Kranked Electric's EGO 45mph Santa Cruz Tallboy LTC - Sea Otter Classic 2014

Apr 13, 2014
by Richard Cunningham  

Kranked Electric Bikes 2014

The 3500-amp EGO brushless motor drives a second chainring. The rear derailleur creates an eleven-speed carbon fiber Moto that, um, can also be pedaled. The system adds about 15 pounds to the bike.


Kranked Electric makes expensive electric-assist power packs specifically for the Santa Cruz Tallboy LTc, Bronson, Nomad and V-10 models, and also offers a kit that can be retrofitted to many other models. Three power levels are offered, with different motors and battery packs, although Kranked anticipates that customers who can pop for the expense of the 2400-watt, 13 amp-hour, 40 volt, $2400 bargain kit, will probably opt for the moto-powerful, 3500-watt, 20 amp-hour, 60-volt Performance kit (Santa Cruz bike not included). Kranked's kit includes the Lithium-Manganese battery, charger, CNC-machined aluminium motor mount, brushless motor and digital controller, special freewheeling crankset, handlebar twist-grip control and a two-stage drive that uses a planetary gearbox primary, and a chain-driven secondary system.

Kranked Electric Bikes 2014
Kranked Electric Bikes 2014

Kranked's 60-volt motor runs hot, so it uses a gel type cooling fluid that is assisted by fins on the housing. The controller box behind the motor and protected by a bash guard. The CNC'ed aluminum chassis is well executed and each is specifically designed to fit a Santa Cruz model.


Kranked Electric hails from Gibsons BC and is spearheaded by Bjorn Enga, who brought the bike to the Pinkbike pits to arrange for a future test ride at the Whistler bike park. Enga says that Kranked decided to forego the crank RPM sensor that prevents the motor from kicking in until the rider actually pedals the bike. Twist the right-hand grip and the Tallboy roosts - exactly as it should be. Output is around 2.5 horsepower and to put that into perspective, a top racer puts out about 2/3 of one HP on a climb, In watts, a Pro Tour sprinter can put out 1800 for a handful of seconds - the Performance EGO kit puts out 3500 for an hour or more. Range is about 20 mile and top speed is reported to be in excess of 45 miles per hour (72kph).

Kranked Electric Bikes 2014

The Performance kit includes a rather large battery, which is carried in a backpack to keep the bike's handling on the nimble side of the spectrum. Enga says that much of the cost of the kit is in the Lithium Manganese battery, which requires only 2.5 hours for a full charge. A large power cable, with a quick-disconnect plug connects the battery to the power controller. Kranked does the installation of the kit after your new Santa Cruz arrives at their factory.


Kranked Electric

Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

181 Comments
  • 208 22
 I have absolutely no interest in electric mountain bikes but they keep coming.
  • 171 38
 Odd i didn't know the MTB industry revolved around what you wanted...
  • 24 8
 ooh ooh get gootched!!
  • 40 2
 ahahah rclugnut you made me laugh, but in all seriousness, if i wanted an electric bike i would get a moped... then i would get very very fat Razz
  • 31 58
flag kleinblake (Apr 13, 2014 at 9:41) (Below Threshold)
 I don't understand! I have no interest in Santa Cruz but they still make bikes!
  • 35 8
 Tell me... Is a bike with a electricmotor still a mountainbike?? No, Su buy a motor when you dont want to pedal and f*ck off with this SHIT!
  • 9 8
 as a commuter where there are lots of hills involved, I would be all over this. Otherwise f-off
  • 3 8
flag ian408 (Apr 13, 2014 at 10:02) (Below Threshold)
 For the DH crowd, it means no more pushing. A friend of mine was pretty hot on a company around here that mod'ed Santa Cruz as well and even went so far as to take one for a test ride. I declined-it feels like cheating.

I'm also curios what the land managers think. If you can ride this, can you ride a Zero motorcycle?
  • 15 0
 I commute to work by bike, and ive got no interest in this. I ride Xc and race DH. I commute for fitness not for it to be easy.
  • 12 3
 I like bikes, electric or not, if it wasn't for electric bike motor progression i would not be able to get on the trails at all.http://www.pinkbike.com/video/255686/
  • 13 3
 Kind of defeats the purpose of a mountain bike imo. Why not just get a dirt bike then?
  • 5 0
 When the battery dies, you're supposed to pedal that 40 tooth inner ring with an enormous battery in your backpack?

