Choosing my first e-bike

[Caroline]

Hi, I'm 63, 5 foot 8 and around 225lbs with back issues. I used to ride a regular bike for years (a 10 speed road bike) and now I need something to get around town and on some country trails. Haven't ridden a bike in about five years now.

I'm trying to decide between a Voltbike Mariner and a Radmini. I like the fat tires and the folding options. Would appreciate any opinions on the ergonomics of either. Also, does anyone know the difference between a Voltbike Mariner 2018 and the previous year's version, which is $100 CDN cheaper?

I live in a hilly city. Thanks for any advice and help.

 

[rich c]

If you've got a bad back, you really need to buy from a good local shop that can professionally fit you to the bike. An on-line bike might create worse back issues and provide you with a painful mistake.

 

[Caroline]

Hmm, the back issues come and go, not constant. I've used an exercise bike in physiotherapy and it helps. I guess I'm wondering about other people's experiences with either of these models and minor back issues. Our one and only local bike shop has nothing suitable.

 

[J.R.]

Hi, I'm 63, 5 foot 8 and around 225lbs with back issues. I used to ride a regular bike for years (a 10 speed road bike) and now I need something to get around town and on some country trails. Haven't ridden a bike in about five years now.

I'm trying to decide between a Voltbike Mariner and a Radmini. I like the fat tires and the folding options. Would appreciate any opinions on the ergonomics of either. Also, does anyone know the difference between a Voltbike Mariner 2018 and the previous year's version, which is $100 CDN cheaper?

I live in a hilly city. Thanks for any advice and help.

You should read through @Cnugget thread of her ownership of the Voltbike Mariner.

https://electricbikereview.com/foru...ar-so-happy-observations-as-they-happen.7239/

It's very thorough. Maybe ask any questions you may have about the bike there. Good luck!

 

[john peck]

C, Rich has a good point on shaping a bike to fit your needs. Your road bike experience should
give you an idea of how you want it set up. I do find on an ebike a slightly lower center of gravity
is good though it may cost an inch of extension at the bottom of a stroke. I'm 70, weighed #300
when I ordered my CCS. Down to 240 now. An ebike is a great way to stay active & improve your
health. (that is if you stay focused & ride safely)

 

[Caroline]

You should read through @Cnugget thread of her ownership of the Voltbike Mariner.

https://electricbikereview.com/foru...ar-so-happy-observations-as-they-happen.7239/

It's very thorough. Maybe ask any questions you may have about the bike there. Good luck!

Thanks!

 

[AguassissiM]

@Caroline

Hi, I'm 63, 5 foot 8 and around 225lbs with back issues. ....
.

Have a look at this site, look for someone in your area that has at least 10 years of experience.
I used to have back problems that would make cry every time i had to walk and
now i jog or ride my bike with a smile.

 

[John from Connecticut]

If you've got a bad back, you really need to buy from a good local shop that can professionally fit you to the bike. An on-line bike might create worse back issues and provide you with a painful mistake.

I strongly agree with Rich C.... Visit a competent Local Bike Shop that you're comfortable with
who has someone trained and certified in bike fitting. I realize the words 'bike fitting' can sound like smoke
and mirrors, but I paid for a professional fit by a skilled fitter and it made a world of difference.

I too have a bad back and neck pain. Regardless of your decision, seriously consider a Cirrus Body Float Seat
Post...Not cheap, but neither is back surgery.

Lastly, I have less then zero knowledge about the bikes you've mentioned, Voltbike Mariner and a Radmini,
but my back hurts just looking at them. I could never fold and lift them into a vehicle.
As for a comfortable riding position on those bikes, I'll leave that to you and the professionals.

John from CT

 

[Caroline]

Thanks Rich and John.

 

[Barry S]

This is a YouTube video of Court with a small group riding the Rad Rover, Rad Mini, Yukon 750 and Mariner down in Cabo San Lucas. The video shows the group on a trail heading out to the beach so it's a good representation of how the bikes ride on a hard packed trail, which is probably close to the country trail you mentioned in your first post.

The only folding bike I've ridden was a GoCycle that a co-worker had and it was pretty cool. However, I couldn't see myself riding it as part of my daily commute on paved roads. It didn't feel solid enough, but that's just my opinion. There's also something about the handlebar position of folding bikes that doesn't feel normal.

Like others have already chimed in, find a reputable LBS that takes ebikes seriously (doesn't have a few "token" bikes on the sales floor collecting dust) and discuss your intended riding plans and see what they can offer.