Decided to purchase a new E-Bike. Did my own online research and short listed to either an E-Flow Nitro or a Stromer ST1 Elite. Tried to contact an E-Flow dealer as shown on their website but he suggested I talk to the distributor back east. Then a marketing company from the west coast called saying they were the distributor and really fed me a line of BS; actually even fabricating information that was untrue at one point. Still no information; so waited for the distributor to send some; but just the run-around again. Considering the price difference in favor of the Stromer and the lack of any information at all from E-Flow about the Nitro, I just went ahead and purchased the Stromer ST1 Elite. Great bike and the dealer was fantastic. Fair warning; if you live in Canada be prepared for the worst ever distributor/dealer support if you try to get information or try to purchase an E-Flow Nitro. The Stromer ST1 Elite is awesome.

I have the non-elite stromer and I agree, it is an awesome bike. I've had regular bikes in the past and having an ebike definitely gets me out there more since it is so much fun. I push myself, if I get tired I can turn up the power or go to full auto (which I rarely do, but it is nice that it's there).

I've often wondered what it would be like to be stuck 20 miles from home and the motor on one of these goes. Awfully heavy to pedal 20 miles without power.

When I got my Elite the new Platinum was not in stock. The gearing is different on the two bikes, both use 11-32 on the back but the Platinum uses a triple for 27 speeds; not nine. I haven't worked our gear inches in years but the Platinum would have a lower gearing; but I am afraid you are right, it would be a long way home in the granny gear. Pretty heavy. I have cycled for 45 plus years now and e-bikes have opened up a new way of cycling for me and will extend my cycling into old, old, old age hopefully.