Hi everyone,
First off, thanks in advance. I've already learned quite a bit from the forum and look forward to gaining much more knowledge on the ebike journey. So for background: I had an NCM Moscow for about 6 months but unfortunately, an accident with a hit-and-run driver has that bike out of commission. I liked the NCM Moscow but for my riding, I think another bike may be better suited. I have a 6 mile commute (12 mile round trip) on city streets in Chicago... there can be some rough roads and plenty of potholes but mostly flat. With my Moscow, I still rode in the very cold months even with light snow and rain. I maintained the bike well and kept the chain as clean and lubed as possible but there was still some rust. In my search for a new bike, I've come across:
1) Espin Aero: Great deal going on right now! I was hoping for a belt drive since it would likely hold up better with the weather and I like the almost no maintenance. However, no throttle, battery is smaller, cadence sensor, and range likely only ~20-25miles.
2) Roadster V2: Belt drive! No throttle, battery is smaller, cadence sensor, and range likely only ~20 miles. Thinner tires than Aero (Gravel Edition has larger tires though).
3) Rize Fixie: Belt drive, throttle, possibly longer range. But still, cadence sensor and slightly thinner tires than the Aero.
I am hoping to stay at around $1.5k if possible. Are there any suggestions for something with a belt drive, torque sensor (I've ridden both torque and cadence and much prefer torque), and decent range (25-30miles)? Pluses would be a throttle (helps when riding through water puddles) and a removeable battery. The NCM Moscow had a front suspension and larger tires that took some of the impact from the streets but I'm guessing I may be able to get away without that? Any thoughts from riders with similar commutes would be appreciated.
Stay safe and happy holidays!
First off, thanks in advance. I've already learned quite a bit from the forum and look forward to gaining much more knowledge on the ebike journey. So for background: I had an NCM Moscow for about 6 months but unfortunately, an accident with a hit-and-run driver has that bike out of commission. I liked the NCM Moscow but for my riding, I think another bike may be better suited. I have a 6 mile commute (12 mile round trip) on city streets in Chicago... there can be some rough roads and plenty of potholes but mostly flat. With my Moscow, I still rode in the very cold months even with light snow and rain. I maintained the bike well and kept the chain as clean and lubed as possible but there was still some rust. In my search for a new bike, I've come across:
1) Espin Aero: Great deal going on right now! I was hoping for a belt drive since it would likely hold up better with the weather and I like the almost no maintenance. However, no throttle, battery is smaller, cadence sensor, and range likely only ~20-25miles.
2) Roadster V2: Belt drive! No throttle, battery is smaller, cadence sensor, and range likely only ~20 miles. Thinner tires than Aero (Gravel Edition has larger tires though).
3) Rize Fixie: Belt drive, throttle, possibly longer range. But still, cadence sensor and slightly thinner tires than the Aero.
I am hoping to stay at around $1.5k if possible. Are there any suggestions for something with a belt drive, torque sensor (I've ridden both torque and cadence and much prefer torque), and decent range (25-30miles)? Pluses would be a throttle (helps when riding through water puddles) and a removeable battery. The NCM Moscow had a front suspension and larger tires that took some of the impact from the streets but I'm guessing I may be able to get away without that? Any thoughts from riders with similar commutes would be appreciated.
Stay safe and happy holidays!
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