Considering purchasing a Super Commuter+8S soon - timing OK?

[tchurch]

I'm new to the work of E-bikes and I think I'm going to buy a Super Commuter+ 8S soon, but hesitating slightly only because this bike seems to have remained unchanged for almost two years (true?). Should I be worried that this model will be updated any time soon? Have there been any significant technology changes recently that are missing on this bike?

Also - many of the online video reviews for this bike seem to have originated in spring of 2017. Has that bike been shipping for that long or (like many products) was it announced then but shipped much later? When did this Super Commuter become readily available in stores? Thx in advance for relevant advice.

 

[fast]

None except the price went up $200
I've had mine for a over a year not one problem .
Love the bike

 

[Luv2ride]

Love my Super Commuter!
Look 10,872.5 mi
Trek Super Commuter 18,478.9 mi
XM 700+ E-Bike 7,091.1 mi

 

[GuruUno]

Hey Luv2Ride, can you help me out a bit? The Topeak mount, any special part number for the rack? Plug and play or mods? I like!

 

[Luv2ride]

Hey Luv2Ride, can you help me out a bit? The Topeak mount, any special part number for the rack? Plug and play or mods? I like!

My LBS installed it, no mods, it attaches with a seat post collar and existing eyelets at the axle. I have the bag secured with zip ties so it won't bounce off, I'm usually carrying two batteries. The bag also has panniers that drop down on both sides. Besides the fading (compare to XM 700 bag) it has held up and worked really well!

 

[GuruUno]

Oh, I thought it was the 'snap-on' type with built in guides, rails, etc.....thanks

 

[StromerST2]

Luv2Ride - do two spare batteries for the Super Commuter 8 fit in the Topeak bag??

 

[GuruUno]

Had mine for almost 2 years (6/27/17), I agree that it's sad nothing new in the same category, but nonetheless, it's the most perfect bike. Had some issues with noises, vibrations, etc., at 5,080 miles, LBS replace the motor under warranty, so it's starting from Zero all over again.
Hopefully in a year or 2 I can upgrade to the newer, better, snazzier Trek.
Love the bike, don't think twice, go for it.

 

[Luv2ride]

Luv2Ride - do two spare batteries for the Super Commuter 8 fit in the Topeak bag??

Yes they fit perfectly on top of one another with one of the velcro lined pads in between.

 

[GuruUno]

Can you check with your local LBS to get an exact part number for the rack. It fits and look 100% perfect. And you are saying it is or is not Topeak with the ability to use the 'snap-on/snap-off' bag or?

 

[Luv2ride]

Can you check with your local LBS to get an exact part number for the rack. It fits and look 100% perfect. And you are saying it is or is not Topeak with the ability to use the 'snap-on/snap-off' bag or?

The rack is a Bontrager BackRack model 14631. The eyelets on the front of the rack attach to a Bontrager eyeleted quick release seatpost clamp and it is installed over the existing rack.
I am carrying a lot of weight in the bag with the two batteries and I am moving fast sometimes going off of curbs. The first rack and bag combo I used did not work out, I broke a suspended seatpost rack and once the bag literally bounced off. For these reasons I specifically did not want the snap on version used with this excellent Topeak bag. The one I have is attached with velcro straps and I then have multiple zip ties securing it. I never remove it.
Here is a link to my two and a half battery ride today. https://www.strava.com/activities/2256315063

 

[keithb]

The rack is a Bontrager BackRack model 14631. The eyelets on the front of the rack attach to a Bontrager eyeleted quick release seatpost clamp and it is installed over the existing rack.
I am carrying a lot of weight in the bag with the two batteries and I am moving fast sometimes going off of curbs. The first rack and bag combo I used did not work out, I broke a suspended seatpost rack and once the bag literally bounced off. For these reasons I specifically did not want the snap on version used with this excellent Topeak bag. The one I have is attached with velcro straps and I then have multiple zip ties securing it. I never remove it.
Here is a link to my two and a half battery ride today. https://www.strava.com/activities/2256315063

Luv2Ride,
I am also interested in purchasing extra batteries for my SC 8S. Did you buy your extra Bosch Powerpack 500W batteries online? Any suggested sellers? What kind of price did you find? My LBS does not stock them. Thank you!

 

[Luv2ride]

I got one here,
https://www.motostrano.com/BOSCH-E-Bike-Battery-Pack-500-Watt-p/bhschbat500.htm

 

[keithb]

I got one here,
https://www.motostrano.com/BOSCH-E-Bike-Battery-Pack-500-Watt-p/bhschbat500.htm

Thanks for that link.
On your two and half battery ride, what was the most often used mode?

 

[elainehillrider]

If you have that many doubts, buy a Rad City instead. It only costs 1600 dollars and you’ll be helping the local economy.

How come we compare super commuter with radpower ? and how come it helps local economy ? As I know they are produced in china. So I don't see how it helps local economy.

 

[Luv2ride]

Thanks for that link.
On your two and half battery ride, what was the most often used mode?

I did the first half mostly in tour and on my way home when I am confident I have plenty of power I use sport and turbo moving 20+ mph.

 

[keithb]

I did the first half mostly in tour and on my way home when I am confident I have plenty of power I use sport and turbo moving 20+ mph.

Thanks for that information.
BTW, I called my local Trek dealer today and asked what kind of price they could give me on two Powerpack 500's. They said $865 for one or $819 each for two... so I ordered two. Prices are coming down!
Will probably adopt your Bontrager rack and Topeak bag solution. Thanks again Love2ride!

 

[elainehillrider]

it's still not cheap but yeah price are going down.

 

[keithb]

Yes they fit perfectly on top of one another with one of the velcro lined pads in between.

I bought three neoprene wine holders for $12 on Amazon. Holds my extra batteries and/or charger. For the battery, just fold the neoprene handle loops over the end. Now I just have to figure out how to mount my bag on the SC8 fender.

 

[keithb]

The rack is a Bontrager BackRack model 14631. The eyelets on the front of the rack attach to a Bontrager eyeleted quick release seatpost clamp and it is installed over the existing rack.
I am carrying a lot of weight in the bag with the two batteries and I am moving fast sometimes going off of curbs. The first rack and bag combo I used did not work out, I broke a suspended seatpost rack and once the bag literally bounced off. For these reasons I specifically did not want the snap on version used with this excellent Topeak bag. The one I have is attached with velcro straps and I then have multiple zip ties securing it. I never remove it.
Here is a link to my two and a half battery ride today. https://www.strava.com/activities/2256315063

Luv2ride, I ordered the 14631 and my LBS said that rack has a new model number. So they ordered me the new model number. When I tried to fit the new rack to my SC8, it seems way too narrow at the top as it rubs on the existing SC8 fender rack. Could you post some photos from the back of your SC8 showing the rack so I can see if yours is wider at the top than what I am trying to install? Thank you!