Bike for Wife: Torquey mid-drive, throttle, step-thru, belt?

[NerdAlert]

TL;DR Wife wants an eBike to keep up with my Juggernaut Ultra. Is it worth shelling out for the WW Helios to get it all, or would the DŌST Drop, Biktrix Jugg Ultra Duo, or Sondors LX/Cruiser be a better buy? Am I missing other options to consider? I welcome any critique of my thought process or corrections to information gathered.

My wife is 5' 8" ~175 lbs. The bike will see mild to moderate usage in a hilly area and will be used with child carrier from time to time if I'm not pulling the trailer. I'm partial to Bafang as an owner of a Biktrix Jugg Ultra 1000 (2018) which I LOVE. Wife loves riding my bike and the effortless hill climbs. With lower back and knee trouble, she needs a stepthrough frame with low standover height, upright riding position, and a throttle to get going.

While I'm perfectly happy maintaining a chain and derailleur on my own bike, I am very interested in a belt drive and IGH for longevity and lower maintenance for my wife's.

Base requirements:

• Step-thru frame (Low standover height under 20 inches)
• Mid-drive motor with plenty of torque - Bosch/Schimano/Brose just aren't torquey enough
• Downtube integrated battery (Sharkpack expansion optional)
• 30+ mile range
• Throttle (Class 2, ability to remove speed restriction a plus)
• MTB/Plus-sized wheelset
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Suspension fork a plus
• Included rack and fenders a plus (rack must support child seat)
• North American shop with proven support
• 2+ year warranty on electronics a plus

Chain drive

DŌST DROP - DŌST Bikes (dostbikes.com)
I found the Drop while perusing the EBR mid-drive reviews and there's a lot to like about it. Decent components and well put together with attention to detail. I've used a Bafang Ultra (G510 with metal gear) for a few years, so I like and trust how heavy duty and overbuilt it is. I worry whether the BBS02 will hold up as well with its nylon gearing and potential for overheating.

Pros:

• Price is well within budget (~$2800 USD)
• Great looking (wife likes it)
• Integrated rack with 100 lbs capacity, fenders
• Integrated lights
• Gear sensor
• Chain guard

Cons:

• Cadence sensor only
• Integrated battery option has midling capacity (14Ah)
• BBS02 motor (Is it trustworthy?
• Can't easily upgrage to belt drive

Biktrix Juggernaut DUO Ultra Step-Thru (biktrix.com)
I love my Jugg Ultra and had a positive experience with Biktrix and Roshan both buying and with a warranty repair on the Bafang G510 clutch, and I'm a bit of brand loyalist. This option is most comparable with the DŌST Drop, but with a little less polish and a better motor.

Pros:

• Price in budget (~$3400 USD)
• Good experience with Biktrix
• Bafang Ultra M620 motor
• Cadence and torque sensors
• Larger integrated battery capacity (17.5Ah)
• Integrated headlight (though it's kind of meh)
• Fenders and rack included
• Chain guard

Cons:

• Rear rack load capacity unknown
• No tail light integration
• Can't easily upgrage to belt drive

Belt drive/Upgradeable from chain drive

SONDORS LX or Cruiser | SONDORS Electric Bikes
These new models from Sondors are decent chain-driven options with the Bafang M620 which could potentially be upgraded to belt drive and Rohloff hub for lower cost than anything prebuilt with that drivetrain combination. The LX is clone of the R&M Nevo with an elevated chainstay and sliding dropout that make a belt conversion straightforward. But does the chain line of the Cruiser allow for upgrading to a belt? The seat stay is split, so they must be planning ahead for a potential upgrade to belt drive versions, right? I don't think I'd consider the Sondors bikes if not upgrading to belt drive (but my mind can be changed).

Pros:

• Lowest cost (~$2000 USD + ~$2000 for upgrades)
• Large integrated battery capacity
• Upgradeable to belt drive and IGH (LX only?)
• Integrated lights

Cons:

• No included rack or fenders (LX may not support a rack at all)
• Unknown accessory options
• Lower gearset range than alternatives (7sp)
• No front suspension on Cruiser

Watt Wagons Helios Stepthrough – Watt Wagons (**Unicorn bike**)
I mean it when I say "unicorn bike." It took me a while to find WW, but this bike has it all - even if you're paying for it. Reviews and customer feedback for WW are also very positive, and it's great that pushkar is active on the EBR forums.

