Sam Pilgrim Signs with Haibike
Press Release
![photo]()
Haibike is proud to announce the signing of British Freeride pro Sam Pilgrim to our ePerformance team for 2018 and beyond. The 27-year-old freeride specialist will utilize the potential of the XDURO series to redefine the limits of what is possible on an eMountainbike.
Pilgrim, from Colchester in the UK, started his dirt jump career at the age of 14. Ever since, he has always been one of the leading figures in international competitions: In 2011 he won the Red Bull District Ride in Nuremberg; in 2013 he carried off the victory in the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour, and since then has built up a huge fanbase of over 500k social media followers.
“We warmly welcome Sam Pilgrim to the Haibike family and are looking forward to pushing ePerformance to the next level on the international stage,” says Bernd Lesch, Director of Marketing / Product at Haibike.
When asked why he chose to ride for the ePerformance Pioneer Haibike, Sam Pilgrim replied, “I really liked the look of what Haibike was doing in terms of being more extreme with e-bikes and pushing the freeride side of things, it was an obvious choice really!” Sam continues, “I personally hated pedaling up hill, it was just something that sucked in between the fun stuff, but then I actually tried an e-bike and now everything is fun! I actually still can't believe how fun it is even when I’m pedaling up!”
Pilgrim will participate in several events of the FMB World Tour with his custom-made Haibike dirt jump Bike in 2018 and continue his series of regular adrenaline-fueled YouTube videos. “I want to show what’s possible on an e-bike with new tricks and big jumps!”
R&D feedback from Sam over the next years will be used to contribute to the further development of the Haibike XDURO models to keep them at the head of the pack.
![photo]()
Haibike is proud to announce the signing of British Freeride pro Sam Pilgrim to our ePerformance team for 2018 and beyond. The 27-year-old freeride specialist will utilize the potential of the XDURO series to redefine the limits of what is possible on an eMountainbike.
Pilgrim, from Colchester in the UK, started his dirt jump career at the age of 14. Ever since, he has always been one of the leading figures in international competitions: In 2011 he won the Red Bull District Ride in Nuremberg; in 2013 he carried off the victory in the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour, and since then has built up a huge fanbase of over 500k social media followers.
“We warmly welcome Sam Pilgrim to the Haibike family and are looking forward to pushing ePerformance to the next level on the international stage,” says Bernd Lesch, Director of Marketing / Product at Haibike.
When asked why he chose to ride for the ePerformance Pioneer Haibike, Sam Pilgrim replied, “I really liked the look of what Haibike was doing in terms of being more extreme with e-bikes and pushing the freeride side of things, it was an obvious choice really!” Sam continues, “I personally hated pedaling up hill, it was just something that sucked in between the fun stuff, but then I actually tried an e-bike and now everything is fun! I actually still can't believe how fun it is even when I’m pedaling up!”
Pilgrim will participate in several events of the FMB World Tour with his custom-made Haibike dirt jump Bike in 2018 and continue his series of regular adrenaline-fueled YouTube videos. “I want to show what’s possible on an e-bike with new tricks and big jumps!”
R&D feedback from Sam over the next years will be used to contribute to the further development of the Haibike XDURO models to keep them at the head of the pack.
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The hate is justified, they are a different class of bicycle and have no place being mixed in with 'real' bikes
@HenkkaK:
fill in the blanks
As i say Dirt have an ebike section, its common sense, I don't want to sift through loads of electric bike stuff that is of no interest to me or relevance to MTB.
Sam pilgrims move to haibike is fair enough as he will still compete in mtb competition but it's a slippery slope.
Pinkbike is meant to be mtb news and reviews though and I just can't see where electrically powered machines fit into that, otherwise bring on the road, velodrome and cx news and anything else on two wheels, maybe chuck a motocross article in it one about the weather and xc running while we are at it, we can always ignore it, can't we.
Trail access is the big issue, where’ve ya been
And yer math sucks
It's an issue here in Australia, a few local trails have posted how insurance won't cover those on pedal assisted bikes in case of accident, therefore creating issues for the landowners of the trails (ie crash on an eBike, eBike riders may try harder to gain compensation from landowners).
No trail network shutdown yet, however it does have mtb clubs concerned.
(Not here to argue, the eBike thing is growing stale imo, if you don't like something, ignore it.
Just highlighting that there is some issues with eBikes).
From everything I've read it sounds like it's just new and different so folks are scared. I understand the access issue but with proper handling of the situation and greater stewardships from the emerging ebike community I would think things could flawlessly merge.
But hey I know it's different. I still dislike all snowboarders I don't know, but the ones I do know, really rip it up.
It’s about the future, not the past. I don’t know of any shut down, doesn’t mean none will.
I appreciate your positive outlook, I’d like to think things will “merge flawlessly” too, but I also think shit’s gotta hit the fan first
There will ALWAYS be people who are more interested in what others are doing, rather than simply paying attention to the 6" in front of their own face(s). They're the ones who want everyone to have the same bike, vehicle, house, clothing, dog, and sister that they do, so they don't feel inferior- which is what they're expressing when they lash out at something they don't have(and ebike in this instance), and doesn't even remotely affect them.
As long as there's the internet to provide the safety of hiding behind one's keyboard, you will always have whiners.
Everywhere is different but pinkbike or someone should put together an article/report from a variety of points of view, studies and info on emtbs so the mtb community and companies have all the info to deal with the issues around emtbs in a productive way while ensuring trail access etc.
Every article about emtbs or any mention of emtbs in the comment section results in the same comments consisting of hate of emtbs, people asking why so much hate (read any comment section on a emtb article and you'll find a variety of answers), concerns of increased trail wear and traffic, trail access in the states, popularity in Europe to name a few.
Idk but it seems that we're just beating a dead horse at this point with the emtb conversation.
Haibike has nothing of a soul. Look at those bikes. Ugly. No love.
Destroying nature and making money out of it is their main goal.
Now they have a Dirtjumper that was successful a few years ago and needs money.
Attacking Sam because of your irrational hate of e bikes is unfair.
Wow. Might have gone a little further than I intended. I’m out. Happy new year everyone. Be excellent to each other.
And the world wilk burn soon... what's not reported by MTB news outlets, is that moto/car companies are doing heavy lobbying to legalise scooters on the same regulations as current emtb's. So we will have throttle operated scooters on our trails if this comes to pass.
And where is MTB press? Defending and promoting EMTB for a few dollars more from their advertisers.
As I have said before, I'm not completely anti e bike but don't want to see them lumped with actual pedal bicycles as they are electrically powered.
Great for big mountains, where uplift isn't available or for the physically less able but not for undulating singletrack and your average trail centre.
You have more in common as an mtb rider under your own power with a road cyclist than anyone on an ebike in that kind of direct comparison.
@Racer951 - I’d like to speculate that bicycle frame makers and bike builders (what companies like Trek and Spec effectively are) are trying to get their share and dig their heels in before the moto companies will start making their own stuff and will quite possibly dominate the Segment with their unmatched manufacturing possibilities.
It might be next money bringer, but it also may open doors to trails and customers' pockets to likes of Honda, Yamaha. KTM etc, with their "scooters". I guess if they succeed in legalizing them, they will outsell eMTB's. Especially if they manage to implement recuperation and thus extend range vs. eMTB's.
Go have a look at KTM electric bike. It's stunning for eMoto. A lighter version for the bike trails? I see a lot of people going that root.
