28 MPH Bosch Performance Speed Bikes Comparison

[Lucky]

Hi Everyone,

I've been shopping for an electric bike for about 6 months, have taken test rides and have been haunting the forums and Court's reviews to try and narrow choices so I can get on a new bike this spring.

After trying various throttle assist and non throttle assist bikes at the Electric Bike Expo, a Haibike Yamaha bike at a store in San Diego, Trek Electrics, and Magnum bikes, I liked the XM700+ lowstep the best, and have honed in on a Bosch 28MPH speed pedelec...but the Haibikes and the Bulls bikes with similar specs are interesting. The Haibike I tested seemed big and awkward, but I am not sure if I tried the smallest frame on that one...the salesperson in the store in San Diego was not helpful (I'd be buying a Haibike online and not at that store because of this).

There is a Trek sale this week, and if it's going to be the XM700+, not a bad time to pull the trigger.

Do you guys think that the Haibike or Bulls Bosch Performance Speed bikes have more to offer, quality or component wise?


- We live in North San Diego in a VERY steep hilly area.
- I am a 5"2" female with a 29" inseam.
- I'd like to be able to touch toes of both feet on the ground when stopped.
- Low Step Bikes much preferred


Questions:

1) Do the Haibike and Bulls have "better" components than Trek?

2) Has anyone here compared the following in person: XM700+ , the Haibike XDURO Trekking S 5.0 (2017) or 9.0 (2018) and the Bulls Cross Mover Speed?

3) Other quality Low-Step Bosch 28MPH Performance Speed bikes I should consider?

4) Anything else I am missing here?

Thanks in advance for your help and replies!

- Susie

 

[Dunbar]

The Riese & Muller Nevo comes with 26” tires in the smallest frame size. I would recommend avoiding the Nuvinci hubbed version if you want to cruise at 25+ mph. I’ve heard that Nuvinci hubs add quite a bit of drag and reduce top speed by as much as 4-5mph. The desire to put your feet on the ground while seated will be a function of your saddle height. If you set your saddle for proper leg extension there’s a good chance your toes won’t be able to reach the ground. However, with the step-thru frame you won’t have to straddle a top tube while stopped.

They also make the Homage which adds rear suspension but it doesn’t look like it offers the smaller 26” wheels.

 

[John from Connecticut]

Check the battery size with the Trek. The 2 Haibikes have a 500Wh battery whereas the Trek might have a 400Wh battery. If you have hills, the bigger size battery is better.

I’ve done a lot of climbing with the Bosch Performance Speed drive this winter. Whatever bike you get, make sure it is properly geared. The Bosch Performance Speed drive needs proper gearing to climb because it is optimized for Speed and is not designed specifically for hills. To climb steep hills you need to input high cadence with this drive, otherwise you will stall. The Trek seems to have an 11-36 cassette whereas the Haibike has an 11-42. For hill climbing, I’d go for with the 11-42. It’s really a much better choice with this particular drive. I’ve done a lot of climbing with the Trekking Xduro S 5.0 recently and the Bosch Performance Speed drive absolutely needs that 42T in first gear when climbing hills steeper than 16% grade. You said your hills were very steep, so l’d pay close attention to this.

Edit: also ask about the size of the front sprocket on the Trek. The Haibikes have 20T, which is why they need 11-42. If the Trek has an 18T front sprocket, you might get away with 11-36 on steep hills. But most 28mph bikes with Bosch Performance Speed bikes have 20T.

Hello 'Lucky' aka Susie,
I have and ride a Trek XM700+ and a Trek Powerfly7 e-mtb and I completely agree with 'JayVee'. His 'numbers' are spot on. Speaking of
numbers the XM700 front sprocket is 20T and the Powerfly7 is 15T with a 11-42T Cassette and it will climb a brick wall : ) As an all around bike I actually like the Powerfly7 a little more, but the 20mph cap is a bit of a bummer. I only mention the Powerfly7 because it has the gears JayVee mentioned and I can attest the combo really works. It's too bad the XM700 isn't geared for climbing because it's a great bike. Good luck.

John from CT.

 

[Lucky]

This discussion of gearing helps clarify things a lot!

Thanks to all for sharing your expertise.

I’m going check out the frame comfort on a Nevo 26” if I can fnd one, and also try to rent a couple of these bikes for a weekend day and test right in our neighborhood. I don’t think our hills are steeper than 16 degrees, probably closer to 10-12.

The Trek store in Solana Beach has previously offered to get bikes in to rent, a day rental fee is worth it, plus they apply the rental fee to purchase.

The Haibikes are available for day rent nearby also, but not the Xduro model. Does the XS frame have the same geometry across models?

Also, would adding a dongle to a CX motor bike for added top speed + better hill climbing possibly be a better way to go?

 

[John from Connecticut]

This discussion of gearing helps clarify things a lot!

Thanks to all for sharing your expertise.

I’m going check out the frame comfort on a Nevo 26” if I can fnd one, and also try to rent a couple of these bikes for a weekend day and test right in our neighborhood. I don’t think our hills are steeper than 16 degrees, probably closer to 10-12.

The Trek store in Solana Beach has previously offered to get bikes in to rent, a day rental fee is worth it, plus they apply the rental fee to purchase.

The Haibikes are available for day rent nearby also, but not the Xduro model. Does the XS frame have the same geometry across models?

Also, would adding a dongle to a CX motor bike for added top speed + better hill climbing possibly be a better way to go?

Hello,
I strongly recommend to rental option...That is money very well spent. Since I own a Trek XM700+ with 1400 miles may I offer a couple of
thoughts..

Sizing, The XM 700+ sizing is a bit 'odd', as I was told, because it was designed for a European Market the sizing runs on the large size.
If you decide on the Trek make sure a skilled LBS person with bike fitting skills determines the correct size bike. It may not be as critical
because you're interested in the step thru model, but I'd check.

I found my Trek XM700+ very stiff aka like sitting in a stump : ) Should you rent one you'll know for sure. If the bike seems siff and unforgiving no worries, a Cirrus Body Float suspension post will save the day. I have one on both my bikes and I wouldn't be without them.

Lastly tires...
When we decide on an eBike flats are often overlooked. I can speak with authority. I've had two flats, both the rear tire. Repairing
a flat on the rear tire of an e-Bike is very difficult on the road because of several issues, not the least of which is removing the rear wheel
which has the disc brake rotor and then reinstalling without bending said rotor. A 'near perfect' solution. Schwalbe Marthon Plus HS 440 tires
I just installed them on my bikes. They are extremely comfortable.

https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/Marathon_Plus_HS440

Good luck with your search / rental

John from CT

 

[JRA]

"Repairing a flat on the rear tire of an e-Bike is very difficult on the road because of several issues, not the least of which is removing the rear wheel which has the disc brake rotor and then reinstalling without bending said rotor."

Good thing you didn't get a rear hub motor if you have a hard time putting on a regular rear wheel. Practice taking it on and off a few times and it will get easier.

Also consider adding 4oz of tubeless sealant to the tube by removing the core and injecting it into the stem. I find it works as well or better than Slime and is way less messy to deal with.