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Trek Powerfly E-Bike Line charges into North America

Written by Zach Overholt
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Milner_Danuser_PowerflyFS8_2
All photos c. Trek

Trek claims that the current Powerfly lineup has become one of the most popular lines of their bikes in Europe. Now, that electricity is coming state-side. Touting similar benefits as other e-bike manufacturers, the Powerfly line will “allow riders to go farther, ride more often, and tackle more challenging terrain.” By offering both hard tail and full suspension bikes, the Powerfly lineup includes four different models with bikes for both men and women. Relying on the Bosch Performance CX drivetrain, the Powerflies will be cranking out 75Nm of extra torque and four levels of e-assist…

Powerfly FS 8 Profile copy

At the top of the line, the Powerfly FS 8 Plus builds a motor into a full suspension platform with 27+ tires and Trek’s ABP and EVO link suspension system. Set at 130mm of travel front and rear, the frame sees many of the same technologies as the new Fuel EX with Boost spacing, the Straight Shot down tube, and Knock Block frame defense steerer tube stop. The full bike will set you back $4,999 which includes a dropper post and 1×11 drivetrain. All of the Powerfly bikes are equipped with the Bosch Intuvia display and controller, Powerpack 500 or 400 Wh battery, and are limited to 20 mph.

Powerfly 7 Profile copy

The Powerfly 7 drops the price down the $3,999 by removing the rear suspension and adding 29″ wheels and tires. The Alpha aluminum frame adds additional protection for the motor, and is able to accept fenders, racks, and a kickstand. Built around a 100mm travel RockShox Reba RL fork with G2 geometry, the 7 also includes an XT 1×11 drivetrain and Bosch CX drivetrain limited to 20 mph of assist.

Powerfly 5 Women's Profile copy

Powerfly 5 Profile copy

The Powerfly 5 will be available in both men’s and women’s models with different frames and gender specific touch points. Both include 100mm RockShox Recon Silver forks, a Shimano Altus/Alivio 1×9 drivetrain, and the Bosch CX motor with Powerpack 400 batteries limited to 20 mph of assist. The entry point for the Powerfly line up, the 5 and 5 WSD will both sell for $2,999.

Trek 2016 Powerfly Geometry

While the women’s Powerfly will only be available in 15.5 and 17.5″ frames, the rest will include a full size range from 15.5 to 21.5″. Check out Trekbikes.com for complete spec, or the FAQ below from Trek for more info on their Powerfly line or e-bikes in general.

From Trek:

Powerfly FAQ

Isn’t riding a pedal-assist bike cheating?

If having more fun, riding farther, riding new places, getting new people into mountain biking is cheating, then yes.

Where’s the throttle?

Powerfly is a pedal-assist mountain bike. It amplifies the power the rider puts in while pedaling. If the rider isn’t pedaling, the bike is not assisting. It is not self-propelled.

Where can I legally ride this bike?

Regulations on where eMTB bikes can be ridden legally vary by state and whether the land is federally, state, county or privately owned. Trek and IMBA promote a position that safely guides eMTB users towards trails that won’t be questionable: “E-MTBs are approved for use on trails that allow pedal-assist or motorized vehicles. You are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations and use laws. If uncertain about trail status, check with local parks management or consult your retailer.“

Where can I learn more about eMTB regulations?

People For Bikes has a well-curated list of resources and explanations surrounding eMTB: www.peopleforbikes.org/e-bikes

Do eMTB’s have any more impact on trails than traditional mountain bikes?

“Not significant.” IMBA conducted a study of Type 1 (low speed pedal assist) mountain bikes, like the Powerfly, and found that “the impacts from Class 1 eMTBs and traditional mountain bicycles were not significantly different, while motorcycles led to much greater soil displacement and erosion.” In short, riding poorly constructed mountain bike trails or riding trails while still wet will have much more impact than eMTB riding. You can find the full study on People For Bike’s e-bike resources.

How fast can it go?

It’ll go as fast as your legs turn the pedals. However, the pedal assist cuts out at 20mph.

Can I ride the bike in the rain or wet conditions?