Sounds fun :/

Also, that thing is almost 8hp. That's like strapping 2 world-class sprinters to your bike.
  • 3 0
 Jus tell the land grabbers your riding on the Land of the free right? Lol
  • 11 10
 Can I stick out a leg and do doughnuts in parking lots? Like a dirt bike?
I want one of these for commuting/going to work.
Where I come from every one throws the bike in the back of a pick up truck.
Europeans get it. E bikes are huge in Europe. Americans/Canadians are stupid.
Bjorn Enga gets it. He makes good movies too.
  • 7 2
 speaking of doughnuts, this bike will enable me to continue my 3 doughnut breakfasts and cheeseburger lunches
  • 6 6
 @kleinblake, Santa Cruz makes some of the best bikes out there
  • 1 0
 Lmao, @klieblake, and the same bike, again and again with not that much advancement. And come on, those stealth bombers are bad ass
  • 4 4
 'MURRICA!
  • 2 2
 I think the point that kleinblake is missing is that it's not SC making these bikes it's an aftermarket kit, as someone who has worked on two vehicles converted to electrical power, one designed from the ground up, and is working on a hybrid. I can say that this is a very elegant kit, my only issue is the backpack mounted battery. But there isn't much you can do about that and if i had the $ i'd think about it...
  • 5 0
 ....hmmm klienblake actually was making fun of the first comment, a tongue-in-cheek comment if you will? That's how I read it.
  • 19 2
 Why not get real and get a combustion engine on a mountain bike? There would be at least a bit of honesty about it. I am tired of that electric gluten-free mafia full of hipocrites with green labels on their foreheads. Wanna be eco and exercise, be healthy? Ride a steel hardtail and do some simple gymnastics and walking in the mean time. But with that electric stuff nobody is getting any good training, you are screwing your neck, wrists and lower back, with potential risk of other injuries due to crashing. Then planet isn't exactly happier with another battery, nor coal burned to charge it. There is no rocket science here: a guy who isn't strong enough to pedal such bike is not strong and skilled enough to handle it. He should not be mountain biking at all. Then those who believe this a great idea for shuttling, please take 6-8kgs of some stuff on your next ride and see how fun it is comparing to not having it.
  • 12 2
 why don't you just skip to the chase and buy a dirt bike?
  • 7 1
 This means we are going to see a lot more fat people at the top of brutal steep hills
  • 4 6
 You cant ride a dirt bike on the road. Unless its licenced. Electric motors have 100% torque and power at any given RPM. No transmission needed. bla bla bla.
Gas engines are noisy and they stink.
  • 4 2
 I agree with Waki. Also... Suppose you are the builder of a lovely singletrack somewhere high in the mountains or in deep wilderness, aiming to provide visitors with the ultimate trail riding experience. You'd expect only those with determination and maybe some (hard-earned) physique to frequent such a place. Generally people willing to sacrifice some personal comfort for the experience. You'd also hope that having taken the expense of getting to the trail, they would have some respect towards it. With this contraption, you'll get people climbing to the trailhead without breaking a sweat and before too long (given the easy access), you might well be looking at braking bumps, ruined berms and excessive traffic on a trail you intended to be somewhat exclusive. It's a cheat.
  • 3 0
 There is a great interview with Reinhold Messner where he talks about alpinism vs tourism and it can be related to mountain biking as well. It is developed tourism that screws up everything, be it top of Everest or blown out trails. But well opinion that more mountain bikers is only bad news and will lead to increased trail erosion, trail paving, making poor trails, leaving less and less place for good ones is not a popular one. But Im not giving too much damn about it anymore as people are free to do what they want and one can't stop the evolution. Nobody said that evolution is good for everybody.
  • 1 2
 How quickly can you take the motor on and off? Why should I spend that much when a cyclone kit is only $1500. It might be a good way to get the wife or some of my lazy pisshead mates to come for a ride. What is it like riding with a power cord between your legs? Why not have the power cord behind you with a bungee, slinky set up to stop it getting caught up? The big 40 tooth only runs from the motor you can select any size ring you want for your pedalling. I've had a 41pound bike before with a 20pound pack on and even a 20pound toddler and weeride as well. 15lbs on a 30lbs bike isn't going to kill you. Especially if you have tried pedalling a stealth bomber at almost 100lbs or so. I am worried about idiots causing erosion but I'd rather one of these than the dirt bikes who keep tearing up my closest riding spot.
  • 2 3
 Lazy pisshead mates, for a ride, why exactly do you want them to ride? Why the hell should we get people into biking who are obviously not willing to take the effort? My wife used to ride bikes, she got me into biking in a way, but she stopped many years ago, and I am not going to drag her back into it unless she wants to. Recently I told my father to quit doing those short, irregular bike rides, because no cycling is not a healthy form of exercise. It may be in the long ru, if it motivates you to train outside of the bike, but heh I doubt that a buyer of that will be willing to do that. It took me 10 years of riding to start fixing my body through proper athletic and cardio training. There are way more people who should have never bought a mountain bike, than those who will miss something in their lives by never trying to ride one. So no the electric bike is not a problem for me, nothing did more damage to trails all over the world as much as Strava kind of apps. The problem for me is the stupid mindless "stoke" to get more people to ride bikes, and those electric engines are made just for that: Get anyone you can. even lazy asses. Do You use it to train riding skills? Is it truly a mean of deliberate practice? Why most people take other people into biking? Because they want to get more recognition among their friends, they need acceptance and admiration through it.
  • 1 1
 Yeah 45MPH..... Prob does doughnuts and carries em up hill. Specialized makes a wiked E bike too Smile
  • 1 0
 @corywilliam: ever tried lifting a motorbike over a fence?
  • 1 0
 @choppertank3e: you've got everybody looking at this post 3 years later.
  • 2 0
 @Triber66: sorry got here through non pink bike channels and didn't realise how old it was. Ego have a new kit that requires frame modification but can be removed in 60 seconds. I was searching for more photos of it. These kits are still overpriced and hardly available anywhere. I wish I could just get the mounts and front freewheel to put a cyclone kit on.
  • 2 0
 @choppertank3e: Fk, I can't believe what I wrote 3 years ago... gotta stay out of writing stupid irrelevant sht on the internet.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: no man, you have to keep going for our entertainment!
  • 46 4
 Granted this is not for everyone.
However, there is a market for it. It opens the door for people that may not be able to ride bikes in the "fundamental" sense. Possibly a physical impediment or injury that doesn't allow pedaling.
How about the "green" perspective. Rather than shuttling and retrieval you just boogie up the hill and ride down. Or even people that are more interested in the dirtbike side of it that may be tired of burning gas to ride. Imagine the fun you could have on one these on the work commute!
Neat to see the tech just getting better and better for electric assist bikes.
Appreciate it for what it is be it for you or not.
  • 15 2
 Great point. This could be an impaired rider's salvation
  • 15 0
 Putting aside the fitness debate, the real problem is trail use conflicts. The main reason hikers and horse riders don't like mountain bikes is speed differences. You know people will ride these things on trails and it's a safe bet we'll all all lose some access if they do.
  • 1 0
 No easy solution there for sure. They would be motorized traffic, as hard as that may be to spot.
  • 2 5
 Motor/electric bikes can be had for cheaper than an electric assisted MTB. The reality of this tech is that its for out of shape, potentially fat rich people who more than likely will take smoke breaks between runs,
  • 3 0
 Great points above, this thing would be perfect for getting disabled / impaired riders out on the trails.
Also a bike for da fatties Smile
  • 5 0
 I've been stuck on shuttle-only trails for months now as an injury keeps me from pedaling up but doesn't otherwise impact my DH riding. I would have loved this. I wouldn't have been stuck on so few trails. Well, I just had surgery so hopefully I'll be pedaling soon, but good to know this is out there just in case.
  • 2 1
 HAHA! the 'Impaired person' is always the wedge that allows legal access for powered vehicles onto sidewalks and trails. The Segway was supposed to give impaired people access to sidewalks and shopping malls, but instead, it became an electronic litter for the lazy rich with which to flaunt their way through tourist attractions - heads held high above the populous. The Kranked Ego is pretty much an awesome rich-boy toy that would be a blast to ride at a bike park, where everyone is using some form of electricity to climb up the mountain anyway.
  • 2 1
 With all due respect Richard, after 20 years of mtb and 2 years with a spinal cord injury, I will say I hope you never need adaptive equipment to ride. I would, however, appreciate it if you were supportive of those of us who do. Especially as your opinion carries more weight than many. Thanks Smile
  • 4 0
 ^^^I am absolutely in support for any tool, motorized or otherwise, and any laws that can give mobility to those who need it. Before I made bikes, that was what I wanted to do, so I taped up my legs and rolled around town for a while to get a taste of a different life. It was an eye-opener. My comment was intended to express that I have little respect for any person or business that leverages the needs of the impaired to make a profit selling toys to able-bodied ne'r-do-wells. I had the choice to untape my legs and stand up, which made me think long and hard about the consequences of not having that choice. Please accept my apology and respect.
  • 1 0
 ^Thanks, sorry for doubting you.Smile
  • 16 1
 Uhhh How much? Let's do some math for that setup:

