Assistance Upgrading My eBike, $2K - $3K Price Range

Doy on 16/04/2023 - 10:56

G'day! Looking for the advice of people who know what they're talking about, which doesn't include myself :~)

I'm currently rocking a Valk MX6 which has been a great introduction to a decent eBike (mainly commuting around the city and the occasional use on the trails), which has grown my confidence riding and gotten me deeper into the hobby.

Specs of the MX6:

Powerful 250W N Drive Brushless System
Shimano 7-speed SIS-Index Gears and Derailleur
Low Profile MAXXIS Pace tyres
High performance VELO saddle
Easily removable 36V 10Ah Li-ion battery
Up to 45km on a single charge
Large LCD Display
Front and Rear Hydraulic Disc Brakes
XDT Adjustable front wheel shocks with lockout
Lightweight 6061 Alloy frame
Bright LED headlight

I have a budget of $2K - $3K to upgrade to a really solid eMTB that'll last me for a while. I'd love to get some recommendations, but would also like to understand better what parts are going to be the main 'upgrade' compared to a more budget option like the MX6, and what makes that noticeable in day-to-day use.

Current obvious choice is the NCM Moscow Plus (detailed part list provided), but absolutely keen to hear your suggestions up to the $3K mark.

Thanks very much - deeply appreciated!

Sports & Outdoors Electric Bicycle

Comments

  • Porker on 16/04/2023 - 11:16

    What is wrong with your current bike or what dont you like about it?

    A working bike is a working bike. Improvements will be at durbality or weight saving, but for the most part, all bike parts fundamentally operate the same.

    In terms of biggest notable improvement, then I'd say it's getting a good set of wheels. More efficient with less resistence and improve rotational mass.

    You’ll notice travelling further per pedal stroke, but this is typical for non-ebikes. I have 2 mtb ebikes and the difference shines with off-road trail riding, but with road riding / commute, they have the same performance.

    • jv on 16/04/2023 - 11:48
      -2

      What is wrong with your current bike or what dont you like about it?

      The seat isn't comfortable.

  • deme on 16/04/2023 - 11:19

    Easily removable 36V 10Ah Li-ion battery

    Why

    • bargainy on 16/04/2023 - 11:28

      Security?

      • JIMB0 on 16/04/2023 - 11:32
        +1

        It'd be more likely to get knocked off if its easily removable.

        • GrueHunter on 16/04/2023 - 12:44

          If you're dumb enough to leave it on the bike, sure

    • Euphemistic on 16/04/2023 - 13:27

      Maybe so you can bring the battery inside to charge while the bike stays outside?

      • deme on 16/04/2023 - 13:33

        Just put it on your coworkers desk, simple.

  • Hybroid on 16/04/2023 - 12:08

    Have both the NCM Moscow and Aspen models and they’re fantastic. Really capable off-road biking trails built well. Batteries removable and last longer than ever needed.

    You can get a replacement control unit that adds a trigger button instead of just pedal assist for very tricky uphill terrain (but note not legal on public roads).

  • j ck on 16/04/2023 - 13:23

    would you recommend the valk? I am currently searching for an ebike and would be interested to hear your thoughts.

  • pegaxs on 16/04/2023 - 15:12
    +3

    If you are going to spend $3k on "upgrades", why wouldn't you just spend that $3k on a mid drive bike instead? Mid drive bikes offer way more torque and pedal assist than hub drive variants.

    For example, Reid Cycles have a mid drive hard tail for $2300 that is within your "upgrade" budget for a complete bike with mid drive. Spend the extra $700 on upgrading the forks to something decent.

  • Haplo on 16/04/2023 - 16:22
    +1

    Agree with pegaxs, a mid drive with a torque sensor is a very different bike to a hub driven one, feels more natural to me.

    I'm currently enjoying riding this around the traps, very similiar bike to the Reid.

  • shaybisc on 16/04/2023 - 16:53

    "The Maxxis Pace uses small, tightly spaced knobs to create a tire with low rolling resistance. Originally intended for XC use, the Pace has proven to work well for slopestyle, pump track, and dirt jumping."

    Why did you pick those tyres?

    • witheredcouch on 16/04/2023 - 17:05

      Because those are the tires that came on the bike?

  • Triceratops on 16/04/2023 - 18:45

    With your current budget it is important to know what it is with your current bike you are finding limiting as you are not going to be able to get an all-over improvement within your budget but can probably upgrade key area(s).

  • bargaino on 17/04/2023 - 01:33

    I see 2 weaknesses on the current bike:

    • 7 speed: This means it has a freewheel and limited 14-28 tooth range (probably). A bike with 8-speed or more is likely a cassette with 11-34 or so, a much better range. And you could even upgrade to more. The Moscow Plus has this, but the standard Moscow has the same basic gears that you have already.

    • rear hub drive. That is fine on road, but for a mountain bike, mid-drive with torque-sensor is far better. If the current bike is working, keep your money until you find a good mid-drive in budget. (Like the recent ALDI or Costco e-MTB deals posted here.)

    Maybe get some fancy shocks :-) https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/769073

    • Euphemistic on 17/04/2023 - 08:19

      You can’t just get an 8speed cassette/freehub hub fitted to a hub with a 7sped freewheel cluster and if the rear hub is also a motor you’ll need a new motor as well. Better off buying a new bike.

      • bargaino on 17/04/2023 - 11:01

        That was exactly my point, sorry if unclear. The 8-speed could be upgraded to say a 10-speed 11-52 (with new shifter and derailleur), but with an old-type freewheel you are stuck. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/756157

        • Euphemistic on 17/04/2023 - 11:09

          Thoug it as much, but also thought it needed clarifying so OP doesn’t head off to a bike shop, ask them to pop a cassette on and get disappointed.

  • Doy on 24/05/2023 - 13:49
    +1

    Thanks everyone for your input on this. To clarify – yes I'm looking at actually getting a new bike (not upgrading current one!) for hybrid use around the city and occasional mountain biking, to compensate for some mobility issues.

    Your suggestions look good – I was wondering how you'd rate the deal from this morning in comparison to ones like the Reid E-Trial or 99 Bikes VelectriX you mentioned? @bargaino @pegaxs @Haplo

    Even though the Avant is discounted all the way down to $1.8K, my sense is I'm not going to find much better in the <$3K range? Looks like all these options best the NCM Moscow Plus.

  • GhostDC on 23/06/2023 - 15:19

    It might be stretching your budget a bit but I highly recommend Cube bikes from 99 bikes. Wife and I have these, I use mine along with two kids (front and back seat) to go on fire roads up/down mountains. They are also comfortable enough to cruise on the pavement.

    The good thing about these bikes is that you get the same motor that are on $8k+ bikes with a good platform to upgrade if you wish.
    https://www.99bikes.com.au/cube22-reaction-hybrid-pro-400-fl…

    Or this one which has a slightly lower specced (less torque) motor
    https://www.99bikes.com.au/cube22-reaction-hybrid-performanc…

    There is always sales on at 99 bikes and you can usually stock up on gift cards to reduce the prices down a bit more. ;)

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