Avid cyclist learning about e-bikes

EmilyRides said:
Yeah, the Specialized Vado SL looks great except for the standover of 770 mm in the Small size. If they made an XS or a lowstep, it would certainly be a contender.

I am looking for flat bars as I need the bars higher than the saddle for my back issues. I fractured my pelvis in a cycling accident in '05 and still have some issues on the right side, and lower back pain in general when I am bent over in a more traditional roadie position for more than an hour or so, probably due to arthritis and/or muscle strain from climbing in a more forward position.

Currently I am interested in the Specialized Como and Trek Allant+ 7S stagger. I am sure there are many more choices, but I do like the fact that Specialized and Trek have a large network of dealers for support, when needed. My roadie is a Trek, and both my husband and I have had great luck with that brand. Seems like I looked at Tern and ruled them out for one reason or another (small wheels, maybe?) Unless absolutely necessary, I really don't want a 20" wheeled bike. I do have one now, my Bike Friday folder, but it is a bit twitchy, and since I'll be living on a rural gravel road with a long gravel driveway, I want a bit more stability. The vast majority of my riding will be on pavement, but I'll face the gravel at the beginning and end of my rides. I'll revisit Tern since it has been awhile since I checked out their offerings.
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Dang Emily. You talk like a man. Forthright and with conviction. Good on ya. I'm just barely into this thread and may say what's been said but you are a small person trying to keep up with a guy who's into road bikes. You really ought to think about getting a non eurospec type bike. I recommend Biktrix. Get a small frame and a big motor. Then hubby will have to worry about staying up with you.

(ok, caught another of your posts. I'm not suggesting you get a moped that looks like a bike. You can set any good ebike as to your desired level of exercise. However, eurospec bikes have no throttle. That throttle might come in handy when hubby is half a mile ahead and you know he's getting exacerbated waiting on you.)
 
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EmilyRides said:
Thank you, I will!
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I think that unless you are quite affluent there´s no reason to spend a great deal on your first ebike. There are affordable
bikes that can give you a great deal of satisfaction without going all-in. That said, I wouldn´t go under $1K, but do make an educated
choice before committing.
 
reed scott said:
Dang Emily. You talk like a man. Forthright and with conviction. Good on ya. I'm just barely into this thread and may say what's been said but you are a small person trying to keep up with a guy who's into road bikes. You really ought to think about getting a non eurospec type bike. I recommend Biktrix. Get a small frame and a big motor. Then hubby will have to worry about staying up with you.

(ok, caught another of your posts. I'm not suggesting you get a moped that looks like a bike. You can set any good ebike as to your desired level of exercise. However, eurospec bikes have no throttle. That throttle might come in handy when hubby is half a mile ahead and you know he's getting exacerbated waiting on you.)
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Thanks. I am new to the world of e-bikes do am not even sure what a "eurospec" type bike is. However, I'll certainly check out Biktrix and see what they have to offer.
 
john peck said:
I think that unless you are quite affluent there´s no reason to spend a great deal on your first ebike. There are affordable
bikes that can give you a great deal of satisfaction without going all-in. That said, I wouldn´t go under $1K, but do make an educated
choice before committing.
Click to expand...

Of course, and that is what I am trying to do, by starting to do my research a year or so before I actually plan to buy. I tend to keep my bikes for a long time (my current non-ebikes are 2004, 2007, and 2011 model years), so I would rather spend more upfront on high quality than buy something with lesser components and end up frustrated. I hate having to sell bikes, though I have certainly done that over the years, but this e-bike purchase is one I hope will last me a long time.
 
EmilyRides said:
Of course, and that is what I am trying to do, by starting to do my research a year or so before I actually plan to buy. I tend to keep my bikes for a long time (my current non-ebikes are 2004, 2007, and 2011 model years), so I would rather spend more upfront on high quality than buy something with lesser components and end up frustrated. I hate having to sell bikes, though I have certainly done that over the years, but this e-bike purchase is one I hope will last me a long time.
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Emily, Check out Biktrix full suspension bike. Lots of options. It's shown with 4 in. tires but you can have 3 in or 2.8 in. Scroll down to see all you can configure on this bike. Biktrix also retunes the Bafang motor to a much better/smoother configuration. Plus the company has an excellent rep. Only reason I didn't buy one is they ran out of my size and I didn't want to wait for the next build go-round. Right now they only have medium frames but they are only a few, couple weeks till they open their next pre-order. Use the site's chat feature to ask if they will have a small frame size for the Juggernaut Ultra FS. 👍

PS: Eurospec bikes are Specialized, Trek, Riese and Muller, etc and they all have small limited power motors.

www.biktrix.com

Juggernaut Ultra FS Pro

Equipped with top-of-the-line components and the most powerful torque sensored mid-drive motor in the industry, the Juggernaut Ultra FS easily specs out as the best-built full-suspension eBike available.
www.biktrix.com www.biktrix.com
 
Emily, One more thing. On all these direct buy sites you can just click the 'Buy Now' button and see prices. The best companies like Biktrix give you a configurator to chose options and the price will change as you make selections.
 
reed scott said:
Emily, Check out Biktrix full suspension bike. Lots of options. It's shown with 4 in. tires but you can have 3 in or 2.8 in. Scroll down to see all you can configure on this bike. Biktrix also retunes the Bafang motor to a much better/smoother configuration. Plus the company has an excellent rep. Only reason I didn't buy one is they ran out of my size and I didn't want to wait for the next build go-round. Right now they only have medium frames but they are only a few, couple weeks till they open their next pre-order. Use the site's chat feature to ask if they will have a small frame size for the Juggernaut Ultra FS. 👍

PS: Eurospec bikes are Specialized, Trek, Riese and Muller, etc and they all have small limited power motors.

www.biktrix.com

Juggernaut Ultra FS Pro

Equipped with top-of-the-line components and the most powerful torque sensored mid-drive motor in the industry, the Juggernaut Ultra FS easily specs out as the best-built full-suspension eBike available.
www.biktrix.com www.biktrix.com
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Thanks. As I mentioned above, I'm not buying until next year. I'll check back later to see if there is a smaller size. It does look interesting, though I'm not sold on a throttle. I really want a bicycle experience, not a motorbike. I will try to keep an open mind!
 