Tallboy LTc - $6000
Kranked Kit - $2400
Total: $8400

OR
2014 Yamaha YZ450F - $8500

As much as I love mtn bikes and riding, I would drop that kind of cash on the YZ - it's a god damn top shelf moto bike.
  • 2 0
 Great point! The cost to get one of these doesn't make any sense. If I was a company looking to make a move in the e-bike market, I would build one from scratch. Frame, motor, everything. Skip the middle man (bike manufacturer) and build your own complete rig. I would imagine they could build a pretty solid one and sell it for no more than $3-4K. Anyone ME majors looking for a senior design project?!?
  • 14 3
 So he converts mountain bikes into motor bikes eh.
Why not just buy a motor bike? Why even bother with pedals. Is that just a legal loop hole so we can destroy all the MTB specific trails with a high torque electric motor? This is ridiculous and needs to be stopped.
  • 1 1
 here here!
  • 3 1
 There are some uses like if you dont have any mountains nearby you can just rip around in dog parks and stuff like that
  • 11 2
 This is about getting people off pedal bikes, and onto a motor. It is NOT about getting people off motors onto smaller motors. The marketing for the product shows this clearly. This is an abomination to cycling, and should be shoved back up the cornholes of the greedy idiots that are pushing it out.
  • 16 4
 Wow there. Battery backpack? How about no!
  • 1 1
 Don't take a spill with the battery in you pack ....ouch. Looks like a good time tho.
  • 9 3
 Take your electric bikes and shove them where the sun don't shine. Stop trying to cram this environmentally destructive junk down our throats, while destroying the one aspect of cycling (cardio) that makes it good for our health. This, and all other electric bikes, are abominations. If you want to ride a motor, go to the dirt bike track or Nascar, grab a hot dog and a soft drink, and bloat out. But please don't contribute to the dumbing down and larding out of cycling.
  • 5 8
 LOLOL....environmentally destructive?? Ever seen how much a trail gets torn up from guys dragging brakes down the ENTIRE trail?

