Retyred1

Hardtail all the way for me. I’ve always said if I’m still riding at 80 years of age I may look at a FS, but meanwhile the hardtail does all I want. Sometimes think owners believe they need the most expensive bike (which usually are FS) thinking that it’ll climb and perform better. The opposite normally happens.

I think you brought well. I'm no expert as the only ebike I've ever ridden is a Yamaha powered Haibike. But I love it.

A wee bit of trivia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Street In New Zealand a couple hundred kms from home. I've walked it and it really is steep!

I agree here RobF, I've had a Haibike Sduro (Yamaha) for near 2 years and done over 2500kms. Never once replaced the chain or any other gear - in fact I've only ever had 1 puncture. I really can't understand why some members are replacing chains and cassettes after a few hundred kms. Going by remarks on here a Yamaha should chew through chains, being practically zero cadence. To be fair I don't bother measuring my chain with a Park tool, far rather just do a good visual check. It is kept well oiled with my own mix. Most of my riding is off road mountain tracks ( I live in a mountainous area in NZ) so it does get a good workout. Perhaps at my age I'm not as strong as some riders so this may contribute to chain life. I've never ridden a bike with a hub motor so can't comment on that.

Thanks guys, I think I have my head around what you have said. I guess one of my queries was is it normal for a bike manufacturer to have a tapered head on the frame yet install a straight steerer. I can only assume at this stage that the head is a normal size.

When I purchased my Haibike Sduro Hardnine I knew it was their budget model so I intended to upgrade a few bits as time and $ permitted. The Suntour forks were high on my upgrade list. I have been offered some Pikes off a new bike at a great price but just checked to make sure they would fit. The steering head on my bike had a large taper from bottom to top so thought this was ok but dropped the forks to be sure. The stem was straight! There was a smaller Crown race bearing top and larger on bottom and I guess inserts inside the head. Wondering if this is a true taper head with inserts to allow the fitting of the straight stem or a straight head just made to look good? Never seen this on a factory setup but I guess was done to save a few dollars on the fork setup.

Your probably right, Toyota & Yamaha have a very close relationship with each holding shares in the other company, but not ownership. In the past they have worked with each other on motors and very closely in racing, I once owned an import Toyota van that was supplied to Yamaha racing - even had Yamaha brand on the alloy cam cover! 2012 Toyota & Yamaha entered into an arrangement to build ebikes. Don't know if this still exists.

I believe Yamaha is a subsidiary of Toyota. Sure I've read that somewhere.

D8veh/Jerry, I have never attempted to lace a wheel - it's the only job on my bikes that I am a bit afraid to do. I am replacing the front forks on my Haibike 29 and considering converting from 9mm QR to 15mm through axel, which means a new hub. Would lacing this wheel be achievable by an amateur who is handy with tools & bikes in general, or best to leave to the experts? Would I need any specific tools? Sorry OP for breaking into your thread.

You've certainly had some bad luck with the Kalkhoff, pity, because they do look a nice bike. I have a Haibike Sduro 4.0 Hardnine, which I believe is similar to the Trekking 5.0. Done approx 2000km with absolutly no problems. The Yamaha motor is a little noisier than some other types but it certainly has other advantages. Hope it all goes well for you, you deserve it.

This is an ebike forum so I know I shouldn't be dicussing non electric bike. The argument on hardtail v full sus comes down to horses for courses. Anyone who spends time on a HT will understand the handling advantages, there is a 'directness' that comes from having a ridgid back end that no FS bike can ever replicate. The shorter chainstays and slacker geometry assist around tight corners and the fixed rear wheel position gives great feedback. The latest frame geometry and weight advantages allowed by HT's are the reason most top riders are riding or returning to them.The FS bikes certainly have their advantage downhill where a little more weight can be a good thing. But uphill on that hard slog a good rider on a hardtail wins every time. I hate going fast downhill, it truly scares the hell out of me, plus not having spare dollars to spend and as a most my rides being very hilly and technical a hardtail suits me just fine.

Be very aware before spending a lot of hard earned money on a top spec full sus bike it will not automatically turn you into a good rider. Most top competitive riders use hardtails, unless in downhill events where full sus does help, but for climbing and versatility a top rider on a hardtail will win every time. A full suspension may give you comfort but that's about all. When I used to enter local races it amused us that riders that turned up with top spec bikes, huge suspension travel etc. were usually in the last few to finish.

The OP stated he won't be riding red and blacks.

40 years of biking - mainly off road and I've never had a full sus bike. I have ridden some and don't like them at all, don't seem to climb as good on steep undulating tracks and the general feeling of bouncing do nothing for me. May be good for quick downhill runs though. I would spend my money on a reasonably specced hardtail but don't go overboard with top line stuff - it's not necessary. 160mm suspension etc. are really over the top on an ebike and are aimed at 'look at me!' type riders. My thoughts only.

To me, as a totally uninterested party living half a world away the tour seems to be full of corruption and bullying, but that's just my personal opinion and who am I to question?