Elderly and new to Electric-Bike's

[tomjasz]

Bill's apparently has some poor employees... They responded to me in hours and are currently OUT of eBikes but have sold them.
Here's the bike they link to http://www.sun.bike/bikes/electroli...aL0xTbBnX15lKExWn3uQ9N5dmjBQRXK8oibNP5Gd39-2s

 

[Dewey]

Bill's apparently has some poor employees.

Good sleuthing Tom, good to know Uncle Bill's can/will support an ebike purchase. Got to admit I have not test ridden an Electra Townie Go! just watched Court's review videos I recall he mentioned it comes in one frame size, in your experience does the Townie Go!'s foot-forward design lower the bike enough so shorter people like Mrs Norwin can sit on the bike while putting both feet down on the ground?

Interesting that Sun Bicycles have ebikes, I've seen Court review their trikes converted with Electric Bike Technologies hub motors, nice to see the Sun Electrolite comes in two frame sizes perhaps the shorter 17.5" size might work for Norwin.

 

[Norwin]

Good sleuthing Tom, good to know Uncle Bill's can/will support an ebike purchase. Got to admit I have not test ridden an Electra Townie Go! just watched Court's review videos I recall he mentioned it comes in one frame size, in your experience does the Townie Go!'s foot-forward design lower the bike enough so shorter people like 4'9" Mrs Norwin can sit on the bike while putting both feet down on the ground?

Interesting that Sun Bicycles have ebikes, I've seen Court review their trikes converted with Electric Bike Technologies hub motors, nice to see the Sun Electrolite comes in two frame sizes perhaps the shorter 17.5" size might work for Norwin.

_________________

Hi Mr. Dewey and Mr. Thomas,

Yes, and that is the very reason why there has been a world wide demise to the retail store as we knew it - when we were boys. The sales "help" are simply uninterested in "helping"...

For certain, there was no question as to the negative response my Mrs. and I received when we asked about Electric bicycles at Uncle Bills...

In the meantime I am having a totally different response in the positive email conversation I have had with Mr. Dan Nelson at Rad and with Wayne at Eg Bike's ...both have offered assistance and encouragement to our purchase. No - I do not yet have a conclusion, however, the professionalism of both is sincere and a far different scenario than we received in our own local bike store.

Gentlemen, I' would very much appreciate your advise on which of the above bikes' you'd choose. Not that I will take your advice, however - I could not help but be swayed by your recommendation and reasoning...on this subject.

Of course, remaining in the back of my mind is what will I do when the bike arrives? Yes, Rad has a wonderful video' on how to assemble their bike, but I don't quite think I am up to this task. And, whilst I hate to admit my physicality is just not what it once was...darn it.

Perhaps, you gentlemen would understand?

My respects,

Norwin

 

[Norwin]

Bill's apparently has some poor employees... They responded to me in hours and are currently OUT of eBikes but have sold them.
Here's the bike they link to http://www.sun.bike/bikes/electroli...aL0xTbBnX15lKExWn3uQ9N5dmjBQRXK8oibNP5Gd39-2s


View attachment 30822

_______________

Hi Pal,

If you should look up the bicycle site that Uncle Bill's had recommended to you in their reply...which is Sun Bicycles.

Sun Bicycles does NOT make Electric Bicycles.

And, explains in a nut shell why the person answering wrote - "some more SHOULD BE on order"...

This only confirms that whoever wrote back to you did not write "that some more ARE ON order," as ordering electric bicycles is clearly not within their level of knowledge. Nor, interest. If it was, they would have been able to confirm that - THEY ARE ON ORDER and when they will be arriving...

Sad, huh?

Norwin

 

[Dewey]

_________________

In the meantime I am having a totally different response in the positive email conversation I have had with Mr. Dan Nelson at Rad and with Wayne at Eg Bike's ...both have offered assistance and encouragement to our purchase...Gentlemen, I' would very much appreciate your advise on which of the above bikes' you'd choose. Rad has a wonderful video' on how to assemble their bike, but I don't quite think I am up to this task.