Still, some displaced dirt is laughable as a form of "environmental destruction".

You DID read the article and know that you DO have to pedal the bike still...right? So, you're still going to get the same amount of exercise if you stay on the bike the same amount of time.

Also.....if all you ride is mountain bikes, I guarantee you are not fit enough for a dirt bike competition of any kind. MX, desert, GP, whatever. Competitive MX/desert is the most physically demanding sport in the world. Polar opposite of NASCAR.
  • 5 1
 guess where the electricity that charges the battery fucking comes from...
  • 1 6
flag taletotell (Apr 13, 2014 at 12:56) (Below Threshold)
 Depends on where you source it. Maybe you can get it from whatever clean source powers the computer you are looking at.
  • 9 2
 Braking will be even more destructive as you try to slow down your 50 lb electric bike. Batteries require electricity, which must come from somewhere, and then require disposal. Um, lithium and all that other stuff doesn't exactly go back to the earth. And don't give me that crap about MX being the same for fitness as cycling. Maybe for pros, yes. But for the masses, it takes only a scan of the parking lot to compare cyclist bodies with those of the flabby beer-gutted motor-driven crowd. People want a motor for two reasons only- A) to go faster B) so they don't have to pedal as hard. Don't spout this crap about people with disabilities either. These products are aimed at mass consumption, and broadening the range of stuff that can be sold. If it gets people OFF motorcross bikes, great. BUt it seems like it is aimed more at getting cyclists on a motor. Crap, utter crap, and more crap.
  • 2 5
 My specialized big hit is 45lbs and I am heavy. The braking forces involved are pretty bad.
The tech in batteries is pretty bad for the earth, but are you on a laptop or smart phone? Same tech. Fortunately Toyota is introducing new technology that will make lithium unnecessary: the super capacitor the use in their new experimental hybrids is clean and efficient.
They are marketing this to the wrong crowd. They should advertise it to motorcyclists. That is no big sin. Get over it.
  • 5 1
 They are marketing it to bikers BECAUSE THEY KNOW that motorbikers will not step down to a smaller engine. Their goal is to sell engines to cyclists, and to dumb down and erode the sport more. There is no goal other than to profit off laziness, and the craving for speed and power with total disregard of the impacts. THe marketing tells you what you need to know about this product. They are counting on a certain portion of bikers giving up the pedal sport in favour of something that takes less effort. I will boycott the first shop in my town that brings these piles of crap into our community. THe last thing we need is mixing even more high speed motorized vehicles into the trail system.
  • 3 5
 Based on your incoherent babbling, most shops probably wouldn't want you as a customer anyway.

People want motors to GO FARTHER. When is the last time you put in 120 miles of singletrack in a single day? I'm guessing never.

If some braking ruts really piss in your wheaties, you should probably just get a road bike.
  • 5 2
 The comments here simply distinguish real cyclists from those that will snatch at whatever cheap thrill is thrown their way. Some people simply don't want to think for themselves, and will latch onto whatever is sold as the best new thing, without a singular thought of the consequences. Judging by the plus signs of the anti-electric comments, and the negatives for the pro-electric comments, you're clearly in the minority of opinion. Have fun trying to sneak your electro-bikes onto the vast areas of trails where motors are banned. Yup, have fun with that. I am guessing that people want the easy-lazy motorized option are also less likely to build and maintain trails (same as most dirt bikers). If your expanded range takes you farther from the established trails that are maintained by cyclists and clubs, that's a plus in my opinion. Must suck seeing all those minus-signs and knowing everyone else here prefers my incoherent babbling to your lazy-ass suckholing for an easier ride.
  • 5 1
 Arguing on the internet........more fun than an electric bike.
  • 2 4
 As a motorbiker I will say, if they have enough power per lb they will sell.
  • 1 1
 The electricity comes from where you get it. Buy a solar panel.
  • 10 3
 The ability to self shuttle a dh bike without needing truck access opens up so many possibilities. I could see a more refined version in the future putting on alot of grins.
  • 8 3
 These bikes are sick...it's like a never ending dh run. In the flats or uphill you are constantly railing and gapping sections!
  • 6 2
 They should come up with something closer to 1500 watts and cut down on the weight and bulkiness for this reason. That would be more than enough power for "power shuttling". Keep the big battery, but reconfigure the cells to hug the body better and even protect the spine, mount this into a proprietary pack with a bladder and some cargo room. This I believe, should be the winning combination.
  • 4 3
 I have no interest in doing a DH run with this strapped to my bike... it's a dumb idea
  • 7 2
 Motors on mountain/road bikes makes no sense at all. This sport is about fitness and it should be encouraging that, not this lazy man crap. Who cares if a riders legs don't produce as much power as an electric motor, when did that become the point of riding a bicycle? get a dirt bike if pedaling is too much work. Am all about progress, but this is a huge step backwards.
  • 1 4
 What about people with disabilities? Lazy people will always lazy people in what ever they do, why not take advantage in that area of the market to make more revenue for development of new bike etc?
  • 4 1
 Sure it will help some, but that market will never be big enough, they will try their best to sell it to people that don't need it.They will be marketing this to every body and their mothers about how easy and stress free it now is kick ass, not to people having physical difficulties. Many disable riders there are, how often do you see aides advertised to help the disadvantage? They don't want to put the image, that this is for those with physical difficulties.
  • 2 4
 Does it make no sense at all or help some? Make your mind up.