With all due respect to short sighted big bike companies, they're no match for the auto/moto industry, which is desperate to enter e-mobility.
When I look at the Haibikes I can see no passion for mountainbiking. Simply looks like making profit is their only goal. Quite a few other brands that sell E-Bikes and MTBs do have a certain passion for cycling and nature. Perhaps I'm wrong, but this is what it looks like. Investor-lead company imo.
And Sam has decided to work for them.
If think that Spesh, Trek, will be bought out and restructured to meet the demands of moto/auto. Which would be hilarious by the way
Also moto companies probably have more know how, after all that push for hybrid etc., in electric motors department and out-compete "legacy" companies.
If you guys over ponder got issues with rights of way laws then sort it out but don’t diss all ebikes and ebikers , we’re all basically into the same thing with little differences !
Happy new year
I’m not a fan myself, I mean I have concerns, but tossing crap is just taking us further from the real issues and blurs the picture, as a side effect making us look like a bunch of stupid monkeys, not worth dealing with. And ebike trend seems to have potential to generate plenty of leverage. The moment companies start building trail centers due to increased demand caused by lots of people on e-bikes is the moment all those haters will bite their tongues.
If you think about it, e-bike hits two birds with one stone, it will attract both a part of bikers and a part of hikers. If you can get to one of the valleys or more accessible mountain passes by an e-bike instead of walking, what do you think many people will chose? Especially that e-bikes are quite silent? So mountain resorts may invest in trail networks both for the sake of mtbers and hikers. Ebikes may come out as great allies. I don’t know if they will but why should I see the future in dark colors?
by basically the same thing you mean it has two wheels, yea? Sounds like you are the deluded one.
It’s just a type of bike.
If you don’t like it that’s fine.
But the only people I hear being angry dicks on here all seem to be on one side of the fence.
Does that make them more right?
@PB staff do you really think pink bikers want to hear about underperforming motorbikes? If so maybe you all fools should start looking for new work for the new year because you're Clueless.
How you feel about that may be opinion but that simple fact doesn't change.
Stop with the cranky trumpisms.
Let us know what you think after a solid day on the bike.
www.youtube.com/user/HaibikeChannel
Pink bike would be better off splitting the eMTB / MTB content or having an offshoot website, to avoid annoying traditional mountain bikers. The debate totally reminds me of skiers VS snowboarders back in the day. “Snowboarding is NoT skiing, they should not be allowed in our ski resorts!” As a skier and a snowboarder I always found the arguments as ridiculous as those I read on here. eMTB is not MTB. Personally I like both but can understand those who have no interest in seeing eMTB content if they don’t ride them. @Brightside:
I get that they are different, I also get that for some they are too different.
But that’s where I have a problem, most rational people at that point just say “nah that’s not for me”
What we are seeing here is a massive amount of hate and conjecture to what amounts to a bicycle that’s giving you a little push.
Destroying trails
Losing hard though access
Recklessly dangerous to others
Unskilled pilots putting themselves in danger
Only good for the disabled (which directly contradicts the above so how that more acceptable I’m not sure)
The long and the short of it is some people feel like it’s cheating and are pissed off about it.
But whose cheating who? Anyone riding an ebike clearly feels they need that extra push whether it be through laziness, failing fitness levels (for whatever reason). It can also be to extend range, carry equipment or just ride something previously unridable.
I just think it’s better to let it find it’s place than throw imaginary angry obstacles (I’m generalising about all of us, not singling anyone out, apologies if my earlier comment looked like that
Probably-a-perpetrator -> your wisdom is evident. While you were commenting for the trolls I was out for a New Year’s ride. First tracks FTW. Dirt, snow, and ice.
I’m glad everyone’s starting the new year right by angrily posting novels about ebikes. Carry on.
No reason why it will be any different with bicycles.
New interest, new people, new money, new products, rinse and repeat.
Angry voices for no reason.
It’s still just a bike however you feel about it.
I hope Sam kills it this year and does some interesting stuff on an ebike to to maybe make us all think a little more.
But I think it’s more likely that we will wear the exclamation mark out on a keyboard before we admit that it might be interesting.
class1 is all we are discussing here.
e-bikes with more than 750 watts and throttle are class3 and i don't think anyone is arguing that they are bicycles.
The only problem e bikes have is that people like you are losing your shit over them.
It’s a new year and you busy thumping capitals out on your keyboard.
For what?
Something of very little concern in the grand scheme of things.
You’ve even just said yourself it’s a “MADE UP CLASS”, so why not just chill out and let it find it’s own place?
-Vanilla Ice
Sarcasm should have its own font. It’s hard to read
I’m just sad to see how angry everyone is.
Mr Brown, I keep coming back just to see how many upvotes you have...
I wonder what the record is?
It's just normal people having an opinion, sure some may be angry but I bet most really aren't.
Could actually just be like he said......fun!
Try getting your facts right as well as getting a life!!!
Well said. ????
Well, have a look at electric assisted MTB balance bike for adults from KTM, www.ktm.com/pl/e-ride/freeride-e-xc-2018-ng
You push with your legs, but once tired you just get some help with a twist of a remote. It’s XC bike, trail version will soon debut on a trail near you. /sarc
I thought this place was the online mecca for people with the same passion to come together, no matter the manifestation of said passion, not a petty forum where progressive and inclusive movements are segregated because of a lack of general education, understanding and discussion on matters.
Im not an ebike hater, I tried one and it was some fun shit, but having a go for me really confimed that they are just not the same as a pedal bike - Fun most definately, I just dont want to see some slippery slope where half of the people on the trails are using a battery to help them around.
@WAKIdesigns - Would you choose to suck a dick over riding a titanium hardtail with enve wheels though?
But why care how anyone else is having fun if it's not causing any extra damage to the trails and riders are full respectful?
They are made in Taiwan like every other bike mate. Stop talking rubbish!
We should hate them.
To hell with eco snowflakes!
If something is not the thing it was it should simply never be.
Heard all this when suspension came along. How they weren’t just bikes anymore.
I’m pretty sure something that needs to be pedalled to work and is entirely propelled by your legs above 15mph isn’t what you call a motorbike either.
It doesn’t matter. It’s no big deal.
It could be witchcraft I suppose. Just ban them and burn all user at the stake.
Sound rational enough?
Comparing suspension to a motor on a bike is rubbish, another awful comparison.
One more time.
If they don’t pedal they don’t move.
If you exceed 15mph you are entirely on your own
If you freewheel there is no power output.
You do care, you are putting way too much effort into getting angry about it.
It is not a motorbike or a moped or a car or a hairdryer. It is it’s own thing
VitalMTB, VitalBMX, VITALMX why not VitalEBIKE? Dirt have the same E-bike section and so do Global MTB
Just dont pollute genuine pedal powered cycling with this thing, its something else.
Blood for the blood god!
Wait, does Khorne ride ebikes?
Says the guy who was replying to me that I had "not dealt with it" and I was "still banging on about it."
hilarious
Still banging on about it eh???
I definitely agree with you that it’s different. All I’m saying is getting way to angry about trying to compartmentalise said item.
I don’t think we will ever agree but I suspect ebike will become very much part of the mtb landscape and we will all find something else to be upset at.
In the U.K. they are supplied in a manner that doesn’t require licensing, they are regulated by conforming British cycle standards and are classed as a bicycle.
"it kicks in when you pedal" That's a pedal induced throttle, they just moved the throttle to the crank....Throttle is "a device controlling the flow of fuel or power to an engine."
