Garry,
Typically, if you are looking for more current model year bikes, the fall / winter is a good time to buy. I find these are the best times to buy electric bikes as many retailers just need to make room for their 2017 bikes to arrive. These are typically the best types of bikes to buy as they are not left overs or bikes that have been sitting in boxes for years or discontinued and the batteries are still "Fresh". Bikes sitting in a warehouse for several years quite often have not had their batteries maintained. So the consumer will typically find themselves with a shorter than typical overall life cycle from their batteries.
When looking at very deep discounted bikes these are typically bikes that are several years old, stock that's been sitting or bikes where manufacturers offer their retailers great deals on bikes that were very slow sellers or not very popular. Most high end ebike shops will typically pass on these deals and sell most of their previous year model bikes the same year or early in the following year as they focus on offering their customers new fresh product.
I suggest spending a few hours surfing the web and checking out some of the great retailers out there in the fall / winter months and I think you can certainly pick up a great bike at a sweet deal.
In this industry there is more than just 2-3 amazing ebike retailers. There are some great member posts here on the site where you can get some great feedback on the various bikes. A good retailer will spend the time with you to understand your needs and fit you with an awesome electric bike that you love without pressuring you to buy. Like anything high pressure sales pitches are usually a warning sign, so be careful. Buy yourself something that fits your needs exactly and that you love. Don't settle for something just because of the price. A good ebike is an investment and will last you for years to come and will typically be trouble free.
good luck in your search,
Will
Bob,
Agreed, it's so important to do this. A proper dealer will always prep the bikes for the customer. Not doing so in our opinion is just cutting corners. Most manufactures will insist that their dealers do this, problem is that many don't do it and it's hard for the manufactures to enforce.
safe riding,
Will
Hi Will- I did not realize you were a dealer. Nice website! I was curious if any of the new BH EM bikes have throttles anymore or others you sell. The older models did, however they only came in size medium. I ride a small size due to my 30 inch inseam. Thank in advance! I live in the Chicago area.Bob,
Most of the larger brands will insist that dealers check the bikes before delivery to a client (truth be know this rarely happens by most retailers). We feel it's important to check things on the bike such as shipping damage, derailleur alignment, how true the wheels are and adjust (80% of bikes need an adjustment here), test electronics, torque bolts to spec (often this is not correct from manufacturing) and the list goes on...... We are always catching stuff before it leaves the shop and it's true of all brands.
A dealer that simply slaps a shipping label on the box and ships it straight out is really no better than buying from Amazon, Walmart or a big box store really. It's just a more expensive quality bike that hasn't been tuned correctly.
ride safe,
Will
Hello Bob,
Thanks for the comments.
Indeed there are several 2016 and 2017 Easy Motion bikes that will come standard with throttles. They come standard on their Evo series urban bikes.
BH Easy Motion basically won't equip their Evo series mountain bikes and their new Atom (Brose mid drive) series of bikes with throttles, however a throttle option is available as an option on any of their Evo bikes that may not come with a throttle like the Evo 29 and Evo 27.5 Pro.
Their EasyGo line-up of bikes don't have a throttle and there is no upgrade for that series which is most likely due to the lower 250watt rear hub motor on those bikes.
I too have the same inseam and need a medium frame for my urban bikes for my size and an 18" frame when mountain biking. Albeit I did ride a full season on a 20" ST2 this year and the sizing was quite good once I swapped to a shorter stem.
have an awesome week-end,
Will
shop.scooteretti.com
Thanks for the replies everybody! I appreciate it very much. I'm hanging on for a few months to do further research. I'm still looking at all the options from conversion kits to complete ebikes. There are so many different options to consider. Thanks also to Court for doing what he does and giving us all something to consider.