How can adding a motor to a bike be a step backwards, motorbikes already exist and have done for quite some time. How can this negatively impact the sport? Fast as shit kids who race will never use this they are the future of the sport how will this "slow them down"
  • 2 2
 Lazy man crap? In January some guy shouted that i am suppsed to pedal uphill, when i was on the lift with my old and heavy Glory DH Big Grin I told him to ski uphill.

Actually think that's a very cool thing for FR/DH purpose if You could get easly on the mountain that has no lifts, no access for shuttle service. Still bit cheaper than heli ;]

Like the idea, and new possibilities. But than again, really wouldn't want to see mountains crushed by loads of people on fancy electric mountain bikes.
  • 7 2
 to those of you that feel you need a motor on your bike. (A) lose some weight you fat bastard (or B) get stronger you lazy shit. why do we have to make everything accessible to all. part of what makes mtb good is that you have to earn the enjoyment. nobody appreciates anything that comes easily as much as they would if they had worked for it. it does make me despair at all the people that vegetate in front of mindless drivel on tv for enjoyment
  • 5 1
 Its all about using your legs, a test of human strength and stamina. I have nothing against E bikes and E scooters, I think they're fantastic for those looking for ecological forms of transportation. But this electric mountain bike is just completely ridiculous.
  • 7 4
 We actually won a pair of Kranked ebikes mounted on Slash's...I was dubious when I first tried it...why bother, I already had a trials moto ...but I loved it so much I actually sold the moto to finance an ekit...its a well thought out and put together kit, and most importantly it works amazingly well.

We pedal a lot and it used to be that when the legs were tired we went for a trials moto ride ..now when the legs are tired we hop on the ebike and go for a mellow trail ride....Its way better then setting up shuttle vehicles (which is another practice we used to do...and as I do pedal along I still get a nice spin in as we get to the top.

They are not for everyone, but that doesn't mean they are for no-one...and I'm 100% certain that once you take it for a 2 hour spin you will not want to give it back.....Note that the first 10-15 min may be a bit terrifying as the torque is tremendous...and I am used to a 250 2stroke trials moto....

If you are in Whistler this summer, and after two days of hammering the park your body needs a brake, but mentally you still wanna ride... you should go for a trail ride with Bjorn - you wont regret it
  • 2 1
 PS should also be noted that this is an aftermarket kit, so don't take your dislike out on Santa Cruz ...they make some fine bikes !!!!...
  • 3 1
 So whistler bike park allows this on their trails? i don't see how they could get all the laws and insurance issues sorted..
  • 5 0
 I would never try to ride it in a bike park with an uplift option? that kinda defeats the purpose Smile ....there is no uphill traffic, never mind that WB would not like it...
  • 7 4
 Thanks Chantel, nice to see someone on this site that forms an opinion after actually experiencing what it is they are commenting on. I realize that this technology represents a massive change for the biking world. I also know from experience that the biking world embraces with massive zeal tiny changes that make the bikes better. Big changes, like 29 inch wheels take years of hate before they get accepted. High performance electrics is a huge shift and as witnessed by the comments here is not being embraced positively by most people. I get that.. It may take years!

I personally love riding my bike. It is not a motorbike experience but a riding experience. I love this technology because my reality is I am riding my bike more than I ever have. In fact when not trying to tell Richard all the facts about the bike, which he mostly got wrong anyways! I was riding the incredible trail network in the back of Leguna Seca. I rode 160 km in 3 days of Sea Otter. I did not 1) cause any trail damage 2) cause any trail conflict. 3) ride recklessly. 4) get fat or feel lazy. In fact I am exhausted from riding so much and am in great riding shape because of this technology.

I would just like to say that as riders we all want the bike and gear that let's us ride further, faster. In fact the whole Sea Otter expo is dedicated to this premise. This electric technology allows you to ride, further faster. It is truly amazing. I look forward to hopefully watching the positive aspects of this technology be embraced and enjoyed by some of you passionate pink bike shredders! Ride hard, ride free.
  • 2 2
 so true! go further. go faster. wherever. uphill. downhill. nohill.
  • 3 0
 Although I have absolutely no interest in this electro-assist concept, my question is:
Is your SC Warranty voided once installed?

