NeezyDeezy
100 W
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2009
- Messages
- 149
I'm interested in a new build. I rode a KHS softtail with a 9C fed 2k watts for years, but gave up out of frustration from constant maintenance issues, mostly non-ebike mechanical things. For me I've hated constantly replacing disc brake pads, this has been discussed a lot and seems like you can basically fix with regen, so that will be a priority for my new build, probably using a GMAC. Easy. But the one I don't know how to best address is front and rear shock issues - this one I don't see discussed as much... To keep my marzocchi bomber fork and KHS softtail mechanism working correctly requires attention every couple months or more and I've had more costs than I'd want with having the have the lowers replaced on the fork and the softtail rebuilt. The standard advice involves cleaning and lubrication refills every 25 riding hours and a full service (strip down, seal replacement and full oil change) every 200 hours. That's WAY more work than I want to do myself or take the time and expense to have a bike shop do for me!! Plus, we put more use and abuse on ebikes than standard mountain bike parts are designed for.
It seems to me the easiest "solution" from a maintenance perspective is stick with hardtail and rigid fork and go fatbike tires. That might help with comfort but doesn't help as much with stability eg keeping the wheels on the road at speed. But, if people are happy with that at 2k watts and on roads at 35mph, I'd love to hear that as it would be great. What do you think?
Alternatively I see some go with beefier shocks more geared towards motorcycles, but that involves a lot more DIY than I want to do. But the standard here for people using about the amount of power I want to use seems to just be to use downhill mountain bike front and rear suspension, so I'm curious what maintenance do you do on your front and rear shocks? How often do you clean, lube, and service them?
It seems to me the easiest "solution" from a maintenance perspective is stick with hardtail and rigid fork and go fatbike tires. That might help with comfort but doesn't help as much with stability eg keeping the wheels on the road at speed. But, if people are happy with that at 2k watts and on roads at 35mph, I'd love to hear that as it would be great. What do you think?
Alternatively I see some go with beefier shocks more geared towards motorcycles, but that involves a lot more DIY than I want to do. But the standard here for people using about the amount of power I want to use seems to just be to use downhill mountain bike front and rear suspension, so I'm curious what maintenance do you do on your front and rear shocks? How often do you clean, lube, and service them?