Helps you get uphill so more time on the fun bit
"
Ahhhh, so because you have no interest in it then it has no relevance to literally everybody else..... Yeah, cracking argument you have there. Also, the title told you it was e-bike related yet here you are, clicking on it, reading it and then complaining that you don't want to have to 'sift through' this stuff.
You could have gone right past it, never clicked the link and gone about your day happily. But no, you chose to take the route that honestly just shows you as either not too smart or a masochist.
Also, "sellout"? Really? Man wants to ride and make money from his job. The bastard! I suppose you have only ever taken jobs that offer you less money each time, yes?
So I have a 'gobby mouth' and I am 'jealous' beacuse I have an opinion?
I hate to bring you some bad news, but there is a reason I have the time to post on here in 'working hours' and it isnt because I work in an 'office' for somebody else, I dont go into my work on here because this is my personal opinion and I dont want it to reflect on the business I am part of which is often heavily involved with the MTB industry.
Why is it that some people seem incapable of having a discussion without resorting to abuse? I am entitled to an opinion and this public space is here to allow me and others to express it and discuss it - I am not abusing anyone and accept that some feel differently to myself on this subject and on all sorts of other subjects. People have different opinions - its normal!
Yes, I can just scroll past this kind of news but we could use this example for anything - Where do we draw the line - what if all of the news starts to become e-bike related, my opinion which I am entitled to is that e-bikes are not the same as MTB's and therefore should have their own news section - I am not calling anyone a 'twat' or getting quite angry with other people.
By the same example though - can you not just scroll past my comments and ignore them?
People say you are 'angry' if you have a negative opinion of something, but the only person who appears angry on here is you with your swearing and ranting.
I don't have any facts on the subject and also called BS on the 'ocean fill' subject (again no facts) as you did but are you saying the battery on a e-bike filled with toxic crap has no impact on the environment?
All jokes aside. People hated 29ers. Now they are accepted. People will accept ebikes once they realise their potential.
The 29/leccy bike parallel is a bit of a red herring I reckon. 29ers pissed people off because they fear change, but ebikes piss people off because of serious philosophical and practical concerns. And because it's like going for a run with an exoskeleton that allows you to do a marathon in an hour. But nobody's forcing me to replace my old bikes with these contraptions and I've never had to fight anyone for trail space so it's hard to get that irked. They might cause trail access problems for some and those who are affected have a legitimate axe to grind. The rest of us can't complain, unless it's an ego thing.
Jokes aside, I've never ridden one but intend to give them a try when I'm in a location where I can rent one. But honestly I can only imagine using them for stuff like day trips in the Alps. For standard descent oriented trails I would be very dubious though.
I couldnt just own an ebike but for UK bike parks and just going up fireroads they are great. The motor stops after 16mph ish so it's basically only any good going uphill. And I did 2 runs in quick succession and wasn't even out of breath. Such a great bike and great concept. Obs depends on what about where you live
I live in a city with mountains almost literally at my doorstep and it would be extremely tempting to e-mtb here were I not religiously committed to suffering under my own steam (my religion is one of love so y'all can do what you like, it's your afterlife). If you don't get out of breath and feel like you're going to pass out once in a while then how do you tap into some of the best stuff your body can secrete?
Worlds gone mad !
I'm originally Dutch and that's basically our thing as well: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_profanity
As you can read in the link, you can even use it as a verb:
"Kankeren (literally: "to cancer") is a verb, and means "to complain excessively"."
While being completely inappropriate it does seem to fit this particular discussion.
Spoke to somebody who works locally to me today, on his last group ride someone turned up on a new e-bike, he was usually one of the slower climbers and with his new found electrical assistance proceeded to get to the top of the climb first and sit there and light up a cigarette.....
He bought it purely to make life easier, not because of his persuit of speed, he is by the persons description 'a lazy f@cker.
Now I am not going to generalise everybody to be the same as this person unlike your example, im sure there are plenty that bust their balls on the e-bike too.
Yes its a motor bike I ride to and from trails on it not in a car.
I don't cause any more damage to the trail than anyone else MTB or E-MTB makes no difference .
A twist throttle or pedlec there the same thing .
I love both MTB and E-MTB
and I am happy for SP it's nice to see he has a sponsor
Had any trouble from police riding that thing on the road? If you got into an accident I imagine you would be in a world of trouble riding an un-registered motorbike and all, probably in an MTB helmet too..
Your kind of bike and attitiude is what will see e-bikes as a whole banned at many trails and as many fear increase tension between other users of public spaces.
But there's no way a majority of e-MTBers are doing double or triple the distance analog riders are doing on a regular ride. A big part of it is definitely about drawing in punters who are pain averse.
Another thought: how many of us would be on eMTBs now if they had come out 20-30 years ago? It's a chilling thought.
Again, I judge nobody, it's not eMTBs, it's me.
Are we nearing 1,000 comments yet? This is fun.
Yes the bike will do 80mph + but do I do this Hell No ! respect is the word and I have not had any trouble with the police as I don't go wheelieing down the street
How many mtber's can say they have not wheelie in a public place ?
As it turns out, in real life, there are more than two options for most things.
To each their own though
- Why is it that if you buy a €8000 full carbon bike that weighs nothing it's cheating, but if you buy a €3000 ebike it's cheating? Both give you an unfair advantage over the average rider or over me on my 10 years old mtb that cost me €550
Just pedal back up unassisted.
Sure why not? But please don't brag about it, you lycra wearing leg shaving weight weenie!
Push or carry your bike back up.
Excellent. Let's make a deal here. No one is going to compare trail erosion caused by pushing a bike back up hill to trail erosion caused by riding that trail uphill.
Take the cable car.
Sure, all good. Excellent for that local economy too.
Have someone shuttle you.
Well yeah, that's pretty cool. Especially if it is a big Tacoma. Your mom in a smaller car? See, that's what they guy needed to become a champion.
A heli drop.
Now that's not for everyone, but pretty cool if you can do it.
A tow in by a motorcycle.
Well yeah if you need the speed for that long distance jump, the motorcycle is the way to go. Granted tow ins aren't used for the uphills.
A mountainbike with pedal assist for the uphills.
Now that is naughty.
Uplifts occur at for-profit trail centers - no access issues and the increased density is accompanied by increases trail work.
I think e-bikes for commuting are genius and even for fire road exploration but for single track MTB? Kind of like giant motor homes with TV’s and bars for camping...it doesn’t make any sense to me to bring all of that shit with you to be “in-nature”.
Does that answer your question?
@MylesGosden: Yeah I think you misinterpreted that post too...
So yeah whoever upvoted my initial post because you thought I was against Sam riding an e-bike, please either write PB a mad letter to get your vote back or just downvote this one post to even things out.
Maybe if you pedaled up you wouldn’t be such a bat fastard?
Clearly not dealt with it if you are still banging on about it.
as a matter of fact that was actually a pretty good advice from Sam.
Sucks to do it, but I have only a few ways to let the industry and riders know how I feel. Forum discussion is useless because it is mostly unnecessary vitriol, I actively vote with my dollars, and I actively vote with my time/following social media.
I believe that riders should vet their sponsors as much as sponsors vet their riders.
I imagine I’m not the only one with this reaction thought even if I’m certain he isn’t bothered. But then again, if he loses 1/2 of his active followers does Haibike pay him the same? I think that would bother anyone.
Unfollowing the person because he rides an ebike is very petty, he's still a really nice guy and a world class dirtjumper.