There's no darn way that this bike (or any SC bike) was designed to have a electric motor attached to it to assist in pedaling. Although, this gadget may be useful for those that have physical disabilities in their legs (from accident or born with it) and need that little boost.
  • 2 0
 The specs listed are a bit exaggerated. Though these bikes put out a pretty high peak wattage, they're not going to be going much faster than a competitive rider up hills. Downhill, the added weight and battery backpack are more of a handicap.

For one who has experience on e-mtb, the feeling you get is similar to that of a lighter bike. If you think you're going to be able to shuttle yourself without pedaling, you're dead wrong... dead battery wrong. You might be able to shuttle at a speed similar to walking a few times before you deplete your battery, but you're better off riding it like a normal bike and using the throttle to "flatten the hills" so to speak.

Anyhow, please stop comparing e-mtb to gas-powered dirt bikes. That's like comparing a golf cart to a Baja rally truck.
  • 2 0
 Even strapping this thing onto my DH bike will put me back a few g's. Plus roaching drivetrains on the reg, and switching springs out on the suspension. Used moto would be similar price to kit, and give way more range and use.

Also I like witnessing these "e-bikes" riding in areas they shouldn't be...
  • 5 0
 So you're attached to the bike by a f*cking huge cable at 45mph? that sounds like crashing would end up being nasty
  • 7 4
 Electric bikes? Why bother? we have legs for a reason...TO PEDAL! This battery is a waste of space and energy to carry it. this is just a bad idea and should not be...

-Yatmeta Bruv
  • 7 1
 Electric bikes don't belong on the trail.
  • 5 0
 And that is why people are so fat.
  • 5 2
 If you can't pedal a bike, i'd like to think that you'd be pretty useless at mountain biking? Neg comment but realistically..
  • 5 1
 Never met a MX guy who hopped on a dh rig for the first time? We are talking whips and steeze to blow your mind.
  • 1 1
 I've been dealing with an injury the past 6 months that keeps me from being able to pedal uphill. I have been stuck shuttling or walking to the top. Hasn't stopped me getting faster on the DH sections. I just has surgery to hopefully get me back pedaling, but if it doesn't go well, I will absolutely be looking for something like this.
  • 1 0
 I see the point of Electric bikes, as most jusidictions don't require special license/insurance to ride on the edge of the road like a regular pedal bike, unlike their petrol powered big brother.

But in the end, if you really want the assist of electric and have $8-10k to drop, just get the license and insurance and buy a nice crossover bike for road/trail riding.

These make sense in comuter bikes, but not in hard mountain bikes.
  • 1 0
 I own a Trek EX9(2011) trail riding, 2012 KX450 for the mountains, Cannondale road bike for commuting to work and now an E-bike a lot like in picture (Scott Gambler same setup) that said it sure is fun instead of relying on a chair lift to get the DH back up the hill. I wouldn’t replace my relationship with the other three but a lot of fun adding a forth!
  • 1 0
 WTF - Spent too much on slow bikes huh.

Carbon zero and quiet unlike a gas bike, and u can lift it over a fence. All that pushing and first gear riding I see doesn't look fun to me, I've never been silly enough to try it, a hot chick would be better exercise if that's the excuse. Furthermore, an e-bike is hardcore exercise if you're riding hard. I don't see fat e-bikers at the top of my favorite track, actually I don't see any other bikes as they can't make it up - too steep for peddlers and too tight n gnarly for gas bikes. Thing I like the most is passing hotshot riders on their flashy new mtb bikes around the corners as they can't get their piddly power down without clipping pedals. Love passing them in the air while they stay glued to the track going too slow but I have to be careful not to land on them. And it's heaps cheaper than my mx gas bikes to run.

Any e-bike disser in NZ want a race for money? Uphill, flat, technical. Bring it on!!!
  • 1 0
 All the DH bikes are designed from Motocross bikes,all tha’st really missing is a motor.I’ll be the norm is a few short years.
Since when did Mtn bikers start riding chair lifts ?That’s retarded.And the Dekine pad truck dropping is even worse.
  • 1 0
 wonder how many fit/healthy riders will have a slight change of mind if they find themselves getting older at best,i have been riding over 30 years with increasing health probs,had to seriously consider giving up this year but decided to try a motor assist

Perhaps it could be regulated with some kind of payment or health excemt to ride marked trail.?

They are coming and everybody is going to get old ?!!!!
  • 6 3
 Seriously?? Whyyyyyyyyyyy on a trail bike!? A motor on a dh bike makes more sense, and even then is ridiculous. Santa Cruz don't do me like this!
  • 4 3
 with downhill bikes u keep going down... so... useless Razz
  • 3 1
 Very interesting indeed. I'd be hesitant about having the batter pack attached to me though. Not that I'd be worried about the cells getting damaged but simply the cord running from the pack to the bike in a crash.
  • 2 0
 as I can attest from personal experience, the cord simply detaches in case of a crash...I can 100% confirm although the though crossed my mind in those last 3 seconds...I actually didn't feel the cord separating...