Yes. The Bosch system, including the battery, is weatherproof and will function fine in wet conditions. The motor is further protected from mud and rocks by Trek’s exclusive Motor Armor that also acts as a skid plate over large obstacles. However, none of the Bosch components should ever be submerged in water or cleaned with a high-pressure hose or power washer.

How does the Bosch Performance CX Motor differ from other units?

The Performance CX motor is designed for the rigors of off-road use with 75Nm torque for enhanced responsiveness and capability on steep or challenging terrain. The drive unit is slightly smaller than other motors, giving it better obstacle clearance. The mid-mount placement of the motor ensures the best weight distribution for balance and control.

How long does the battery last?

The 500Wh battery has an approximate range of 170km in Eco mode, and 60km in Turbo mode. Actual range will depend on various factors such as terrain type, incline grade, and individual riding style.

How long does it take to fully charge the battery?

From empty to fully charged will take about 4.5 hours. From empty to 50% charged will take only 2 hours.

Does the battery require any special care?

The battery should never be opened, as doing so not only voids all warranties, but also poses the risk of uncontrolled thermal reactions. Use only the provided Bosch eBike charger, which is specifically matched to the Bosch battery and has the right software for optimal charging and maintenance of the battery. Using any other charger will void the warranty and also risk malfunctions or reduced lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries have neither memory nor self-discharge effects, so the battery can be partially recharged at any time without affecting the service life.

How many power modes are there?

The Bosch Performance CX system allows riders customize the amount of power produced by the motor by choosing one of four modes:

  • Eco (50% assist): maximum efficiency for maximum range
  • Tour (120% assist): steady support for long rides
  • Sport (210% assist): powerful support for more aggressive rides
  • Turbo (300% assist): even more power for support up to maximum cadence (120 rpm) or maximum speed (20 miles/hr) for the most aggressive rides

Will the display still function when pedal assist isn’t being used?

Yes. The Intuvia display units will still offer all on-board computer functions even when the pedal assist modes are inactive.

What makes Powerfly FS better than other pedal-assist mountain bikes?

Here at Trek, we know how to make great-riding mountain bikes, and Powerfly FS is no exception. These bikes get the same proven frame technology as the rest of our lineup, including ABP, EVO link, Boost148, Mino Link, and our new Straight Shot down tube with Knock Block frame defense for an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio. All of this adds up to a true mountain bike with the added benefit of pedal assist.

Why do some of the bikes have 27.5+ tires?

We gave the Powerfly 8 FS premium spec with 27.5 x 2.80” tires mounted to 40mm rims. This setup offers incredible stability and traction, which enables riders to get the maximum benefit from the added torque and power provided by the motor.

 
Zach Overholt
5,725 articles

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor. He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

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Roborbob
Roborbob
8 years ago

Love the included FAQ to dispel some preconceived perceptions of eMTBs. It should help keep this comment section pretty quiet. Time to make the popcorn…

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Frank
Frank
8 years ago

an E-MTB is really disappointing coming from Trek.

I’m planning on buying a new bike next year, the Stash and Fuel EX were on my short list, I’m really going to have to reconsider that now.

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everything is coming up millhouse
everything is coming up millhouse
8 years ago
Reply to  Frank

You are going to buy a different bike because they built a bike that you don’t want to buy? I guess I won’t buy a bike from any company that builds a gravel bike.

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bearCol
bearCol
8 years ago
Reply to  everything is coming up millhouse

Millhouse you clearly don’t get it. I’m with Frank. I will not support any company that’s putting short term profits in front of the long term stability of mountain biking. Motors on mountain bikes is playing with fire.

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notBill Gates
notBill Gates
8 years ago
Reply to  bearCol

No it is not. Stop making up nonsense. eMountain bikes can be used as commuters. Don’t assume the worst of a product or company just because it doesn’t suit your personal preference. You need to learn how to adapt and enjoy/appreciate things for what they really are. That is how I built Microsoft.

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1368439846
1368439846
8 years ago
Reply to  Frank

@ everything is coming up millhouse Your comment is foolish and you know it. He objects because the company is creating trail bikes that have motors and may cause further strain on future trail access.

