A game changer for our families, this kid/grocery hauler replaces our second cars for 6 months of the year. Sure...with crap weather, we leave it in the garage. That said, both pilots and passengers prefer taking the bike over the car in any other circumstance. Easily capable of 2 kids (we have squeezed four little ones on) and a load of groceries in the beefy basket, we ride this thing everywhere. To the lake, Grandma's house, mall, grocery store, soccer...anywhere within 60 miles return trip is in play. The new system uses a Bosh motor which is great. It is capped at 28 mph of motor assist which is plenty when carrying the little ones. Hills are easy with the 90NM of torque and 750W.  Rated at 3705lbs of payload capacity.

MSRP: $2,399 US | Where to buy: Rad Power Bikes

One of the most versatile style of bikes out there, everyone can find great utility in this hybrid bike. Returning to cycling, want to go on family missions, exploring gravel and trails? The Eaglebear Black offers a great package in a durable, performance-minded build offering value. We reviewed this bike and liked it so much we asked to keep it. We rock the 700cc tires for commuting and light trail use but you could order with the 27.5X2.2 off road tires if you were going the off-road build route. Child seat compatible and loads of mounting bosses to truly customize with accessories.

OUR FULL REVIEW

MSRP: $1.300 USD | Where to buy: Eaglebear

This is our trusty steed that both my wife and I use to haul the kids around the neighbourhood. It’s a hybrid equipped bike with an ibert front toddler seat and DIY balance bike carrier. We use it almost daily, be it a trip to the kids’ bike park, the play park, the store, or the rec centre. Having used rear mounted toddler seats in the past, we prefer the front mounted seat for stability and the ability to have our DIY balance Bike rack/storage container mounted on the rear. I also prefer the female sloping top tube on Chinook over a traditional flat male top tube because of the standover clearance. This makes it much easier as a parent to get on and off the bike when fully loaded.

MEC Midtown MSRP: $6,25 CDN | Where to buy: MEC Canada

CTY 1.1 MSRP : $499 USD | Where to buy: REI

We both are on this bike now. Each taking a different approach. One of us bought the complete comp carbon build to harvest the parts for a used frame. The other bought the frame and built from scratch. They both ended up very similar with Fox 36 Factory forks, XO cassettes, one-up carbon bars,  165mm cranks and carbon hoops from NOBL with Onyx hubs. The main difference between our bike builds are the brakes (SRAM codes vs Maguras) and one of us runs the mullet link with 27.5 rear wheel.

What drew us both to this bike is that we both have loads of time on the Levo and fell in love with the geometry (the Stumpy Evo is very similar). The adjust-ability of BB height, chainstays and Head Angle via flip chip and Head set cups is really awesome. Long and low for the bike park and pick your poison for trail riding. It's not just a mm here and a half degree there, these adjustments change the ride characteristics of the bike. Throw in the mullet option via a $70 link and the options are truly vast. Other refinements like the in-frame storage and SWAT tool make this bike so easy to get along with. Probably are most favorite pedal bikes we have ever owned. And with the Sram Universal Derailleur hanger, this bike is compatible with the new SRAM EAGLE Transmission.

MSRP: $5,400-8,600 US | Where to buy: 30% OFF Specialized Direct

I caved first and "bought an ebike for my wife." She loved the Gen 2 Levo from the start as she was not a big fan of climbing. It motivated her more to come out with me and the boys...which was the goal. She commented on how comfortable and stable the bike was descending compared to her YT Jeffsey. In sum, she was sold after the first few pedals.

Myself, I initially resisted taking it out for a ride but I began to use it with the kids to shuttle them up climbs with tow ropes. Not only did this change the game with the boys for longer rides but it hooked me in how fun these bikes are. Fast forward, I sold the Gen 2  and  bought the Gen 3 Levo and I am smitten. This mullet machine (27.5 rear/29 front) has stolen my pocket book as well as my heart. Like Jack, I upgraded to the lifetime warranty and lower maintenance NOBL 41 carbon wheels. I'm now 70% ebike 30% pedal bike as the amount of descending you can get is infectious.

You can pound out laps in a short amount of time and you get better at descending (there is a reason whistler kids are so good, the chairlift).  The work out is almost as intense as a regular  MTB if you want it to be and the uphills are just as exhilarating as the descents in some circumstances but your legs are not bagged the next day like a normal big ride. Jump on your regular bike and you feel like champ on the descents as it feels like a feather.

OUR FULL REVIEW HERE

MSRP: $11,00 US | Where to buy: Specialized

I treated myself back in March 2020 knowing it would be a Corona year and lots of riding on my own. Somewhat hesitant at first, I decided to pull the trigger on an emtb. While Colin uses his to tow his kids a lot, I wondered if I would ride it often enough to justify having it in the stable. After 2  full summers on it, the answer is yes and I will always have one moving forward. With two kids under 5, I can get more riding in during a much shorter window and not be beat the next day. More than that, Colin and I both have them now and took them on our annual without kids pilgramages. We could explore new areas we would never have the time or stamina to do...it's amazing. We also came to realize these things are fast on the descents and incredibly stable with the low center of gravity and bigger tires. Best on open line of sight trails, we were going downhill bike fast and feeling like kids again!

I'm now on ebike number two. The 180/170mm Norco Range VLT with 900Wh battery and NOBL 41 rims has me loving life. My primary trails are a fire road climb with steep fast descents. Like Colin, I am grabbing the ebike 70% of the time now. Had you asked me 2 years ago if I would be ebiking the majority of the time I would have said you are crazy. They really are that fun, just give it a go...you will not be dissapointed.

MSRP: $8,299 | Where to buy: Jenson USA