Advice for buying an ebike

[Robert Zimmerman]

I wonder if I can get some advice from the experienced rider here.
Here is a list of what I would like on an ebike:

1. battery mounted low
2. fenders
3. suitable for dirt roads in VT
4. at least 20 mi range
5. go over steep hills in VT
6. lights fore and aft
7. price as low as possible
8. I am skeptical of adding a kit to one of my existing bikes. Seems like too much to go wrong. Any counter thoughts?

I am 73 yrs old, weigh 185# and an avid cyclist but am having trouble with hills in VT.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Chandlee EBS]

Hey Robert,
What kind of riding style are you looking for? Upright or MTB?
Lights and fenders can be added after market, but something that is all encompassing for under $2000 is the E-joe Angun. I really like that bike.

 

[Chris Nolte]

How tall are you? And do you have a specific budget? I would avoid going "as low as possible" on the price, as it sounds like you might be putting some good use in on this. As an avid cyclist I'm sure you can appreciate the difference in riding a quality bike, with quality components.

 

[Admin]

Hi Robert, Chandlee and Chris both own electric bike shops and are very knowledgeable. If you can help them understand your needs a bit better they will have some expert advice for you. I have had good luck with some of the Volton electric bikes but they cost a little bit more. Depending on your height they have a larger high-step or smaller low-step version that will be easier to get onto.

 

[Robert Zimmerman]

Hey Robert,
What kind of riding style are you looking for? Upright or MTB?
Lights and fenders can be added after market, but something that is all encompassing for under $2000 is the E-joe Angun. I really like that bike.

Chandlee:

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out . I think I think I want a cross between a mountain bike and a touring bike. Lots of dirt roads an a bit of off road travel . Lots of hills so I need torque and power. About twenty + mile range . I am 5'10" 185 lbs.

 

[Vern]

Neo Cross or Extreme!! Add fenders later.

-NEOFANBOY

 

[Admin]

Chandlee:

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out . I think I think I want a cross between a mountain bike and a touring bike. Lots of dirt roads an a bit of off road travel . Lots of hills so I need torque and power. About twenty + mile range . I am 5'10" 185 lbs.

Cool... I'd go for the Neo 650b which has larger 27.5" tires that will roll efficiently for commuting and lift the frame (since the bike only comes in Medium this will make it feel larger for you). The front suspension and larger knobby tires will provide cushion and help off-road. The Neo Xtrem is great as well, just a bit smaller wheels and lower end components. Here's a video of me and @Chandlee EBS riding in the hills of Chattanooga to demonstrate speed and climbing ability. For big hills you have to pedal but it's way easier with one of these bikes and I prefer the light, no-drag geared motor and beautiful battery design that Easy Motion delivers:

Keep in mind, the 650b is more expensive and finding tires and tubes for it is more expensive as well. I'm 5'9" and the Neo Xtrem works just fine as long as I rhyme when I go for a ride. Yeah

 

[Chandlee EBS]

Chandlee:

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out . I think I think I want a cross between a mountain bike and a touring bike. Lots of dirt roads an a bit of off road travel . Lots of hills so I need torque and power. About twenty + mile range . I am 5'10" 185 lbs.

Hmm, for that kind of style, on the cheap, Court is right about the Volton. The Alation ST 500 is getting pretty close to your checklist. The Motiv Shadow might be worth a look as well.

I think the Currietech Path+ is fantastic for the price, $2200. Change out the handlebars to MTB and you've got a step through, hybrid-ish design with a great motor and a very smooth cadence sensor. Battery's behind the seat though. It's Turbo Bob's favorite bike.

Otherwise, a NEO or E3 Dash is going to be worth the upgrade.

Cheers

 

[Chandlee EBS]

Cool... I'd go for the Neo 650b which has larger 27.5" tires that will roll efficiently for commuting and lift the frame (since the bike only comes in Medium this will make it feel larger for you). The front suspension and larger knobby tires will provide cushion and help off-road. The Neo Xtrem is great as well, just a bit smaller wheels and lower end components. Here's a video of me and @Chandlee EBS riding in the hills of Chattanooga to demonstrate speed and climbing ability. For big hills you have to pedal but it's way easier with one of these bikes and I prefer the light, no-drag geared motor and beautiful battery design that Easy Motion delivers:

Keep in mind, the 650b is more expensive and finding tires and tubes for it is more expensive as well. I'm 5'9" and the Neo Xtrem works just fine as long as I rhyme when I go for a ride. Yeah

Took a customer's 650b on the trails the other day! IT'S AMAZING!

I need a Go Pro...

 

[Vern]

You guys are right 650b all the way!! Maybe even the 650b jumper. My next bike.

 

[Robert Zimmerman]

After thinking long and hard about this I am seriously considering a Bionx S350DT kit added to one of my existing bikes. Hoping it will be a fit. Price is in my budget and I have several bikes so can spare one for this. And Bionx kits seem to have a great rep.

Thanks for all the comments to date,
Bob Z

 

[Chandlee EBS]

After thinking long and hard about this I am seriously considering a Bionx S350DT kit added to one of my existing bikes. Hoping it will be a fit. Price is in my budget and I have several bikes so can spare one for this. And Bionx kits seem to have a great rep.

Thanks for all the comments to date,
Bob Z

They're fantastic, Bob. You're going to love it.

 

[Robert Zimmerman]

They're fantastic, Bob. You're going to love it.

I got the S350DT and it meets all my expectations. Got it at Ebike of NE in Derry NH. Great people and free installation on my existing bike. I only have about 10 mi so far. Battery indicator has barely budged.

 

[JoePah]

After thinking long and hard about this I am seriously considering a Bionx S350DT kit added to one of my existing bikes. Hoping it will be a fit. Price is in my budget and I have several bikes so can spare one for this. And Bionx kits seem to have a great rep.

Thanks for all the comments to date,
Bob Z

Check out the guys from ElectricRider (texas) they have very attentive customer support and offer a lot more bang@!

Lectric Cycles offers the Bafang Mid drives and they are growing. Arizona i think

There are also cheaper quality alternative from Cell Man.. However he is out of China and you would have to be comfortable with shipping customs etc.

 

[Admin]

I got the S350DT and it meets all my expectations. Got it at Ebike of NE in Derry NH. Great people and free installation on my existing bike. I only have about 10 mi so far. Battery indicator has barely budged.

Cool! Glad the BionX kit has been working well for you Robert. Now that you've had it for a while what are your thoughts? Any chance you could share a picture and some updates in the BionX Forums?