Pros:

• Bafang M620 motor
• 52V system with 17Ah integrated battery
• 5A charger included
• Gates belt and Rohloff hub option from factory
• Controller upgrade options for improved power delivery or higher wattage
• Magura MT5e brakes included
• Warranty extensions offered
• Frame size options
• All carbon frame
• Kinect suspension seatpost included
• Fenders included

Cons:

• Highest cost (~$5600 with just Rohloff upgrade)
• No rack included?
• Extreme jealousy of my wife's bike

See also:
https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/10-step-thru-ebikes-for-consideration.37423/
https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/2020-top-10-ebikes-with-the-bafang-g510-ultra.31656/

 

[onlineaddy]

Nice analysis. One point: the Helios will come with a rear rack. Weight capacity unknown.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I'd vote for the Helios, but I'm bias, since I've already ordered one for me and a step-through for my wife.

 

[NerdAlert]

I'd vote for the Helios, but I'm bias, since I've already ordered one for me and a step-through for my wife.

I guess that solves the jealousy issue for you

I'm not quite ready to replace my trusty Jugg, but maybe when we start having to commute again I can justify an upgrade

 

[scout592]

You could bring the price down by $1,200 by using the SA3 option.

 

[NerdAlert]

You could bring the price down by $1,200 by using the SA3 option.

Thanks for the suggestion. I thought about that, given the huge difference in price it would make. But I don't think the SA3's 177% gear range would be enough for us. I was also considering other hub options like Envolio or even Shimano but we figured if we spring for the Helios then we might as well get it with all the nice things

 

[NerdAlert]

Nice analysis. One point: the Helios will come with a rear rack. Weight capacity unknown.

Thanks for letting me know. It shows a rear rack on the CAD drawings in the gallery, but the actual pictures make it hard to tell. I might try reaching out to @pushkar to find out if they have a weight capacity rating for it.

 

[onlineaddy]

@NerdAlert there has been no photo of the actual Helios bike as of yet.

 

[ElevenAD]

look in all honesty that Dost may feel to weak compared to your Ultra,BBS02 is a downgrade! if your happy with your Ultra stick with that motor!
the Sonders bikes are tuned down to 750watts and who knows how long you would have to wait to get your bike, so far i dont think anyone has received an Ultra powered bike from Sonders! Unreal. i would just get another Biktrix or if you must have the belt drive go with Pushkar, at least with Wattwagon you will be able to utilize the Ultra's full potential unlike Sonders.

 

[AHicks]

2 points.
My understanding is the BBS02 is a pretty strong motor, especially in a scenario where it's allowed to cool between high output sessions - like use in rolling hills for instance. There is very little chance you will ever have trouble with the plastic gear, especially with the wife on it. There NO history of that gear being an issue. Consider the guys riding the early plastic geared G510's are NOT having any trouble until they start supplying them with stupid amounts of power.

Second, I believe there's a tendency to get carried away with the number of gears being supplied on some of these new bikes. This is an electric motor for Pete's sake. It's got a VERY wide power band available. It's NOT like a peaky high revving internal combustion engine at all! More gears is NOT necessarily better! You want bragging rights, go for it. If you want practical, it's just not necessary. My bet is after riding it for a while, you're only going to be using MAYBE half of the gears available. My thoughts anyway, FWIW. -Al

 

[jjoyce]

@NerdAlert - wanted to see where you wound up after this ...
I am in a similar situation though neither of us have ebikes yet but have been looking for something that can go around town, up & down hills and lug kids & stuff around... i was looking at Evelo today (Aurora/Galaxy for wife, Delta/Aurora for me) and they suggested i consider a cargo bike (front loader) though that opened a whole new world of e-bikes to look into so now i'm even more confused ...

 

[Acme]

I imagine you could put a roloff hub on any of those other bikes as long as they are not rear suspension. But it would increase the price by > $1500. if you’re not riding off Road a1000W geared hub would probably do everything you needed for a lot less money but if you want to be prepared for any occasion and really get the best bike and no chance of regrets then definitely Wattwagons.

 

[Bert Fox]

My wife has an Evelo that uses a Bafang mid drive with a Gates carbon belt and a NuVinci Harmony auto transmission. It has been absolutely trouble free for two years. The company was first rate in answering my early questions and responding to my needs.

