op3studios

greetings from Alaska,

Spring has sprung!

This is my electric bike summer.

Like so many, I am seeking the best bike for my situation.

My task is a bit easier because certain specifics are a selection reducing list.

1. I'm 58, 5'9, 240 – 210 pounds, on my third artificial hip. In pretty fair shape considering.

2. A step through is mandatory.

3. I trend towards wanting a throttle, in addition to pedal assist, should I get a leg problem underway, I want to get home without the pedaling....though under general circumstances I will use pedal assist for exercise.

4. The bike should be designed for commuting and grocery hauling. I'll have panniers on it, and be using the rack often.....grocery runs, and hauling painting gear to the park for painting.

5. Most all of my riding will be on paved bike paths, with a few improved gravel/dirt trails which are designed for ease of use.....I'm done with mountain biking! 25 miles is the longest trip I can foresee, and usually 2-5 miles will be the norm.

6. The bike should not be the heaviest ebike ever made, but heavy enough to be stable, and not too shockey.

.
Selection.

The European bikes seem top notch, like the Kalkoff Tasman looks pretty good. But the dealerships are still rare in the US, and I'm hesitant to buy an obscure bike for the long term, no matter how great it is.

I am also hesitant to buy a Chinese parts bike like Izip. From my research, I feel Izip has responsive customer service, but still, chasing repairs from Alaska is something I'm familiar with, and I don't want it. If I lived in the lower 48 near a big bike center, I'd likely take the risk, but here in Sitka, such a path is asking for trouble, and maybe a bike-less summer. I'm OK at non-electric bike maintenance, and this will be an indoor stored bike, but I don't want a needy bike that I have to walk home. (I've not the experience to knock Izip....this is my internet research prejudice, not an expert opinion)

I'm willing to pay a fair price for a fine electric bike, but not a premium for the name. Experienced travelers seem to wind up with a Pedago. The Pedago Boomerang looks rather awesome. I'd like to get it right the first time, and Pedago is my current brand of focus, though I'm still flexible to new information.

Any suggestions, experiences, and guidance for my quest are most welcome!

Thank you, may your wheels always be true ~ . ~

Jim

InTheRain

You can do your research at:

electricbikereview.com

here is there "top 10 list."

Top 10 Electric Bikes - ElectricBikeReview.com

op3studios

Thank you for the reply.

I did read that top ten before posting, of the bikes that were stepthrough, only the Izip seemed to fit my criteria.

I intend to go deep this weekend, but so far I'm not reading anything negative about the Pedego....I'm looking at the Stretch now.

There certainly are a lot of choices, I think my specific requirements narrow that field quite a bit though.

It's well worth it to me to identify the best bike for my needs and get it right the first time.

A suggestion for a good mail order electric bike shop would also be helpful. I live in an island town of 8,000.

happy cycling

Jim

InTheRain

I can give you personal opinions based on my own research and test rides. Of the "buy 'em and ride 'em" electric bikes, my favorites are those with the bosch mid-drive motors. However, I don't recall if throttles are available on those bikes - they are very efficient pedal assist bikes. Really responsive to your pedaling and really responsive cutting off the motor when you are not pedaling. They are expensive. If I could have found the "bicycle" that fit my criteria, I would have purchased a bosch mid-drive bike... but, I could not find that bike.

The "bike" that I was looking for was sitting in my garage. The BionX conversion kit was the best (and most expensive) that I could find. Plenty of consumers have installed the system on their own bikes. However, there is an advantage to having an authorized dealer install the kit because the dealer will have software that can customize the pedal assist to your liking.

Pedago? They were the first of the ebikes that I did extensive test rides on. I liked them from the first ride. However, both the Bosch and BionX bikes were much smoother and more responsive. I found that those on the pedego were not the most natural feeling power on a bicycle. Rear hubs felt better to me, the Bosch mid-drives felt the best but were not as quiet as the BionX (which is silent.) Pedago's were definitely more economical than Bosch or BionX.

As far as service, or mail order ebike companies in Alaska... I have no clue. It sounds like it's going to be difficult no matter what. BionX is from Canada... close to Alaska... I guess. Vancouver, BC might be the closest place where you could count on finding several ebike dealers.

Looking at some of your criteria, one of the bikes that comes to mind is the Yuba elBoda Boda:

https://yubabikes.com/cargo-bikes/elboda/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=12&v=jqFbqMDSPKA

My only concern with any step through frame is the battery. Nearly all of these frames have the battery on the rear rack. It's not the ideal position for a battery. The best place is low and near the center of the bike... but that seems to be very difficult to accomplish on a step through frame.

350htrr

What narrows one's choices, is the skills one has to do it yourself, or the money one has, to pay other people to do it for you... "properly" or "addiquitlely" ... There are a multitude of choices out there, you need to decide if you want to "build it yourself" properly, or "adiquitelly" or if you want a "plug and play" system with the bassics or all the bells and whistles... Spell check stopped working....

op3studios

thanks,

well, the step through is a must...I will be carrying cargo, and cannot risk a high swing over as routine in mounting. Otherwise I agree with your points on balance, and the motor mounting restrictions of a step-through.