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Michael
Michael
8 years ago
Reply to  Frank

I see your logic, Frank…because Trek hasn’t already been building these in other markets for the past few years :/

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Scotts Stinky Scooters
Scotts Stinky Scooters
8 years ago
Reply to  Michael

“As an Elite Level Corporate Member of IMBA, Trek has contributed millions to aid in the development of trail networks throughout the US. Trek is also the Official Supplier to the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew, providing bikes and gear that hold up to the extreme demands of IMBA’s expert trail builders across the country.”

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Johnny Adventure
Johnny Adventure
8 years ago

what’s really disappointing is how hideous they look.

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bearCol
bearCol
8 years ago

Trek’s new mopeds looks pretty cool if you’re into that kind of thing. I’ll stick with mountain biking personally but I have nothing against someone who would rather go mopeding instead or mountain biking. Just keep your moped off non motorized trails and it’s all good!

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Charles Patterson
Charles Patterson
8 years ago

Haha, so funny there are still haters fearful about closures. Have any of you ever ridden one? eBikes only provide assistance up to 20 MPH. There’s no throttle, just some extra torque with each pedal stroke. That’s it. They WILL NOT make anyone, regardless of skill level, go faster downhill. The only difference will be this: SOME ebike riders will pass you on the climbs. That’s the only thing you have to worry about.

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bearCol
bearCol
8 years ago
Reply to  Charles Patterson

charles you’re naive if you think just because there’s no throttle trail access won’t be threatened. Personally I feel that’s the biggest danger. It’s hard to tell the difference unless you are familiar with bikes. Because you still have to pedal we’ll end up with blanket trail closures. There won’t be wardens checking to see if your bike has a battery pack or hidden motor, we will just see trail access reduced when other user groups complain about someone going fast up hill and being a jerk about it.

Go ride anywhere in CA, or the front range of Colorado and take note of what a circus those trails are these days then get back to me about whether or not throwing mopeds into the mix is no big deal.

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Charles Patterson
Charles Patterson
8 years ago
Reply to  bearCol

The only thing threatening trail access is all the fear and hearsay about the bike shredding trails and going fast everywhere. The rumors cause hysteria, hysteria causes closures. The same thing happened when mountain bikes were first introduced, if you remember.

I’m going to guess you’ve never ridden an eBike. Trust me, ride one and you’ll see. Like I said, all these bikes do is give you a little extra torque for each pedal stroke. Nobody can ride uphill on these things fast enough to “be a jerk about it.” Imagine 20% more torque for each pedal stroke. Not a rocket by any means.

EBikes are not the threat they’re made out to be for more than just their tame performance. Most mountain bikers will never purchase one. That’s because they’re simply impractical for most riders that are reasonably fit. A fit rider on a normal bike can still beat an out of shape rider on an eBike. They’re heavy. They run out of juice. They’re not allowed in competition and they most likely will not ever be. EBikes will most likely be ridden by elderly or physically compromised bikers.

This is the truth about eBikes. Keep on spreading the falsehoods if you want, but remember you’re contributing to the fear and hysteria.

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J
J
8 years ago
Reply to  Charles Patterson

To be fair, criticism hardly seems like hysteria. Some of us are just critical of new product, especially when its entering a market which deals so closely with ‘the tragedy of the commons’ so not unlike other groups under that thumb, they are a bit sensitive to change.

That being said, I have two friends who just don’t mtb, they just prefer not to be sucking wind, and if they do suck wind it’s only during a 30 minute moto where their adrenaline from roosting a 450 overwhelms their immediate desire to not exert the energy required to pedal. I have literally heard them tell me their bodies are not capable of handling the cardio required to keep up on a bike despite recording their h/r while moto and knowing their body is perfectly capable.

Now will this open up mtb to them? If so do they miss the fundamental biological experience which is the virtuous feeling one gets when accomplishing something whos effort seemed to directly relate to the enjoyment achieved? You see. I’m admitting its a self fulfilling ego trip, but if we admit that, maybe we can then admit ebikes have an entirely different problem, unrelated to trail conditions, or ‘cheating’ and directly related to shaping and forming a new market who uses mtb for a different and what the purists may end up claiming is a less psychologically rewarding experience.

