Recent content by AlanK

Yeah, I test rode a bike with a Bosch motor and a friend's Bafang conversion. The Bosch motor is definitely more refined (mainly because of the torque-sensing I think), and with internal wiring purpose-built e-bikes are definitely cleaner. Since the Bafang motor I rode didn't have torque...

Agreed, and you don't need to spend that much. My Kona Sutra cost $1500 and for practical purposes most of the components are as good or better. It doesn't have the hydraulic disc brakes or GRX drive-train of the Current, but for practical purposes the Sutra's TRP Spyre brakes and Deore...

It's probably Covid related. The supply chain is still pretty f@%&ed up. Manufacturers and shops have tons of bikes on order without a definitive sense of when they'll arrive. There's such massive demand for bikes right now I guess some manufacturers just want to ship them to shops ASAP.

Since I mostly ride roads and prefer versatile drop-bar bikes the Current is definitely my fave. In addition to gravel it seems well suited for commuting and light touring. Considering the specs the price seems reasonable, esp for class 3. It seems similar to the discontinued Raleigh Tamland...

Yeah. Raleigh certainly isn't the only one, but it's puzzling in mid-December so many companies haven't post info for 2021 models. I know the supply chain is delayed, but they could at least give us a sense of what's coming.

Since the 2021 offerings of some other companies is leaking out, I'm curious if there's any such info for Raleigh. I'm particularly interested in their class 3 models like the Redux IE. It seems curious their web site doesn't seem to have any info at all.

While the Sutra has low-gearing, pedaling up a long, steep grade will be slow and taxing. Since I can take my bike on public transit I'll hold off on a conversion for now since I probably won't need it. I'll be 50 early next year :confused: so at some point a conversion might be necessary.

Ah, we're in the same situation.:) I have a Sutra on order, expected in early Spring. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will arrive before then, but my LBS told me not to count on it. It seems we agree about Kona ebikes being overpriced, though the standard Dew-E isn't too bad at about $2600. At...

I agree, esp for a class 1 bike. I'm curious what Raleigh will have for the US market. Their bikes aren't quite as nice but previously they've had class 3 bikes in about the same price range. For ebikes to be a viable car alternative they need to be significantly less than a decent small used...

I have a Kona Sutra on order from my LBS. Unfortunately he recently told me Kona isn't expecting significant delivery until Spring. He said they told him a few bikes might trickle in earlier, but I probably shouldn't expect delivery until then. I don't know if this applies to all models but...

There area a few 2018 Raleigh Tamland IE for sale online. If the motor eventually needs replacement will a newer motor fit the frame or is it wedded to the existing motor? Thanks in advance.

I actually don't have an ebike yet and am weighing my options. I was just relaying what my local LBS and mechanic has told me about Brose. There was originally a typo in my previous post. He told me Haibike and Raleigh won't use Brose because of difficulty diagnostic issues. Most Bosch and...

After talking extensively with my local bike dealer/mechanic, he seems tepid towards Brose. He said Haibike and Raleigh plan to use Bosch, Shimano, and Yamaha for the immediate future because they're more reliable and repairable. Brose seems nice while it lasts, but unfortunately in many cases...

My LBS is an excellent wrench and a Raleigh dealer. He told me the major issue with Brose motors is diagnosing problems. He said some issues can't be easily identified and the motor must be removed from the bike and shipped to a regional distributor for repair. Bosch and Shimano problems are...

I also strongly prefer mid-drive motors for their lightness and more natural feel. I like that mid-drives function very much like enhanced conventional bikes. I mainly want an e-bike for better efficiency (speed) on hills. I don't mind working hard on hills, but there's a huge practical...