Choosing the Right eBike: a True Story from Moez eBike
Too many customers still believe that an eBike can only be a Mountain Bike. This is a common mistake, and it comes with consequences. We talked about it in a video on our YouTube channel. We recommend watching it: it might really open your eyes.
In the meantime, we would like to tell you a story that actually happened.
A Common Request
One day, a man of about 60 years old walks into Moez.
“I want an electric mountain bike!” he states confidently.
As is our habit, in order to better guide the choice, we ask what kind of use he intends to make of it.
“Well, I need it to ride around the city,” he says, “to do some shopping and maybe go out to the hills around town on weekends.” No off-road riding, no trails, no competitive ambitions are in the customer’s mind.
So we suggest something more suitable for his needs, perhaps a touring eBike with a low step-through frame, such as the Riese & Müller Nevo.
“No! That’s a women’s bike!” the man snaps, slightly offended, and insists on an eMTB.
Forcing an eMTB into the Wrong Role
Alright then, an eMTB it is. He chooses a full-suspension model “for comfort,” as he says; unfortunately, this makes the saddle extremely high.
A dropper seatpost becomes necessary to make it easier to put a foot down at traffic lights, because with the top tube between the legs, mounting and dismounting are anything but easy—especially past a certain age.
Inevitably, we opt for a model with smaller 27.5” wheels, since the 29” wheels typical of eMTBs raise the center of gravity too much.
We also replace the knobby tires with road tires (again, at the customer’s request), because he will never see a mountain trail. Finally, we install an aftermarket rear rack to mount a shopping basket.
In the meantime, the bill has increased significantly, but the customer says he is satisfied, takes the bike, and leaves.
The Wrong Choice
A couple of years go by, and the same man comes back to Moez with his eMTB, which in the meantime has covered only 150 km. One hundred and fifty kilometers in two years. Hardly anything.
“I made a mistake,” he admits quietly. “It’s too tall, uncomfortable, and unsuitable for city riding. And I’m putting all my weight on the handlebars—my wrists and back hurt… I don’t feel like riding it. Do you have an alternative to suggest?”
The Turning Point
Once again, we present the Riese & Müller Nevo (which had already been our first choice two years earlier).
He still wrinkles his nose a bit, because the “women’s” frame doesn’t convince him. But then he tries it and immediately realizes how easy it is to get on and off the saddle, without performing acrobatics worthy of an Olympic gymnast.
The saddle is low and comfortable, the handlebars are close and well angled, so that the back and arms don’t suffer. Handling is surprisingly easy, and so is riding. Motor and battery are second to none: performance is equal to, if not better than, that of the eMTB he has barely used so far. Tackling steep climbs is no problem, and day-long trips out of town are perfectly feasible.
There is also a sturdy rear rack as standard, and an optional front rack that does not affect steering and increases carrying capacity. Convinced at last, he takes it and trades in his mountain bike.
A Happy Ending
After fifteen days, we see him again at the door of Moez, riding his brand-new Nevo. A huge smile stretches across his face. He walks into the shop triumphantly and announces enthusiastically:
“Do you know how many kilometers I’ve ridden in these two weeks? 150!”
Exactly the same distance he had ridden in two years with the wrong eBike—this time, in just two weeks.
A Lesson That Repeats Itself
Since then, we have witnessed many similar situations.
People who bought bikes with carbon frames in search of lightness, only to realize they couldn’t mount a basket to carry their dog or groceries.
Customers suffering from back pain caused by racing positions, even though they were riding fully suspended eBikes. Beginners disappointed by eMTBs used only for easy gravel rides.
The Moral of the Story
The moral of the story is simple: if you feel more confused than a chameleon in a bowl of Smarties, let the experts at Moez guide you.
Whatever your riding needs may be, the right eBike for you exists—and it can change your life.