But, as you say, I’m only tossing a small petty pebble in the general direction of a very large pond.
I might not agree with your opinion on ebikes but I 100% agree with your principles. The only way to be heard is to talk with your feet whether it be unfollowing on social media specifically not buying products from a certain supplier or even not buying from a certain store because it runs counter to your principles.
Loam#uck -> until you’re old and your knees are shot. I’m planning on getting one for my 65th bday.
The antibike lobby seems to fall into the following categories;
Those with a genuine environmental concern (which may or not be valid).
Those that have had negative interaction with mountain bikers (there are a few selfish riders out there giving the rest of us a bad name).
Those with a sense of entitlement that simply don't like bikes and feel that their outdoor experience is somehow more important than anybody else's.
Those that are simply bored or live unfulfilled lives and want something to do.
The equestrians, who have commercial interests, riding schools, horseback tours etc.
Put all these together and you have a group that's vastly more powerful than most mtb advocacy groups. Unfortunately trail access in the US often comes down to who makes the most noise and who has the most money, not what is fair or logical.
Meanwhile the amount of trail users is unceasing yearly, often in the same areas where the access situation is the most finely balanced. Where I live, just outside of Denver Colorado, 150,000 people move to the area every year, yet none of the local authorities have sanctioned any meaningful new trails in years. In fact the areas closest to the largest areas of population remain the most stagnant. Even if they decided to sanction new trails tomorrow it would be years before they were open to the public due to the length of the planning stage and environmental impact assessments. User conflict is on the rise, this year a trail runner beat and throttled a rider because he shook his head at him. The runner had ear buds in a couldn't hear the rider politely asking to pass. He is wanted by the police but was never caught. Some areas are actively banning ear buds on trails because of these kind of conflicts. So all in all access to many areas are finely balanced, and tension between user groups is high, so I do think most people's concern about ebikes is genuine. I don't think it's a case of peer pressure or keyboard warriors sounding off to be heard (although there is always some of that on any internet forum).
The simple answer to all the advocacy stuff is build more one-way trails in busy areas.
If the trail system is not busy there should be no problems.
Also, the thinking has to change that bikes and ebikes damage a trail more than horses. that is utter BS.
Any argument or law based on that is flawed to begin with.
Also anyone who thinks that an ebike is dangerous to other trail users because of its uphill speed is just an alarmist drama queen who has never taken a class1 ebike for a serious 25mile MTB ride.
Not seen any arguments that ebikes damage trails more than horses. I have seen arguments that they allow more mileage then MTBs, although this is also true for very fit riders and shuttle runs, hence not an argument I would personally make.
The argument put forward by environmentalists opposing bikes, is that they allow users to travel further into sensitive areas. Obviously ebikes will increase this argument.
The uphill speed issue is more one of perception than actual real danger IMO. Conflicts arising from bikes travelling at speed usually occur between hikers and riders, rather than 2 riders. With hikers it is more a case of (often falsely) perceived danger arising from encountering fast moving bikes, or just a dislike of it. What may not seem fast or dangerous to us, may seem frightening to a hiker (especially the elderly), so I do think this could well be an issue.
Even if you had facts that ebikes were better for a trail than a traditional mtb, it sadly wouldn't be enough because these groups and their members are driven by emotion as much as facts. The mere perception of a vehicle or with a motor in the wilderness, regardless of its actual impact, is what will get more trails shut down.
The sad truth is that ebikes do absolutely NOTHING to help our non-motorized trail access in the states; they only have the potential to hurt access.
Regardless of how fun they are (I've tried them and they are fun), how old your grandpa is that can now ride again , or how many tools yiur trailbuilders can now haul to the trail with an ebike, until you win over the sierra club (something we can't even do with regular bikes), they're only going to hurt our access.
At the end of the day people need to respect each other regardless of there mode of transport. @catweasel:
First off, this article is about a British rider who is now being sponsored by a German company that has a large focus on bikes with pedal assist. I thought Pinkbike decided to not publish articles like these in North America because of just this, a discussion about the trail access issues over there. It is hardly relevant in the case of a British slopestyle and dirtjump rider who appreciates some support on the uphills.
Now, as the discussion is mostly about the NA trail access issues, let's go into that. I'm not from there (I'm from The Netherlands) but maybe some outside input may actually be beneficial. First off, no I haven't heard of emtb being an issue here. Yes I've come across some of those on the trails and they're usually polite. Compared to an XC racer sprinting up a hill under his/her own steam, an emtb rider has nothing to prove nor is afraid to become stuck on the climb, so they won't mind backing off a little if there isn't enough room to pass. So yeah my (limited) experience with them has been fine. I'm interested to hear if your experience has been the opposite (the racers or strava-athletes being more patient and polite than ebikers) but of course it is still a mindset issue, not necessarily equipment driven.
Of course that wasn't your main point. The main issue was the perception of other trail users to mountainbikers. What I sense (from a large portion of North American PB users) is that they desire a segregation between mountainbikes with built-in pedal assist and those without. Basically now that they've acquired their position among the estabilished trail users they want to slam the door shut for newcomers. Imagine what would have happened to the Klunkers in the eighties if regulations would have been that strict? They didn't first negotiate and develop their own trail system before the first rode their mountainbikes in the environment, did they? That's something that developed over time. Does emtb have a different interaction with other trail users? As mentioned before, they climb (unexpectedly) fast/steep/technical. Is climbing at 25km/h perceived more frighting than descending at 40km/h over a similar trail? I'd honestly be surprised especially as it is much much much easier to stop/control the climbing bike (equipment, trail and rider being equal).
Now how to proceed? I don't think the segregation is going to work. The park rangers don't want to be arsed identifying the difference between a Pinion gearbox and a motor, the difference between a frame with built in battery and an Orange Five. They'd be more like "if you can't work this stuff out yourself then just bugger off altogether". Especially if the casual ebike rider climbs as fast as the fit XC racer and descends as quick as everyone else. I do think that the findings (from IMBA I think it was) that mountainbikers don't cause more trail erosion than hikers helped mountainbiking a lot in trail negotiations. So why not have a similar research done for emtb compared to mtb? If the emtb causes more erosion then yes, that may be reason to restrict their access in vulnerable areas. And if it doesn't then it makes things much easier to convince land owners that the new comers won't have an impact different to the current visitors.
Finally, I think a big difference of your situation to ours is that (from my perception) cycling in your area is mostly recreational. If people wouldn't ride bikes here (to work, shops etc) the infrastructure would be congested. There simply isn't enough public transport nor room for cars available. Bikes with pedal assist has gotten even more people on these bikes. Not because they are lazy, but because they can be confident that even with a strong headwind, they know they'll be home/at work in time. And they allow people to travel further with more cargo where people would otherwise have taken the car. So ebikes (on roads) are already accepted and appreciated. People know what they're like. They're not scary and they aren't too fast. They're about as fast as I ride to work (regular unsupported bike, 8sp Nexus hub, hub dynamo etc).
So yeah, this has again been a longer post than I anticipated. But I hope this helps you put your situation in perspective and understand it is different to Sam Pilgrim riding emtb and Haibike developing a regular dirtjump bike. I also think segregation isn't the answer, especially if mtb is losing trail access already without emtb coming into play. If you demonize emtb when unassisted mtb is already being frown upon you will be wasting time pointing out the difference when you haven't even figured that out yourself.
TL;DR: The North American trail access issue isn't related to a British slopestyle rider being sponsored by a German bike manufacturer. Segregation of emtb and unassisted mtb isn't the answer to the trail access issue.