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Charles Patterson
Charles Patterson
8 years ago
Reply to  J

J. Your lazy friends who ride 450s will never ride eBikes. That’s because EBikes provide extra torque when pedaling. I repeat, they provide extra torque WHEN PEDALING. They don’t have throttles. You can’t shred on them. You can’t roost. I rode 450’s, 250 two strokes for years, motocross and off-road. No comparison whatsoever. Climbing still takes effort, just slightly less than a normal bike. If you don’t believe me, ride one yourself. So much misinformation out there about these things. As for me, I’d only ever consider owning one if I lost a leg. I don’t need pedal assistance, but some people do.

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J
J
8 years ago
Reply to  J

We know how they work, it’s not impossible to continue the conversation knowing this point. What is being ridden and made today may morph into very different things as technology changes. Some of us are on that end of things, designing and building some real shredders, for private trails, maybe we want to sell them, maybe we don’t want them also ruining our mtb specific trails.

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bearCol
bearCol
8 years ago
Reply to  Charles Patterson

I would rather be fearful of what could happen with trail access than blow it off and end up with fewer places to ride. I certainly wouldn’t say there’s hysteria, If anything the mountain bike community is playing down what could happen.

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SomePeople
SomePeople
8 years ago
Reply to  bearCol

Hysteria: “exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people”. Provide some proof that these bikes will actually close trails instead of fomenting fear otherwise you are feeding the hysteria. Land managers are people, have you sent an e-mail to ask how they feel about e-bikes or done any research at all to figure out if what you are saying has even a shred of truth? These big companies have compliance departments whose only job is to make sure all product meets the requirements of the country in which they are sold in addition to being active and participating members of IMBA. Until you can provide evidence that these bikes will actually create an issue, I’m going to trust the people who have an active investment in making sure their product is legal to use.

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dustytires
dustytires
8 years ago

As lazy as most people really are, eBikes make total sense. Think about it, most riders would rather shuttle than climb, and if a chair is available that’s even better as one don’t even have to lift your bike way up into a truck. In 10 years everyone will be zipping along with ebikes. It will start with the riders at the very back of the group ride with the weak / old /fat being welcomed as they will now not hold everyone up so much, then the mid pack riders are going to be jealous of the esisters grabbing open trail with a few mashes in turbo so they get a ebike and within a couple years, the guys in front will be hammering each other with extra boost, then the weak / old/ fat at the back will want to ‘ride’ with the group again so they will get the newest model with more battery and motor efficiency so they can turbo when others are tour assisting, around and around the spending/performance circle we go.

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J
J
8 years ago
Reply to  dustytires

Do you think their is anything to be said regarding the riding experience? Maybe one could claim 10-20lbs of motor significantly changes the experience of mountain biking to such a degree that flying through the woods on heavier bikes may not even be a comparable experience with and without motor.

I know the way I ride and how I ride including the skills acquired to keep off the brakes on x turn, or commit to holding speed through x sweeper are all things associated to the purity of the skill that is mountain biking.

If those skills can be replaced by other means then maybe its just a different and new experience, almost unrelated to mountain biking and potentially with a long term reward for your effort that has slightly less ego filling goodness. I certainly remember my ‘effort boner’ achieved developing my own film in the late 90’s, maybe something along those lines.

The way is the path? This shortcut could never be so rewarding?.

This phenomenon may be more familiar to those who cross train on bicycles and are used to racing moto… I would imagine those people may claim some of the best bits of human power have to do with the minds ability to rationalize risk as it relates to carrying speed which previously to may have never considered possible., but today it saves you from a few pedal strokes…

In that moment, maybe mtb dies a bit if power is injected beyond the riders ability.

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the biz
the biz
8 years ago
Reply to  dustytires

“In 10 years everyone will be zipping along with ebikes.”

“The segway is the future of human transport!”

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foolcyclist
foolcyclist
8 years ago

At some point it would be nice to see one of these huge bike companies stand up to the market pressure and not release an eMTB. The list of companies that I wont buy from keeps growing. Too bad this ends up hurting the local shops, but when the trails are gone, maybe the shops will start standing up to the manufactures too. In one of the local shops, there are warnings on the eMTBs that they cannot be riden on the local trails.

