Are you interested in an electric bike but are overwhelmed with the choices available? The dual suspension e bike – also known as a full-suspension e-bike is a great choice for cyclists of all ages and experience levels.
- Part 1: What are the Product Pros
- Part 2: What is the Dual Suspension E Bike Classification Process
- Part 3: Your Buying Guide to Dual Suspension E Bikes
Part 1: What are the Product Pros
The dual suspension e bike is a popular choice for many riders. A major reason behind this is that the presence of both front and rear suspension makes it easier for the rider to pedal while also traveling at faster speeds. For ease of comparison, an electric bike with only front suspension is known as a hardtail, while an electric bike with no suspension is known as a rigid electric bike. Riders benefit from a comfortable riding experience while also maintaining control over the dual suspension e bike. An additional pro is its ability to maneuver a variety of trails. With features that facilitate cycling, the e bike with double suspension appeals to a wide range of people.
Improved Handling
The electric dual suspension bike allows riders to have a more comfortable ride and improved handling. Due to the e bike’s ability to travel at faster speeds than a regular mountain bike, the full suspension is crucial for riders to have more control of the steering. This is especially beneficial when the rider is entering a tight turn or downhill area at a high speed. Improved handling gives the rider more control regardless of what type of trails they are biking. It reassures a biker’s safety. A cyclist will feel safer navigating bumpy trails because they can rely on the handling that an ebike dual suspension provides.
Comfortable Riding Experience
In addition to the improved handling, the electric dual suspension bike is more comfortable to ride compared to other electric bikes. Due to having a rear suspension, the bike is able to absorb shock when biking on difficult terrain. This is important because it protects both the rider and the bike from injury and/ or damage. For example, if the rider is on a rocky trail, the dual suspension feature will allow the rider to have control over the handling and it will protect them from injury. If the biker were to encounter rockier areas, the bike will absorb the shock instead of throwing the biker off the bike. By reducing the shock of rough terrain on a cyclist’s body, they can pick up more speed and continue riding in comfort.
Able to Handle a Wide Range of Terrain
Another pro of the ebike dual suspension is that it has the ability to handle a wide range of terrain. A bike without dual suspension is often not ready to handle too many bumps on a bicycle path. The dual suspension ebike is able to do that with little to no problem. If a cyclist knows they want to bike a variety of terrains, the handling on a dual suspension e bike is a feature the rider can count on. The e bike won’t sacrifice comfort or speed on a bumpy trail.
Durability
An e bike double suspension is a more expensive bike option. However, due to its ability to withstand rough terrain, the bike has a more durable build. The bike’s ability to absorb rocky paths protects it from damage. By reducing factors that may damage the bike, the bike has a longer lifespan. Hence, any cyclist who knows they will be using their e bike frequently will benefit from the durability of the dual suspension build.
Health
Another pro of the ebike dual suspension is that the motor makes it easier for people to pedal. People who struggled with the strain that pedaling puts on their knees now have an aid in the e bike. For example, grandparents who were restricted from cycling can enjoy riding which benefits their well-being. E bikes don’t just appeal to avid cyclists, they can be used for recreational purposes such as leisurely rides around the neighborhood. Be sure to abide by the rules of your local ordinance. The e bike makes it possible for people who couldn’t use a bicycle before to experience cycling.
The dual suspension ebike offers many benefits to people interested in cycling everywhere. The pros associated with the bikes offer riders a biking experience they have never had. From comfort and improved control, the ability to take on a range of terrains, the durable build, and its appeal to a diverse population of people, the e bikes pros enable it to be a popular option for anyone.
Part 2: What is the Dual Suspension E Bike Product Classification Process
There are three classification levels that rank the different types of e bikes available on the market. You can find some of the best dual suspension e bikes in the following categories. It is important for potential e bike riders to recognize what their cycling intentions are before buying an e bike. Not all classes of e bikes are allowed in residential areas. By recognizing what their biking intentions are, potential cyclists will be able to recognize which e bike fits their needs best.
Class One E Bikes
The first classification of electric bikes are recognized as “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles”. The motors on these bikes only help out a cyclist when they are pedaling. Once a cyclist reaches 20 mph, the bike will cease to provide pedaling assistance. You can use the bikes on any cycling surface.
