Drowning in a sea of choices, throw me a life raft!!!!!

[Whatdevs]

Hi all,

New member and new to the ebike community in general. I've been riding a Specialized stump jumper for about 12 years now but really eager to explore the world of ebikes. My use will likely be about 80% urban/neighborhood and flat trails and 20% mountain/single track/gritty terrain. Hoping to find something that will just replace my standard bike so I don't have to store more than one. I'm super intrigued by the fat tire options but I know they are not necessarily the best for all around use. I am female, 5'4", and pretty athletic. I was set on a RadRover Step Thru until I discoverd the billions of similar options out there. I love the Rad community, customer service ratings, mobile repair option (I won't be doing my own repairs), included accessories (lights, racks, etc) and overall great reviews from owners. I don't love the look of their bikes, but that's a pretty low priority. Looking to spend under $2k and want a bike that is in stock or shipping in the next month. Definitely want PAS and throttle functionality and sounds like torque assist is better than cadence but I don't have a frame of reference so not sure how much I care. Helllllllp!!!!

Here's all the bikes I'm considering based on other forum posts with similar needs/wants:

Radrover Step Thru
Ride1Up Limited OR 700
Espin Flow or Sport
Biktrix Juggernaut Duo
Sondors X
Rize Rize
Juiced RipCurrent

Thanks in advance, I'm so stoked to get riding!!
Dev

 

[PedalUma]

Dev,
Welcome. You are starting where most people start. It is overwhelming. Ride some bikes before you buy. Talk to real people in your area such as an eBike group. We do weekly group rides in the SF North Bay. It is better that you jump in than sit out trying to make the perfect choice. I had an Aunt who spent two-years in her Boston mansion with a broken washing machine reading Consumer Reports about which one to buy. Perfection does not happen. Start where you are.
I am now an eBike snob. This developed over many years. I want a bike that is light weight and has excellent handling. Zip tie and wire mess free. And no throttle. Yes, to the torque sensor, please. I go up and down curbs and on the rough stuff and climb gigantic hills. Hub drives cannot do this.
Here is a photo of an electric 1983 Stumpjumper. It lives atop a hill in San Francisco and blows past $9400 bikes with riders in spandex. Look for the wire coming out of the "water bottle." That is the battery.

 

[indianajo]

Most of the brands you list are sold on the internet and direct delivered. By contrast you don't want to do your own maintenance. Be aware, most LBS will not work on an e-bike that they don't represent that brand. Too much chance of buying the customer a new bike when the software or gadgets fail.
You live in Sacramento your tag says. There should be plenty of opportunities to try & buy a bike from a dealer. They won't be as cheap as on line bikes. That warrenty cost the dealer some man hours. Might be worth it if you get the unit that has a flaky problem. Dealers don't tend to order models that are going to cost them lots of manhours in the back room.
At your size, I'd try to find a Liv dealer. that is a line of bikes by a major brand sized for smaller people. OTOH, most LBS won't stock a bike smaller than an 18". If you want smaller, you pay for it before you ever sit on it. Sorry, that is the way the world works. I had to buy my yuba for my short legs from 2500 miles away, without ever sitting on it. I wanted more than 1 speed, better brakes than rim brakes, and I seriously didn't like the Holly Hobbie logo the LBS sold on their only model for small people. The yuba is not perfect, but much higher quality components than the kiddie MTB's I had been riding bought at the flea market. Much less frequent adjustments of brakes shifters, spokes. I wore a plastic crank out in 2 years on a Pacific Quantum. Couldn't pull it off to change it. Tthis yuba bodaboda I have 6000 miles on it, and the only parts I wore out were a shifter cable and 4 sets tires. I broke a fender with my foot.

 

[Scarlet/Fire]

Hi all,

New member and new to the ebike community in general. I've been riding a Specialized stump jumper for about 12 years now but really eager to explore the world of ebikes. My use will likely be about 80% urban/neighborhood and flat trails and 20% mountain/single track/gritty terrain. Hoping to find something that will just replace my standard bike so I don't have to store more than one. I'm super intrigued by the fat tire options but I know they are not necessarily the best for all around use. I am female, 5'4", and pretty athletic. I was set on a RadRover Step Thru until I discoverd the billions of similar options out there. I love the Rad community, customer service ratings, mobile repair option (I won't be doing my own repairs), included accessories (lights, racks, etc) and overall great reviews from owners. I don't love the look of their bikes, but that's a pretty low priority. Looking to spend under $2k and want a bike that is in stock or shipping in the next month. Definitely want PAS and throttle functionality and sounds like torque assist is better than cadence but I don't have a frame of reference so not sure how much I care. Helllllllp!!!!

