3k budget, 1ST E Bike, need help deciding

[Anon554477]

Hi everyone. I currently ride a Electra Townie 7D EQ but can't keep up with my friends who ride about 50 miles. Our terrain here is on the hilly side. I am 6'5 240lbs and want help picking an e bike. Most the riding will be done on paths, limestone or gravel, they ride Checkpoint ALR5's. I prefer a more upright riding position.

I really liked the fat tire bike but the 19" might be too small, any thoughts. My local dealer offered me 10 percent off a Verve+3 @ 2699 in a XL size. My fear is with my weight, the 50nm of torque may not suffice for hills. If you had 3k to spend, in an upright style bike, what would you get? If I am blowing my budget for a bike, I am looking at this bike, any thoughts?

SONIC SS F1 - Soul FAST E⚡Bikes

OUR ELECTRIC BIKE THE SONIC SS STOMPER ® IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE 1500W ELECTRIC FAT TIRE BEACH CRUISER. WORLD CLASS PREMIUM COMPONENTS. FAST FAST FAST

www.soulbeachcruisers.com

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I am 6'5 240lbs and want help picking an e bike.

I think you should go with this (link below). The key to enjoyment is finding a bike that fits you well. At 6ft 5", you need 58 or 60cm frame.
Has excellent components and you may get local support. This bike should be on Haibike USA website later this week.

Haibike | SDURO Trekking 4.0 | Trekking eBikes

Haibike SDURO Trekking 4.0. Trekking eBikes for your best performance. Developed in Germany. Discover our latest models online!

www.haibike.com

 

[TMH]

Funny - The Trekking 4.0 is the model pictured for 'Trekking eBikes' under the 'Popular Categories' banner on the Haibike USA web page, even though it doesn't show up when you click it (only the 1.0 and 9.0 bikes show up). Guess they are preparing for the U.S. launch of the model? Good looking bike.

https://www.haibikeusa.com/

Regarding the Sonic SS, that looks like a bike which has a more narrow focus - best on soft sand, bogs, snow. But not real efficient on harder surfaces. I guess that its power and large (high rolling resistance due to lower pressures run and big contact patch) tires would really make me second-guess the manufacturer's '50+' mile range estimate, especially for a rider who weighs more than their (probably) 130# test rider.

The Haibike recommended by Ravi would give you the upright (comfortable) seating position you desire, be much more efficient in its battery usage, and would be much more similar to the bikes your buddies are riding (in comparison to the Sonic SS). It has large enough (2.4" width) tires to give some comfort over rough surfaces and a large enough tire contact patch to give good control off the pavement. Front shock provides more comfort, and a suspension seatpost could be easily added.

Yamaha motors are pretty well respected for their performance and reliability - and it gives you 70 nm of torque over the Verve's 50.

That Haibike sounds like it could be a winner for your specified use profile. And Ravi knows what he is talking about - a great resource on this site.

 

[Anon554477]

Funny - The Trekking 4.0 is the model pictured for 'Trekking eBikes' under the 'Popular Categories' banner on the Haibike USA web page, even though it doesn't show up when you click it (only the 1.0 and 9.0 bikes show up). Guess they are preparing for the U.S. launch of the model? Good looking bike.

https://www.haibikeusa.com/

Regarding the Sonic SS, that looks like a bike which has a more narrow focus - best on soft sand, bogs, snow. But not real efficient on harder surfaces. I guess that its power and large (high rolling resistance due to lower pressures run and big contact patch) tires would really make me second-guess the manufacturer's '50+' mile range estimate, especially for a rider who weighs more than their (probably) 130# test rider.

The Haibike recommended by Ravi would give you the upright (comfortable) seating position you desire, be much more efficient in its battery usage, and would be much more similar to the bikes your buddies are riding (in comparison to the Sonic SS). It has large enough (2.4" width) tires to give some comfort over rough surfaces and a large enough tire contact patch to give good control off the pavement. Front shock provides more comfort, and a suspension seatpost could be easily added.

