Choosing An Electric Mountain Bike
Looking for an electric mountain bike? We’re looking to help. Below is a guide on choosing an electric mountain bike, including short reviews of several of them.
First, what are the main issues to consider?
- Cost: $1,000 to $18,000
- Class 1, 2, or 3
- Drive: Mid or Rear Hub
- Tire Width: 2.3”, 2.6”, or 4” fat
- Wheel Size: 26”, 27.5”, or 29”
- Suspension: None, Front Shock, Shock Absorbing Seat Post, or Full Suspension
- Drop Seat: Yes or No
- Frame: Aluminum or Carbon Fiber
- Brakes: Caliper or Disc
- Equipment Quality: Shifter, Brakes, Front Shock, Rear Shock
- Weight: 35 lb to 100 lb
- Handlebars: Straight or Drop
- Purchase Method: Mail Order or Dealer
- Bike Carrier: Küwat, Thule, Saris
We will cover each of those topics in their own section below.
First, though, what is the definition of a mountain bike? Originally: Wider tires than a road bike, lots of gears for climbing, and straight handlebars.
I am not a competitive mountain bike rider, so some aspects of super high performance electric mountain bikes are beyond my area of expertise. However, I have been riding electric bikes (e-bikes) for seven years and own five radically different e-bikes. I have also rented fat tire e-bikes. Furthermore, I have been reading every bit of news about e-bikes that I could find and have spent hours talking to e-bike dealers about their products.
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