3500-4500$ Ebike, help me choose

[scrambler]

If you consider things such as Evelo then I waste my time here. I thought we talked quality e-bikes. Compared to a hot-dog, premium brands offer "meat from a named animal"

Forks: The largest brands typically use Suntour Mobie forks which are not only not the best but these are not available in the aftermarket. It is very hard to find a better replacement because the good companies making suspension forks are not interested to provide a 50-80 mm travel air forks (meaning quality) for as advanced concept as the modern thru-axle. Such companies produce for XC and MTB market. Therefore as you get your Suntour Mobie fork, it is hard to imagine finding anything better.

I try to keep an open mind when researching

By the way, I confirmed that the Evelo Omega fork could be swapped for something like the rockshok below without any changes

RockShox Reba RL Fork: 27.5" 100mm Solo Air 15 x 100mm Tapered Steerer Gloss Black A8

Reba has always signified RockShox quality and performance. Even more so now with new chassis options that allow Reba to be a frontrunner in any role from XC to trail riding. With technologies developed on SID Reba and Revelation Reba is the one-stop solution to everyone looking for the...

northwestbicycle.com

To come back on your remark, I know some of the components on the Evelo lack a bit, but they can be replaced.
I believe their frame is just as solid as any other (hydroformed 6061 Al)
Their new 21700 cells battery is top of the line
The Enviolo and Automatiq is the same as others, but they have way more experience with Enviolo than any of the new vendors.
It is hard to know about the Dapu motor, but the specs are very interesting if you find the Bosch, Brose and such a bit on the weak side
And the fact they give you a 4 years warranty speaks volume in reliability...

 

[tomjasz]

At the very least I won't have to pay a shop to tell me they can't find a part or give me some other BS reason they can't fix it?

Once again you obfuscate the point. I suggested California eBike stop trying to support the new drives until Bafanged provides real support. You do know that any reseller gets NOTHING from Bafanged for a warranty support part or repair?

 

[AHicks]

Once again you obfuscate the point. I suggested California eBike stop trying to support the new drives until Bafanged provides real support. You do know that any reseller gets NOTHING from Bafanged for a warranty support part or repair?

You are talking to somebody that would NOT allow a shop to touch my bike. The reasons would be boring, so I'm not even going to go there. Bafang has a pretty good reputation judging by the research I've done (contrary to what you seem to enjoy implying frequently). I'll roll the dice on the one I get with a new bike. If there's anything major wrong when I get it, I'll return it if I can't work out a deal to my satisfaction. From that point forward, I'll handle any issues willingly, and very likely still be FAR ahead budget wise.

 

[AHicks]

I try to keep an open mind when researching

By the way, I confirmed that the Evelo Omega fork could be swapped for something like the rockshok below without any changes

RockShox Reba RL Fork: 27.5" 100mm Solo Air 15 x 100mm Tapered Steerer Gloss Black A8

Reba has always signified RockShox quality and performance. Even more so now with new chassis options that allow Reba to be a frontrunner in any role from XC to trail riding. With technologies developed on SID Reba and Revelation Reba is the one-stop solution to everyone looking for the...

northwestbicycle.com

To come back on your remark, I know some of the components on the Evelo lack a bit, but they can be replaced.
I believe their frame is just as solid as any other (hydroformed 6061 Al)
Their new 21700 cells battery is top of the line
The Enviolo and Automatiq is the same as others, but they have way more experience with Enviolo than any of the new vendors.
It is hard to know about the Dapu motor, but the specs are very interesting if you find the Bosch, Brose and such a bit on the weak side
And the fact they give you a 4 years warranty speaks volume in reliability...

Regarding the fork, and my own needs, these inexpensive air adjustable front shocks are all I ever need for the surfaces I run on. I'm actually OK with the plain spring types, but I hate the big bang of the pogo stick types when they rebound!

Good shocks will have designs that are rebuildable, with valving that can be set up to the rider's desires. That's something I was into pretty heavily back in the days of the ATV's, Snowmobiles, and dirt bikes. Been there..... and remember what THEY look/work like. Probably heavier than hell compared to what we're talking about here....

These inexpensive shocks are nothing more than hidden struts used to open the back door of a SUV..... -Al

 

[Stefan Mikes]

By the way, I confirmed that the Evelo Omega fork could be swapped for something like the rockshok below without any changes

+$500.
Go on. Soon, you're going to reach a level of a premium e-bike. Unfortunately, not the same Warranty For $4,500 + 500 you would get the top of the line Turbo Vado 5.0... For $5,500 it is Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH with AutomatiQ Heavy Duty.