Yamaha motors are pretty well respected for their performance and reliability - and it gives you 70 nm of torque over the Verve's 50.

That Haibike sounds like it could be a winner for your specified use profile. And Ravi knows what he is talking about - a great resource on this site.

I got a great deal on a Haibike Fullseven 9.0. They will throw in riser handlebars, longer stem, wider seat, rear rack and water bottle holder for 3215 shipped to my home. Would that bike work out well? ? I really wanted the trekking 9.0 but it was sold out in large everywhere. I really don't want an entry level model as I am splurging.

 

[FlatSix911]

I got a great deal on a Haibike Fullseven 9.0. They will throw in riser handlebars, longer stem, wider seat, rear rack and water bottle holder for 3215 shipped to my home.
Would that bike work out well? ? I really wanted the trekking 9.0 but it was sold out in large everywhere. I really don't want an entry level model as I am splurging.

If you can find a Fullseven 9.0 for $3.2K you should jump on it... a top of line MTB with great specs.

Haibike SDURO FULLSEVEN LT 9.0 Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $5599.00 | Model Year: 2019 | A top of the line 27.5” electric mountain bike that is Bosch powered with front and rear suspension, a frame integrated PowerTube battery, and great tires that can tackle almost any terrain

electricbikereview.com

 

[Johnny]

Verve+ for $2700 is ridiculous that bike is really just an entry level hybrid bike for city roads. Look for FullSuspension leftover bikes with Bosch/Yamaha/Shimano mid drives, The leftovers are usually on the very small or very large side and you will be lucky in that sense.

Fullseven 9.0 for $3200 is a good deal and it is three times the bike Verve+ is so I say it is a good choice.

 

[TMH]

I got a great deal on a Haibike Fullseven 9.0. They will throw in riser handlebars, longer stem, wider seat, rear rack and water bottle holder for 3215 shipped to my home. Would that bike work out well? ? I really wanted the trekking 9.0 but it was sold out in large everywhere. I really don't want an entry level model as I am splurging.

I agree with the others that the Fullseven 9.0 is an excellent bike and you would be getting an outstanding price.

But personally I haven't come to grips with using a full suspension bike on the road for longer rides. Even though you can lock out the suspension the full sus e-bikes I have ridden (Haibike AllMtn 2.0 and BH Atom Lynx 6 27.5 Pro) don't impress me with their efficiency out of their natural habitat (dirt!) They are generally geared low, have tires with too low pressure ratings and too high rolling resistance, and have the unnecessary (for the street) weight of the rear suspension. Of course you can change things like gearing and tires but not so much the weight and balance.

I have found that a hardtail mountain bike can very successfully transition to effective street use. Much more so in my experience than a full sus mountain bike.

Most of my issues with using a full sus mountain bike on the road would likely be pretty well overcome by using higher levels of assist, but then you have to wonder whether that battery is going to last on the 50+ mile rides you speak of.

It is too bad that you wouldn't be able to ride that Fullseven 9.0 before you bought it. Is there another full suspension mountain bike local to you that you could test ride???

 

[Anon554477]

I agree with the others that the Fullseven 9.0 is an excellent bike and you would be getting an outstanding price.

But personally I haven't come to grips with using a full suspension bike on the road for longer rides. Even though you can lock out the suspension the full sus e-bikes I have ridden (Haibike AllMtn 2.0 and BH Atom Lynx 6 27.5 Pro) don't impress me with their efficiency out of their natural habitat (dirt!) They are generally geared low, have tires with too low pressure ratings and too high rolling resistance, and have the unnecessary (for the street) weight of the rear suspension. Of course you can change things like gearing and tires but not so much the weight and balance.

I have found that a hardtail mountain bike can very successfully transition to effective street use. Much more so in my experience than a full sus mountain bike.

Most of my issues with using a full sus mountain bike on the road would likely be pretty well overcome by using higher levels of assist, but then you have to wonder whether that battery is going to last on the 50+ mile rides you speak of.

