After the false start on the Brompton C Line 12 speed, and return, I did some soul-searching. I decided I'd get more use out of a classy folding cargo eBike than a classy folding compact bike, so I just ordered a
Vektron S10 from REI and will pick it up locally.
This will replace my Ride1UP Portola, which was stolen last summer in Colorado Springs, CO.
My garage is getting full, even for a folder that stands on its back, so this may also just replace my Aventon Level.2 and/or Yamaha Wabash RT as well. I love the Aventon, as it rolls well enough to also be a slow/heavy hybrid unpowered. The Yamaha, I just don't gel with and don't ride much. Rather sell it when it's newish than wait several years to figure out it's not getting enough miles.
Anyway, here are the high and lows on the Vektron S10 that sold me on it:
PROS:
+ Bosch PerformanceLine motor has a good reputation, rated for 65 Nm of torque. I hope it is geared appropriately for the Class 1 top speed; if so, it will climb ANY hill, even fully-laden.
+ Light-ish for an multi-speed folding eBike @ 49 lbs. That's about the same as a single speed Lectric XP Lite 2.0, but with more range and lower gearing when needed.
+ Telescoping seatpost and Andros stem will let this adjust to fit my 5'2 wife as well as myself. (5'9)
+ Atlas rack has feet on the back, so it'll stand vertically to keep the garage footprint small, even unfolded. It's also KLICKfix-compatible, so my Vincita rack back can go on it. It has lower rails too, maybe the bike is long enough that I can use my Ortlieb panniers on it as well...
+ Tern seems to have a robust range of quality accessories
+ Big Apple tires; I had these years ago and liked the supple ride they gave. Mid-grade puncture protection, too. (I'll probably add some tube sealant, just to be sure)
+ Steering tube-mounted luggage socket. It won't use my ZiZZO shopping bag, but I quickly got spoiled by having a QR bag up there that didn't load the steering up.
+ Mid drive, Class 1 only w/torque sensor should give a natural feel, if my wife wants to ride it. (she doesn't like the old school cadence sensor on our Lectric XP Lite; she and my stepdaughter have each crashed it once due to it taking off on its own when rolling the bike causes the crank to turn; that's not an awesome design)
CONS:
- Chain/derailleur drive. I kinda wanted belt drive and was thinking about the HSD, but it's an extra $1500. Not sure I'd use a dedicated cargo bike enough to justify the expense at this stage of my life.
- Heavy, for a folding bike with 20" wheels.
- Spendy; could've gotten a G Line or Bike Friday with this money, so I hope I enjoy the electric aspect enough!
- QR skewers are not a great spec on this bike. I'm going to either have to replace them with something secure or bring extra locks if I go to Chicago with it. Would've rather had through axles and include the little handle-wrench that's easily removable. (like on modern road bikes)
UNSURE:
+/- Hydraulic disc brakes and strong and have great feel, but are not a great combo with QR skewers.