The problem with segregation mentioned is actually one of riders biggest fears here.
Mountain bikers are not to my knowledge actively opposing the use of ebikes. National and local authorities are interpreting rules on motorized transport to include ebikes and blanket banning them from trails. The Mecca of Moab for example is largely off limits to mountain bikes as the trails are largely managed by the BLM who have a specific policy banning ebikes from non motorized trail.
Boulder county, home of the IMBA HQ just banned ebikes on all trails. Are the bike stores in Boulder going to tell potential customers that they cannot legally rise one in their own county. Is a guy who turns up for a dream trip to Moab on his new $5000 ebike going to follow the rules?
Knowingly or not illegal trail use by ebikes is inevitable. There are many anti bike activist groups that will be only too happy to record this and complain to and managers. As you pointed out it is segregation isn't going to work and is very hard for rangers etc to differentiate and police. Obviously the fear is that this will be used as a justification for blanket bans on all bikes.
In an ideal world I say let people rise whatever they want, but that is not the situation we are faced with in the US. Meanwhile I will continue to choose to not support brands or riders actively promoting ebikes, without hating on those that choose to legally rise them.
One is that potential misuse of e-bikes (that is, use on officially banned trails) would be a reason to ban them altogether. Anything can be misused. We're not allowed to ride our (unassisted) mountainbikes on all hiking trails either. Whoever does so does affect the position of the mountainbike lobby. But that shouldn't be a reason to ban (unassisted) mountainbikes altogether as well.
The other is that you don't want anything associated with e-bikes. Be aware that it is hugely interlaced now. Shimano makes a motor. Alongside e-bike motors, Bosch also makes power tools, kitchen appliances, car components... I expect Sam to be riding the Haibike dirtjumper a lot. After all, they are introducing it for him. I consider Hannah Barnes an inspiring athlete. But she uses an e-bike for training and I think for good reason. Even if I don't want Moab to be banned for (unassisted) mountainbikes I wouldn't want Hannah to quit riding that e-bike nor would it stop me being inspired by her lifestyle.
I don't need you to change your mind. But I hope you are aware that (I think) sensible decisions made on one side of the ocean should be influenced by BLM regulations on the other side. That said, if you don't want your online activity to be counted as a vote for e-bikes then yes maybe in this silly connected internet world you may need to quit reading about some of these athletes. In that respect maybe it wasn't wise from Pinkbike to stray from their policy to keep e-bike content away from the west of the Atlantic.
how about we regulate all cars to 80mph, no need to go faster than that or your a danger to yourself and others. I'm sure the sierra club would agree.
I would never ever in a million years pull out an ebike for a regular ride. it would be like showing up wearing a dress and high heels.
Good point MylesOG.
I’d sure as f&ck rather get paid to ride an ebike vs sit at my desk.
It sounds like this merits a reader poll.
As Reel Big Fish once said..... “Sell out!”
Sam, I used to respect you as an athlete, an ambassador, and a leader in the cycling industry. But no longer. You have lost my respect. I understand that everyone has to make a living, but this is too far. You have signed to a brand because a hill is too much work to climb. You have signed to a brand that doesn't make a bike specific to your riding style. You have signed to a brand for cash, regardless of whether or not the brand fits you.
Sorry, but you have lost my respect with these actions and choices.
I'll have no problem watching his new edits as I enjoy them as much for his riding as i do for his personality.
I suppose it's quite easy to take a single quote out of context especially when it fits and can be used flawlessly in your advertising campaign. Remember to believe everything you read on the internet.
I suppose it's quite easy to take a single quote out of context especially when it fits and can be used flawlessly in your advertising campaign. Remember to believe everything you read on the internet.
Maybe he said, I've got a company that is willing to provide me with a product I can enjoy and they'll pay me closer to what I feel I'm worth for putting so much on the line let's give this a go. Maybe mtb companies should look into how their riders are treated/respected. Everyone on Pinkbike loves to jump all over RedBull for skimping on their riders for what the riders do for them. How is this that much different?
Haha when I was a kid there was huge price difference between getting into motocross vs mountainbiking, not so much nowadays.
He no longer stands as an ambassador to me. By choosing to support a brand that makes E-Bikes, he is fighting against everything the cycling industry has worked towards. He is supporting a fad that holds views that differ from views held by mountain bikers and brands regarding trail access, the image created for mountain bikes, and the support we have received from various brands and groups.
Are you serious? Specialized/Trek/GT/Giant/Cannondale/Mondraker/Scott/Commencal etc. all have ebikes and more brands join in every year the list just grows. Loic Bruni rides for Specialized, the Athertons for Trek, Brendog for Scott (and the rest) but the problem is Sam Pilgrim's "support" of a brand that makes ebikes.
In fact, why the hell are people filling up this comments section with general trail bike ebike ranting? wtf.
@Gregorysmithj1: I don't see how ebikes will make dirt jumps or downhill runs easier in any way. I didn't say it would make them better. I ride park and jump sets on my non-ebike and will continue to do so.
>>@Gregorysmithj1: ebikes are [...] like training wheels something that gives someone the ability to simulate what they need to learn but can't yet.
>>@Gregorysmithj1: a ebike on a dirt jump is a hindrance!
wth.
Reading about so much outrage and suffering makes me hear a sound of a cello playing. Best present ever.
Gimmicky rubbish, hardly anybody interested in an E-endure bike will have any interest in or capability to perform the kind of riding he will show in the circus like promo videos they will make - Its like doing trials and dirt jumps on a road bike, sure a tiny amount of people can do it but nobody else does.
2018 off to a turd of a starter, MTB is not going down a good path right now.....
If you're sold on it then you are, I just think there's no place for them in the mountain biking culture.
mtBiking is not all about how much you can suffer. ebikes actually allow you to expend your energy riding not just pedaling. When i finish a 30mile ebike ride in the wilderness where i saw nobody but a couple hunters for 5 hrs my whole body is tired from Riding. Manhandling a 50lb bike through the roughest ridable natural terrain is big fun. every inch of trail is fun and the action never slows to a frustrating crawl. if your a pedaler not a rider then i understand. I just did a spin class and the woman instructor was seriously enjoying the pain, there are people like that, but its not me, or Sam.
On the other hand, most people I meet at DH parks and riding jumps seem much more accepting. A lot of them come from moto or BMX backgrounds anyway. They don't care about pedaling, they just want to ride fun stuff.
Many people just can't see beyond their tiny copse of trees to the forest nearby.
Yeah Sam has the skills to make some goofy edits but where is he gonna compete on his new techno disability rig???
Will riding UP stairs now be part of a slope comp..
No where, so that's all its gonna a be
Goofy you toobe edits
But
there'll be enough dumb newbs an gullible rich kids to watch these edits an keep haibike in enough clicks to keep paying Sam long enough untill this wave has crashed.
Wether they buy enough bikes is another debate...
MobilitE/UtilitE bikes suck for real mtb an
Sam is a sell out
DOLLA DOLLA BILLS YAWL
No
Because I'm not a sellout
have you not read the comments on this thread????
1. are eMTBs awesome for getting further and higher out into the wilderness than you could with just your legs?
2. are eMTBs awesome for getting a friend or love-interest into mountain biking to help them keep up with you?
