E-mountain bikes are on the rise, and according to some industry insiders, e-bikes will soon represent more than half the bikes on the trail one day. But should we, as Outside Magazine asks, “just submit to our eMTB future?”
After unpacking our biases – and we certainly have them – we dig deep.
Starting with e-bike fundamentals, technology changes and the real safety concerns related to batteries and the current regularly environment, we share why STBG doesn’t sell or service e-bikes (additional insurance, new equipment, a floor that can’t support the weight) as well as potentials costs to riders, including for maintenance.
While acknowledging the benefits – and the fact that we too likely will be riding e-mountain bikes in the future – we share our concerns that the push towards e-mtbs is raising the the bar to entry for new riders and children. And finally we discuss e-mountain bikes in group rides, if the rules change (they don’t) and what we think about Outside’s question (spoiler – the short answer is no).
Through our conversation we recognize we have a lot to learn, and that our attitudes and opinions may change.
Seen While Scrolling: Articles in Road.cc and Bike Radar inspire a conversation about cross-chaining and whether it is really an issue.
Reader Feedback: Steve shares how to care for a slightly rusty chain and when to know if your chain has “too much” rust.
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Links referenced:
- Outside – Should We All Just Submit to Our eMTB Future?
- The days of superfast SUPER73 e-bikes are over – sort of
- 4 dead after battery causes fire at New York City e-bike shop that spreads to apartments
- CPSC Advances Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Standard for E-Mobility Devices
- CPSC withdraws the notice of proposed rulemaking to establish a safety standard for lithium-Ion batteries used in mobility products
- NEMBA – eMTBs
- Ecological impacts of (electrically assisted) mountain biking
- IMBA EMTB Etiquette
- Is cross-chaining really that bad? Find out what Shimano and SRAM have to say
- Cross-chaining is a common cycling mistake – this is why you should avoid it