Class Two E Bikes
The second classification of electric bikes includes bikes that are recognized as “low-speed throttle- assisted electric bikes.” The throttle feature on these bikes will still be in use even if the rider is not actively pedaling. This class of electric bikes differs from the others because it is the only one that does not require the rider to pedal. Just like class one e bikes, the bike stops providing assistance once it reaches 20 mph. You can use them on any cycling surface.
Class Three E Bikes
The third and final classification of electric bikes are referred to as “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles.” This class of e bikes, much like e bikes in the first class, have motors that only assist riders when they are pedaling. They stop providing assistance once the bike reaches 28 mph. Class three ebikes have a minimum age requirement of 16-years-old. In some cases, dual suspension ebikes that are classified as class three bikes cannot be ridden on every surface.
While 28 mph is the top speed, there are e bikes that can go faster than that. In some instances, these electric bicycles are categorized in a fourth class that includes motorcycles and mopeds. Anyone interested in a moped or motorcycle is required to have a license. For safety and legal reasons, you should not bike in areas with a large amount of pedestrians. Traveling at over 28 mph – no matter how good the handling of the e bike is – will make it hard to react and stop quickly enough before hitting a person or animal.
Therefore, understanding the electric bike classes will aid a cyclist in choosing the best dual suspension e bike for them. Once a cyclist knows about the bike classes, they can familiarize themselves with the electric bicycle regulations in their area. Please keep in mind that the three-class tier system may not be recognized in all areas. It is the riders’ responsibility to learn about the e bike regulations in their area.
Part 3: Your Buying Guide to Dual Suspension E Bikes
Once you have identified your ideal type of e bike, it’s finally time to take a peek at some of the best dual suspension e bikes available on the market. In order to assist with the buying process, the following guide details the different build features of electric bikes that buyers should consider. We also give you bike suggestions and split them into two categories: Mid Range Price Bikes, and High End Price Bikes. The categories give buyers an idea of what kind of bikes they may encounter while shopping.
Frame
As with traditional bikes, there are different frames to consider when shopping for electric dual suspension bikes. The four frames to consider are: Traditional (Double Diamond) Crossbar, Step-Through, Trapeze, and Compact/ Mini Velo
● Traditional (Double Diamond) Crossbar: This is the basic bicycle frame of non-electric bikes.
● Step-Through: This frame style eliminates the top tube seen on “Traditional Crossbar” styles which allows riders to “step through” in order to get on the bike seat.
● Trapeze: The trapeze style features a lowered top tube. It is seen as a “sporty” design.
● Compact/ Mini Velo: The compact frame styles tend to have smaller wheels and it is foldable.
Just like how there are different bike frames to consider, a buyer should also consider the frame materials of the bike. The most popular frame materials used on e bikes are aluminum, steel, titanium and carbon fiber.
● Aluminum- Aluminum is the most popular material of e bikes. It is strong, affordable, lightweight, and easy to work with. A downside to aluminum is that it corrodes the quickest of all the listed materials.
● Steel- Steel is more durable than aluminum and is more resistant to corrosion and fatigue resistance compared to aluminum. However, it is a heavy material which will make the bike heavier.
● Titanium- Titanium has an even higher corrosion resistance than steel. It’s straightforward to repair and long-lasting. Unfortunately, it is hard to find which makes titanium bikes some of the most expensive.
● Carbon Fiber- Carbon fiber offers durability closer to steel or titanium and is the lightest of the four materials. Some downsides include that the material is expensive and breaks easier than steel or titanium. Another problem is that carbon fiber bikes can be too lightweight.
Wheel Size
Different bikes have different wheel sizes. When determining your ideal e bike, understanding the wheel size is important. The size of the wheel will determine your speed, stability, and handibility, among other factors.
● LARGE WHEELS – Anything larger than 22 inches. Larger wheels make it easier to ride on a variety of terrains as they are better suited to absorb the shock that comes with uneven and bumpy paths. Additionally, as you reach faster speeds, it becomes easier to coast when a bike has large wheels. Hence, large wheels make it easier to navigate a variety of trails and speeds.
● SMALL WHEELS – Anything smaller than 20 inches. Small wheels are not as common as large wheels. However, smaller wheels make it easier to maneuver and accelerate. Additionally, you may find small frames on small wheels, which means the bike will be lighter.