Second battery on the rack? Are we in the previous decade? Dapu motor? Chinese brakes?! I'm giving up.

 

[tomjasz]

Bafang has a pretty good reputation judging by the research I've done (contrary to what you seem to enjoy implying frequently)

Their reputation is built by dealers committed to their products. The dealers that honor you’re warranty. THAT’S my point. Imagine you ordered 30 controllers and they shipped them with firmware that throws a 07 error and won’t allow a 52v battery to power your bike. But your read more. To funny. Come back when your motor is discontinued and there’s no parts stream. Bafang is about to screw over their kit resellers. I’ve also said time and again I’ve ALWAYS liked the many BBSxx series motors owned. I fear for the future of those little dealers that gave users the leaked programming files and firmware files. NOT BAFANG. The new products are a result of their never wanting programming in the hands of end users. But as usual you know better.

 

[AHicks]

Their reputation is built by dealers committed to their products. The dealers that honor you’re warranty. THAT’S my point. Imagine you ordered 30 controllers and they shipped them with firmware that throws a 07 error and won’t allow a 52v battery to power your bike. But your read more. To funny. Come back when your motor is discontinued and there’s no parts stream. Bafang is about to screw over their kit resellers. I’ve also said time and again I’ve ALWAYS liked the many BBSxx series motors owned. I fear for the future of those little dealers that gave users the leaked programming files and firmware files. NOT BAFANG. The new products are a result of their never wanting programming in the hands of end users. But as usual you know better.

You're urinating into the wind......
"I’ve ALWAYS liked the many BBSxx series motors owned."
And usually, in the same breath, you mention you know nothing about the Ultra's and aren't interested enough to learn.
Let's agree to disagree on the topic, and move on, shall we? You don't like Bafang, and I think they're just fine - even if they aren't perfect.

 

[AHicks]

+$500.
Go on. Soon, you're going to reach a level of a premium e-bike. Unfortunately, not the same Warranty For $4,500 + 500 you would get the top of the line Turbo Vado 5.0... For $5,500 it is Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH with AutomatiQ Heavy Duty.

Second battery on the rack? Are we in the previous decade? Dapu motor? Chinese brakes?! I'm giving up.

If you look a little closer you'll see the Atlas is using an M600, and comes standard with "air forks".

 

[scrambler]

+$500.
Go on. Soon, you're going to reach a level of a premium e-bike. Unfortunately, not the same Warranty For $4,500 + 500 you would get the top of the line Turbo Vado 5.0... For $5,500 it is Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH with AutomatiQ Heavy Duty.

Second battery on the rack? Are we in the previous decade? Dapu motor? Chinese brakes?! I'm giving up.

I am not arguing that a Como 5.0 IGH would not be a better equipped bike
But as a last argument, then I will shut up as it appears to be sensitive for you I would say

1. Having the option of a second battery on the rack to extend your range is better than no option at all on the Como.
2. The Dapu motor which is Japanese (best high tech company in the world), and unless you know something you are not sharing, with 1000W and 120Nm can actually be the main reason to look at the Omega if people need more power that what the Bosch/Brose and the likes have to offer.
3. Yeah the brakes are cheap, but for the casual riders how big of an issue is it?

Live and let live, moving on

 

[tomjasz]

Forks: The largest brands typically use Suntour Mobie forks which are not only not the best but these are not available in the aftermarket.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

View attachment 120631

Air fork?

 

[PedalUma]

@Rome mentioned giving up pork after seeing a pig eat its baby. There is noting 'wrong' with Specialized products, it is their behavior. They just ate their own dealer network. And they left thousands of customers with pre-paid orders in a lurch. They have devised a system similar to separating egg yoks from egg whites but their system separates Fools from Money. Don't take my word on this - verify for yourself. Put "42V charger" into your search engine. You will see that you can get these from dozens of sellers for about $20 US. Then enter "Specialized 42V charger" yes, they want $250 US! Is it 12.5 times better, nope, it is 12.5 times more foolish.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Rome mentioned giving up pork after seeing a pig eat its baby. There is noting 'wrong' with Specialized products, it is their behavior. They just ate their own dealer network. And they left thousands of customers with pre-paid orders in a lurch. They have devised a system similar to separating egg yoks from egg whites but their system separates Fools from Money. Don't take my word on this - verify for yourself. Put "42V charger" into your search engine. You will see that you can get these from dozens of sellers for about $20 US. Then enter "Specialized 42V charger" yes, they want $250 US! Is it 12.5 times better, nope, it is 12.5 times more foolish.

