Some of you may have been following the "why no love for the Specialized Turbo S" thread where my wife and I have been searching for the perfect ebikes for us. Our search has ended, and the purchase has been made.

As indicated in that thread, we test rode MANY different makes/models. We've tested hub drives, mid drives, pedal assist, throttle assist, etc, etc. We also strongly considered building our own. I thought I had found the perfect combination....Surly Ogre with a BionX D-500 kit. It was during the search for a local dealer for the BionX kit that we stumbled on a local bike shop in Portland, Splendid Cycles. They happened to have the Ogre with the BionX kit installed as one of their demo models. How exciting! But what they also had was an extensive stock of cargo bikes. And a new model ebike they just began carrying recently from Wallerang. More test rides were definitely in order.
We went home and overnight the idea of a cargo bike really began to make sense for us. And with a new grandbaby on the way, we could imagine the fun of hauling her around town when we get called upon for babysitting duty. Trips to the local grocers would certainly be more fun.

What we ended up buying were a Wallerang for her, and a Larry vs Harry Bullitt ebike for me. Both have the Shimano STEPS system. We really liked the way they rode and how the pedal assist systems worked. My wife says the Wallerang rode just like a "normal" bike when the pedal assist was off.

One comment I'll make that surprised me. Everyone seems to talk about the power of the ebike motors based on wattage. What really struck me about the STEPS system is the TORQUE those little drive units produced. I'm now convinced Torque is much more important in a pedal assist bike than the wattage of the motor. I know there's a correlation between the two. But how it's executed seems to be more important.

I like cargo bikes, they just are very inconvenient for my purpose... commute. They would be fine on the actual commute. It's just that I can't get one to fit into the elevator at work. We have had several bike thefts on the property and around the property. I'm not willing to leave a bike outside to be stolen or vandalized.

I have ridden a STEPS bicycle. They will do the job. I prefer most of the other motors over STEPS, but that's just my preference. It seems that Shimano has the resources to become one of the leaders in e-bike systems.

Seem like a great solution for you and wife. Let us know how they ride as you get more time on them.

Nice choice Ray. The Shimano STePS system with electric shifting is the setup I liked the best after riding all kinds if looking for a commuter. The only reason I didn't go STePS is it isn't rated for hard off-road MTB use yet (my need at the time). Aside from the Raleigh Misceo iE, the Wallerang stood out, but they hadn't imported them yet. Glad to see they finally got them here in the USA. Cargo bikes are great too, but most are task specific which is wonderful if it meets your task needed.

As they say, let's see some pictures or it didn't happen.

Yeah....Ok.....here ya go.

And that dreaded hill near our house we were concerned about during our e-bike search? On my wife's first ride she tackled that very hill! And without any huffing and puffing!

Wonderful Ray! You two look like some very happy campers. And it looks like you are set up for your family pet too.

Quick question on the Wallerang. What size/width tires come on it and what is the largest width tire that will fit the chain stay and fork? Maybe just measure the extra space on each side of the tire at the 2 points in back and fork in front. Or pictures if you have the time. Thx.

I like the way the Wallerang is so unassuming with fenders and racks, but removing those give it a real MTB/Cross bike look with that straight top tube that goes all the way back to the rear wheel (BMX like). IIRC one of the big initial selling points was the ease of adding and removing the racks. I think that bike won awards at Eurobike a year or two back.

Maybe contact one of your local dealers for a look? I'm sure they can provide better info than me. Links below....

Welcome to DTLA Bikes. We are L.A.'s largest full-service bicycle shop!

High Performance eBikes Sales & Service

I'm thinking about building a bike with the STEPS system. How hard is it to pull the battery off of the bike?

Simple! Turn the key and it pulls off from the top.

Interesting that both bikes have the STEPS system. The Bullitt has a charging port, and the Wallerang does not. LBS says the bike manufacturer decides whether or not to have a charging port on the bike.

I've also now tackled the dreaded hill on the Bullitt. No problem! We're REALLY enjoying these bikes!

FYI, could be wrong, but think the STePS is OEM only.

Shimano was trying to get framebuilders to make STEPs bikes for the NAHBS a couple of years ago. I do know some people with OEM accounts, might have to beg. You can buy the mount for it now, but of course that's not a Shimano product.

Good point.

I'm generalizing, but
Amps = Torque
Volts = Speed
Watts = Amps * Volts