It is too bad that you wouldn't be able to ride that Fullseven 9.0 before you bought it. Is there another full suspension mountain bike local to you that you could test ride???

Unfortunately, there is not. Right now I am basically down to two bikes l with decent deals. The fullseven 9.0 with Super Moto X tires, or the Bulls Twenty8 E45. All bikes in my size are basically sold out and I would like to ride something this week as I just sold all my other bikes already. Between the two, which route would you go. Same exact price. My friends ride the Checkpoint Alr5 gravel bikes from Trek and I would like a bike that allows me to ride with them. Thank you for your help!

 

[TMH]

O.K., I'll cast my 'final' vote: Bulls.

My reasons:
1) 28 mph bike. I am addicted to Class 3 bikes. They are like e-bike crack to me;
2) More efficient on the road and light off road;
3) You should be O.K. on your specified ride with its 1.75" tires, as your riding buddies are likely only on 1.5" wide tires;
4) Bulls makes great bikes;
5) Bulls comes stock with suspension seat post? Nice free addition;
6) It seems that the Twenty8 E45's came with the Bosch Intuvia display at one time, but now have the Purion? If the Bulls you are looking at has the Intuvia, that is a big plus to me (Haibike has the Purion);
7) 203/203 mm brake rotors slightly beat the Haibike's 203/180 mm set;


Where does the Haibike beat the Bulls (and what is more important to you):
1) Haibike bikes look awesome;
2) Haibike's motor provides up to 75nm torque as compared with Bulls' 63nm torque (do you ride where there are lots of hills?);
3) Haibike gives up efficiency on the road but could go much deeper off road;
4) On really rough roads a rear suspension will be much more effective and comfortable (and contribute to ride stability) as compared to a suspension seat post;
5) At the same price the Haibike is much more significantly discounted from original MSRP (I'm a real sucker for 'deals');
6) Much better quality front fork with more adjustability;
7) From what I can tell, even with the rear suspension its weight is surprisingly similar to the Bulls;
8) Haibike makes great bikes. For some reason I have a higher level of respect for, and confidence in their products. I own both a Bulls and a Haibike and haven't had issues with either of them, but I still have that little 'feeling' about Haibike as compared to many other manufacturers. Is this real, or merely based on my personal perception of German engineering, quality and reliability (I have owned many BMW motorcycles, and even sold them for a little while)?

So is that all clear as mud for your decision-making process now??? You are definitely looking at 2 great e-bikes as your final candidates.

 

[TMH]

One more thing I didn't mention, the Bulls comes with lights, fenders and rack which go with its wider use 'utility' design, as compared to the Haibike's more specific use (enduro) design. So that is immediately more value provided by the Bulls if those items are of benefit to your use profile (it is always nice to me to have built-in lights and a rack can be really handy to replace a backpack and keep things off your body. Fenders to me - well I generally don't ride in adverse weather so I see them as more of a bother than a benefit).

 

[byunbee]

I think you should go with this (link below). The key to enjoyment is finding a bike that fits you well. At 6ft 5", you need 58 or 60cm frame.
Has excellent components and you may get local support. This bike should be on Haibike USA website later this week.

Haibike | SDURO Trekking 4.0 | Trekking eBikes

Haibike SDURO Trekking 4.0. Trekking eBikes for your best performance. Developed in Germany. Discover our latest models online!

www.haibike.com

Do you know if the U.S. version going to be faster? That's only 25kmh = 15mph.

 

[byunbee]

This costs a little more than your budget but I really like the Haibike Sduro Trekking S 9.0 and seems to meet all your needs. It's on sale from $4699 to $3499 if you find the size you need in stock somewhere.
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

 

[bob armani]

I think you should go with this (link below). The key to enjoyment is finding a bike that fits you well. At 6ft 5", you need 58 or 60cm frame.
Has excellent components and you may get local support. This bike should be on Haibike USA website later this week.

