What would be your ideal E-Bike?
#26
Senior Member

I am trying to understand what exactly people look before buying an E-Bike, also problems with current E-Bikes in the market. Let's discuss the following points:
1.Basic Features
2.Exciting Features
3.Problems with current E-Bikes
4.Price range
5. Distance travelled in a single charge
1.Basic Features
2.Exciting Features
3.Problems with current E-Bikes
4.Price range
5. Distance travelled in a single charge
- rack or rack mount option, front suspension, headlight and taillight
- GPS, color display, navigation, full suspension
- Availability and so the price outside te EU?
- 999 - 8000 for (S-)Pedelecs, 1500 - 8000 for Bosch Pedelecs, >5000 for R-Pedelecs and ebikes
- 75km with 500Wh when new, after 10000km maybe 55km whtih 500Wh (Bosch Performance CX motor in assistant level TURBO=300% support of the actual muscle power)
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#28
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So you want a rigid 29er with drop bars? Good luck with that!
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Wide and very long mechanical gearing range.
~
Powerful motor (2kw min) with variable speed PAS.
~
Fully customisable full-function computer.
~
50mph cruise capability.
~
Launch trigger.
~
Road legal mode.
~
12v car horn.
~
Built in lights, Inc floodlight headlamp.
~
Regeneration inc whilst pedalling, whenever needed.
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Ultra comfortable upright riding position.
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Child stoker seating.
~
Use of one or two batteries, depending on workload.
~
Long travel (5in) air suspension, front and rear.
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Hydraulic 4-pot calipers and 203mm floating discs.
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Thick, bomb-proof two-inch wide Supermoto rims.
~
Fat, grippy tarmac tyres.
~
Full fenders.
~
Fitted double panniers.
~
Powerful motor (2kw min) with variable speed PAS.
~
Fully customisable full-function computer.
~
50mph cruise capability.
~
Launch trigger.
~
Road legal mode.
~
12v car horn.
~
Built in lights, Inc floodlight headlamp.
~
Regeneration inc whilst pedalling, whenever needed.
~
Ultra comfortable upright riding position.
~
Child stoker seating.
~
Use of one or two batteries, depending on workload.
~
Long travel (5in) air suspension, front and rear.
~
Hydraulic 4-pot calipers and 203mm floating discs.
~
Thick, bomb-proof two-inch wide Supermoto rims.
~
Fat, grippy tarmac tyres.
~
Full fenders.
~
Fitted double panniers.
#30
Senior Member
I am trying to understand what exactly people look before buying an E-Bike, also problems with current E-Bikes in the market. Let's discuss the following points:
1.Basic Features
2.Exciting Features
3.Problems with current E-Bikes
4.Price range
5. Distance travelled in a single charge
1.Basic Features
2.Exciting Features
3.Problems with current E-Bikes
4.Price range
5. Distance travelled in a single charge
1&2. I have had a few e-bikes at this point. I like mid drives because they give a good choice of drivetrains. I found the Nuvinci Works very well with e-bikes. So, for the basic drivetrain, I am, going to say a mid-drive using a belt and a NuVinci IGH. I would be willing to compromise on the belt drive, but I have had one and really liked it.
At this point, I have had a BaFang Mid Drive and a TongSheng Mid-drive (I have also had Geared and ungeared hub motors). The BaFang needs torque-sensing instead of cadence sensing. As I understand, the new, non-conversion units, have this feature. I have a TongSheng on my current commuter. It simply lacks the power. When I am heading into 25+ mph (+40kph) headwind, I am still getting knocked down to 10-12mph (16-19kph) and yes, I am putting a lot onto the total power too. Frankly heading to work at that speed in 20f (-6.7) or below just lacks much pleasure. I would still like to get that speed back up to 15-20 mph (24-32kph). Basically, I want to be making my weekend (unassisted) ride speeds on my commute, no matter the conditions.
I went touring, or gravel Geometry. I need room for racks. Ideally, this would have sturdy integrated racks. I also want drop bars and cross brakes, however, I might compromise with trekking bars. The lights should be integrated into the bike's electrical system. As far as the brakes, I want hydraulic disc. A couple of years ago, I switched a bike I had from mechanical to hydraulic disc. The difference was phenomenal, I have little desire to go back.
As an odd feature, I wnt an easily detachable throttle of some sort. I see no reason to have it on most of the time. However, if something odd happens at work and I just can't pedal home, I want an option. It can spend most, or all, of its life in the tool bag (yes, an included basic tool kit would be a nice touch), it's the ole', better to have it and never need it. . .
I also want 26" wheels. Why? because I am short. I have 27.5 on my current bike and I hate them. To make matters worse, there are no studded street tyres in this size. . . oh, add frame sizes that fit shorter riders to my list.
3&4. The cost. For what I have described I Understand it can be expensive. But I see no way I would be able to to go over 2,500 (USD). At under 2,000 (USD), I would almost certainly buy. At 1.500-1,700 (USD) I would buy it today.
5. With pedaling I would like it to go at least 30 miles on a charge. I don't want to forget to plug in to become a disaster, just a hmmm... it looks like I forgot to plug in the last night, oh well, I'll do it tonight. . .
Last edited by Robert C; 12-27-19 at 05:49 PM.
#31
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This bike, built 4+ years ago and still going strong has been perfect (for me) 26" hardtail with BBS02 and 52V 10 ah battery, and used almost exclusively offroad.