You get a Specialized charger together with the e-bike. Why would you need to buy another?
"Ate their dealer network": You could better read what the Specialized users themselves say instead of posting the photos of your DIY contraptions everywhere.

 

[retiredNH]

You get a Specialized charger together with the e-bike. Why would you need to buy another?
"Ate their dealer network": You could better read what the Specialized users themselves say instead of posting the photos of your DIY contraptions everywhere.

I suspect you missed the point. The first point is that for after-market, or second, chargers, they charge a huge premium, just like Bosch and other high end mfgrs do. The second point is, I believe, a reference to their recent DTC move, which means a buyer can order directly from Specialized and have it shipped directly to the buyer's home. This is arguably a wash for the buyer, but very bad news for dealers, who will miss out on their retail sales profits. So yea, they're eating their dealer network.

A bit of advice: I enjoy most of your posts, but you seem very argumentative lately. Maybe tone it down a bit? It's getting tiresome. There are others in the same boat, too. I realize it's hard to be nuanced online, emojis are hardly enough. But still...
JMHO

 

[tomjasz]

Air fork?

The model you said was unavailable.

 

[tomjasz]

You're urinating into the wind......
"I’ve ALWAYS liked the many BBSxx series motors owned."
And usually, in the same breath, you mention you know nothing about the Ultra's and aren't interested enough to learn.
Let's agree to disagree on the topic, and move on, shall we? You don't like Bafang, and I think they're just fine - even if they aren't perfect.

So you can't parse the fact that the BBSxx series was the only powerful kit available, but support has been s*it? And Doug and I went above and beyond supporting Doug's customers, but got nothing from Bafang. Can I find issues and still like my motors? Or do I have to be a blind fanboy like you? FFS you can't access programming. How is that good support? Whatever. Back to the PLONK for your stubborn evangelical approach to Bafanged.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The model you said was unavailable.

There is no reason to replace a c*ap fork with another cr*p fork. There are no aftermarket air forks of the proper geometry/travel/thru-axle arrangement to replace these poor quality Suntour forks. Still. all big brands use them for short travel suspension (below 100 mm) because nobody makes better forks for that segment. The only air fork that might be used is the Rock Shox Paragon Gold (65 mm travel) but it is made for Quick Release axle, not for the Thru-Axle. I have used Paragon on my least expensive e-bike (with a QR axle) to a good effect.

 

[tomjasz]

There is no reason to replace a c*ap fork with another cr*p fork. There are no aftermarket air forks of the proper geometry/travel/thru-axle arrangement to replace these poor quality Suntour forks. Still. all big brands use them for short travel suspension (below 100 mm) because nobody makes better forks for that segment.

Wwwww… wrong is just beyond your ego.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

This is arguably a wash for the buyer, but very bad news for dealers, who will miss out on their retail sales profits.

The comments of Specialized users are:

• The LBS does not need to invest in the inventory but gets a sales commission anyway for e-bike they didn't even sell
• Specialized e-bikes are suddenly readily available; I have not seen so many new Spec e-bike users in the Forums for quite a while
• The Specialized LBS remains the first tier of warranty handling, servicing and repair
• Bad LBS are eliminated. Good ones keep a good business. (It is of no point for Specialized to keep an LBS that also sells Trek but cannot make the sales quota).

At the Specialized Brand Store in Warsaw. These people always have time for me.

Anatomy of a Specialized full power motor.

They have a Retül lab as well...

They have a bike wash... and are happy to service my Vado post-warranty.

You don't have such stores in America? How sad.

 

[retiredNH]

The comments of Specialized users are:

• The LBS does not need to invest in the inventory but gets a sales commission anyway for e-bike they didn't even sell
• Specialized e-bikes are suddenly readily available; I have not seen so many new Spec e-bike users in the Forums for quite a while
• The Specialized LBS remains the first tier of warranty handling, servicing and repair
• Bad LBS are eliminated. Good ones keep a good business. (It is of no point for Specialized to keep an LBS that also sells Trek but cannot make the sales quota).

At the Specialized Brand Store in Warsaw. These people always have time for me.


Anatomy of a Specialized full power motor.



They have a Retül lab as well...


They have a bike wash... and are happy to service my Vado post-warranty.


You don't have such stores in America? How sad.

You want to debate EVERY point, don't you? Even when your info is out of date. They don't get a commission, from what I've read, on DTC sales, only those delivered through the shop. But no matter, this is not a search for truth. I was just trying to explain the picture from a different perspective than yours.

I don't have the interest in putting up with such nastiness. I hate to ignore a prolific poster who sometimes has good input, but you leave me with no choice.