As to the throttle, I am not firm on this...but would need a compelling reason to surrender it.
I'll look again into the Bosch.....it really is quite expensive, and I'm thinking it's a BMW price, and that I might well find similar value for less. That's why I'm asking. As mentioned, there are many choices.

If I can thread this needle right I will buy only one bike and maintain it my self until it or I gives out.

My location in Alaska means ordering everything and having it shipped in. There is a Specialized dealer here, but I'm not to thrilled with the Specialized selection for step-throughs, given my need for cargo capability.

I used to strip and rebuild from the frame up with my kids....I'm not a 'tec' and certainly not an electrician, but I get around my shop OK.
The idea of installing a hub motor kit is certainly within the realm of possibility.....before winter closed in I was considering a new old stock Kona Africa Bike to convert.

I have the budget to do what I think is best....I've been planing this for quite sometime, but I don't have money to burn....more that at my age it is of great importance to me to stay fit and use this third hip wisely. A quality ebike is worth the expense for the long haul. The fluid motion of pedals is akin to swimming....without the frequent shock of walking. I'm sure with the right bike I will be riding a lot....but mostly on easy improved paths.

The Boda looks to be a fine bike, but the step-through height is a bit high for me I think.

I must say, reading reviews is one thing, and reading user experiences in forums quite another.....many of the companies I considered have great reviews....and show no problems in their marketing, yet user experiences are full of questioning of the honesty of those companies.....customer service may be polite and attentive.....not enough when the bike goes back three times.....

I understand that many startups are trying to place themselves as the Ford or Honda of ebikes, and that reputation is so important that bad press is best hidden.....it is very frustrating, and I find myself writing off a company immediately when I sense this is happening....so my choices narrow further. Pretty soon I'll stick with the bus!

I'm starting to see the benefits of installing a quality middrive kit after purchasing a suitable non electric bike. This opens up a wide variety of choices that fit specific requirements, if one is willing to spend the sunshine time with a screwdriver in hand. It it becoming apparent that to get a quality ready made bike is going to be a hat draw to brand, and an oil well to finance......and oil wells sort of defeat the whole ebike idea. : )

thanks for the tips....your suggestions do help me focus in on bikes that may suit me best. I remain optimistic I will find my bike by, say, next summer.....

Jim

2old

I'm pretty sure Bosch are pedal initiated systems, so that may limit their feasibility for you. Bion X has an excellent reputation for reliability and used on some production bikes, so you might look into that possibility. Ebikesca in Canada is a great company, and the owner, Justin, will answer your concerns, so you might investigate that avenue. I've had very good luck with a Dillenger front hub conversion 350w, 36V which is a very intuitive plug and play which could be placed on a quality step through that you're already comfortable riding. My kit is comprised of "cheap Chinese components", but they're functioning adequately, and every manufacturer that I know of, with the possible exception of Specialized's ebikes uses Chinese products or components assembled elsewhere. Good luck.

op3studios

thank you, this suggestion opens the way to buy a Specialized from my local shop and install a Bion X kit......worthy of consideration!

InTheRain

A couple of things to note if you are going BionX.

1) The rear dropouts need to be to the BionX specification. I believe it is a standard 135mm. My dropouts were 132.5mm. My frame was steel so I got away with a little flex... but aluminum frame... no go, it's got to be to the BionX specification.

2) I would be looking for a bike with disc brakes. Adding a BionX motor and battery add a considerable amount of weight to bicycle. You will appreciate the stopping power of disc brakes. The regenerative braking of BionX is also very helpful in stopping the bike. It works fine with rim brakes, however, I have found that I'm going through brake pads a lot faster (I assume the same would be true for disc brake pads.) My rims will wear much faster also. I would rather replace disc rotors than replace rims and have a new wheel built up.

The nice thing about Bosch - with a mid-drive motor, it's easy to work on the rest of your bike. You can keep your quick release wheels and change flats easily... not such an easy task on hub drives (get the very best puncture resistant tires available - Schwalbe marathon plus... get them no matter what bike you ride... unless you're racing - they are a little heavy for that.)

op3studios

ah, thank you for the tips on the Bosch. Think I'll spend a day or so looking into several step-through or womens frames which are suitable for a good Bosch drive kit upgrade.
No one here will know how to work on it, so I may as well learn by installing it, and I would expect to maintain what ever I get....kit or full ebike. I've wired several recording studios up, so it can't be that hard~

Your tip on the dropouts and the disc brakes are most helpful!

Perhaps I should contact Bosch to narrow the selection of frames....I know I want panniers, I had them on my last bike, and a good rack, and anything to get the battery down low would likely be of advantage.

