuter bike, but it's absolutely fine for easy trails. Really, really pleased with mine; I fitted some mudguards and I've used it loads.
Not as powerful as some motors but a reasonable weight and good range.
It rides like an early 90s mtb!
Well, I'm dreaming that I'll be able to get him out onto the South downs in the summer. We used to go on the downs when I was 15/16 in the late 80s. Would love to do that again with him. He still has the same bike that I fixed up for him recently!
Sounds like I have a few options. We are testing a "Forme alport" on Wednesday, so will see if that weight and components are ok. I'll show him pic of Isla bike as well and let him decide. Thanks all
Took the old man out today at our local. He demoed a Forme HT ebike. Top tube still high, although with a bit of practise and more flexibility he's probably be ok. The weight however would always be an issue if needing to move it around. Also as suspected, the forks were utter carp. Pretty much pointless.
He did however, have a fantastic time and big smile on his face after. He's sold on one, and as a few families, we'll be buying him the Isla bike ejimi as recommended. I read the stw review and it sounds a lot more capable than it looks.
One happy old man 😁
Consider a ladies frame, easier for someone with limited movement to get on/off.
Ebikes are terrific for this scenario, they make the rider feel younger again.
Edit: just looked at the bike you’re going for, it looks great for the intended use.
Sounds like an excellent result
Welcomes 😉
Personally I’d up,the money to get better parts to. Really is nothing worse than crap components,I’d say they could be the difference between loving or hating riding on a bike.
hardtail wise I did look at these. https://www.upgradebikes.co.uk/Catalogue/Bikes/Kinesis/Rise-Pro-MTB
more money but at least your getting half decent bits to start with.
only my 2cents worth of cause.
The rise users a significantly weaker motor than most ebikes... worth bearing in mind....
DrP
Yeah I do agree there but that in my mind means way less strain across the board on the motor and components.
though I am only just starting to look myself for an e-bike for next year possibly 😁
Getting a rigid fork has saved weight and money, so money can be spent elsewhere.
I've just bought him the ejimi as slightly used from Isla bikes. £1860, so significant saving
And thanks tomhoward for the pointer
A friend of mine with arthritis in her hands was persuaded by Isla to sample one of her new rigid step throughs. She bought it and subsequently sold all her mountainbikes.
Well that didnt last long. My dad his ejimi nicked last night 🙁
From Wickham, Hampshire. Keep your eyes and ears open please people and share if you can
oh that just sickening, especially as it was a bargain.
Does he have insurance that will rep[lace it?
Only small bonus is, that as a highly obvious Islabike, it won't be as easy to shift on?
Well I'm hoping the insurance will pay out, but I have a suspicion that it wont as he moved the bike from garage to shed, whilst he had some "company" into do his driveway and needed access through the garage... This was after I put a steadyrack into garage and told him not to keep it in shed. 2days later - gone.
Maddening