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bearCol
bearCol
8 years ago
Reply to  foolcyclist

Foolcyclist. I agree, I would love to see at least one company just say no. Or even better, at least one media outlet! (deleted) Super disappointed in all the moped coverage on this site. So lame. I’m close to boycotting this site in addition to all companies producing mopeds marketed as mountain bikes.

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Flatbiller
Flatbiller
8 years ago
Reply to  foolcyclist

Why should an entity whose main goal is to make money (like every other f-ing company in America NOT making bikes) make a political stand? For some reason people fool themselves into buying bike companies’ kumbaya stories about making the planet green, granola, patchouli oil, let’s make love and think it applies to all facets of a company. They feel bike companies should be 503(c) entities, in which they forgo profits and give back 100% of any cash in the black to malaria prevention or inner-city soup kitchens.

You should be going after your political representatives to change the laws that ban/don’t ban eBikes or anything else that gets your panties in a bunch.

I don’t see anyone shunning Porsche/Nissan/Toyota/Audi for making car commercials that show their cars being used above the speed limit on mountain roads.

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bearCol
bearCol
8 years ago
Reply to  Flatbiller

Flatbiller: You’er missing the point. It’s not about making a political point, it’s about staying true to the sport of mountain biking. Motors are not a part of the sport period. I would love to see a company say that and choose to not capitalize on short term profits at the risk of loosing trail access.

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Flatbiller
Flatbiller
8 years ago
Reply to  bearCol

If “staying true to the sport” means missing sales opportunities, then that directly conflicts with the most important goal of a corporate entity: making a profit.

“Keepin’ it real” doesn’t pay the bills.

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bearCol
bearCol
8 years ago
Reply to  Flatbiller

Flatbiller: Staying true to the sport of mountain biking doesn’t matter? By your logic it would be fine to increase the size of a golf hole to make the game easier if that increases profits. Staying true to the skills required to play the sport of golf comes second to profits. Pick any sport for a better analogy if you want, but you get my point.

Motors are not a part of mountain biking period. We all know profits are top priority and that’s the problem! I won’t support any company that isn’t supporting the essence of the sport. Short term profits do seem to be more important than the integrity of mountain biking and that’s pretty lame.

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the biz
the biz
8 years ago
Reply to  Flatbiller

Those are two bad analogies. Mountain bike trail access is already contentious for many areas in the United States which it is already established, let alone for developing areas. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to not purchase from a manufacturer whose products could directly, negatively affect that.

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Dinger
Dinger
8 years ago
Reply to  the biz

Bike companies are making and marketing e-bikes because their shops and customers are demanding it (remember the companies that chose not to make MTB’s? Me neither…). An E-Mtb is not a moped or a motorcycle. The key difference is not the motor, it’s mass. A rider using one on the same trails as you has ZERO impact on your experience out there. You’ll never notice them.

It is shortsighted to worry that e-bikes will hurt trail access. The trail access we have now is limited not by the nature of our sport, but by the size of our voice. The MTB community isn’t growing in it’s current state. More voices = more access. We should be welcoming this, not shunning it.

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kbark
kbark
8 years ago

I can understand an E-bike for commuters/city people/ and old people that get pedal enough to get where they want to go.

I can’t understand somebody needing a full suspension mountain bike (which assumes aggressive riding in trick situations) needing a battery to help them. This is like a marathon runner using a scooter.

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AlanM
AlanM
8 years ago
Reply to  kbark

“I can’t understand somebody needing a full suspension mountain bike (which assumes aggressive riding in trick situations)”

How many full-suspension mountain bikes do you think are sold for “trick situations”?

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AlanM
AlanM
8 years ago

You people crack me up to no end. “Let me rant about something I haven’t tried and probably haven’t really, truly educated myself on.”

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Alex
Alex
8 years ago

Since Trek is readily admitting that riding an eBike is a form of ‘cheating’, are they getting Lance once of these? Just kidding.

