I’d like to start looking for an e-bike. The primary goal is something off-road capable. I’m thinking simple trails and sand.

The next goal would be portable: if it can break down a little bit so that I could get two inside my small SUV instead of on a bike rack that would be ideal.

Edit: for those stating to look at my local bike shop, the closest is 1.5 hrs away and is Trek-only. There are a few other dealers also around 1.hrs away.

  • HanrahanEnglish
    1•7 months ago

    29" ebike. Giant or Merida, they are like Toyota, mostly reliable, well priced, most boring but normally well made. I have a Giant… The more you pay normally the better you get with diminishing returns though. Maybe Trek as well ?

    Depending on the front fork it will have a QR lever or a thru Axel, either way you’ll be able to take the front off easily to load it into a car. Not so the back wheel albeit it can be done if you have to. Ebikes are heavy, onto the roof is probably out.

    I remember reading once an interview with an Australian female MTB racer who used to race road and swapped to MTB, she said she tought it would be like riding a road bike on dirt trails and as she said, it’s NOTHING like that.

    If you take to it you’ll be more in tune with a better bike to suit your needs in a couple more years. If you buy something too cheap you WILL be disappointed as it will let you down. Off road is much harder on the bike.

    Bikes are stupidly priced.

    Good luck and have fun