Problem Zone Drivetrain: Chainsucks & Broken Chains on an E-MTB
As applies to our entire lives: if something’s fun, it’s worth doing! And dang, E-MTBs are fun. But unfortunately it’s the sort of precarious fun that can come to an unwanted, jarringly-abrupt end should your chain break. And, let’s face it; it’s a fairly frequent occurrence…
We’re proud of our comprehensive bike tests and the years of experience that our team have built up within the segment of ePerformance, a world we’ve been pushing since 2012. What’s more, we’re fascinated by today’s crop of E-MTBs and the electrifying fun that they deliver. Over the past few years as new developments have emerged years, both the performance and their durability have rapidly advanced. However, it’s not all sunshine, as there are still some decisive developments that need to be carried out when it comes to certain components. After all, it tends to be the small details that can make the most monumental differences to a bike. With E-MTBs, it’s often a question of reliability (or lack of) and the (too short) lifespan of the motor. Then there’s the chain, of course.
During our recent tests over the past few months in the Alps, Spain, Scotland and on our home trails around Stuttgart, we frequently got stuck with chainsuck and breaks. Initially we blamed the monster-esque calves on our test riders (which including a pro enduro racer), or perhaps their excessively aggressive riding style was to blame for pushing the materials to its limits. But after a multitude of ‘Game Over’ moments – even for the less aggressive riders in the test team – it was clear that the materials were guilty.
While a broken chain is easily repaired with a chain tool, its trickier sibling – the chainsuck – means that an office-bound colleague is forced to come and collect both the bike and the rider so that the bike can get fixed in our in-house workshop. Frustrating at best, it’s even worse when you’re out on a long ride in wintery conditions with no real option for a rapid repair.
But there’s good news: rumour has it that the US manufacturer SRAM as well as Shimano are working on developing E-MTB-specific shifting and drivetrain solutions. And given our experience over the past few months, all we can say is: Hurray! Cheers to much more durable riding fun!
Have you been going through the same frustrations as us? Give us a follow on our Facebook page and let us know the experiences you’ve had with the drivetrain on your E-MTB. We’re curious to hear your thoughts.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