Here's all the bikes I'm considering based on other forum posts with similar needs/wants:

Radrover Step Thru
Ride1Up Limited OR 700
Espin Flow or Sport
Biktrix Juggernaut Duo
Sondors X
Rize Rize
Juiced RipCurrent

Thanks in advance, I'm so stoked to get riding!!
Dev

Howdy! The no self maintenance may exclude so many choices-
But.. I’ll go ahead anyway- you kinda liked the Rad,but want a little more on a budget?Availability may be a theme for almost every bike! Personally I own a Sondors MXS,it was $1700 Originally the fat tire bikes intrigued me! I’m sure they’re excellent for some-The MXS has slightly yet still bigger than typical tires,a throttle,hydraulic brakes,air shock,suspension seat post,larger than average battery (also $400 to replace which is totally inevitable in 2-5 years depending upon use/charging habits-definitely look into the replacement cost no matter what bike you choose- some cost $1200!!! ) I have nearly 4000 miles on my bike-at about 3000 miles my rear tire was very worn- about the same time the pads on my disc brakes seemed worn- I was able to do those tasks myself,maybe I could have found a local shop to do that work ? But that maintenance may be a deal breaker ? Cheers-

 

[PedalUma]

Most of the brands you list are sold on the internet and direct delivered. By contrast you don't want to do your own maintenance. Be aware, most LBS will not work on an e-bike that they don't represent that brand. Too much chance of buying the customer a new bike when the software or gadgets fail.
You live in Sacramento your tag says. There should be plenty of opportunities to try & buy a bike from a dealer. They won't be as cheap as on line bikes. That warrenty cost the dealer some man hours. Might be worth it if you get the unit that has a flaky problem. Dealers don't tend to order models that are going to cost them lots of manhours in the back room.
At your size, I'd try to find a Liv dealer. that is a line of bikes by a major brand sized for smaller people. OTOH, most LBS won't stock a bike smaller than an 18". If you want smaller, you pay for it before you ever sit on it. Sorry, that is the way the world works. I had to buy my yuba for my short legs from 2500 miles away, without ever sitting on it. I wanted more than 1 speed, better brakes than rim brakes, and I seriously didn't like the Holly Hobbie logo the LBS sold on their only model for small people. The yuba is not perfect, but much higher quality components than the kiddie MTB's I had been riding bought at the flea market. Much less frequent adjustments of brakes shifters, spokes. I wore a plastic crank out in 2 years on a Pacific Quantum. Couldn't pull it off to change it. Tthis yuba bodaboda I have 6000 miles on it, and the only parts I wore out were a shifter cable and 4 sets tires. I broke a fender with my foot.

I am buying a Yuba in the morning. It is so sweet! It will get a TSDZ2 and perhaps twin 15Ah batteries. TSDZ2 parts are cheep and readily available.

 

[Art Deco]

I agree with trying a Liv or Momentum...these are available at Giant dealers ... all Giant parts and quality but built for smaller people. Most of their dealerships will rent you a bike for a few hours or a day and apply the rental to a purchase if they have stock.

 

[Dallant]

Hi all,

New member and new to the ebike community in general. I've been riding a Specialized stump jumper for about 12 years now but really eager to explore the world of ebikes. My use will likely be about 80% urban/neighborhood and flat trails and 20% mountain/single track/gritty terrain. Hoping to find something that will just replace my standard bike so I don't have to store more than one. I'm super intrigued by the fat tire options but I know they are not necessarily the best for all around use. I am female, 5'4", and pretty athletic. I was set on a RadRover Step Thru until I discoverd the billions of similar options out there. I love the Rad community, customer service ratings, mobile repair option (I won't be doing my own repairs), included accessories (lights, racks, etc) and overall great reviews from owners. I don't love the look of their bikes, but that's a pretty low priority. Looking to spend under $2k and want a bike that is in stock or shipping in the next month. Definitely want PAS and throttle functionality and sounds like torque assist is better than cadence but I don't have a frame of reference so not sure how much I care. Helllllllp!!!!

Here's all the bikes I'm considering based on other forum posts with similar needs/wants:

Radrover Step Thru
Ride1Up Limited OR 700
Espin Flow or Sport
Biktrix Juggernaut Duo
Sondors X
Rize Rize
Juiced RipCurrent

Thanks in advance, I'm so stoked to get riding!!
Dev

What good shops are in your area? What brands do they sell/service? Those were key questions in my decision-making. My Trek shop is less than a 10 minute drive from my house.

 

[Whatdevs]

What good shops are in your area? What brands do they sell/service? Those were key questions in my decision-making. My Trek shop is less than a 10 minute drive from my house.

I haven't actually looked into that much because I assumed I wouldn't be able to get repairs done on an ebike at most LBS. I will take a look. I also am in an area that VeloFix services so I figured I could rely on that worst case.