That’s great you found two ebike companies prepared to ship the bikes to your island. For you and your wife I would suggest the RadMini Step-Thru model which fits riders above 4’10” https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmini-step-thru
RadBikes are popular so there is a large group of owners who are active on this forum from which to draw advice if you have to troubleshoot a problem https://electricbikereview.com/forums/forum/rad-power-bikes/.

Regarding assembly, I would advise approaching Uncle Bill’s or another bike shop first and pay them to assemble the bike, they will have the tools and knowledge to check brakes, true wheels, or deal with bent or broken bicycle parts damaged in transit. For maintenance support on the island perhaps the Yamaha Power Sports dealer I mentioned, or any Marine Chandler, ought to be able to work on the electrical system.

 

[tomjasz]

Every business has a new age dolt with a tenuous job. I’d get with someone in management at Bill’s.
Norwin, the intervenes can get confusing, companies being global these days have varied products in different markets. Sun has an eBike, just not in every market. Given your level of expertise, you’ll need support. Or so it seems. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water...

 

[ebikemom]

Norwin, you might ask your bike shops if they will accept delivery of the bike you order and assemble it for you, and what they will charge to do that. If the bike shops aren't interested, you might contact your local cycling club, if there is one, and see if there's a handy cyclist who would be interested in the job.

 

[Alex M]

Of course, remaining in the back of my mind is what will I do when the bike arrives? Yes, Rad has a wonderful video' on how to assemble their bike, but I don't quite think I am up to this task. And, whilst I hate to admit my physicality is just not what it once was...darn it.

I'm not sure that you're not over-estimating the difficulty. All it takes is half a dozen screws, none requiring much physical efforts.

If you don't have a "non-powered" bike shop or a home-brew mechanic nearby, these are all things that will need to be done later anyway, from time to time. Bikes require maintenance.

If there is a shop or mechanic, you could - and should - ask them to assemble it for you. Even if you buy fully assembled boxed bike, it might still need minor or major adjustments and tune-ups upon arrival.

 

[tomjasz]

Norwin call William at 949-7601 he said he would be out this afternoon.

 

[AlanDB]

Norwin, I have been following this thread closely since you started it. I think it has been mentioned in a few posts that before you decide on an ebike to purchase, you should consider renting a bike for a day's outing. After reading the many challenges you have identified, I believe this should be your next step. I know there are no ebikes available on your island, but you could answer a lot of your questions if you rented a regular pedal bike for a day.

First, the rental company can help you choose the general frame size/wheel size you need and are comfortable on. Second, you can see how well you do with balance, control, stamina, starts and stops, shifting, etc. by pedaling a few short distances on flat paved terrain. If you do reasonably well with that, it will help you a lot in determining whether you need a bike with a throttle or not. If you find you have problems with balance and control, you might even decide an electric trike is most appropriate. Once you have answers to a few of these basic concerns, it will be much easier to focus your search on the type of ebike that is appropriate for you.

Here is one bike rental I found that looks promising: (Link Removed - No Longer Exists). Even though there is a cost involved in bike rental I really think it would be a smart investment before you lay out money on an expensive ebike. A day's worth of practice on a regular bike will give you a lot of answers you need before you proceed.

In terms of the initial assembly and setup, ongoing maintenance, etc. it sounds like you need some help. Do you have any friends, relatives or acquaintances on the island that regularly ride and maintain a regular bike? If so, maybe you can solicit their help. Most of the maintenance tasks on an ebike are no different than a regular bike, so anyone who is familiar with bike maintenance should be able to do it for you. If you don't know anyone, maybe you could run an ad in your local classifieds searching for assistance.

These are just my thoughts based on the comments you have made. Take them or leave them as you choose.

 

[Chopperbill]

My dad is 95 and it’s not unusual for him to ride his E-bike 20 miles. He’s the reason why I bought one at 73.

 

[Norwin]

Norwin, I have been following this thread closely since you started it. I think it has been mentioned in a few posts that before you decide on an ebike to purchase, you should consider renting a bike for a day's outing. After reading the many challenges you have identified, I believe this should be your next step. I know there are no ebikes available on your island, but you could answer a lot of your questions if you rented a regular pedal bike for a day.

