Originally Posted by
Steely Dan
hmmmm......... i hadn't considered that potential pitfall.
can anyone with e-bike winter experience speak to the issue of battery performance/life riding in extreme cold?
I ride a Stromer ST-1. I've put on a bit over 13K miles over the last few years.
- Fenders: Not a big fan. I prefer to ride without. But here in Greater Denver, there's not usually much water, but a lot of debris. Taste varies.
- Cold impact on battery/range. Yes, it's a real issue. I make sure I keep the battery *inside* except when riding. There's still a range reduction.
- I've ridden down to 10 df. My commute is about an hour ... I keep a charger at work ... during the summer I could easily do without. During the winter, it's a must have.
- Studded tires, an absolute must have. The normal Stromer tires are about 2.1" (not fat, but certainly not classic road ;>). My studded tires are 1.75" ... normal width would be better, but black ice happens ... so stud up sooner rather than later.
The BD site makes some interesting claims about motors. Stromer doesn't use Bafang, but does use a hub motor. Stromer provides spare parts and warranty ... just one counter example. The cited bike seems like it ONLY has a throttle ... which can certainly work, but it's the very cheapest sort of ebike ... not very satisfying to ride (torque sensing, so assist goes up as you put in more effort) is (IMNSHO) best.
You can do better at that price point, either used (many options) or something like a Radrover (throttle+cadence assist). For just a bit more, a previous year (or two) model Haibike perhaps (my wife's steed, torque sensing, mid-drive).
I can't speak to subzero riding, perhaps this winter ... or perhaps I'll wimp out below 10df again ;>