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For those new to e-bikes, the first port of call is usually the local bike shop or the nearest cycle shop. And that’s just as well. However, you can get a new e-mountain bike more cheaply online or from a direct-to-consumer retailer. Or is it time to look for a good second-hand one? We outline the pros and cons you should weigh up before buying an e-bike.
Buying an e-MTB from a specialist retailer
If you’re lucky enough to find a good dealer, as a beginner you’ll get the all-inclusive, hassle-free package. It starts with comprehensive advice on which e-mountain bike is right for you. Then, of course, you should be able to test ride all the bikes, in various sizes, at length. Once you’ve decided on your dream bike, the dealer will usually provide a free set-up, including the correct suspension settings. So much for the ideal scenario. In practice, unfortunately, things sometimes turn out differently. For a start, not all dealers have the models you’re considering in stock in the right sizes. So you might end up going home with an e-enduro instead of the touring full-suspension bike you had in mind. And, well, the frames run small anyway – in size L, the bike actually fits like a glove. When looking for a dealer, it’s important to separate the wheat from the chaff and specifically seek out competent, well-stocked shops. The best way to do this is to ask experienced cyclists in the local area.
Buy an e-MTB online from a mail-order retailer
Canyon, Rose, Radon, Propain – these are the major mail-order company for bicycles in Germany. They deliver directly from the factory to their customers. This cuts out the retailer’s mark-up, meaning the bikes are correspondingly cheaper. Or to put it another way: for the same price, e-MTBs from online retailers are usually much better equipped. The main drawback of this type of shopping is that you can’t see, touch or test ride the bikes. Whilst all online retailers offer sophisticated systems for determining the right size, the direct contact is, of course, still missing. Some buyers get round this by making use of the returns policy when buying online: they buy the e-MTB in two sizes and keep the one that fits. However, this is neither environmentally friendly nor the way of the gentleman.
Mail-order bikes usually arrive perfectly packed and well pre-assembled, so that, in theory, you only need to tighten a few screws. Even so, this could still be overwhelming for a beginner who has never had anything to do with this sort of thing before. Last but not least, you’ll of course need to pack up and post the e-MTB in the event of a warranty claim or repair. Specialist workshops and shops often refuse to repair mail-order bikes or charge exorbitant fees for doing so.
Buy a second-hand e-MTB
In the case of the There is a huge second-hand market for classic mountain bikes. In addition, there are online platforms such as Bike Sale, Bikeflip or the MTB-News Bike Market. The latter online portal, in particular, now also offers an impressive range of e-MTBs. However, you should exercise even greater caution here than with bikes without a motor. After all, many faults aren’t immediately obvious. Who knows how the battery and motor have been treated? Or whether an illegal tuning kit has been fitted that cannot be detected retrospectively. Added to this is the fact that innovation cycles for e-bikes are currently still progressing at breakneck speed. Batteries are gaining ever-greater capacities, and system integration is only just out of its infancy. If you’re still set on buying a second-hand e-MTB, we recommend a thorough test ride. Ideally, ride until the battery is completely flat so you can assess its remaining capacity. Check that the gear cables move smoothly. Go through all the gears during the test ride. A derailleur that jumps gears can be a sign of wear and tear. And drivetrain components are expensive! Also check the wear on the brake pads. If the brakes squeak, the pads may have come into contact with oil and are therefore damaged. All spare parts are expensive and can add up to a hefty sum. Use this argument to haggle the price down with the seller.