First, the rental company can help you choose the general frame size/wheel size you need and are comfortable on. Second, you can see how well you do with balance, control, stamina, starts and stops, shifting, etc. by pedaling a few short distances on flat paved terrain. If you do reasonably well with that, it will help you a lot in determining whether you need a bike with a throttle or not. If you find you have problems with balance and control, you might even decide an electric trike is most appropriate. Once you have answers to a few of these basic concerns, it will be much easier to focus your search on the type of ebike that is appropriate for you.

Here is one bike rental I found that looks promising: (Link Removed - No Longer Exists). Even though there is a cost involved in bike rental I really think it would be a smart investment before you lay out money on an expensive ebike. A day's worth of practice on a regular bike will give you a lot of answers you need before you proceed.

In terms of the initial assembly and setup, ongoing maintenance, etc. it sounds like you need some help. Do you have any friends, relatives or acquaintances on the island that regularly ride and maintain a regular bike? If so, maybe you can solicit their help. Most of the maintenance tasks on an ebike are no different than a regular bike, so anyone who is familiar with bike maintenance should be able to do it for you. If you don't know anyone, maybe you could run an ad in your local classifieds searching for assistance.

These are just my thoughts based on the comments you have made. Take them or leave them as you choose.

______________________________________________

Dear Alan,

You are obviously a generous person. And, certainly kind. And, appreciated. And, your post is 'most' gratefully received.

FYI, earlier today I contacted an old friend of mine who is a bicycle collector and to whom I had sold my own bicycles to - some decades ago...inquiring if we might meet and talk 'bicycle's'.

My friend remains an avid rider. And, he certainly knows how to put a bike together blindfolded. Indeed, I should have contacted him much earlier in my pursuit. I simply had not yet 'connected the dots' until receipt of one of today's above posts wherein it was suggested I contact the bike shop to put 'whatever' I eventually purchase together....

As for for your suggestion. When I meet my friend. I will ask if I can borrow a couple of his bikes for the day. And see whether these old bones are still able to perform - as I pray I still can.

Alan, there was a time when I flew two of my bicycles to the US and I rode across your mid-western states...however, that was a very - very long time ago. Nonetheless, 'the itch' to again get onto a bicycle, even if assisted with the motor, is certainly still harboured in my aging soul.

My respects,

Norwin

 

[AlanDB]

It sounds like you are on the right track Norwin. You may be surprised how "capable" you are on a bike if your friend is willing to loan you one. In my own case, I had not ridden a bike from age 25 to age 70. On top of that I was not very athletic or fit during those 45 years. When I decided to get a bike (not an ebike) for exercise, I was worried that I would need to learn how to ride all over again. I even asked my local bike shop if they could give me lessons. The man at the bike shop said "Lets take one out in the parking lot and see how you do". I was amazed that it was like I had never quit riding. I took off, and rode around for a good 15 minutes without a hitch. The bike shop salesman just said "you don't need lessons". So I bought the bike and rode it for one year before I decided to upgrade to an ebike.

 

[Norwin]

It sounds like you are on the right track Norwin. You may be surprised how "capable" you are on a bike if your friend is willing to loan you one. In my own case, I had not ridden a bike from age 25 to age 70. On top of that I was not very athletic or fit during those 45 years. When I decided to get a bike (not an ebike) for exercise, I was worried that I would need to learn how to ride all over again. I even asked my local bike shop if they could give me lessons. The man at the bike shop said "Lets take one out in the parking lot and see how you do". I was amazed that it was like I had never quit riding. I took off, and rode around for a good 15 minutes without a hitch. The bike shop salesman just said "you don't need lessons". So I bought the bike and rode it for one year before I decided to upgrade to an ebike.

__________________________

Alan,

Your prompt reply brought a big welcomed grin to my wizened face.

Indeed, I wish to thank you for letting me 'have hope' that I may not be too old for this return to cycling.

And, please when you decided to upgrade to an Ebike, which ebicycle company and style and exact type of bike - did you choose?

And, would you take a moment to further suggest a 'focused' recommendation for me and my beloved, based upon the two companies - who now wish to sell me an ebike. And, our not too distant past forty age -

The number of bicycles and models being offered has our head spinning...