EmilyRides said:
Thanks. As I mentioned above, I'm not buying until next year. I'll check back later to see if there is a smaller size. It does look interesting, though I'm not sold on a throttle. I really want a bicycle experience, not a motorbike. I will try to keep an open mind!
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In a one hour ride I´ll use the throttle less than one minute, but it´s damn handy to scoot across a busy intersection or get a little
jump into cadence starting uphill.
 
EmilyRides said:
Thanks. As I mentioned above, I'm not buying until next year. I'll check back later to see if there is a smaller size. It does look interesting, though I'm not sold on a throttle. I really want a bicycle experience, not a motorbike. I will try to keep an open mind!
Click to expand...

You don't have to use the throttle. The bikes are pedal assist and torque sensing.
 
EmilyRides said:
Pretty much. I am pretty set on a Class 3. I do love the 2021 teal color in the Verve+ 3, though!
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Hi Emily, I'm a long time roadie and would highly recommend a Class 3 EBike if you are an experienced cyclist... happy hunting! ;)

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Best Class 3 Electric Bikes of 2020

Class 3 Electric bikes are a specific regulatory classification of ebikes in the US and Europe. A class 3 electric bike provides motor assist while the rider pedals up to a speed of 28mph, which is close to the speed a fit cyclist can achieve without assistance. Class 3 electric bikes are increasing in popularity with riders who prefer a faster ride to keep up with traffic, reduce commuting time, and to expand their traveling range. Due to their increased speed, class 3 ebikes are restricted some bike trails and bike paths. They are sometimes referred to as speed pedelecs, because they rely on pedal assist to achieve the higher top speeds. See all the details and even more winners on our best Class 3 electric bikes page.

Premium

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ Review
  • MSRP: $3,500
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020
One of the best ebikes I've ever reviewed. Relatively light weight at 36.9lbs including integrated lights, a rear rack, and custom designed tubular fenders with extra long rubberized flaps to keep your feet dry. Reasonably priced for outstanding motor and battery technology. Class 3 speed-pedelec performance offers 28mph (45km/h) assisted speeds for fun, respect from automobiles, and overall faster commutes. Boost hub spacing provides sturdier spoke bracing angle, 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at… Read Review
Value

DŌST KOPE Review
  • MSRP: $2,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020
A sturdy, highly-functional, high-step hybrid electric bike with upgraded components and optional second battery pack. Adjustable angle stem improves fit, 100mm spring suspension fork offers compression lockout and preload, high quality 2.4" wide Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires offer stability, visible reflective sidewalls, and puncture protection lining built-in. Lots of great accessory options including bags, cup holders, suspension seat post, mirrors, and child seat. Powerful 750 watt Bafang BBS02 mid-drive motor blends into the purpose-built frame, alloy housing keeps… Read Review
Affordable

Aventon Level Review
  • MSRP: $1,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020
The Aventon Level is a powerful and feature-rich Class 3 commuting electric bike, a new model from Aventon that is competitively priced with impressive quality components throughout. The Shimano Acera drivetrain feels smooth with a good gear range across eight speeds, Quik… Read Review
 
Emily,
Congrats on your search for an ebike. The fun factor is incredible.
My two cents:
Based on your extensive cycling experience I’m in agreement that a class 3 would fit your needs. I have both class 1 (20 mph) and class 3 (28 mph). Many times I feel annoyed at the 20 mph cutoff of the class 1.
Hang in there till you find the bike that fits.
 
Thanks, FlatSix911 and Marci jo, this is my thinking. I have read reviews and articles that suggest Class 3 e-bikes for experienced roadies, of which I am one. I am definitely not as speedy as I was in my 30s and 40s, but I still enjoy riding aggressively from time to time, especially when I'm riding with my husband. I don't think I would like feeling the motor cut out at 20 mph (or even a little less, based on a few reviews I've read). I also do more leisurely utilitarian/errand rides, and for those a Class 1 would be fine, but since I only want to purchase one e-bike, at least at first, it needs to be able to do double duty.
 
EmilyRides said:
Thanks Bob! You are so right about trying before buying. Unfortunately, as I have found over the years, it can be hard to find many smaller bikes to test ride. Shops often don't stock them, as you probably know. But I will certainly do my best when the time comes to buy. Interesting story about your friend's "Large" size bike. I would imagine that even if you could straddle the top tube, the bike wouldn't necessarily fit you overall. There are many aspects to fit, reach being hugely important, as you know.

What e-bike did you end up with?
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Yes, you are correct with sizing a large on a smaller person. Standover may be okay, however, reach and other sizing requirements can be a bit off.
I was finally able to score a Haibike eMTB Full Seven in size Small. Took me about 1 year to narrow down selections and finding my size was a challenge, especially the fact that many female riders were buying that size as well.

I am also now happy to see bike companies expanding into women’s-specific E-bikes designed by women ie: Giant Liv, etc. 9 Best Women's E-bikes
 
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