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rich hargus
rich hargus
8 years ago

Having a sh*tload of NiCad batteries that are toxic little bombs out in the protected wilderness areas is a great idea. If i remember, there have never, ever been problems with rechargeable batteries failing and leaking. Or causing fires.

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Antipodean_eleven
Antipodean_eleven
8 years ago

*shrugs shoulders, shakes head and walks on*

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Mike
Mike
8 years ago

At least there’s approximately a 0% chance ebikes are going to be okayed for trails where I live.

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Patrick
Patrick
8 years ago

That’s weird. I thought this was a bike website, not a motorcycle website.

Pedal=bike.

Motor=motorcycle.

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Charles Patterson
Charles Patterson
8 years ago
Reply to  Patrick

If you think an eBike is remotely like a motorcycle than I’m going to guess you’ve never ridden an eBike. Have you?

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Kevin Knorr
Kevin Knorr
8 years ago

“In order to optimize a chainline with the Bosch system we at Trek have launched a new rear axle standard and because we like to make up all sorts of new ‘standards’ every 2 years to irritate bike mechanics world wide we are now using what’s called B.S. Thru-Axle with a spacing of 178.314. E-bike’s generate more torque so obviously we couldn’t use a hub that already existed because well, E-bike…”

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Jeb
Jeb
8 years ago

First good eMoped story. Friends came across an elderly gentlemen who had fallen over and was stuck underneath his eMoped on the side of the trail. Friend declared “f*&k this thing is heavy” while lifting it off him. More to come I’m sure.

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ascarlarkinyar
ascarlarkinyar
8 years ago

Trails are already being torn up with hacked ebikes. If you think these motorcycles are not capable of speed, think again. I saw some guys spinning tires, tearing up single track and digging ruts.

Thanks trek for adding to this problem so you can profit.

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Chase
Chase
8 years ago

I live in MTB central (Bay Area/Norcal). Bikes are sold at every shop, almost. I’ve seen a total of ONE in a trail area. It was not on dirt either. It was going to ride on a graded fire road. The rider was 5-8 or so and 300+ lbs. hardly going to threaten trail access as that battery was straining 200 ft from his car.
All you Ebike haters need to chill out. Your trail access issues will remain the same as they are the result of the other users hating you. Period. Adding e-bikes to the mix has zero to do with it. FWIW-nothing you do to appease them will stop them hating you. [deleted] No amount of kissing their ass will stop the hate.

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Allan
Allan
8 years ago

Just waiting….

Just waiting until the inevitable first closure then you pro-motor people will have to stfu.

Just waiting…

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JMAN
JMAN
8 years ago

#ultralongchainstays

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cody
cody
8 years ago

Ebike is just a hip name for a moped. These things are just for lazy A$$ that wants access to non motorized trails.
Boycott any bicycle company that is willing to jeopardize mountain biking for a profit.

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Stampers
Stampers
8 years ago

Doesn’t seem to bother the euro market’s trail access… Maybe we can learn something from them. I.e. Chill out, ride what you want, and move over on climbs if you want to stay on non pedal assist rides. Besides, think of all the fat politicians that can now enjoy trail riding with this tech. More people riding means more access needs.

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dustytires
dustytires
8 years ago

whether we like it or not, ebikes presence will increase at a terrible rate, don’t believe me? Head to EuroBike this month show and get your mind blown. So what will YOU do about it? run the lazy pos off the trail? mini pump in spokes? break their car windshield? tattle on them to the local authorities? Help track down Strava scorchers and turn them in for speeding? Boycotting a company making ebikes will have zero impact on them. The increase in sales to those not wanting to work as hard will easily displace the loss of a few pedalista sales.

Dinger has an interesting point, IF this technology brings more people that are not currently powering up the hills, then maybe more voices at local access meetings will be due to ebikes. This would be a great thing! Something that is true regardless of power, an ass is an ass regardless. If the Euro etwits are accepted by walkers and pedalers, than maybe those eriders are not being asses about it?

I don’t think ebikes hacked or not will have any noticeable impact on the trail, idiots are skidding huge ruts into every turn now, maybe the future ebikes will regen thru braking process and actually skid less? But with increased speeds whenever pedaling and the reduced time between seen and reacted to with other trail users, that will be a real problem. Most riders I pass in opposite directions get a little sketch, add a lot more speed and things could get interesting. This is where cordiality will be tested!