When looking at electric bike wheels, it is important to remember that they are heavier than the wheels found on non- electric bikes. Since e bikes go faster, you should also consider the puncture protection on the wheel. Puncture protection makes wheels thicker and heavier. Hence, when buying a dual suspension e bike, the size of the wheel is an important factor in both price and user’s biking experience.
Motor
Due to the fact that full-suspension bicycles are equipped with a lot of high-quality components like solid tires and frames. Thus, they can be quite heavy. Motor and battery add additional weight to e-mountain bikes. Therefore, the weight requires a strong drive. Engineers of e-mountain bikes typically prefer mid-drive motors for this reason. And a 750-watt engine will suffice for off-road adventures and any other type of rugged terrain.
Battery
With a few simple checks, you can determine which battery will work best for you. First, you should be aware that more watt-hours equals a greater range. However, the weight (rider+luggage+bike) has a significant impact on your battery’s actual range. In addition to your chosen support level or the terrain’s shape, there are numerous other variables to consider. If you increase your engine’s energy consumption by cycling up numerous uphills, the battery will deplete more quickly than if you cycle on flat terrain in eco mode.
Suspension
If you want a great full-suspension e-mountain bike, the fork and the rear shock are unavoidably crucial. They determine the performance of your e-MTB. The front suspension or fork is the dominant suspension on an electric bike. That’s because electric mountain bikes are typically ridden by riders who place the majority of their weight in the front of the bike. Meanwhile, a rear shock, which is exclusive to dual-suspension electric mountain bikes, is what keeps the bike on the trail, allowing you to maintain complete control over your direction.
Brakes
You must always be in control of your full-suspension e-mountain bike, whether you’re riding a trail or at high speed, so your bike must be equipped with high-quality disc brakes. And due to the fact that full-suspension e-MTBs can weigh up to 25 kg, large discs are recommended.
Gears
Modern full-suspension e-mountain bikes are frequently delivered with one chainring up front and a 12-speed drivetrain, and their impressive range is convincing. Investing more in high-quality components like the drivetrain will reduce breakdowns and improve rider safety.
Buying the Dual Suspension E Bike
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the different components that are common with the e bike double suspension, you can finally consider which bike is perfect for you.
Mid Range Price Bikes
Synergy Kahuna (2020)
The synergy is a class two bike which is perfect for bikers who don’t want to deal with having to pedal. The Synergy Kahuna is a fat tire bike that folds up. You need around six hours to fully charge this bike.
● Price: $2499
● Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
● Wheel Size: 20 inches
BPM Imports F-35X (2019)
This level three bike is great for riders who want to experience biking on different terrains at high speeds. The BPM Imports F-35X is a fat tire bike like the Synergy Kahuna. The battery charging time is around seven hours.
● Price: $1695
● Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
● Wheel Size: 26 inches H13: Mid Range Price Bikes
Giant Stance E+ (2021)
This is one of the less expensive class one bikes available on the market today. The bike battery charges fully in just three hours. The large battery does make the bike ride seem heavier which is something to consider when purchasing.
● Price: $4400
● Frame Material: ALUXX SL- Grade Aluminum Alloy
● Wheel Size: 29 inches
Bulls Iconic Evo Tr 1 Speed (2020)
This is a class three e bike with a battery charging time of 5.5 hours. The bike is heavy but the rider is able to remove the battery which reduces the weight. You can charge the battery on or off the bike frame.
● Price: $5599
● Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
● Wheel Size: 27.5 inches
High End Price Bikes
Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 (2021, 2022)
This class one bike is perfect for riders who are looking to cycle far distances. The charge time for this bike is around 6 hours. Due to how far the bike can travel, the charge is able to hold up for a while.
● Price: $13,549.99
● Frame Material: Optimum Compaction Low Void OCLV Carbon Fiber
● Wheel Size: 29 inches
Trek E- Caliber 9.9 XTR (2021)
Another class one bike, this bike does not have the capacity to travel as far as the Trek Rail 9.9 XX1. The charge time, however, is only 3.5 hours. It is also a very lightweight bike weighing around 36.6 LBS (16.6 kg).
● Price: $12,549.99
● Frame Material: OCLV Mountain Carbon Frame and Stays
● Wheel Size: 29 inches
By understanding the types of dual suspension e bikes available as well as their features, you can feel comfortable about investing in the perfect bike for you. With e bikes rising in popularity, you’re sure to encounter more cyclists than ever before.
