Can't decide! Nevo or Homage...

[JMoto]

I currently have a Benno RemiDemi and am wanting something more standard sized, the tiny fat wheels just feel a bit wobbly, the gearing is too small and the brakes are meh. My local shop did a bunch of research only to find out all the things I wanted to upgrade weren't able to be done per Benno, doh!

So, I was really considering a Gazelle Eclipse T11 but bought a recumbent trike in the meantime. I fell in love with its Rohloff! I live in San Francisco so the huge gearing range is SO helpful on our big ole hills. So now I'm trying to choose between:

2019 R&M Nevo GT Rohloff $4,000 dual battery (1000w) w/1426 miles
R&M Homage GT Rohloff $4,500 single battery (625w) w/1250 miles
2024 R&M Homage4 GT Rohloff HS for $10,600 new

Clearly a HUGE price difference to go new. So is the Nevo used "great enough" that I'll love it just fine or am I going to miss the newer features of the Homage4? I might never go more than 30 miles in 1 sitting so I don't really need the larger batterys of the newer ones. I really care most about being able to carry all my crap to work and doing so comfortably. My RemiDemi is comfy-ish but is a bummer on the hills with limited gearing. In my mind I can always ride the whole 20 miles (with 680 feet climb) to work instead of cheating and taking the ferry like I do now sometimes. (I can't take my trike because it doesn't fit on the ferry and it's analog which I love but I'm REALLY SLOW on the heavy beast, lol). Worried that the Nevo is older enough that it can't have the frame mounted front rack which I love on my Remi, and the Homage GT has just the single battery and I don't think I can upgrade it or add a second to get more range?

I know it's subjective but I'd love opinions of folks who've gone from older to newer R&Ms or work with them a lot at shops even. Let me know if you have questions to help you help me decide! I'm not married to these two bikes, just what I've found so far that seems best for my use. Cheers friends!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A 6 year old e-bike is technologically a dead end. Buying a used e-bike always involves a big risk as you don't know how the e-bike was treated by the owner. What if the owner has not been maintaining the battery? What about any latent defects?

 

[JMoto]

Hadnt been concerned about that since Ive heard a lot of R&M bikes can get huge mileage. But, the nevo is by the original owner with shop service records. Plus its old enough that i can utilize my extra Bosch battery from my current bike. And I know my battery is good. The homage is being sold by a shop so I dont know more about its past until I go chat them up.

How many years old would you think is safer, 2 or 3? Or just not at all in your opinion?

 

[Jay Kay]

I'd go Homage because it is a superb bike without a doubt, with rear suspension (including the carrier). If you need high speed, well it has to be the Homage4. If you have the cash, I'd go the Homage4. It has significant upgrades over the Homage - fox front and back suspension, dropper seat post, new model light, and if you just get the standard speed, a higher torque motor with eMTB mode - my favourite even for road use. It might even make you ride more often, so the extra battery capacity might be more useful than you think.

 

[dblhelix]

I currently have a Benno RemiDemi and am wanting something more standard sized, the tiny fat wheels just feel a bit wobbly, the gearing is too small and the brakes are meh. My local shop did a bunch of research only to find out all the things I wanted to upgrade weren't able to be done per Benno, doh!

So, I was really considering a Gazelle Eclipse T11 but bought a recumbent trike in the meantime. I fell in love with its Rohloff! I live in San Francisco so the huge gearing range is SO helpful on our big ole hills. So now I'm trying to choose between:

2019 R&M Nevo GT Rohloff $4,000 dual battery (1000w) w/1426 miles
R&M Homage GT Rohloff $4,500 single battery (625w) w/1250 miles
2024 R&M Homage4 GT Rohloff HS for $10,600 new

Clearly a HUGE price difference to go new. So is the Nevo used "great enough" that I'll love it just fine or am I going to miss the newer features of the Homage4? I might never go more than 30 miles in 1 sitting so I don't really need the larger batterys of the newer ones. I really care most about being able to carry all my crap to work and doing so comfortably. My RemiDemi is comfy-ish but is a bummer on the hills with limited gearing. In my mind I can always ride the whole 20 miles (with 680 feet climb) to work instead of cheating and taking the ferry like I do now sometimes. (I can't take my trike because it doesn't fit on the ferry and it's analog which I love but I'm REALLY SLOW on the heavy beast, lol). Worried that the Nevo is older enough that it can't have the frame mounted front rack which I love on my Remi, and the Homage GT has just the single battery and I don't think I can upgrade it or add a second to get more range?

I know it's subjective but I'd love opinions of folks who've gone from older to newer R&Ms or work with them a lot at shops even. Let me know if you have questions to help you help me decide! I'm not married to these two bikes, just what I've found so far that seems best for my use. Cheers friends!

Are you getting any kind of warranty with these bikes? What year is the Homage listed first?