Likes For 2old:
#32
Cycleway town
#33
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Fietsbob has it. Do it! I would like to see version 2. That's after you have revised a bit. You could say highly refined. I would value your revised model as you have put so much thought into the V1. Good luck and Be Well, Bluesfroggie.
#34
Senior Member
Just want a decent component aluminum pedal assist only mid drive hardtail with good forks and breaks for under $3000. Range I think 60kms is fine. As for features nothing fancy. Maybe a USB charging port and a good Bluetooth app for a read out speed/odometer pedal assist level. 3 levels of pedal assist (full power, mid power, 1/4 power, off)
closest I can find to that is Giants Fathom E. But its about $3500 out the door here.
closest I can find to that is Giants Fathom E. But its about $3500 out the door here.
Last edited by TinyBear; 01-04-20 at 04:11 AM.
#35
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I'm not entirely clear on what your categories mean.
IMO, so far most ebikes have been designed for people who don't particularly like riding that much.
Upright positions, short travel sus forks, big batteries, suboptimal gear range.
Me, I LIKE pedalling. I'm quite happy to ride myself sweaty on a daily basis.
But the commute is getting long, particularly with the bike kitted for winter.
I'd like a rider's bike.
To me, that'd mean no suspension.
I'm entirely happy with spinning out at 25-28 mph.
Should remain rideable should the battery run down.
Rather a smaller battery than a whopping range.
A decent forward lean.
Rack and fenders.
If drop bars, should have interrupter levers.
Disc braked.
Should be mid-motor so that I can switch betwen wheelsets easily.
Thru axle (front) wheel.
Clearance to run 35-40 mm studded tires.
As much a regular bicycle as possible, with only enough electrification to take the edge off the commute so that I'm fit to ride again the next morning.
They're beginning to appear, but they're fairly few and expensive yet.
IMO, so far most ebikes have been designed for people who don't particularly like riding that much.
Upright positions, short travel sus forks, big batteries, suboptimal gear range.
Me, I LIKE pedalling. I'm quite happy to ride myself sweaty on a daily basis.
But the commute is getting long, particularly with the bike kitted for winter.
I'd like a rider's bike.
To me, that'd mean no suspension.
I'm entirely happy with spinning out at 25-28 mph.
Should remain rideable should the battery run down.
Rather a smaller battery than a whopping range.
A decent forward lean.
Rack and fenders.
If drop bars, should have interrupter levers.
Disc braked.
Should be mid-motor so that I can switch betwen wheelsets easily.
Thru axle (front) wheel.
Clearance to run 35-40 mm studded tires.
As much a regular bicycle as possible, with only enough electrification to take the edge off the commute so that I'm fit to ride again the next morning.
They're beginning to appear, but they're fairly few and expensive yet.
[updated to show new bike]

Budnitz Model E with Fazua Evation drive
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A retrofit kit that would allow a very light weight, low profile electric assist be added to a commuter bike for rare occasions where you need the extra boost and don't want to sweat your ass off. Sounds like a kickstarter idea for someone.
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