considering a sondors

[Nobody]

they advertise 20 miles full electric 30-50 pedal assist. but i hear alot of people saying the advertised specs are inflated. are these numbers accurate or should i expect 15 full electric 30 pedal assist?

is the suspension upgrade a waste of money? a smoother ride would be nice, but i hear it's like the rest of the bike, cheap, and possibly provides no noticeable difference, only additional weight.

how much does the weight effect performance? thin says 38 pounds. fat says 55 pounds. unsure if the difference provides any noticeable difference in terms of speed or distance.

regarding the LCD display for the thin. i'm assuming the extra pedal assist levels provides more or less electric usage for adjusted speed and distance? can i really expect more performance flexibility or is this just a clever way to squeeze another $100 out of customers who want a LCD display?

about the nylon belt. what's the purpose of this? no oil or rust? sounds expensive for $150.

thank you for the help.

 

[Ann M.]

@Nobody, I've been in the ebike business for 15 years, you don't get 50 miles from a 36V battery pack, no how, no way! Generally with pedal assist you could see 25, maybe 30 is reasonable. Weight does matter, but not to the point of adding 20 more miles of range. Yes, $100 more for an LCD display is a lot and you're understanding of what the settings for pedal assist do is correct. Do remember that the first 2 levels of pedal assist don't really do too much if there are 5 or 6 levels, you will be doing the most work which may be alright on totally flat ground. Remember, too that this is a single speed bike, so more work for you.

If you tend to ride on really bumpy roads or trails the suspension might help, if only regular streets I wouldn't bother.

The belt drive could be nice and a little quieter but there's still some maintenance needed to keep grit off the belt and the nylon cog. Grit can cause wear on the cogs which could ultimately cause poor traction or slipping of the belt. Constant exposure to dusty riding conditions will dry out a belt, too, so you've got to use a little lightly soapy water to prevent that issue. Sondors doesn't mention what brand the cog or belt are and there are significant differences in belt quality. (Gates drive are superior). Whether the belt drive is worth the additional $150, that's really unknown without more information. I think the belt drive will draw some more attention to folks looking at your bike.

It would be nice to here from people who have actually ridden the bike in the various configurations that you're asking about; however, the campaign has only recently closed.

 

[Nobody]

25 miles for pedal assist seems unreasonably low when they advertise 30-50. most people would assume the average is 40. i know 17 pounds less won't translate to an extra 20 miles. but i'm wondering if it would at least get me an extra 5. i agree, it would be nice to hear from people who actually have one and can confirm the details. right now we are just speculating.

 

[Damorgan311]

@Nobody and @Ann M. - Here is the link to the Facebook Sondors Storm Owners group that has over 3k Sondor EBike owners, all with a wealth of information regarding everything there is to know about the EBike, Fat or thin.. Good luck and happy ridding

https://www.facebook.com/groups/StormOwnersGroup/

 

[DHS]

@Nobody, I've been in the ebike business for 15 years, you don't get 50 miles from a 36V battery pack, no how, no way! Generally with pedal assist you could see 25, maybe 30 is reasonable. Weight does matter, but not to the point of adding 20 more miles of range. Yes, $100 more for an LCD display is a lot and you're understanding of what the settings for pedal assist do is correct. Do remember that the first 2 levels of pedal assist don't really do too much if there are 5 or 6 levels, you will be doing the most work which may be alright on totally flat ground. Remember, too that this is a single speed bike, so more work for you.

If you tend to ride on really bumpy roads or trails the suspension might help, if only regular streets I wouldn't bother.

The belt drive could be nice and a little quieter but there's still some maintenance needed to keep grit off the belt and the nylon cog. Grit can cause wear on the cogs which could ultimately cause poor traction or slipping of the belt. Constant exposure to dusty riding conditions will dry out a belt, too, so you've got to use a little lightly soapy water to prevent that issue. Sondors doesn't mention what brand the cog or belt are and there are significant differences in belt quality. (Gates drive are superior). Whether the belt drive is worth the additional $150, that's really unknown without more information. I think the belt drive will draw some more attention to folks looking at your bike.

It would be nice to here from people who have actually ridden the bike in the various configurations that you're asking about; however, the campaign has only recently closed.

I bought a Sondors Thin Black Belt LCD in support of lower market pricing. I also have enjoyed my 2012 SMART for 2600 Km - zero problems. Prefer the 19 pound lighter Sondors to hoss about and for quick jaunts but, inexorably "you get what you pay for" - twas ever thus. Still the Sonsors Thin is a fine entry level ebike - in my experience.

 

[Ann M.]

Just curious, @DHS, how does that belt drive on the Sondors Thin feel? Do you prefer it to a chain drive and how does it hold up on a dusty trail? I haven't spent a lot of time riding a belt drive bike so appreciate your feedback

 

[DHS]

Just curious, @DHS, how does that belt drive on the Sondors Thin feel? Do you prefer it to a chain drive and how does it hold up on a dusty trail? I haven't spent a lot of time riding a belt drive bike so appreciate your feedback

I have a 2600 Km zero maintenance/noiseless/problem free Gates Belt on my 2012 SMART ebike and regrettably a Nylon Belt on my Sondors Thin. The Gates is vastly superior. Knowing what I know now I'd order a chain on my Sondors Thin and save the $150. This nylon belt is noisy and annoying compared to the uber smooth, proven durable, silent Gates. I say again the Sondors Thin is a good entry level ebike especially with chain drive and LCD display. 38 pounds makes the Sondors Thin wonderfully nimble and easy to hoss about compared to the 57 pound SMART.