Also, I quite often detach the cord for the sustained descent, I can easily pedal the bike across flats and small ups....I mainly use the motor for the long fireroad climbs
  • 1 0
 I hope they have designed a quick/easy connector that just pulls apart.
  • 1 0
 Ohh i assume and a cut off circuit within the pack as well so no power is exposed once the cord is disconnected but I don't do good with idea of things getting caught on/attached to me during a crash.
  • 1 0
 if the battery goes on the bike then its like trailriding on an elephant. battery in the backpack is horseriding with a mustang..
  • 9 8
 I think some of the people on here are vastly underestimating the value of a SILENT, LIGHTWEIGHT singletrack vehicle with a vastly extended range over a normal bike. You've still gotta pedal, you still get exercise, the point is your same work just goes a lot further with the added work of the motor. When competition drives cost down and availability up, these things will be awesome for hitting the 20-mile long loop after work before dark.
  • 6 1
 I'm imagining folks with limited skill and fitness (yet plenty of money - those things aren't cheap) finding themselves way out in the backcountry with a dread battery.

Chaos, broken clavicles, and search & rescue ensues...
  • 2 3
 Yep, probably, but that's already the case with dirt bikes.
  • 2 2
 I commented below about how this is a good thing, but you just reminded me of something I forgot: more people means trail advocacy! Yeah! Bring on th electric bikes!
  • 3 0
 At the same time, 8hp equals torn up trails. I have no doubt that things like this will see their way on to non-motorized trails too.
  • 5 3
 I hope to see 10x's more trails as a result of his kind of stuff.
  • 4 3
 This should be really exciting for motocross guys. Think of it, how long til electric motorbikes that way fifty lbs have replaced the crf's out there?
I see the two sports getting more and more similar, with motorbikes getting to be more like MTB instead of the other way around. A light motorbike could use DH parts (easton 35mm bars) and soon we would see it as another genre of riding: xc, am, enduro, dh, and MX.
I look forward to MX resources being added to MTB r&d, bringing us better gear.
So stop crying about this and realize it isn't taking over, just expanding the options.
  • 3 1
 I work at a bike shop and this week a guy came in bragging about how he does 30-50 mile mountain bike rides on his electric assist bike. He wouldn't shut up and I wanted to jab my eyes out.
  • 5 0
 Have we had a "KILL IT WITH FIRE", yet?
  • 2 0
 Do it before it lays eggs!!
  • 5 2
 With that much power, somebody's going to do something on one of these that can't be done on a DH bike or an MX... and then everyone is going want one.
  • 4 2
 Yea they look fun and thats all i care about. Its not a mountain bike its a moped but still they look fun as fuk
  • 4 0
 Fat people made it to mountain biking. I could see a south park episode about this.
  • 5 1
 If you seriously need a electric mountain bike please choose a different sport haha
  • 3 1
 I really doubt Santa Cruz would be interested in a union like this. They make top quality bikes for serious riders. An electric add-on doesn't scream serious rider. It screams fatty at wal-mart.
  • 3 0
 For that kind of money (bike + electric gear) you can get a top notch enduro or MX bike and a mountainbike.
  • 1 0
 Pedalec makes a lot of sense to me on commuter/shopping bikes but I am struggling with the concept for mountain biking applications.. One on a fatbike could potentially be a lot of fun though.. 2 cents
  • 1 1
 I own a Trek EX9(2011) trail riding, 2012 KX450 for the mountains, Cannondale road bike for commuting to work and now an E-bike a lot like in picture (Scott Gambler same setup) that said it sure is fun instead of relying on a chair lift to get the DH back up the hill. I wouldn’t replace my relationship with the other three but a lot of fun adding a forth!
  • 5 1
 Is there a much larger, heavier battery option for extended epic rides?
  • 10 4
 Yes, its called a set of balls. People who buy this bike can get some and then get a real bike...
  • 4 2
 I would have to attach a trailer for these balls....Wink
  • 2 2
 mmkay.
  • 1 1
 I wanna see this replace the combustion engine on heavy motorbikes. Then we can all share parts!
  • 4 0
 The lazy man's mountain bike.
  • 4 0
 should get this and enter xc races.
  • 4 2
 3500 W , 60 V...?? The consumption makes that thing pointless...how many batteries you want to carry in that bagpack?
Its a tipical american thing....way overdone!
  • 3 1
 You think riding with a pack is hot now. Strap that battery on it will be an oven on your back. Not to mention the extra weight to throw off your center of balance.
  • 1 1
 Hate me if you want but I see potential in e-bikes for older riders or riders dealing with injuries/ health conditions that do not allow them to pedal hard. There is an awesome 80 year old Austrian (I think) guy who makes superlight cross country mtbs because he still wants to ride and have fun and they were impressive.