My respects,

Norwin

 

[AlanDB]

In my case, I picked the Gazelle Arroyo which is a mid drive with an internal geared hub for shifting and no throttle.
https://electricbikereview.com/?s=Gazelle Arroyo
My wife selected the Blix Aveny which has a rear hub motor with a derailleur shifter and a throttle.
https://electricbikereview.com/?s=Blix Aveny

We are both happy with our selections even though these two bikes are VERY different in the way they ride. The Gazelle has a more natural feeling ride in my opinion. It responds to the pressure you put on the pedals just like a regular bike … but with the motor assist, you just feel like you have "superman" powers, even on hills. The Blix Aveny that my wife rides has more of an "off/on" sensation in its electric assist and does not give you as much of that pressure feedback through the pedals. She is even less fit than me though, so she depends on the throttle a lot, and often rides her bike without pedaling at all … more like riding a motorcycle or scooter.

 

[AlanDB]

In terms of a recommendation, I really hesitate to do that until you have had a chance (for both you and your wife) to try out a couple of regular bikes at a bike shop, rental or friends to assess your present capabilities and get a handle on the frame size and style you need.

Women seem to really like the Blix Aveny, but I am afraid it may be a little to large for your wife.

 

[Norwin]

Dear All Kind and Thoughtful People,

Yes, thank you all who have provided quality recommendations and good advice in what has been a rather informative introduction and search for an electrical bicycle.

The search is narrowed to two companies, and to two bikes.

And, whilst we have not seen nor test road an electrical bicycle, it appears this simply is not an option for us, due to where we are living.

Nonetheless, we are wanting to proceed...as there are a lot of good Utube and other reviews so 99% of our worries are answered. And, if we mistake in what we buy, we can always sell or give away our error!

However, I must add that the decision would have been made if only the sales people on the other end of these email trains were a bit more mindful of offering answers to questions actually asked and not wandering about in their responses.

When asked what their final delivered price is...why the heck don’t they answer that basic question?

Seems a simple answer, right?

Not one, has written back, saying our price to you is...so and so.

Really...Not one! Some offer discounts, two hundred off for the purchase of two bikes...so what’s the damn mystery?

What is delivered purchase price?

The second question I cannot get answered is the difference in brakes. Hydraulic versus regular hand brakes?

Damn it, what’s the BIGdifference?

And, most important why is one type brake better or not better?

I have now provided each of the companies the deliver to and ship to address of our freight forwarded in Miami...so they all do now know where they have to ship to...too!

Ok, what’s my cost to purchase two of your _________ bikes?

No answer?

Ughhhhhhh!!!

Well, perhaps I should simply take a rest and wait until the CEO’s of these companies realize that they’ve problems with their on-line sales staff, huh?

My respects, Norwin

 

[Chopperbill]

Norwin, go to the Rad Power web site. You’ll get all your answers. They took the $200 tariff off. If you buy 2 they take an extra $200 off. Delivered free. I have called and emailed them and got prompt answers, no waiting. In the park were we spend the winter there are 4 Ebikes, all Rad. My dad saw mine and he is selling his Ebike when he gets home and buying a Rad.
Oops! Just reread your OP and see you are in the Caribbean. My Rad Power outlet only sells in the USA. Sorry, but good info for others.

 

[Chriscross]

In my case, I picked the Gazelle Arroyo which is a mid drive with an internal geared hub for shifting and no throttle.
https://electricbikereview.com/?s=Gazelle Arroyo

I love my new Gazelle Arroyo. I first read about it on this forum. I am disabled and the Arroyo is perfect. Now I get some exercise without constant pain.
The bike has the battery in the back, and it feels like a regular bike which I really like a lot. The bike is solid. Fit and finish are very nice. I understand now why it wins awards. The Dutch really know bikes!

 

[tomjasz]

I don't quite understand the resistance to work something out with Bill's. Other than an unfortunate experience with a single person.
You will need assistance at some point, making a local contact/shop invaluable. Especially important, in my opinion, if you choose hydraulic disc brakes over cabled disc brakes. BUT that's me, and as always there are other opinions.
Best of luck,

T