3. are eMTBs really hurting trails? seen this argument a lot that the torque is bad for trails? really? does an eMTB put out more torque than nino schurter? would anyone complain about him coming to your local trail? the conservation argument seems like bs to me.
when I look at eMTBs they look like they are too heavy to enjoy. but if I'm wrong about that and it turns out the positives outweigh the negatives and they are more fun then I embrace them with open arms. this purism that mountain bikes should not have any electronics on them is a bunch of non-sense. if electricity zipping around on your bike has the potential to increase the amount of fun you have we should not be hating on companies for investigating it. same goes for Di2, fox live valves etc etc
seems to me that eMTBs are probably not a threat. isn't it more about consistent torque on climbs? theres no bursts of torque.
and aren't issues like riding in the mud, or too much back brake more dangerous to trails?
I get your point about perceptions though.
For where I live (Portland, OR) most of the trails around here are straight up, straight down. If you're climbing a road (often asphalt) for several miles, wouldn't you just turn the bike off at the top and hop on the trail? That's probably the only way I'd personally ride it. Then you're just essentially riding an old-school downhill bike (weight wise) which could be an awesome training tool- more runs, heavier bike- I'd imagine you'd hop on a light race bike after manhandling a 50lber for maybe two or three more laps than you'd normally do and feel like you were flying. The only impact that I could see from using e-bikes in that sense would be just having to do more maintenance on the trails from having them being ridden more- which to be fair, could be a very valid argument against them if they really catch on.
At any rate hate to admit it myself but I've actually been thinking about getting one for this application. It's just so stigmatized right now that I don't think I could really go through with it. I'd want to ride the shit out of one but I would never, ever want to be seen riding one in this day and age- guess I'm not brave enough to be 'that f*cking guy'
Shuttles and chairlifts are good but e-bikes are bad? All I'm saying is if you're driving your bike up a road to ride down a hill, you're a f*ckhead if you're hating on e-bikes.
that kinda sucks if it turns out these machines do have the potential to be awesome and deliver lots of fun and enthusiasm to our sport.
If the amount of extra damage is significant is the real issue and can only really be answered using actual case studies and will vary based on location and riding styles. To pretend otherwise is just glossing over the facts for the benefit of e-bike manufacturers and riders.
PS "if it turns out these machines do have the potential to be awesome and deliver lots of fun and enthusiasm to our sport."
Turns out that for a lot of us, if it's no longer human powered then it's not 'our sport' anymore.
and again my point about delivery. aren't ebikes more about consistent power deliver through the pedal stroke? sort of like an oval ring but better? when a normal bike spins out on a climb because the power is delivered intermittently and inconsistently, does this not potentially do worse damage?
isn't most trail damage done on the downs when riders are ripping way faster, and not pedalling?
I'm certainly not an expert on trail damage. and ive never ridden an eMTB, that said I still think it is reasonable to at least question this whole trail damage allegation.
Seems like you have your mind made up and not really interested in a dialogue, and are just a troll.
totally interested in a dialogue, did you have anything you wanted to add?
Skidding obviously does lots of damage but is there some rule that says that people riding e-bikes won't be doing any skids? Arguably they can ride further and faster, doing more skids.
On the point of more damage being done downhill, I tend to agree but it's another case of people on e-bikes doing the same thing possibly more of it and on a heavier bike.
Overall it boils down to what I said in my original post "If the amount of extra damage is significant is the real issue and can only really be answered using actual case studies and will vary based on location and riding styles. To pretend otherwise is just glossing over the facts for the benefit of e-bike manufacturers and riders"
The tire spinning issue is completely imaginary on a class1 bike like the turbo levo. trust me, i tried, many times
how about a wear/tear study comparing horses and bikes ? which is another can of worms.
2 ur an idiot
3 your an idiot
Cleared that up then have we !!
"I've always liked skating, but pushing is lame effort. Xing Xan Hoover boards! The future is powerful."
I like riding my mtb uphill, downhill, in flats... all of it is good and fun to me.
Have fun jumping your 60lb bike.
It's when everybody else goes for the disabled parking spots that the problems start.
I see some parallels. As I said, in my view, ebikes are great for providing people with a possibility to ride, who otherwise couldn't. Just as disabled bays are good for granting them easy access to the mall.
On the other hand, someone who is physically able to do so should ride a real bicycle, and not use an ebike just because it makes the uphills easier. Just as he should not park in the disabled bay, just because the way is shorter.
youtu.be/t6VSQktWHT4
youtu.be/UvVJRtBFZVg
Love bikes,
Mad about cycling,
Can't get enough of the sport,
but HATE the biking industry.
The way they force new shit up our ass, and eventually after the smoke clears, enough people give in for the overpriced unwanted standard to become the norm.
sam pilgrim can do whatever he wants to get paid. doesnt really matter what is on the downtube or how long old the company is. people dont bitch about YT and the fact that their direct sales model damages many other more established brands and distributors and most importantly retailers.
i got into riding an mtb for fun. i love riding a bike down trails. riding up is boring and not fun. if i go for a 4 hour ride and spend 3 and half hours climbing for 30 minutes descending it doesnt make a lot of sense. i dont really enjoy "XC" but occaionally i like to do a pedal ride but for the most part i want to descend. i dont consider myself a cyclist but a rider. my mind set comes from snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing more than any other bike discipline.
ive ridden a couple of ebikes. i dont own one. it made me smile alot. it made me enjoy riding up hills. it made me look for difficult climbs to test myself and the machine on. i get twice is much riding in half the time. i enjoy 100% of my ride not just the 10% of the ride that is descending.
everyone who just says it is a motorbike is deluded. The access issue is a different one and not something i know too much about as we dont have that really.
those that say it is cheating. so what. who am i cheating? myself? i can live with that. 12 speed eagle is cheating too. so is dropping 1000g by buying a carbon frame or riding a 29er or eating a mule bar half way round or a can of energy drink, shaving your legs or wearing a skin suit. who gives a shit.
getting uplifts regularly is expensive. and you are limited to places that have them and availability. e bikes make you explore more. i am time poor so ebike would make sense. although i am not ready to buy one yet i think they are pretty sweet. they descend like an old school dh bike.
in surfing they use jet skis to get to the big waves. or make wave pools which eliminate the paddle out. do surfers moan about that? of course not. they dont surf becuase they enjoy paddling out they enjoy the ride.
snowboarders use skiddoos to access the backcountry. noone wants to really spend 3 hours hiking up a face for a 30 second descent do they.
pinkbike covers all elements of mtb and that included now mtb. i dont really want to read about xc eliminator so i dont click on it. i just click on the stories or vids i want.
riding a bike is meant to be fun so do what you want on whatever kind of bike you like. if you dont like ebikes dont read about them.
the bike industry has to keep inventing new stuff in order to bring money in to pay for teams, product development, marketing, staff etc. the DH world cup is now suffering due to team dropping out and there are many riders with no ride for 2018. this is such a shame. dh bikes dont sell very many so it seems companies arent investing in teams.
anyway rant over.
good luck sam pilgrim. hopefully more companies will come along and support riders so they can keep competing.
happy new year one and all. bikes are awesome whatever your preference.
So, it brings out some negative feelings for those of us who view mountain biking as a sport and riders as athletes requiring abilities relative to the use of a non-motorized bicycle. An ebike can be a great accommodation for people who are compromised in some manner. I have a motorcycle. It serves its purpose very well. But my bicycle is an entirely different and, in my opinion, superior machine. Why can't ebike advocates see that? It's not a tire-size debate. You're changing the nature and make-up of the most pure and simply beautiful aspects about the bicycle.
