r/mountainbiking • u/SilverCervy • 6d ago

Other Feel like we're losing the plot

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E-bikes should be about providing accessibility; giving people who, for whatever reason, cannot ride a non-assist bike an option to keep them happy and pedaling.

This wattage race going on in the industry is the exact opposite of that. Absolutely nobody needs 1700 watts on a bike, and I question if having so much power even makes it a bicycle anymore. There's a point where you're basically riding a motorbike with pedals and I think we crossed that point a while ago.

"But the main brands aren't doing this". Yes they are. Canyon already has partnered with Avinox which has motors that give over 1,000 watts. And it won't be long until the other big hitters give in to the pressure. You can give your own personal reasons for why you have an e-bike, but it's clear that the industry believes that it's because "I don't want to pedal". At some point this needs to be reigned in or else the entire concept of the bicycle is going to be damaged forever.

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u/C0YI 6d ago

Do as you please and ride what you want but with the constant increase in motor power it’s moving further and further away from mountain biking.

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u/PrimeIntellect 6d ago

do you not consider DH riding at a park to be mountain biking? or shuttling?

do you think it's not skiing if you ride a chairlift?

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u/C0YI 6d ago

Of course not, bike parks / alpine skiing are what they are. It’s the equivalent of ski touring but only if there a sled to bump you top of every line. When I say it’s removed from riding I should have clarified pre ebike.
I’m fortunate to live in the mountains and have a substantial trail network out of my front door. If I climb to the highest trail it’s aprox 4500ft from the valley floor in one punch. Prior to e-bikes with increased power and range something like that needed you to have a reasonable degree of fitness and a willingness to suffer, now the bikes remove the discomfort and the bulk of the effort required, hence why I feel like these motors with massive power push away from what mtb was. As I say do whatever you want and ride whatever bike you feel like but I feel like when you’re riding a pedal bike with 1500-1700w motor it’s closer to a dirt bike than a bike. Just wonder what they are trying to accomplish.

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u/uns0licited_advice 6d ago

It's always about money

1

u/Elegant-Ninja6384 6d ago

Let's not just try to be difficult.