The eMTB market is booming, which is great for consumers because you have a lot of choices. But it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re buying your first electric mountain bike.
- Durability: A eMTB is a big investment, one that you’ll want to make last. Especially if you’re planning to ride your bike hard, you want to prioritize a bike that can take a beating. You may want to spend more on components that bring durability and reliability.
- Aluminum or carbon frame? Usually, this question will be answered by your budget, as carbon frames can be hundred of dollars more expensive. A carbon frame can save some weight and offer a wider range of frame designs, but the benefits there are often more aesthetic than performance.
- Full suspension or hardtail? The main difference here is whether the bike has suspension at the rear. (As the names suggest, full-suspension bikes do, hardtails don’t.) Hardtail bikes might be a little less expensive and easier to maintain, but unless you’re only riding on roads, you probably want full-suspension to keep you comfy on the trail.
- Mid-drive or Hub motor? A hub motor is placed on the bike’s wheel, while a mid-drive motor sits closer to the center of the bike. The big advantage of a mid-drive motor is the gear ratio. A mid-drive motor lets the ride power the real wheel through the same chain and gears as the pedals, letting you climb steeper hills and accelerate from a stop without overheating.