My first electric bike is a Specialized used bike that has an add-on front motor and simple throttle. It is still running and has a considerable range. It is not an aluminum ultralight but I basically like the bike and it convinced me that everything I suspected about ebikes was true!
What I suspected was: that I would ride more - because I would have less resistance to the idea of going for pretty much any ride I wanted to go on - in other words - I no longer really care if it's a fairly long ride because I don't really worry about running out of steam out somewhere I'd rather not be. I also don't fear hilly areas or rougher areas - it's kind of a cross between biking and motocross.
So next, I bought a "real" ebike - a used Ecotric in Like New condition and it has been excellent as well - all things considered.
Now I know that I like EBikes - without question. And now I intend to invest a bit more (and sell all the ebikes I have at this time).
One of the key reasons that I am on this site is that is wanted your input on the following:
Basically, what I see mainly in the market are inexpensive "heavy steel bikes" that have been created as e-bikes and sell for premium prices that make no sense to me, unless I was selling them.
I am leaning heavily toward buying a good light strong aluminum bike like my son's Trek that I can lift easily and adding a hub motor (probably in the rear), with the battery on a rear stand like the original Specialized ebike I bought (as shown in the pictures).
Specifically for myself, I am looking at something like a Specialized Stumpjumper full suspension Aluminum Alloy bike - they can be found in very good condition used for less than $1,000, and can easily handle my 200 pounds. I am familiar with front, mid, and rear motors and I am leaning toward a rear hub motor (though I have had no problem with the front hub bike I own).
I do prefer an upright riding position, it is actually mandatory: My wrists cannot take a pounding and the seat I MUST use, has to be a noseless seat or I go numb down south.
I'm really wondering if I have overlooked something regarding putting a good rear hub motor on a solid light well made bike. On my first bike, the Specialized, without the big battery it is just a couple of pounds heavier than it was originally. So when I put it on the bike rack with the battery inside the car, it is still just a light "normal" bike. Am I missing something? Is there a good reason for all the heavy steel bikes in the e-bike category other than manufacturing and seller cost ratio considerations?
It does not seem to be any real concern regarding the strength of the bike: a well made tough light bike can easily handle a motor and normal judicious biking by a reasonable adult - particularly with full suspension.
Anyway!
I look forward to your input and ideas and any DYI stuff you might recommend. I will probably have it professionally installed here in the Bay Area of San Francisco or anywhere within 500 miles.
Thank you in advance!!
What I suspected was: that I would ride more - because I would have less resistance to the idea of going for pretty much any ride I wanted to go on - in other words - I no longer really care if it's a fairly long ride because I don't really worry about running out of steam out somewhere I'd rather not be. I also don't fear hilly areas or rougher areas - it's kind of a cross between biking and motocross.
So next, I bought a "real" ebike - a used Ecotric in Like New condition and it has been excellent as well - all things considered.
Now I know that I like EBikes - without question. And now I intend to invest a bit more (and sell all the ebikes I have at this time).
One of the key reasons that I am on this site is that is wanted your input on the following:
Basically, what I see mainly in the market are inexpensive "heavy steel bikes" that have been created as e-bikes and sell for premium prices that make no sense to me, unless I was selling them.
I am leaning heavily toward buying a good light strong aluminum bike like my son's Trek that I can lift easily and adding a hub motor (probably in the rear), with the battery on a rear stand like the original Specialized ebike I bought (as shown in the pictures).
Specifically for myself, I am looking at something like a Specialized Stumpjumper full suspension Aluminum Alloy bike - they can be found in very good condition used for less than $1,000, and can easily handle my 200 pounds. I am familiar with front, mid, and rear motors and I am leaning toward a rear hub motor (though I have had no problem with the front hub bike I own).
I do prefer an upright riding position, it is actually mandatory: My wrists cannot take a pounding and the seat I MUST use, has to be a noseless seat or I go numb down south.
I'm really wondering if I have overlooked something regarding putting a good rear hub motor on a solid light well made bike. On my first bike, the Specialized, without the big battery it is just a couple of pounds heavier than it was originally. So when I put it on the bike rack with the battery inside the car, it is still just a light "normal" bike. Am I missing something? Is there a good reason for all the heavy steel bikes in the e-bike category other than manufacturing and seller cost ratio considerations?
It does not seem to be any real concern regarding the strength of the bike: a well made tough light bike can easily handle a motor and normal judicious biking by a reasonable adult - particularly with full suspension.
Anyway!
I look forward to your input and ideas and any DYI stuff you might recommend. I will probably have it professionally installed here in the Bay Area of San Francisco or anywhere within 500 miles.
Thank you in advance!!
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