2old

Bosch is OEM only, requires a specially designed frame; doesn't seem like going out on a limb to say that you need to procure an entire ebike if you want this system. In fact, Xtracycle is the only small size manufacturer they deal with and that's only because Bosch wanted to partner with a company that manufactured cargo bikes (from their sales manager at Sea Otter). It would be worthwhile for you to try some various types of systems which would only happen if you were visiting the lower 48.

op3studios

hmmm, well, I must say the Easy Motion Evo Street is looking pretty sweet as a one shot deal....

Considering the battery placement on a kit with a step-through, there doesn't seem to be an elegant answer....this Evo Street, has everything I wanted and most all suggestions offered in this thread. Bosch is assist only....can't imagine why, except perhaps euro rules? Anyway, this is assist or throttle; my top contender~

Jim
[h=2][/h]

2old

CA, maybe other states, even countries has a new law (still proposed, I think) that would classify ebikes into three categories. The first one is for pedal assist only and 20 mph max; these would have the same classification as pedal only bikes and theoretically allowed to go anyplace that's open to bikes (parks, trails etc). It'll take forever to establish how much counties and cities can regulate, but the bottom line is there's no jurisdiction now anyway, so it's kind of a moot consideration.

op3studios

O, in reference to assist only, I meant that I really want a throttle ability.

I was unable to respond to PM, my post count is still to low. Thanks for the info, I do need to look into custom builds also.

2old

Realized your preference which is why I responded. BBS02 (Bafang or 8 FUN) and GNG and derivatives are the only mid drives that I know of (although probably many more are available) that have throttles as well as pedal activated systems. Presumably most, especially OEM's, are throttle only because they're conforming to European demands.

op3studios

well, I'm going to open the potential gates wide and consider the bikes you mention. $3,000 seems to be the new sweet spot for decent package bikes....not sure where the next threshold will be, but feel it's worth the look. (I used to produce commercials so it's hard not to be cynical.)

whether I can bring myself to afford a bike nearing the cost of an automobile I don't know, but really, it's the same, except the bike can be foundational to a fitness program, especially for me. Cars only work this way when you run out of gas and have to push them~ : )

Given that I'm a thousand miles from the nearest repair facility, spending more now for a reliable bike is totally worth it.


Thanks again for the tips....I know these questions come up so often, and it's easy to get desensitized to them, your engagement is a great help in directing my search.

Jim

350htrr

The hardtail MTB seems like what You want or the explorer hardtail mid drive... High Performance E-Bikes - Hi-Power Cycles

InTheRain

I don't think you can find a hard tail MTB with a very low step through frame... which happens to be very high on the OP's criteria due to hip issues.

350htrr

Ooops... OK the Freedom comfort bike at the HPC site, or SPORTe step thru and/or the VERSAe here. Felt Electric | Feel Empowered

op3studios

thank you for the suggestions....the deep step through of the Verza-e would work, the others are not really step-throughs in my view, but rather low step overs. The artificial hip, especially after 3 of them, requires a focus on movement, the first dislocation teaches you that you do not want another...I could handle any bike today, but next week or next year may only be able to use a low step-through, so I can't fudge there. The word is not 'may' but 'will'; it's a timebombe.

Alas, the Verza-e has that marvelous bosch, which I would leap for except for it is assist only.....the throttle is important to me.

The only bike I've seen so far with all the goods is the Evo 2015 Street, or City. The city has larger wheels, but I'm thinking at 5'9", the Street may still be a better choice for my needs....looks like I would be able to meet the ground almost flat footed at stops.

I'm not hearing anything bad about the Evo 2015 Street, and the video reviews look good. I would prefer to get a complete ebike package with the accessories I want/ shipped. Even considering higher price points, my selection requirements lead to not many choices...so far it's the Evo Street.

Anyone with experience have cautions on this bike, or tips on the wheel size? This is phone week...I'm gonna call Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco, and see what's on offer at the shops.

thanks,

Jim

350htrr

Don't know it this has a throttle but, nice bike... Grace Urban

tds101 

This one, sadly, is pedal assist only. Still, this is a smokin' bike,...but I like the FELT ebikes even more!!!

op3studios

Think I got my bike picked out:

Urban XU700 LS | Comfortable Commuter E-Bike | OHM Cycles


The one I'm looking at is the XU-700 LS-16, with an upgraded Bionix system.....a proven package that meets my criteria.

Additional comments welcome, but I'm starting a purchase file on this.

Panniers, a lock, gel seat and maybe a shock stem, upgraded tires that resist flats, position strap for the pedals, lights.....lol, that list never ends, but it's good to be looking at the next steps.

Thanks again for all the suggestions, the guidance was of great help, and allowed me to recognize the Bionix system as a winner.

The sun is bright and shiny today, about 63f, perfecto mundo.

Jim

350htrr

I would go with the 500w system if you can get it, or at least the battery from that system... On my set up once you start to use the throttle, the range estimate they give my system 105Km drops like a rock. 30Km is the most I would "expect" for that battery that comes standard and not much more for the upgraded battery...

op3studios

yes, I'm upgrading to 500w and extended battery...good advice.

is it worth upgrading tires for puncture resistance?