On the other hand I'm not sold on this particular e-bike. I would prefer something more integrated and I would hate to cary a battery on my backpack. Anyway at the moment I'm pretty happy pedaling my bike without any assistance. In 30 years... who knows.
  • 2 2
 I had the opportunity to ride one of these and had a blast. I was a bit skeptical at first but here are a few observations. It felt like a mtb not a moto I didn't even notice the battery while riding It was still good exercise
  • 7 3
 This is a sin
  • 3 1
 "Packs specifically for Santa Cruz V-10" brings a whole new meaning to the word V-10 Wink
  • 2 3
 What the hell is wrong with the PB community? This more mainstream availability of good quality E mtbs could be the only way some of our disabled brothers can enjoy this wonderful sport. It's definitely not for me, and a lot of PB user
  • 2 2
 Even if it never makes it as a real style of bike, I think for anyone who can now Mtb because of this its awesome!
  • 4 1
 They still wouldn't be enjoying this sport. They'd be enjoying moto, and they can already do that now. Unless your singletrack is shared with moto already, these have no place on mountain bike trails.
  • 3 2
 thats not an electric mountainbike for fatties. imagine downhill speed on flat single trails. it is a trailblazer for having nonstop fun.
  • 5 1
 Get a Motorcycle!
  • 4 0
 Cupcakes unite!!
  • 4 1
 This blows. If I wanted this i would just get a motorbike
  • 3 0
 umm, no. no way ,forget it!
  • 3 2
 Who the hell wants a fucking battery pack on a V10, I agree with the masses, this concept is what started motorcycles. A bicycle is what it is for a reason.
  • 2 0
 Imagine that u'll have once 89 years and your tiki-tiki will go weaker. You will start to love this shit... Smile
  • 4 1
 This world keeps getting lazier don't it ? Whip
  • 3 1
 what happens when you crash and your back pack is attached to the bike?
  • 3 5
 thats horrible,
you'd get so much more to repaire
you'd get unfit
it takes away the point of biking
IMO- santa cruz's are horrible (nothing to do with the motor)
what is the point?
and it'll cost a bomb...

the only good thing i could say about this is that it'd get you up hills (made of ROAD...) other wise i'm perfectly happy with pedalling, thank you very much

great engineering
  • 3 1
 If you want a eltrick bike go to Moto
  • 3 0
 The cost of this thing you can buy a dirt bike
  • 1 3
 sold my car use ebike for daily 35 mi one way commute www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jGRhP1UEgQ
work metrolink 40C3 40lb ebike goes 40mph+ range of 40 miles speed in closed caption (cc)
This is new ultra light ebike weighs 40lb and goes 40mph with a range of 40 miles.

i dont like recreational bikers who lug their bikes around on 4000 lb suvs and then whine about me using electric assist.
Well I do and will rub anyones nose in the dirt who wants o keep up with me
  • 1 0
 Must take two days to charge that 20AH battery… have to plan your rides like a vacation.
  • 2 0
 OMG is that a motorcycle?
  • 3 1
 Only good for Strava Terrorists
  • 2 0
 Thats what I was looking for! To anchor my boat wile I go fishing!
  • 1 3
 When Can I make my MTB a Diesel so I can dump black smoke on people who talk shit about other people not wanting to pedal... news flash MTB riders.. there are people who would love the mountain biking experience but are limited to pedaling, if u can pedal be happy and keep pedaling dammit!!!!
  • 2 0
 I need room in my pack for 3 tall cans and a burrito and thats that.
  • 1 1
 lol get a motor bike then who cares what U all think santa cruz don't. Its funny how everyone just follows what the next person has to say . SHEEP
  • 1 0
 And they put 6 inch rotors on it why? WIth all that speed and extra weight, please use 203mm rotors!
  • 3 2
 What a load of shit. Looks bulky and like a 50 year olds bike.
  • 5 3
 I'm 51 yrs old and I wouldn't have one, but if your older and your knees are shot to shit from years of pedalling, then it makes sense, motor up the fire roads and ride the trails like normal on the way down
  • 6 5
 What the hell, this looks fun as shit. Do you guys even have imaginations?
  • 4 1
 I imagine a motorbike would be more fun...
  • 2 4
 i think people will have to start building trails with these kinds of bikes in mind. they are coming - no stopping them.
  • 2 1
 Keep fighting the good fight Bjorn!
  • 1 0
 The affluent DU I recipients need to get around, too
  • 1 1
 There's also a shop in Hamilton that sells kits to install a little 2 stroke onto any mountain bike for around 300 bucks...
  • 1 1
 what if, due to some disability, you need assistance? E-bikes are perfect, be it, mtb, hybrid or city bikes
  • 2 3
 i would love one of these on my dh bike. tired of hiking and asking for shuttles Razz
  • 3 3
 For all the dentists of the world.
  • 3 0
 Not sure where the dentist comments are coming from lately. I like to think I'm in reasonable shape, but I seem to recall getting beat pretty convincingly by a dentist in the the Oregon Enduro series.
  • 1 0
 Yes love this comeback!
  • 1 2
 Petition the IMBA to use this for a new race class: SuperMTB.
  • 1 1
 plz
  • 3 3
 'MERICUH.
  • 2 4
 Not good Santa!! Frown
  • 3 6
 This is shit !!!







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