Hi Anuska! Great question, the Sinus and Winora electric bikes both appear to be high quality rides. I have never tried (or heard of) either brand because I live in the USA but I will try to provide some opinions based on the images and specs I read on their websites. I'm not sure what's available in Switzerland but the Kalkhoff ebikes from Germany seem pretty good and I have many reviews
here.
Both of the bikes below have a similar geometry with the step-thru frame for easy mounting (even with skirt) and use rear-mounted batteries that double as a rack for adding a bag or panniers and carrying cargo. It appears that they also both have internally geared hubs with seven speeds and offer fenders, bumper seats, seat post shocks, suspension forks, lights, rim locks and adjustable stems (to change handle bar position) though the Winora has an easier adjustment that can be made without tools... it also has a spot to mount a water bottle cage. The real differences I see are listed below:
- (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) - Price: €2,399 this bike uses a 250 watt Bosch centerdrive system that leverages the seven gears on the bike to make climbing easier and to go get improved range (here's a video review I shot with another bike that uses the same drive system). It's a very sophisticated system that is efficient, well balanced and high quality and likely the reason this bike costs more.
- Winora C2 AGT 468Wh - Price: €2,099 this bike uses a 250 watt front mounted geared hub motor which will be less efficient for climbing, less well balanced and get a shorter range than the mid-drive motor on the Sinus BC50 but costs less. It has a nice double-legged kickstand that will make loading a pack easier but it hangs down and might hit curbs more easily, I like the fully enclosed chain but both bikes will keep your pants or dress clean with their chain guards,
Both of these bikes use a similar battery (Lithium-ion) but the Winora is slightly larger at 468 watt hours vs. 400 on the Sinus. They both have the same strength at 36 volts but the amp hours on the Winora are 13ah vs. 11 which would normally mean that it can go further but since it uses a less efficient front-hub motor it will not go as far.
These bikes are very similar but the Sinus has a better drive system. If you aren't going to climb a lot and are less concerned about long range riding then the Winora is adequate though the steering will be slightly impacted by the extra weight of the hub motor. Another factor to con sider here is whether there is a dealer nearby who can service the bikes for you? If you have a Sinus dealer then it could make sense to pay more for this bike because you will get free tuneups and have someone who knows the system for repairs and warranty issues. The same applies to Winora, having a dealer nearby is a great benefit
I hope this helps you out! Please share some pictures and updates of whichever bike you choose (or if you have more questions).
Cheers,
Court