 

[Scarlet/Fire]

I haven't actually looked into that much because I assumed I wouldn't be able to get repairs done on an ebike at most LBS. I will take a look. I also am in an area that VeloFix services so I figured I could rely on that worst case.

I hope you find something that’s great! PS there may be a tax incentive for EBike purchases coming that could enhance your purchasing power- I have no details / but worth investigating!

 

[Dallant]

I haven't actually looked into that much because I assumed I wouldn't be able to get repairs done on an ebike at most LBS. I will take a look. I also am in an area that VeloFix services so I figured I could rely on that worst case.

Well, having a LBS that you buy from obligates them to help you. VeloFix may or may not be knowledgeable about your specific bike. Sometimes having a shop who can order specific parts for your specific bike is a definite plus. Best of luck!

 

[Art Deco]

I haven't actually looked into that much because I assumed I wouldn't be able to get repairs done on an ebike at most LBS. I will take a look. I also am in an area that VeloFix services so I figured I could rely on that worst case.

Some LBS still just hate ebikes, but in my area those are mostly gone, and the remaining dealers sell eBikes, but not all will work on a brand they don't sell.

 

[Dallant]

Some LBS still just hate ebikes, but in my area those are mostly gone, and the remaining dealers sell eBikes, but not all will work on a brand they don't sell.

Definitely. I’ve talked with two Trek dealers that don’t have the time, the training, or want to deal with the liability of working on other bikes.

 

[AHicks]

You're clearly learning, picking this up quickly, so I'm not going to throw brand names at you. What I will share is that you might consider watching for proprietary parts on any potential bike that interests you. These will force you back to the bike manf (or the dealer that sells them) for anything you need - and - allowing them to charge anything they think they can get away with for them. Non proprietary parts are available everywhere. Even Amazon has a good selection (of parts, not bikes!). Non proprietary parts will be available even long after a bike manf. has gone out of business.

For example, RAD uses no proprietary parts, as do Rize and Biktrix, and Espin. Try and find that big side cover used on a Sonders bike, or even the latch that holds it, anywhere but from Sonders....

26x4" tires are too big unless you really can justify them with nearby beaches or something. They give the bike a BIG heavy feel. 27.5x2.25" more likely to give you more of a "hybrid" on/off road. Something like that, especially when equipped with street (quiet) tires will do what you are talking about really well.

After much searching, shopping on a bucks spent for bang received basis, I bought a Rize RX Pro not too long ago, to try out the 4" tires. I would repeat that experience in a heartbeat, love this bike's power, but next time would be with the 27.5x 2.25"-2.5" tires for a little quicker handling.

Keep asking questions!
Best of luck, -Al

 

[Whatdevs]

You're clearly learning, picking this up quickly, so I'm not going to throw brand names at you. What I will share is that you might consider watching for proprietary parts on any potential bike that interests you. These will force you back to the bike manf (or the dealer that sells them) for anything you need - and - allowing them to charge anything they think they can get away with for them. Non proprietary parts are available everywhere. Even Amazon has a good selection (of parts, not bikes!). Non proprietary parts will be available even long after a bike manf. has gone out of business.

For example, RAD uses no proprietary parts, as do Rize and Biktrix, and Espin. Try and find that big side cover used on a Sonders bike, or even the latch that holds it, anywhere but from Sonders....

26x4" tires are too big unless you really can justify them with nearby beaches or something. They give the bike a BIG heavy feel. 27.5x2.25" more likely to give you more of a "hybrid" on/off road. Something like that, especially when equipped with street (quiet) tires will do what you are talking about really well.

After much searching, shopping on a bucks spent for bang received basis, I bought a Rize RX Pro not too long ago, to try out the 4" tires. I would repeat that experience in a heartbeat, love this bike's power, but next time would be with the 27.5x 2.25"-2.5" tires for a little quicker handling.

Keep asking questions!
Best of luck, -Al

Thanks, Al! That's really help info re: propietary parts. And yeah I've been waffling about the fat tires, I just keep reading mixed reviews so wasn't sure. The Rize actually most of what I really want other than the standover height being a bit high for me (30") and having skinner tires (2.1"). Can't do much about the heigh but could I swap out for a slightly bigger tire if I wanted?

 

[Dallant]

You're clearly learning, picking this up quickly, so I'm not going to throw brand names at you. What I will share is that you might consider watching for proprietary parts on any potential bike that interests you. These will force you back to the bike manf (or the dealer that sells them) for anything you need - and - allowing them to charge anything they think they can get away with for them. Non proprietary parts are available everywhere. Even Amazon has a good selection (of parts, not bikes!). Non proprietary parts will be available even long after a bike manf. has gone out of business.

For example, RAD uses no proprietary parts, as do Rize and Biktrix, and Espin. Try and find that big side cover used on a Sonders bike, or even the latch that holds it, anywhere but from Sonders....

