I know nothing about e-bikes. Which should I get?
I know nothing about e-bikes. Which should I get?
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.
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Single-track capable and a bike that easily breaks down, let alone an e-bike version, is a tall order. Very few bikes fit your needs. Absolutely reconsider 2" receiver adapters for your car and an appropriate hitch-mounted bike rack.
That said, I would consider Bike Friday's All-Packa. It's designed for bike packing and has an option for a 36v front-hub motor. Their assist setup is not the most powerful system but that All-Packa will absolutely shred trails.
Note that Bike Friday builds bikes to each customer's specification. It can be a little daunting to spec on of their bikes online, so you may want to email or call them. The good news is that means you can spec all the details out, down to the color of the cable housing!
Also try looking for a local bike mechanic. There are mobile mechanics (think guy with a van full of bike tools) and folks who work out of their home garage. Look and ask around for a mechanic who can help you spec, put the bike together, and make repairs for you.
Expect to drop a few hundred more dollars into bike tools if you cannot find a mechanic. Not to mention a lot of time to learn how to tune up and fix issues as they appear. I do my own repairs because it's fun; not because it saves me money.