 

[kmccune]

2 points.
My understanding is the BBS02 is a pretty strong motor, especially in a scenario where it's allowed to cool between high output sessions - like use in rolling hills for instance. There is very little chance you will ever have trouble with the plastic gear, especially with the wife on it. There NO history of that gear being an issue. Consider the guys riding the early plastic geared G510's are NOT having any trouble until they start supplying them with stupid amounts of power.

Second, I believe there's a tendency to get carried away with the number of gears being supplied on some of these new bikes. This is an electric motor for Pete's sake. It's got a VERY wide power band available. It's NOT like a peaky high revving internal combustion engine at all! More gears is NOT necessarily better! You want bragging rights, go for it. If you want practical, it's just not necessary. My bet is after riding it for a while, you're only going to be using MAYBE half of the gears available. My thoughts anyway, FWIW. -Al

One reason why I think a 3spd IGH would work on my (vaporware) trike build.
As an 'aside' I finally realized why 2 wheeled bikes feel unsteady to me these days( " trikeafornia" here I come'") Payload and steadiness are whats important to Me these days, as I said before my"Breakaway" days are long gone.
I not envious, just frankly amazed at the money and time some of you Guys have( I know,I know, you make the time and financing for your passions-Unlike a Girlfriend it is something you can"will' to someone else).
My worst problem was ,I found this site and you Guys"infected Me" with the "Ebike bug"{ as far as I can tell "Pfizer" is not working on a vaccine)

 

[Kayakguy]

The Ariel Rider C class checks most of your boxes: Step thru, IGH (7 speed Shimano), has a robust rack that will take a child's seat, fenders, lights, 48 v. (but only about 12 a.h., I think), about 90 nm, class 2, 5 level PAS. It has a throttle, but it only works when on zero assist, and I only tried it out once to see if it works. It is a chain drive, but I am informed that chains last much longer with IGH as they don't have to wobble around off-axis like with a derailer, and it is a wider, stronger chain. Also, hydraulic disc brakes.

I do most of my riding on PAS 1, and level 2 only when dealing with a significant hill. I love that with the IGH you can shift when stopped at a light.

I ordered mine in mid Sept. or Aug, and it was delivered in less than a week. Manual sucks, as it is recycled from an earlier iteration of the bike. Price was (and still is) $1800. But of course they are out of stock now--like everybody else.

 

[kmccune]

I must be getting weird these days,I am attracted to the multi- colored Womans bicycles wal mart has in stock, (icing on the cake 3 SPD IGH) since I do not use more than 3 gears anyway( hmmm!) It was a shock when I found Out I couldn't handle the three wheeler,I guess I will have to do as "Jimmy Dean" said" Dance with the one that brung ya", You all Guys may laugh,I have scarcely any short term memory( cannot remember faces, etc-very embarrasing), no muscle memory I was 13 before I could ride a bike and boy when I got those spindly legs pumping it was love at first sight.
I blame some of my "Handicap" on the two severe bouts of Measles I endured as a child, the last one about killed me( even affected my hearing) in and out of consciousness, gasping for breath extremely high fever, I am aware these days of how tenuous our hold on life is, one reason I am never cruel to anything. Made a vow to myself to never engage in the "assholery" I had to endure as a child.
The day I jumped on the bike( could always balance) and my legs started turning the pedals, it was"Run Forrest, run!"

 

[kmccune]

NA, you are probably going to be outclassed when Wifey gets that bike, hope you find a good one for Her and be glad Fellows that your Wives will ride with you. When I mentioned bike riding to my "SO" ( I received a terrible tongue lashing-I would sooner be beaten) She who must be obeyed rules this "roost"

 

[xerxez]

The Ariel Rider C class checks most of your boxes: Step thru, IGH (7 speed Shimano), has a robust rack that will take a child's seat, fenders, lights, 48 v. (but only about 12 a.h., I think), about 90 nm, class 2, 5 level PAS. It has a throttle, but it only works when on zero assist, and I only tried it out once to see if it works. It is a chain drive, but I am informed that chains last much longer with IGH as they don't have to wobble around off-axis like with a derailer, and it is a wider, stronger chain. Also, hydraulic disc brakes.

I do most of my riding on PAS 1, and level 2 only when dealing with a significant hill. I love that with the IGH you can shift when stopped at a light.

I ordered mine in mid Sept. or Aug, and it was delivered in less than a week. Manual sucks, as it is recycled from an earlier iteration of the bike. Price was (and still is) $1800. But of course they are out of stock now--like everybody else.

I'm late to this party.... i was going to say the Ariel Rider M-class. My wife loves it.