“I personally hated pedaling up hill, it was just something that sucked in between the fun stuff, but then I actually tried an e-bike and now everything is fun! I actually still can't believe how fun it is even when I’m pedaling up!”
Go F*** yourself.
I've ridden jumps and downhill for years and never had any desire to climb, it's just not where my passion in the sport lay and I can certainly see the attraction in a pedal assist bike as I enjoy fast technical descents and tend to walk up or go on uplift days so anything that allows me to ride more of what I enjoy more often is a bonus.
Congrats Sam, always been a good dude, always will be. Keep on having fun and I'll keep on supporting you!
Lame = synonym for gayass.
A: He used to be a mountain biker but he couldn't ride up hills LOL.
Are you kidding me?!
Trail access is undeniably an issue but it's not because of the bikes' impact but rather the negative perception of e-bikes by people with clearly zero experience on them calling them "motorbikes". Ride one and you'll see that it's not even nearly the case. Yes, yes if you want to get down to semantics it has a (pedal assist) motor and it is a bike but it is absolutely not the same as a dirt bike.
It's all in your mind people. Just get over it.
Wow chill dude!
I know he is going to be riding dirt!
I don’t see eMTB as mountain biking! No hate just different sport that I have no interest in.
But I will rephrase my statement if it makes you happy! ‘Sam Pilgrim partly leaving MTB”
Peace out!
Sam Pilgrim signs off with Haibike
Endless amount of plausible scenarios!
youtu.be/UvVJRtBFZVg
As batteries become smaller and smaller eventually we are going to be getting bikes where you won't even know if it's an ebike or not.
Then when you turn up to bike parks and there's people lapping you because they're on ebikes, how are people who are on normal bikes going to feel?
It's okay now because we can look at people on ebikes and think, 'yeah have fun with your shite looking, heavy bike and massive ass battery that doesn't last very long'.
But perhaps it the not so distant feature ebikes will pose no weight disadvantage or look terrible, then how will we all feel about it?
I personally think that most people dont like them (myself included) as we don't like the thought of people riding the same trails as us but not having to put in the effort to do so. Lets be honest no one likes having to move over to let someone pass on the trails (especially if they are a dick about it) but we have a level of respect for those fitter more skilled riders. When its someone on an ebike then it just rubs salt in the wound.
I'm not the fittest guy around so I do get passed from time to time but the more ebike riders there are on the trails the more times I am going to have to pull over to let them pass as its easier for them to climb and then they have more energy for the descents too. I had an experience of this when there was a demo day so there were lots of ebike's on the trail doing a short loop. I had done 3 hours of riding so was knackered and I felt like I was getting in everyones way as they are right on my ass waiting for me to get out of the way. A lot of the issues with these bikes are more about who os riding them and how they are being ridden as you get dickheads on normal bikes too.
Then again, who am I to tell companies what to do with their money. It's pretty simple, if you don't like it, just ignore it. A story with 5 comments is harder hit than one with 300, even with a bunch of negative comments. Imagine if this was posted for a week with no feedback?
The less interest people show as a whole, the less likely it will turn into the next big thing... and perhaps turn into a short lived fad, or remain for a very small market.
To the haters, two words: cheer up.
youtu.be/UvVJRtBFZVg
The two groups I always hear above is newbies or people that are older/unabled boded high I personally see as being the worst people to be giving an ebike to. As a newb you don’t have to skill to ride fast (or something that is now even more heavily than you might of been se to) but you have now been given that ability. You can get to the top of a bigger (and steeper) hill but you won’t have the skill to go back down that bigger (and steeper and more than likely now more technical) hill. You would not give a new driver a more powerful car to make them quicker to keep up with other road users. And I have not even meanted the extra cost over a normal bike that a newbie is unlikely to want to pay.
If you’re older and less abled boded person the idea of giving them a bike that is heavy and more alquard to ride confuses me. If something goes wrong (battles die, motor buggies up or any other normal biking mechanical) how on earth are they meant to b able to push this paper weight back to the car/trail head? And because they can now pedal further than before they will be further away from the car/trail head. Come across a fallen tree, locked gate or unridable feature of trail how are they meant to pass it? Relies on other riders to help them out.
So who is the ebike meant to be for?
The bike industry is too focused on the immediate future and sales that ebikes will bring, and not focused enough on the long term impacts of adding motors to the sport. What will biking look like in 10 years if we are already introducing emtbs in races today?
This made me throw up in my mouth a little.
Well if you are riding a pretend bike you might as well have pretend fans too!
What a joke this is, Sam if you think pedalling up hills is just something that sucks between the fun stuff then go ride a dirt bike man! wtf is XDURO? You goofs all just motorbike up the hill between downhill runs? Welcome to cycling where we actually use our legs.
come on people dont fall for this bs. I dont think ebikes should all be destroyed but they need to be handled differently and treated as what they aim to be intended for a cycling AID so why the f are they now being advertised as the raddest bikes to rip around on.......people are dumb and if its shown jumping people will be like "oh i guess they can be jumped i will buy one even though i am perfectly fit as is".
i ride lots of different trails but mostly xc so i enjoy the climbs as its part of the interest so nope no sale for me. so not every cyclist needs these.
i wont lie when im older and if i develop issues that stop me cycling i will consider one of these but i will not pretend i am on the same level as an actual cyclist. to do that makes a mockery of all the effort and hard work people put into being good at cycling and that i believe is the real issue here.
Sam needs to feed his family and he probably got a good deal with Haibike so good for him. I wonder how many of the haters would reject a sponsorship deal with a fat check based on their principles.
Second, "a family to feed" is a reason as valid as "I want money to spend on strip clubs", it's my money and as long as its legal, no one has anything to do with it, unless you're a public figure and you are hired because of what you represent. See the diference? Ah, and again, having opinions contrary to yours doesn't mean HATE, but even if it means, we live in a free society, and no one is forced to enjoy the same things. No all things are black or white, hate or love, good or bad.
"I wonder how many of the haters .."
@bosnianrider: you use hate two times in your post to describe anyone who has a different opinion than yours on ebikes, read it again. Basically or I agree with you or I'm hater. That's the bottom line, you don't even consider that other views maybe valid, legit, worth considering, no, it's all about hate.
I still cannot see where did I imply that somebody doesn't have the "right" to intense dislike or to different opinion to mine and also, I didn't express my feelings about ebikes...
You know It doesn't trigger anything, is just misleading and negative, it portraits other opinions as dumb, raged by emotions and not arguments. And if you're interested you'll see there's plenty of good and valid arguments around. Read it again.
"Be happy for ebikes the life would be miserable if there was nothing to hate... ---------- HATE
Sam needs to feed his family and he probably got a good deal with Haibike so good for him. I wonder how many of the haters would reject a sponsorship deal with a fat check based on their principles" --------HATERS
see?
I was browsing through the comments and I had a reaction to (those) people spewing "intense dislike" about Sam Pilgrim's choice to sign with Haibike. Do I think nobody has the right to question anybody's choice who to sign with? Yes. Do they have the right to their opinion? Yes. Do I have the right to express mine (in a civilized manner)? Yes. Now peace off...
If you're browsing comments you probably noticed that in both sides there are more extreme arguments than others, but that doesn't mean one side has haters and other doesn't. I will say it again, Sam lives and breathes, gets sponsored because of his fans, so he has to deal with positive and negative opinions, that's reality he, me and you cant escape. He is no "ordinary" bloke and this "publicity" stunt will get him a decent reward.
peace off, real mature. Oh well that sums it up.
