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Thank you. I really appreciate the quality responses I have received to specific questions & comments. This forum restores my faith in the internet. Obviously, members here are both helpful and knowledgeable.

I think you are correct. Thanks. I should probably pick up what is available, if I like its fit.

No, in fact, the CVT is not available in Japan. Specialized says it cannot conform to the max assist speed limitation. The Como SL is available in Japan as 4.0 with chain to 5 speed IGH or 5.0 with belt to 8 speed. Do you think the belt is worth ¥7,000 ($500)? I don't need the extra gears, but...

Thanks. You make good points. I worry about reliability and product support. Simpler can sometimes be better. Even using a simple cellphone can be a challenge when it's designed for the Japanese market. My Nihongo is very limited, so communication can be very difficult. I have an appointment in...

Thanks. You make a good point. I suppose I'm just used to the handy step-through frame on the Vivi. But I am going to bike over to my local Specialized store in one week to see how the Como SL 5.0 feels & fits. But I won't be allowed to ride it ("it's not a demo bike"). Maybe I'll like it. But I...

Personally, this phone app electronic tech mission control interface is undesirable.

Thanks! That is helpful information. The 'standard' Japanese city e-bikes are great values. The Vivi sells for under $1,000 and has a 404Wh battery. Panasonic, Yamaha & Bridgestone dominate the market in Japan. Their prices, along with the Japanese limitations, must be a challenge to imports.

After 32 months of riding a Panasonic Vivi DX as my primary transportation in Shizuoka-shi, I have decided to upgrade to a better e-bike. Maybe a higher quality ‘city’ e-bike that fits me better. At 178 cm and 97 kg, my 27 kg Vivi DX is already above its max gross weight of 123 kg before I load...

I want to upgrade from my Panasonic Vivi DX to an e-bike that fits me better (5'10"/178cm, 214 lbs/97kg) with fatter tires and/or suspension and hyd disc brakes. But I want to keep the simple drivetrain, step-through frame, and local service. My choices in Japan are limited. Specialized does...

We relocated to Shizuoka City, near Mt Fuji, from Seattle in late 2020. I sold all our cars, including some collectibles, and downsized to electric bikes. Retirement in Japan has been wonderful. With good bus & train services, we don't need a car (and I'm 10 kg lighter now). I picked a...