I used to own the 2019 Nevo Rohloff. Be aware it has a Gen2 performance line motor and the 65Nm torque cannot be upgraded. As you note, any PowerPack can be used as a second battery. Mine had a front carrier which, IIRC, was mounted to the steering column and turned with the handlebars. Whether I pulled the trigger on this model would depend on a few factors. Is it being sold by (for example) The New Wheel with some sort of warranty? A plus. Are you comfortable with buying a Bosch service kit for the motor (around $150 on ebay) and eventually doing an overhaul yourself or via mechanic? I think the Gen2s are getting harder to find/replace, otherwise. Can you get a bit knocked off the price?

I am biased against the Homage from the Gen4 era (2020-2022?). Two prominent posters here had all kinds of problems. I can't speak to 2024, but, as someone who has owned both 'hardtail' and "Control Technology" models, I'd say simpler is better. Less weight, less to fix on down the road.

I see your choice coming down to $ you're comfortable spending. I could see picking up the Nevo just to feel comfortable with SF hills but find it a tad overpriced unless you're getting real security as part of the transaction. The newer 2024 Homage gives you a worry-free two years at minimum. I'd also check on the weight of this model as compared to the Nevo, which I remember as fairly nimble for what it is.

 

[JMoto]

and if you just get the standard speed, a higher torque motor with eMTB mode - my favourite even for road use. It might even make you ride more often, so the extra battery capacity might be more useful than you think.

I need to resorch that more. I didnt know about the extra torque on the 20mph version! I dont "need' the 28er as Ive been happy with my current 20er just fine. But yes, I was/am scared about the limitation of the older homage not being able to get more batterys to swap in for longer trips.

Are you getting any kind of warranty with these bikes? What year is the Homage listed first?

I used to own the 2019 Nevo Rohloff. Be aware it has a Gen2 performance line motor and the 65Nm torque cannot be upgraded. As you note, any PowerPack can be used as a second battery. Mine had a front carrier which, IIRC, was mounted to the steering column and turned with the handlebars. Whether I pulled the trigger on this model would depend on a few factors. Is it being sold by (for example) The New Wheel with some sort of warranty? A plus. Are you comfortable with buying a Bosch service kit for the motor (around $150 on ebay) and eventually doing an overhaul yourself or via mechanic? I think the Gen2s are getting harder to find/replace, otherwise. Can you get a bit knocked off the price?

I am biased against the Homage from the Gen4 era (2020-2022?). Two prominent posters here had all kinds of problems. I can't speak to 2024, but, as someone who has owned both 'hardtail' and "Control Technology" models, I'd say simpler is better. Less weight, less to fix on down the road.

I see your choice coming down to $ you're comfortable spending. I could see picking up the Nevo just to feel comfortable with SF hills but find it a tad overpriced unless you're getting real security as part of the transaction. The newer 2024 Homage gives you a worry-free two years at minimum. I'd also check on the weight of this model as compared to the Nevo, which I remember as fairly nimble for what it is.

No warranty implied with either used one but I will ask the shop with the homage. The Homage doesn't say what year it's from, just the model. But I would like to avoid the problems others have had if it is that model!

The Nevo says it has the CX motor with 85Nm. Partly more difficult a transaction as I'd have to drive 8 hours south for both of the used ones. Not a deal breaker, just added drama, ha ha.

Our roads are in horrible condition where I live. My current bike with kinekt seat post and handlebar stem is still quite hard on me. So I cant see caring much about the weight, I have a ramp for my bike rack but haven't needed to use it yet with my 65#er.

I definitely WANT a new one, just trying to be more frugal. Partly thinking get an old one now and see if the pinion is really super awesome and get that in 2 years! (Not stateside til mid '26 my dealer says).

 

[JMoto]

My shop just told me prices are now up 8% due to the darn tariffs but could be an added 20% if it ships past the 90 day pause. Ugh!!!!

 

[dblhelix]

My shop just told me prices are now up 8% due to the darn tariffs but could be an added 20% if it ships past the 90 day pause. Ugh!!!!

OK, the Nevo is the Class I (20mph) not Class III (HS 28mph). I think it's priced a bit high.

 

[JMoto]

OK, the Nevo is the Class I (20mph) not Class III (HS 28mph). I think it's priced a bit high.

He must not know then. His add clearly states 28mph but says CX (not speed). Maybe its unlocked? Ill ask.

 

[JMoto]

I guess Ill skip out on the used Nevo. I asked him for a closer picture of the motor to confirm its the speed and not cx. He said "its in the listing" even though i said its too fuzzy to zoom in enough and tell. Says its the CX but 28er and not unlocked which I dont believe is a thing.... Okay then... moving on. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/d/san-pedro-riese-muller-nevo-gt-rohloff/7833489161.html

 

[dblhelix]

I guess Ill skip out on the used Nevo. I asked him for a closer picture of the motor to confirm its the speed and not cx. He said "its in the listing" even though i said its too fuzzy to zoom in enough and tell. Says its the CX but 28er and not unlocked which I dont believe is a thing.... Okay then... moving on. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/d/san-pedro-riese-muller-nevo-gt-rohloff/7833489161.html

The bike is on ebay. The description describes it both as a CX, then at the end, Performance Line HS. The cover looks like the HS, actually. A little background: RM intentionally did not use the Speed designation at that time. The CX cover said PL CX, and I don't see the CX. The bike was originally purchased at Propel. The auction started almost three months ago.

