Are there any Class 2 e-bikes that can also go on light trails?
Posted by missmolly314@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 24 comments
Hello! I’m looking for my first e-bike, and went to my local Trek store to test some out this weekend. We tried the Marlin 6+ and 8+. Initially, I was thinking that my bike would just be for riding in town. Maybe at a local park or something. Really just hoping to do some fun exercise a few times a week.
But then, the salesperson took us on a light mountain bike trail. And I had a blast! So now, I am wondering if I should get a bike that can do both.
The one hesitation I have is that it seems like most e-mtbs are Class 1, and I am interested in a throttle.
I live in one of the best areas in the country for mountain biking (Grand Junction), so it really is tempting to start using the trails. The primary use would be paved or gravel roads, but the mountain biking was super fun.
I don’t want something too heavy, like the Aventure 3. I also really didn’t need to peddle much in turbo mode, so I’m not even sure if the throttle is necessary. It just seems fun.
I’m not married to Trek or anything, that was just the brand I tried. Would love any recommendations and thoughts here!
ChardNo5532@reddit
I think the only e-bike with safe future is a class 1, I suspect before this is all settled class 2 & 3 are not going to be called bicycles, because they are not
BoringBob84@reddit
I saw several "ebikes" carelessly zooming around the neighborhood on the roads and on the sidewalks at various times yesterday. The riders were just sitting there on their asses, pushing their throttle buttons to maximum speed, not moving their legs at all, and looking straight ahead - oblivious to their surroundings. None of them obeyed the laws or rode safely, as experienced and responsible bicyclists and motorcyclists do.
I think that the general public's bad attitude about ebike abuse is - unfortunately - founded in fact.
ChardNo5532@reddit
Agreed they are not bicycles. There’s going to be a lot of serious injuries and worse.
BoringBob84@reddit
Some of them appeared to be legal Class 2 ebikes. While I am excited and enthusiastic about the fact that ebikes are bringing many more people onto two wheels, the downside of that is that the motors give large numbers of riders the performance of professional racing bicyclists without the accompanying wisdom and experience.
ChardNo5532@reddit
I think the only e-bike with safe future is a class 1, I suspect before this is all settled class 2 & 3 are not going to be called bicycle, because they are not. Has anyone read the laws, some big changes
calkop@reddit
No. Only class 1 e-bikes are allowed on trails. No throttle
BoringBob84@reddit
That would be nice. Where I live, all ebikes are banned from non-motorized dirt trails on much of public land, due to complaints from mountain bikers and hikers. I read many of those comments. Careful riders on Class 1 ebikes were not the problem.
missmolly314@reddit (OP)
Which is fair. The rules are all over the place here. I would never use the throttle on the trail, but it might be nice for in town.
c3161@reddit
Have you ever tried a class 1? I'm in Europe and none of our bikes have throttles; I've done around 10,000km on mine and never once wished I had a throttle. It's simply not necessary.
BoringBob84@reddit
I agree. Most people I have talked to say that the biggest benefit to their throttle is to get the bike started, especially uphill.
I think we could solve much of this throttle hysteria/fear/hatred by limiting throttles to walking speed. California allows this for Class 1 and 3 ebikes, so I see no reason to buy a Class 2 ebike there.
missmolly314@reddit (OP)
Yeah, if the benefit is just getting the bike started, I don't know that I need it. It really didn't feel like I needed to peddle at all in the turbo mode. It felt very powerful.
I am buying the bike with another person that I'll be riding with a lot, and he's primarily worried about his back injury making it hard to peddle mid ride. If that ever happened, he could flip on the throttle and get home. There's no reason that we need to get the exact same bike, but I want his bike to be able to go on light trails with me AND have the throttle. Sounds like something like the Summit 2 would work there, and it could go into Class 1 mode on singletrack. I am thinking the Rambalas is the one for me.
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
Throttle is a big help, I know that... I recommend...👍
Such_Can_5353@reddit
as someone who has emtb with throttle, i don't remember the last time i've used it. throttle is overrated.
filmguy5@reddit
I have a summit 01. I did a bunch of upgrades to make it more trail ready. I also use as a commuter bike. I did put on the Velotric riser as it just makes the bike a lot more comfortable. I removed the throttle as it has a ton of power, especially in boost mode. These bikes are fast. I can hit 40pmh pedaling in high gear in boost mode 5 going downhill in the bike lane. I don’t recommend going those speeds unless you have a the right body and head protection.
xb4r7x@reddit
I'd avoid anything with a throttle if you want to operate it legally.
A lot of places ban e-bikes outright, and a lot of the places that don't have class 1 restrictions.
Humble_Key_4259@reddit
You live in Grand Junction.
If you want to ride any singletrack there, you want a Class 1 eMTB. It's as simple as that. It'll be fine for cruising paved trails but will also handle the singletrack as well.
The Marlin is "ok" as an entry level bike but if you were open to something used, the Powerfly series has a more powerful motor, better battery, etc.
If you don't go with Trek, at least choose a brand that you get get serviced locally.
I have two ebikes. One for mtb trails and one for cruising.
If I were to buy one bike to do everything The Bulls ICONIC EVO TR 1 750 is probably the best of both worlds (pavement and singletrack). It has full suspension, good brakes, lighting system, big battery, rear rack, fenders, etc but no throttle. Honestly, with the torque of a good mid drive and utilizing the gearing, you'll never miss the throttle.
g11berg@reddit
If you get an ebike in the 30-40 lb range you do not need a throttle.
Zentransit@reddit
Sounds like you'd really prefer an e-mtb! 100% 😂
ChardNo5532@reddit
Get a class 1 if you want exercise. I don’t know where u live but most places don’t want any bikes on the trails they are generally intended for hikers and horses
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
You won't find too many actual eMTBs with a throttle by design. The Summit 2 comes to mind but it's an "adventure" or hybrid bike, not a true mtb due to using a hub drive.
Throttle aside, I'd recommend the Aventon Ramblas, Aventon Current, Ride1up TrailRush, or a Bulls emtb over the Trek Marlin. Trek charges a premium for a weak motor, small battery, and mediocre components.
missmolly314@reddit (OP)
Thanks, that is what I’ve found in my research. The Summit 2 might be a good fit for me, since I don’t know that I’ll be using it as a true mountain bike. I like the idea of a hybrid. Is it a good bike just generally speaking?
The Ramblas is the other one I was looking at. Thanks for the heads up regarding Trek!
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
I have the Summit 1. It's a great hybrid bike. The Summit 2 is even better and fixes most of the weaknesses of the Summit 1.
It's still a heavy bike and not nearly as nimble as the Ramblas. If I had to choose between them (ignoring cost), I'd pick the Ramblas without hesitation despite the lack of throttle.
But if you do use the Ramblas as a hybrid, you'll likely want a high rise handlebar and a larger chainring. The cadence gets very high above 24mph. The Ramblas uses a 35mm handlebar which are not as common and more expensive.
puzzlehead7997@reddit
AVENTON RAMBLAS. I have an aventon level 2 with 5600 miles on it. Maybe 2 flats and 1 or 2 broken spokes that I fix right away, based on my previously owned aventon solterra which also broke a few spokes after 5000 miles so I like to have a set around to immediately replace one if it breaks. Other than that aventon bikes have treated me well. I accidently fried the battery of the solterra because I used a charger from a different bike otherwise I might still have it. Who knows. But they sell a great looking trail bike that ive eyed up myself, I just don't live in the right region to really put it to good use, check it out!
Calm-Rock7552@reddit
Check the rules on trails in your area before deciding. In a lot of places only class one are permitted.