Vailen
Member
Hello everyone. I recently joined this forum and, not surprisingly, you have met another person interested in purchasing an e-bike.
I used to be an intense mountain bike rider, but now in my 50s trying to do that kind of mountain biking is too difficult for me. Now we have e-MTBs – a game changer. I also had the opportunity to ride a few different fat bikes (not electric) and absolutely loved how they ride. With my new bike and electrical assist, I want to go deep into the forests for a casual ride, maybe some overlanding, as well as ride on the road and bike paths alongside my wife with her e-bike.
I have a philosophy when buying these machines: save your money, make a huge investment, and keep that investment for decades. I only recently had to let go my 27-year-old mountain bike as it was too costly to repair (i.e., I am better off buying a new bike).
I want an “everything” fat bike. That is, good for overlanding, good for trail riding (although not the most technical or toughest trails), good for road riding, and good in all types of weather as I enjoy riding in rain and snow. As I age, comfort has become an extremely important concern. Traditional MTBs have a more aggressive riding posture that my back would not react well to. A more upright, relaxed position is preferable, and I can usually achieve this by installing an adjustable stem. I also require dual suspension and strongly prefer a mid-drive motor as I will be climbing hills on roads and trails often. I am also only 5 ft 4 in tall. With shoes on I may gain about ½ inch, but a small frame would be preferable if I can find one. Otherwise, I will have to get a medium-sized frame (which is meant for people at least 5 ft 6 in tall).
I have narrowed down my options to two bikes, but I am open to other models if anyone has something better:
The QuietKat Ibex is a great e-bike. I will be test riding a comparable model soon to make sure I am comfortable with a medium-sized frame. Apparently, they do not make small frames in this model although their Rubicon (no longer available) had all the same specifications and was available in small (sigh).
Another limitation of the Ibex is the gearing. I would prefer more gearing options, especially the Rohloff 14-speed hub. I am not certain if the Ibex (or any of the QuietKat models) could be upgraded with that hub. I have sent them an e-mail asking that question.
Rambo Venom
This bike is amazing and has everything I want in an e-fat bike including the Rohloff 14-speed hub. However, it does not have dual suspension (the QuietKat Ibex does). The Venom’s battery has less capacity than the Ibex, but I can live with that. Conversely, the Venom supports mounting dual batteries, which doubles the range. This bike also has a removeable throttle button in case you go to an area where throttles are not allowed (not sure if the Ibex has this function). The Venom is only available in one size: medium.
How do I Choose?
As long as I can use the controller to set the bike as class 1, class 2, class 3, or unlimited, then I can stay within the legal limits of almost anywhere I go. Right now, if I buy one of these bikes, I have to sacrifice dual suspension (Venom) or the Rohloff speed hub (Ibex). I want both. I have e-mailed QuietKat to see if a Rohloff upgrade is possible, as well as Rambo Bikes if they intend to create a future version of the Venom that has dual suspension.
Assuming both responses above are negative, which bike would you choose? Or, does anyone know of an e-fat bike that combines the best of the 2 bikes above? Or maybe a different bike I have not considered? Your feedback is *greatly* appreciated. Thanks!
I used to be an intense mountain bike rider, but now in my 50s trying to do that kind of mountain biking is too difficult for me. Now we have e-MTBs – a game changer. I also had the opportunity to ride a few different fat bikes (not electric) and absolutely loved how they ride. With my new bike and electrical assist, I want to go deep into the forests for a casual ride, maybe some overlanding, as well as ride on the road and bike paths alongside my wife with her e-bike.
I have a philosophy when buying these machines: save your money, make a huge investment, and keep that investment for decades. I only recently had to let go my 27-year-old mountain bike as it was too costly to repair (i.e., I am better off buying a new bike).
I want an “everything” fat bike. That is, good for overlanding, good for trail riding (although not the most technical or toughest trails), good for road riding, and good in all types of weather as I enjoy riding in rain and snow. As I age, comfort has become an extremely important concern. Traditional MTBs have a more aggressive riding posture that my back would not react well to. A more upright, relaxed position is preferable, and I can usually achieve this by installing an adjustable stem. I also require dual suspension and strongly prefer a mid-drive motor as I will be climbing hills on roads and trails often. I am also only 5 ft 4 in tall. With shoes on I may gain about ½ inch, but a small frame would be preferable if I can find one. Otherwise, I will have to get a medium-sized frame (which is meant for people at least 5 ft 6 in tall).
I have narrowed down my options to two bikes, but I am open to other models if anyone has something better:
- QuietKat Ibex
- Rambo Venom
The QuietKat Ibex is a great e-bike. I will be test riding a comparable model soon to make sure I am comfortable with a medium-sized frame. Apparently, they do not make small frames in this model although their Rubicon (no longer available) had all the same specifications and was available in small (sigh).
Another limitation of the Ibex is the gearing. I would prefer more gearing options, especially the Rohloff 14-speed hub. I am not certain if the Ibex (or any of the QuietKat models) could be upgraded with that hub. I have sent them an e-mail asking that question.
Rambo Venom
This bike is amazing and has everything I want in an e-fat bike including the Rohloff 14-speed hub. However, it does not have dual suspension (the QuietKat Ibex does). The Venom’s battery has less capacity than the Ibex, but I can live with that. Conversely, the Venom supports mounting dual batteries, which doubles the range. This bike also has a removeable throttle button in case you go to an area where throttles are not allowed (not sure if the Ibex has this function). The Venom is only available in one size: medium.
How do I Choose?
As long as I can use the controller to set the bike as class 1, class 2, class 3, or unlimited, then I can stay within the legal limits of almost anywhere I go. Right now, if I buy one of these bikes, I have to sacrifice dual suspension (Venom) or the Rohloff speed hub (Ibex). I want both. I have e-mailed QuietKat to see if a Rohloff upgrade is possible, as well as Rambo Bikes if they intend to create a future version of the Venom that has dual suspension.
Assuming both responses above are negative, which bike would you choose? Or, does anyone know of an e-fat bike that combines the best of the 2 bikes above? Or maybe a different bike I have not considered? Your feedback is *greatly* appreciated. Thanks!