Do you try to sell a n00b on a bike...

[steve mercier]

These forums have enough room for all points of view. A great thinker was once asked how he would describe the "average man". He thought for a while and said "Easily upset".

 

[erider_61]

Took me 10 months to pull the trigger on my first ebike. Joined this forum and watched many of Court's reviews. Probably 2 many as my needs and wants kept changing. Ended up buying the Voltbike Bravo for $1,900 CDN. Hydraulic brakes, 9 levels of peddle assist, a throttle, integrated front and rear lights, adjustable stem, steel fenders, spring fork with both lockout and preload adjustment, a rear rack, 48 volt 14.5 Ah battery with USB accessory port, higher spec Shimano Acera 7 speed derailleur, bell with built in compass and a bottle cage. Lot of Bike for the money IMHO. Had it 3 months now with 1,200 km on it. Ride to work every day and have answered many customers questions about it and even let a few test ride it. This has resulted in 3 purchases of this same model. Other than 2 rear flats, had no issues. I go grocery shopping with it, ride the rail trails, and it has basically become my main mode of transportation. So for me I would have to say you can get both a well built and reliable ebike for under 2 grand that meets my daily needs. Time will tell and I plan on purchasing a fat tire in the Spring, most likely from the same company which is direct to consumer. Only things I've added is a rear basket, rear view mirror and panniers. Plus it came with free shipping and a helmet. Tax in was $2,200 CDN or $1,663 US. My only complaint was the month long wait to get it...

 

[Wagonrd]

I admire that stance. I haven't tried to sell the brands or models I own. And I've loved my ebikes. I'll answer direct questions about the brand. I also don't want the responsibility of directing someone to the wrong bike. So many great bikes on the market these days. There's a saddle for every butt. The problem with so much variety, it can be tough finding the right fit. Especially for the person completely new to cycling.

For these reasons, I own bikes for many purposes: a road bike for highways, a cross bike for rough highways, a mountain bike for trails, a fat tire bike for sand and pumice, a full suspension ebike for old age and tired legs.

 

[FlatSix911]

For these reasons, I own bikes for many purposes: a road bike for highways, a cross bike for rough highways, a mountain bike for trails, a fat tire bike for sand and pumice, a full suspension ebike for old age and tired legs.

This is wise advice... a special tool for each purpose. Every all-purpose bike is a compromise... budget aside

 

[Mass Deduction]

On the bike model you ride, or take a moment to steer them towards their “needs” and desires?

I find it far more satisfying to lose a sale but get a rider on the motor that may better fit their wants and desires.

Lousy commissions but better sleep...

Absolutely agree. We don't want to sell every e-bike in town, and wouldn't have the capacity to do so even if we wanted to. We have many times directed people to other e-bike solutions than what we offer, if what they need it something we can't get (or don't choose to sell.

 

[Mass Deduction]

For these reasons, I own bikes for many purposes: a road bike for highways, a cross bike for rough highways, a mountain bike for trails, a fat tire bike for sand and pumice, a full suspension ebike for old age and tired legs.

I've been unable to find "one e-bike to rule them all" myself. I've got a lightweight trekking bike that is great for transportation and touring. I put a clip-on aerobar on it, which has made it perform well enough to replace both my gravel and endurance e-road bikes. If I can justify the cost I'll upgrade to the BMC AMP Cross LTD, as it's about 10 pounds less, but for now I'm quite content.

So why isn't it one bike to rule them all? Because it's not ideal for a regional trail with steep grades that I want to start riding, so I have my eyes on a hardtaill E-MTB for that. A bike just for riding a single trail, you ask? Because my parents are on the other side of that trail so it's worth it for me! I might also get into some bikepacking with it, if I can ever get enough time off work.