The Reverend
Likes Bikes and Dirt
I bought an ebike. Please, withhold judgement until the end.
I've done all sorts of riding and enjoyed everything from super chunky enduro style trails to XC racing.
Of late, as you know I've been on the HSP train and gone all in on two lovely bikes which are different but have a certain amount of overlap.
What I've been finding is that I've struggled with climbing more than ever. Is it age, post covid, lack of enthusiasm?
Interestingly, it's less to do with physical ability, and more to do with just not wanting to reach the start of the fun descending, sweating like a trapped criminal or with my heart and legs caned from the climb. Riding at Redhill, which I'm getting to more often these days really takes it out of you.
I didn't want the full fat E-bike which rockets to the top, weighs over 22kgs and handles accordingly.
And when the new batch of mid power, lightweight bikes got released I was immediately intrigued.
A quick trot to the LBS and a trial ride on the streets was enough. Order placed and anticipation is high.
One week later it arrives.
Trek Fuel Ex-e 9.8 XT
Even on the first ride I knew it was a winner, on the most steep climbs where I'm usually about to die / questioning my life choices, it has enough assistance to get you to the top confidently yet with you still putting effort in. You're also travelling 3* the usual pace.
On less intense climbs I have been pedalling without assistance, it really goes that well.
Its general trail manners are very good. Really quite exceptional. It handles trails beautifully and a few rides in I'm pushing it and it puts such a smile on my face.
It's poppy, alert and very controlled. Bearing in mind it has an air shock with almost no adjustability to it, I'm amazed.
Descending is also most impressive. The rear end is very supple and controlled.
When pedalling this bike, especially in eco mode it's almost silent. Riding beside one you would have to really concentrate to hear it.
So, I'm completely smitten with it. Especially after I wanted a quick late afternoon blat. Full charge and I head to the trails on full power. Breeze up to the spot I'm after and just rinse repeat hills and descents on the only dry trail worth riding.
After I've had enough, I kill the assist and pedal the fire road out without support. Hit the main road with full power back and arrive home fresh as and with 20% left. Too much fun packed into a short amount of time.
Could it be more powerful and longer lasting? Yes, of course, but then it'd be heavier and ride like a full fat E-bike which is not what I wanted.
I've made some changes, ultimately to the cockpit as the stack is too low for my preferences.
I took the 150mm Lyrik off and put on a set of Suntour 36 RC2 Durolux which at the same travel is about 10mm taller.
Removed the integrated stem and bars for a set of Burgtec 38mm rise bars and RF turbine stem. Very happy now.
It really is a gateway drug and I can see this as an only bike. It really rides that well. Obviously it doesn't descend as well as the Dreadnought but I can live with that for its abilities everywhere else.
Let's hear your questions!
I've done all sorts of riding and enjoyed everything from super chunky enduro style trails to XC racing.
Of late, as you know I've been on the HSP train and gone all in on two lovely bikes which are different but have a certain amount of overlap.
What I've been finding is that I've struggled with climbing more than ever. Is it age, post covid, lack of enthusiasm?
Interestingly, it's less to do with physical ability, and more to do with just not wanting to reach the start of the fun descending, sweating like a trapped criminal or with my heart and legs caned from the climb. Riding at Redhill, which I'm getting to more often these days really takes it out of you.
I didn't want the full fat E-bike which rockets to the top, weighs over 22kgs and handles accordingly.
And when the new batch of mid power, lightweight bikes got released I was immediately intrigued.
A quick trot to the LBS and a trial ride on the streets was enough. Order placed and anticipation is high.
One week later it arrives.
Trek Fuel Ex-e 9.8 XT
Even on the first ride I knew it was a winner, on the most steep climbs where I'm usually about to die / questioning my life choices, it has enough assistance to get you to the top confidently yet with you still putting effort in. You're also travelling 3* the usual pace.
On less intense climbs I have been pedalling without assistance, it really goes that well.
Its general trail manners are very good. Really quite exceptional. It handles trails beautifully and a few rides in I'm pushing it and it puts such a smile on my face.
It's poppy, alert and very controlled. Bearing in mind it has an air shock with almost no adjustability to it, I'm amazed.
Descending is also most impressive. The rear end is very supple and controlled.
When pedalling this bike, especially in eco mode it's almost silent. Riding beside one you would have to really concentrate to hear it.
So, I'm completely smitten with it. Especially after I wanted a quick late afternoon blat. Full charge and I head to the trails on full power. Breeze up to the spot I'm after and just rinse repeat hills and descents on the only dry trail worth riding.
After I've had enough, I kill the assist and pedal the fire road out without support. Hit the main road with full power back and arrive home fresh as and with 20% left. Too much fun packed into a short amount of time.
Could it be more powerful and longer lasting? Yes, of course, but then it'd be heavier and ride like a full fat E-bike which is not what I wanted.
I've made some changes, ultimately to the cockpit as the stack is too low for my preferences.
I took the 150mm Lyrik off and put on a set of Suntour 36 RC2 Durolux which at the same travel is about 10mm taller.
Removed the integrated stem and bars for a set of Burgtec 38mm rise bars and RF turbine stem. Very happy now.
It really is a gateway drug and I can see this as an only bike. It really rides that well. Obviously it doesn't descend as well as the Dreadnought but I can live with that for its abilities everywhere else.
Let's hear your questions!
Attachments
-
1.1 MB Views: 178