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Chase
Chase
8 years ago

dustytires-what you’re missing the argument is that E-bikers are going to be THE most casual of users. They want to get the farthest from the lot with the least effort and the very nature of the battery systems insure that they won’t get far.
The whole thing is a nonstarter. Which has been my argument all along. But the elitist cyclists continue to beat this dead horse and BR gets massive traffic for their advertisers everyrtime they run a PR on a new model. Just look at the comment counts. They typically erase mine as they don’t appreciate the unvarnished truth on this website. But they dwarf most articles.

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Dinger
Dinger
8 years ago
Reply to  Chase

“They typically erase mine as they don’t appreciate the unvarnished truth on this website.”

But you’re not speaking the truth. E-MTB’s have great range and any rider, casual to pro can ride farther on one than they could on a regular mtb. It’s also not a non-starter. It’s here and it’s growing fast.

You clearly haven’t ridden one. Demos are happening. Go to one and try an e-mtb (off road, not in a parking lot) and perhaps you’ll see it a little differently afterward.

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Michael
Michael
8 years ago

E bikes are here and we all need to deal with that fact. There is literally only one thing to do now, belittle the heck out if anyone (without a disability) you see riding it offroad. Let loose and make them realize what tiny weak quads they have. Point out their prodigious belly, go ahead and assume there is a receding hair line under their helmet. If everyone who ride these bikes off road feels worse about themselves afterwards they are bound to go away eventually and we can all have our sport back.

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Chase
Chase
8 years ago

Michael-You represent everything wrong about bicycling. It is the attitude you espouse in your post why many people hate cyclists and would vote to restrict trail access anytime they have the opportunity.
First of all most MTB riders I see and know already fit that description. Frankly ,wouldn’t have the balls to say any of what you are advocating others do as you and them would likely end up on the ground in a pile crying for your mommy and justifiably so.
It is no wonder cyclists (mostly roadies at least) are in such low regard where I live, the elitism which spews out of their mouth daily and attitudes such as yours are hard to hide.

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B@se
B@se
8 years ago

Right, here we go again. Co-worker came home from a vacation last week. His trip was to two place in the alps (yep euro talking) he counted like 85 to 90% pedeassist MTBs (thats type 1 pedelacs in the us) en they were all on official mtb tracks. These tracks are mostly sharerd routes with hikers and somethimes horsebackriders… no issues here.

For me personally, I own a steel hardtail 29″, a alu fully also 29″ and a homebrew 29″ hardtail eMTB. When I want to ride a route in the evening on a week day I mostly take the eMTB, because A my knees a basicly gone B after a hard day off labour I cannot do a normal route on just my own power. I run alot into other MTB guys, mostly riding in groups with spandex in the same colors. They fly past othre users of the trails, dogs are scarerd away etc. I relly really dislike that. As always with a non e or eMTB I just put the brakes on say “good evening” etc and 10 out of 10 times I am greeted with a nice gesture. Mostly that I am not trying to overun them or their pets like the other MTB guys on steroids are trying to. I even had some disliked offenses of one guy who tried to run me down when I was on the eMTB. it took a few moments before he realized that it was the same guy who helped him out with a mech problem a few weeks back when I was on the fully in the weekend….

In the Netherlands an eMTB is just a normal bike based on the law, just like in the us where its a type 1 pedelac.
I would say, swallow your pride and be nice to each oither regardles if they ride an oldscool 100% manual mtb, an eMTB, ride on an animal or just walke along. These landscapes are not our possesion, we are just visitors trying to enjoy the outdoors, like any other person.

Plain and simple ther wil be no impact on trail acces with a type 1 mtb, it even would have a possitive impact, because more people want to get outside riding.

On my homebrew, I can typically ride 2 hours on an evening. the would be set on eco or tour modus in the forest, that just makes a bit more challenging routes do-able and for the route back home it would be tour/sport just top get home. When I ride with other people they do not have to chase me because I would speed, on a traditional mtb I am usually not the fastest of the pack (knees…) so with the eMTB its just a fun ride keeping up with the guys.