26x4" tires are too big unless you really can justify them with nearby beaches or something. They give the bike a BIG heavy feel. 27.5x2.25" more likely to give you more of a "hybrid" on/off road. Something like that, especially when equipped with street (quiet) tires will do what you are talking about really well.

After much searching, shopping on a bucks spent for bang received basis, I bought a Rize RX Pro not too long ago, to try out the 4" tires. I would repeat that experience in a heartbeat, love this bike's power, but next time would be with the 27.5x 2.25"-2.5" tires for a little quicker handling.

Keep asking questions!
Best of luck, -Al

Maybe that’s true BUT...you are on your own. Remember that anyone who sells these other “non-proprietary” parts can also charge whatever they want also.

 

[AHicks]

Maybe that’s true BUT...you are on your own. Remember that anyone who sells these other “non-proprietary” parts can also charge whatever they want also.

While that's 100% true, they're going to be competing for customers with the likes of ebay and amazon. That's going to hold the prices down to reasonable at least.....

 

[AHicks]

Thanks, Al! That's really help info re: propietary parts. And yeah I've been waffling about the fat tires, I just keep reading mixed reviews so wasn't sure. The Rize actually most of what I really want other than the standover height being a bit high for me (30") and having skinner tires (2.1"). Can't do much about the heigh but could I swap out for a slightly bigger tire if I wanted?

I would think you would have no trouble going 2.5". Any bigger and you may want to run that past Rize.

There's no getting around the fact this is a 19" frame. That could easily be a challenge (that you might want to avoid?).

 

[John from Connecticut]

Hi all,

New member and new to the ebike community in general. I've been riding a Specialized stump jumper for about 12 years now but really eager to explore the world of ebikes. My use will likely be about 80% urban/neighborhood and flat trails and 20% mountain/single track/gritty terrain. Hoping to find something that will just replace my standard bike so I don't have to store more than one. I'm super intrigued by the fat tire options but I know they are not necessarily the best for all around use. I am female, 5'4", and pretty athletic. I was set on a RadRover Step Thru until I discoverd the billions of similar options out there. I love the Rad community, customer service ratings, mobile repair option (I won't be doing my own repairs), included accessories (lights, racks, etc) and overall great reviews from owners. I don't love the look of their bikes, but that's a pretty low priority. Looking to spend under $2k and want a bike that is in stock or shipping in the next month. Definitely want PAS and throttle functionality and sounds like torque assist is better than cadence but I don't have a frame of reference so not sure how much I care. Helllllllp!!!!

Here's all the bikes I'm considering based on other forum posts with similar needs/wants:

Radrover Step Thru
Ride1Up Limited OR 700
Espin Flow or Sport
Biktrix Juggernaut Duo
Sondors X
Rize Rize
Juiced RipCurrent

Thanks in advance, I'm so stoked to get riding!!
Dev

Hello,
Perhaps my story may be a 'life raft' in a sea of choices. : )

I road a Trek Carbon 'acoustic' Hybrid and enjoyed it. One day I went to my LBS for some parts, while waiting and looking over the e-bikes
(I'd done that prior). My sales rep "Why don't you take the Trek out for a ride. You're got time." Ok, Why not ? : )

So off I went on the Trek XM700 Commuter. I rode for 20+ minutes and knew in the first 10 minutes this e-Bike was for me ! I could
feel it. Total happiness !

I'd never been on an e-Bike in my life, I'd never 'drowned' in a sea of choices because I'd never looked. I was
happy with my 'acoustic' Trek Hybrid, but after that short ride I know I had to have that XM 700. I returned to my LBS and bought the
bike on the spot.

Best biking decision I've ever made. That was three years and 7000 miles ago. Even today, every ride day is like Christmas morning.

Since your interest is a Mountain bike, I'll share. My original intent was and is to ride flat trails (rails to trails) and slightly gritty. Since my
XM 700 is a commuter, I used it on the rails to trails gravel, but felt somewhat insecure, so...

I bought a Trek Powerfly 7 hardtail e-MTB without ever riding it. I trusted my LBS. What kind of nut does that ! : ) Me. I could not
be happier with the Powerfly Love It !! It will climb a brick wall, is stable and so much fun. Honestly if I were to do it all over again
the Powerfly 7 would be my only e-Bike. It's great on or off the trail for my style of riding....

I'm not suggesting my approach will work for you. We all have to do what we're comfortable with, but perhaps, just maybe this
might help in your decision making.

Good luck,
John

 

[rich c]

Just a suggestion, use the search option. Your type of title shows up about 10 times a month.

 

[Art Deco]

Just a suggestion, use the search option. Your type of title shows up about 10 times a month.

Only 10 times ? A slow month, indeed. At least people are answering, even if none of us actually agree very often. Welcome to EBR .