Comes with manuals and charger, serial numbers are listed. The seller has a vg reputation. It looks to me as though the bike was perhaps purchased at an estate sale. Purely my speculation.


No returns, but you are protected by eBay, and the auction states 'or best offer' and a strong preference for local buyer. Could be a deal at the right price for someone in SoCal who takes a look at it first.

 

[dblhelix]

My shop just told me prices are now up 8% due to the darn tariffs but could be an added 20% if it ships past the 90 day pause. Ugh!!!!

Not sure how some of these expensive European brands can make it here.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Not sure how some of these expensive European brands can make it here.

Not sure how inexpensive Chinese brands can make it here with the 125% tariff. No e-bike is made in the U.S. from American parts anyway.

 

[dblhelix]

Not sure how inexpensive Chinese brands can make it here with the 125% tariff. No e-bike is made in the U.S. from American parts anyway.

Well, if past patterns are any indication, let's say a $999 Lectric-type bike now sells for $2.2k but a Euro-bike currently at $10k moves to $11.5k.. The former currently enjoys market share, the latter is a bit niche, and probably close to new sales saturation. Just look at this thread, weighing used v new options. Look at dealers putting 'New-demo' on eBay, Then there's Upway. All of these factors undercut the manufacturer/brand value.

As usual, Stefan, an interesting discussion.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Not sure how inexpensive Chinese brands can make it here with the 125% tariff. No e-bike is made in the U.S. from American parts anyway.

Although an e-bike build from one of the boutique frame makers like Sklar with Chris King or Paul components would be something to behold. And would easily cost more than my first new car.

 

[JMoto]

It is gonna cost half what my fancy motorcycle cost but I'm gonna give up on used since i cant find any 4 models and order a 5... and tell my wife its worth it for my sexy legs, lol.

 

[BlackHand]

40 used R&M's on Upway right now. They at least have a return policy and limited warranty options plus a California location now (LA). I have seen bikes on there listed with incorrect class and/or Bosch drive unit, something to be aware of.

 

[JMoto]

40 used R&M's on Upway right now. They at least have a return policy and limited warranty options plus a California location now (LA). I have seen bikes on there listed with incorrect class and/or Bosch drive unit, something to be aware of.

Yeah, their listings really turned me off. I contacted them about one and they said half the info was wrong after I asked a bunch of questions. All bad. And Im only after Nevo & Homage w/Rohloffs so they had only a couple. Oh well.

 

[dblhelix]

Yeah, their listings really turned me off. I contacted them about one and they said half the info was wrong after I asked a bunch of questions. All bad. And Im only after Nevo & Homage w/Rohloffs so they had only a couple. Oh well.

For anyone interested in IDs. Here is a 2019 Nevo Rohloff CX engine cover. The HS omitted the CX and did not substitute with Speed, although other brands had covers with the Speed designation. I cannot vouch for this directly but was told that RM did not want to draw attention to the 28mph, as the Class system and regulatory environment in general was still murky.

Back then, you could only get these bikes from a dealer. No Upway, used sales were rare. Today, it is clear there are many sellers who are not familiar with the sometimes subtle differences between variants. Even more apparent is that they are not familiar with the sales model. The 'new' price sellers always compare to is based on new batteries and a 2yr warranty, for crying out loud.

Case in point - there is an eBay auction for a Superdelite GT Touring HS near me. It's local pickup only. The listing has been active since ... 2023. If it were my size, I'd make an offer, but ... asking price is $8500/obo. My offer would not even come close, tbh. It's been listed since 2023. Seller also has "Brand new 2022 Nevo GT Automatiq,' so let's go with 3 years old, even if not ridden. Seller does not accept returns/local PU only. Origin of bike(s)? Well, that's strange ... came from a Trek store in a Detroit suburb. Trek does not sell RM but does package/ship bikes for a fee. So, either stolen or dumped by another seller/dealer? Hilarious, the ad states: Better than Trek. OK... Says 20ppl watching. Anyone here who is seriously interested in the bike(s), DM me, and we'll work something out. I'll make sure it's Linkglide, not Deore; obtain a diagnostic, verify charger/manuals, serial #, etc. You decide on the offer.

 

[JMoto]

For anyone interested in IDs. Here is a 2019 Nevo Rohloff CX engine cover. The HS omitted the CX and did not substitute with Speed, although other brands had covers with the Speed designation. I cannot vouch for this directly but was told that RM did not want to draw attention to the 28mph, as the Class system and regulatory environment in general was still murky.

Definitely, when I first started looking I didnt know about all the special rules in other countries discouraged the faster models!