Cheers,
I would say, come over and riide… but that would a bridge to far for most.

Bas
(yep a Dutchy)

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Karl
Karl
8 years ago

I am showing my age here? Back in the 80’S when mtb where just starting to be main stream like the emtb bikes now… I read the same words that are being written NOW by the HATERS!

By the age of 10, I was on a motorcycle, I just broke to many pedal bikes.. at 25 I had a mtb. Call yourself a purest? Try riding a 8sp on the back 3 up front, toe-clip, steel hard tail 28lb mtb today! not a droper seat post,22lb full suspension, 1-11 gearing..the list just grows! yea right a purest!

Because the body is old and worn out the emtbs have given me new life! I can ride this bike anytime. I can still ride my mtb but I hurt afterwards. Some day you (haters) will be in my shoes.

If you have ridden one? Try one. Check out the Electrical bike expo and go and try them.
Look at the people riding bikes. They are older then you, grandma is riding again! and the smiles.
E bikes are here to stay!! Instead of telling everyone where they should not be.
Tell us where we can ride. They are not going to be ridden on the single track by those who can afford them, they do not have the skill. You learn that at your age. not at 45 plus.

New laws and education are needed….about where and how they can be ridden is important.
For those who say the are mopeds have you ridden one? I mean a moped! While at it try a pedal assist ebike also.
I have worked in the bike industry for over 30yrs. Have owned and ridden too many bikes!!!!

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LMH
LMH
8 years ago

I can see both sides of your arguments. With that said, this bike is not a moped. There is no petrol or throttle so calling it a moped is very incorrect. The E Bike when property ridden will not tear up trails. Standard MBT bikes tear up trails that is just a given as most like to ride hard and fast, that is the fun of it. If you do not know what you are doing just stay off of the trail and go obtain experience. The e bike allows you to ride much longer and you can explore more trails in a single day than a standard MBT bike. A well built E Bike is not that heavy at all. Take a look at Haibike out of Germany. The company has been around for over 20 plus years and their selection is remarkable. You should try one before you sling objectives when you know nothing about them. Its like anything else. Do your own homework like I have done. I ride both and like having the option of a much longer ride. When riding an E Bike you should totally be aware of everyone around you and not be an a hole to anyone just because you do have an electric motor. As long as you respect other riders, there will be no issues. Lets all just have a great time out their, maintain the trails and be respectful to one another.

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AMZ
AMZ
8 years ago

CAN WE TALK!

Listen folks, let me just tell you about riding a Class 1: Pedal Assist only electric bike. There’s no letting off while climbing. You have to stay on the pipe and look farther ahead on the trail than a non ebike because you are covering the distance faster. That means you will be moving at the same speed as a non ebike on any dirt that requires skill. Pick your line early, pick your line early, pick your line early. Those of you who use seat post droppers will be using them way more often due to the weight of the bike and the higher center of gravity. If you are climbing and stop, getting started is way more challenging than a non ebike because the motor does not engage instantly, Bosh and Yamaha for sure. The slower you go the more you feel the weight. A 50lb tip over can be a challenge. Down hills are slower because of the weight balance, compression and the speed that a 50 bike can generate. Lifting the ebike for curbs or obstacles will be a challenge for folks that are weak in the upper body. Hike a bike anyone? That’s a challenge if you are tired or slight of body. Don’t forget to monitor your battery, nuff said. When swinging a leg over an electric mountain bike for the first time it will be apparent that this is not just another mountain bike, check your ego at the door. Ebikes have a learning curve, duh. I have yet to explain the skills it takes to ride technical/chunk, single track, switchbacks and any dirt that would be considered at an inter/adv level. But in a word, challenging. Will you be passed by an ebike? Downhill, extremely doubtful. Uphill, possibly if the terrain is non technical and wide enough. Will a beginner purchase an ebike and out skill, climb or downhill you? NO and don’t be silly. Strava abusers, poor trail building, skidiots and the drought to name a few will continue to be headliners for trail degradation. Responsible ebikers will have little to no impact on our trails.

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