Haibike | SDURO Trekking 4.0 | Trekking eBikes

Haibike SDURO Trekking 4.0. Trekking eBikes for your best performance. Developed in Germany. Discover our latest models online!

www.haibike.com

Great pick for the build quality of Haibike and the reliability of a Yamaha motor. For commuting, I would not have any second thoughts for this bike at all.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Do you know if the U.S. version going to be faster? That's only 25kmh = 15mph.

The US version will assist upto ~ 20mph.

O.K., I'll cast my 'final' vote: Bulls.

My reasons:
1) 28 mph bike. I am addicted to Class 3 bikes. They are like e-bike crack to me;
2) More efficient on the road and light off road;
3) You should be O.K. on your specified ride with its 1.75" tires, as your riding buddies are likely only on 1.5" wide tires;
4) Bulls makes great bikes;
5) Bulls comes stock with suspension seat post? Nice free addition;
6) It seems that the Twenty8 E45's came with the Bosch Intuvia display at one time, but now have the Purion? If the Bulls you are looking at has the Intuvia, that is a big plus to me (Haibike has the Purion);
7) 203/203 mm brake rotors slightly beat the Haibike's 203/180 mm set;


Where does the Haibike beat the Bulls (and what is more important to you):
1) Haibike bikes look awesome;
2) Haibike's motor provides up to 75nm torque as compared with Bulls' 63nm torque (do you ride where there are lots of hills?);
3) Haibike gives up efficiency on the road but could go much deeper off road;
4) On really rough roads a rear suspension will be much more effective and comfortable (and contribute to ride stability) as compared to a suspension seat post;
5) At the same price the Haibike is much more significantly discounted from original MSRP (I'm a real sucker for 'deals');
6) Much better quality front fork with more adjustability;
7) From what I can tell, even with the rear suspension its weight is surprisingly similar to the Bulls;
8) Haibike makes great bikes. For some reason I have a higher level of respect for, and confidence in their products. I own both a Bulls and a Haibike and haven't had issues with either of them, but I still have that little 'feeling' about Haibike as compared to many other manufacturers. Is this real, or merely based on my personal perception of German engineering, quality and reliability (I have owned many BMW motorcycles, and even sold them for a little while)?

So is that all clear as mud for your decision-making process now??? You are definitely looking at 2 great e-bikes as your final candidates.

This is an accurate assessment and I hope the poster listens to this advice.

 

[TMH]

We just got home from this morning's ride and the FedEx driver was at my house with a surprise!

 

[byunbee]

Open it already!!

 

[Anon554477]

Hi everyone,
Thank you for all the advice! I am a new owner of the Bulls Twenty8 E45 in 60 frame size! I got a great price and the trekking 9.0 I could not find within 500 dollars of the Bulls in my size. I think I will be happy. Which Haibike did you get?

 

[TMH]

Congrats on your new Bulls - I think you will enjoy it and it should be very compatible with your buddies' bikes on your rides!

2019 SDURO Trekking 7.0

Got the last one I could find in the XL frame size (I'm 6'4"). Have my PearTune chip on the way to give it pedal assist to 28 mph (like I said earlier, I'm addicted to Class 3 speeds).

 

[Anon554477]

Congrats on your new Bulls - I think you will enjoy it and it should be very compatible with your buddies' bikes on your rides!

2019 SDURO Trekking 7.0

Got the last one I could find in the XL frame size (I'm 6'4"). Have my PearTune chip on the way to give it pedal assist to 28 mph (like I said earlier, I'm addicted to Class 3 speeds).

Can I ask what you paid? I paid 3300 shipped to my home with two water cages for the Bulls.

 

[byunbee]

Congrats on your new Bulls - I think you will enjoy it and it should be very compatible with your buddies' bikes on your rides!

2019 SDURO Trekking 7.0

Got the last one I could find in the XL frame size (I'm 6'4"). Have my PearTune chip on the way to give it pedal assist to 28 mph (like I said earlier, I'm addicted to Class 3 speeds).

That's a beautiful bike. Congrats!