I just got into mtb almost 2 yes ago and I go to your site for
Mtb info, due to all the cool mtb info/articles/videos/etc
There are a lot of people that rely and turn to your
Site for all the mtb info you provide.
This sport is still on the rise and growing.
Please do think about what your focus is/etc.
Or, I hope this is a joke and I can like the guy again.
I don't have an e-bike, and don't want one at this point in time, they are too heavy and ugly, but I don't care one way or the other if someone else is riding one, as long as they don't wreck the local trails.
its what the majority wants but is not what you want.......why is that?
2300 for a an overpriced hardtail piece of shite with a very low spec suntour 1 1/8th quick release fork complete with welds so bad it looks like i made it ....no thanks.
Honestly good move from Haibike and and awesome move from Pilgrim sign up with Haibike. Which they also make non motorized bikes which are pretty awesome.
also Sam acts like such a smug guy bragging about how many people he passed up the hills pushing. I dont hate you Sam eveyones has to earn a living but i couldn't do this with a good conscience. That said im not knocking your riding skills and you as a person just the pr spin put into this but i get it you wanted sponsorship and haibike has the money.
youtube vid:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6VSQktWHT4
But why so much hate..? They serve a purpose there not for everyone and there not supposed to be for everyone, no young fit guy is gonna be buy one to beast his or her mates up a hill.
Just relax ppl! Bigger things happening in the world you need to actually worry about
Just ride your f@#king bike what ever it is
Happy new year everyone ✊????????
This often followed by very average downhill performance and the rider being caught up again - it totally removes 'natural order' of things.
If it was just those that 'needed' electric bicycles then fine but it isn't, a lot of them are groups of guys they have enough money to buy a new toy and are happy to remove the effort previously required to climb the very short hills here.
Rather than being stressed about a natural order I just went with it and enjoyed the man versus machine. Thankfully the end of the loop is down so man won.
However there is something that I have been trying to figure out that I am having trouble with. What is the big difference between taking a shuttle, or a chairlift, to the top of a gravity ride, than riding an electric up?
It is an interesting time in the industry and who knows how it will all shake out. There is a place for electrics and as much as I hate to say it, it could well be on the trails we ride and share with hikers, horses, runners, dogs, etc. The familiar triangle we see at ever trail head may become a square....electrics yield to everyone. So be nice, do not take away their keys and make them peddle out; do not piss on or short out the electrical connections and make them peddle out; be nice and help them load up their heavy bikes after a long day in the saddle.
I must confess that I have ridden a high end full suspension pedal assisted bike and it was fun, and the smile didn't leave my face for the whole ride. For the first time in over 40 years of riding and racing I knew what Lance Armstrong must have felt like pedaling uphill. The power, the pace, the watts were addicting, but I couldn't help but feeling that I was cheating myself out of the pure natural pleasure of pedaling. Maybe in my late 80s, if it is the only way to keep me riding, I will need the assist. If so don't judge me, just smile when you pass me on the downhill.
This then follows with a bumbling descent of around the same pace and the being caught, no point passing though as they will be up your arse on the next uphill as they twist the throttle.
Big mountain / alpine then fine, I mentioned that earlier and think ebikes are decent there when you have 1hr climbs and 20min descents .
Mine and many others irk is with them at the average undulating trail centre where they are just bit needed unless you are suffering from a physical issue, or just want to buy some ability of course.
Lycra clad xc bros used to hate on dh as being for lazy people. PB has never knocked shuttling or lift access. Everyone says they want to ride Whistler, but you want to provide your own motor instead of taking the lift and suddenly there's no place for people who want to gain attitude without the effort.
Aside from that, everyone is worried about bikes being banned everywhere because selfish people like you want to chase down people on their eBikes.
If stands has anything to do with it then Strava needs update to keep up with the times and make a new category.
As for getting trails closed... What? Supply, demand, and politics man. Currently the demand for trails is higher for hikers due to shear numbers. The supply is stable so access is regulated (politics).
Ebikes will make a new class of trail users with their own level of demand. It may make for new trails to meet demand, it may take some weight from hikers as trail users and swing it toward wheeled trail users.
So forget about trailmageddon and recognize that ebikes aren't a big deal.
It's going to happen soon. There is already more demand than ever for mtb trails and access is not growing. EBikes are not going to magically help the situation. And eBikes are not good for the politics in any way shape or form.
I think ebikes could help us for a couple reasons. One of them being that the age of the average rider is up there and they may become more associated with leisure than sport. Golf courses seem to have a lot less trouble than bike trails for reasons I can only assume have to do with old rich white guys. Maybe ebikes can do the same. Already young business men prefer trails to fairways. Maybe the old heads will get in on it too.
More people using parks gets them more funding. Way more bike trails have become available in the last 20 years since I started riding, and that's in NY where the DEC hates bikes! Public pressure has forced the issue.
I hope I'm right for both our sakes.
I bet most people on here are on these new size wheel right.?
Any how good on you sam shred the f*ck out of em hate it or love people but you are gunna see a lot radness coming from the ebikes
Few months ago, I just built a Cube Stereo bike, and with my ignorance, I didnt think about Cube is a huge ebike seller. The last ride I had 1 week ago I was astonished about how many ebikes were on my trail. This is not good.
So, in a way, the e-assist bike played a part in the birthing of freeride mountain biking.
And now, Bjorn has started an e-bike company, retrofitting Santa Cruz bikes with an electric motor:
krankedbikes.com/e2bikes
All the best to Sam in his endeavours????
They wont make a dirt jump bike for him, especially not an e-bike one - they will just buy in some open source frame from Taiwan and pop some stickers on it and then use him to make gimmicky circus type videos of him doing massive hucks and mad jumps on a the e-bikes
Total crap - pedal bikes are pedal bikes, get help from a motor and it's something different entirely.
mans gota earn a living and food on the table, I'm not interested in ebikes myself but the vids on his channel are gona be mental. Man does some sick stuff on his channel 'to the sky'
E bike = fun uphill/shitty dowhill
You do realise you have just describe what happens when you pedal a bicycle
So c*nt face . Die
They're here to stay.
Sam needs to make a living.
It'll help people with poor fitness etc get to enjoy cycling etc.
Around here a few of the trails you could ride in reverse if you had the fitness / correct gear ratio. Now I know people shouldn't do it, but I can see people riding back up the trail's using e power, which will be faster than the dedicated way up.
Hopefully not but you're not supposed to push back up the trail either and everyone is guilty of that.
silodrome.com/motoped-pro
Haha f*ck off
Congrats to Sam Hill for progressing and finding a willing sponsor to help fulfil his dream of riding for a living, something most of us wish we could do. He had a working relationship with his last sponsor where money and an expectancy of exchange is arranged and now he has a new and different business deal. Rock on Sam, wishing you all the best!
An occasional dirt bike/motocross video is cool okay.
Pink bike I'll permit you to post dirt bike but not motorcycles
hahahahahah, I am so happy to hear that!!!
Also, love that he said he hates pedaling uphill. just adds fuel to the PB dumpster fire. or will it? smart phrasing there sir.
And saying "man's gotta make a living" is like being OK with your favorite hip hop artist selling out and making country music ????.
The point here and pretty much everywhere across the internet is that the majority of mountain bikers DON'T WANT ebikes and the industry has to stop force feeding them to us like were a bunch if Gerber babies. That and Sam Pilgrim probably couldve went anywhere else, so why Haibike?