Elderly and new to Electric-Bike's

[Norwin]

I'll support Thomas here. We've got tektro mechanical disks on my wife's first ebike. The only person who has ever ridden it to 28 mph is me. They work fine. I've got hydraulics on my manual hybrid bike. They work better, but I don't need them. Jerry LM has that that thread about "28 Mph Being Too Fast?". He speaks for a lot of riders, not all rides. Some people need to get to work. Not me.

By the way, if a bike with hydraulics hasn't been maintained, some risk of getting some air in the system. Turn that upside down to change a tire, and if the air migrates to the piston, no brakes.

SInce Norwin is going to be poking around on an island, I think mechanicals will suffice.
, but if he wants the best, spend 400 bucks.

____________________________________


HELLO ALL:

I DO NOT seem to be able to successfully encourage an affirmative reply/help from the folks at VeeGo -

I guess I need move to plan B, which is the RAD CITY bicycle.

The RAD CITY BICYCLE people offer to ship free, state sales tax free and they're offering a 'two for' discount programme.

I THINK their bike is every bit as good if not better than the Vee Go????

I sure WOULD BE GRATEFUL to have YOUR input on this question, if you don't mind..

Your HELPING...us 'grandparents' toward a purchase is gratefully appreciated!

Norwin

 

[Chopperbill]

Yep. See you finally reread my post above.

 

[Norwin]

Yep. See you finally reread my post above.

__________________


Bill,

Of course.

Your advice and the advice of these other wonderful new friends have been invaluable to our decision making.

You do understand this is both a lot of money for us to spend. And, a very scary purchase, as well. It's not something we are taking lightly.

I am trying to be secure in this ... as we cannot afford much of an error in the purchase. Nor, a tragedy in purchasing a bike that we cannot ride. Nor, one which will prove a mistake.

I hope I have been responsive to everyone who has taken the time to reply and to help the Mrs. and I along this route. We certainly are VERY grateful. I would feel quite badly, if I have not evidenced our sincerest appreciation. Thus, if in any way, I did not show gratitude, I am quite sorry. I apologise.

Norwin

 

[Alex M]

Norwin, about the only thing that City and Veego have in common is that they are both step-through.

One is geared hub motor, another one is direct drive. Direct "usually" lasts longer, but there is no guarantee in these things.
One is fat tire, another one is cruiser tire. You are not telling your budget preferences - fat means more expensive and a slightly less available rims, tires, motors.
Controllers have different firmware, I like that Vee has an option to limit max power/speed on each PAS level, but it is unknown whether you need this or not, only you can answer this.
Throttles are different - trigger on Vee, twist on City, it works the same but controlled differently. "Usually" twist is more convenient, but again, depends on a person and how conveniently it is mounted relatively to your fingers.

There can be arguments made both for and against all these differences, and I doubt this will help you to make a choice. Toss a coin.

 

[AlanDB]

One thing I would be interested in knowing is if you took my advice and tried doing a test ride on a non electric bike (either at a rental or with a biking friend/acquaintance). I still think this activity would be one of the best things you can do before you order an ebike to insure a successful outcome. Both you and your wife should do a test ride to help assess your balance, control, shifting/braking skills and stamina. Also to help determine the style and size of bike that suits you best. It is certainly possible that the same bike model/size may not be suitable for both you and your wife. That was definitely the case for me and my wife.

If you did do a test ride on a non ebike, it would be nice if you could give us a short summary of how that went and what conclusions (if any) you came to as a result of the test ride.

 

[Norwin]

One thing I would be interested in knowing is if you took my advice and tried doing a test ride on a non electric bike (either at a rental or with a biking friend/acquaintance). I still think this activity would be one of the best things you can do before you order an ebike to insure a successful outcome. Both you and your wife should do a test ride to help assess your balance, control, shifting/braking skills and stamina. Also to help determine the style and size of bike that suits you best. It is certainly possible that the same bike model/size may not be suitable for both you and your wife. That was definitely the case for me and my wife.

If you did do a test ride on a non ebike, it would be nice if you could give us a short summary of how that went and what conclusions (if any) you came to as a result of the test ride.

______________________________________

Hi Alan,

My local island bike friend who is the islands 'standard' knowledgeable bike guru had to go to NYC for the week. He said, before he took off, that he'd call when he returned and we' would 'gather' for a bike conference...and, possibly if it was required a 'bike test ride'.

Thus, indeed, your recommendation was taken quite seriously. And, remains in the air, dependent upon my pals' return from the States.

It will be the final term exam, I'd say, wouldn't you ...on what we shall decide is our fate.

However, my gut is pretty much 'committed' for an ebike. I am remain too immature a grandfather...to slow down and think through the reasons why I should not proceed.

Of course, I am grateful for your reminder, Alan. I needed this one additional... whoa' slow down, boy'. Yes - Thank you.

As regards, Brother Alex's reply above.

Yeek....a coin toss, is not a very definitive suggested route. Perhaps, he/you/anyone would be a wee' bit more definitive in regard to this similar/dissimilar bike choice. Ok?

It's why I am in this situation.

...You guys/girls know what I don't know....help', please.

With respect,

Norwin

 

[Alex M]

Others know what you don't know but they don't know what you know.

Probably some of my comments on the differences between City and Vee were not understood. I don't know what needs to be "more" definitive, what part, and not sure this would change the situation much. The discussion is now 10 pages long and has gotten nowhere, other than shipping/logistics details that you would've found on your own (and you had).

We here like discussing ebikes and could go on for another 10 pages. But gathering theoretical knowledge has obviously exhausted itself. Other methods should be used. If you need ebike at all - and a full-size 26" bike at that, not 20" and not a trike - you won't make a big mistake by buying either of these 2 bikes. So tossing a coin is will be a viable approach.

 

[Norwin]

Alex,

Don't be so dismissive. As you are obviously quite wrong.

You, have evidenced (yourself) this morning that you remain focused on this query by (your) again having responded . And, as others on this forum are themselves evidenced they too are choosing to add to the length of this message.

Yes, Alex, YOU' evidenced only this morning that the inquiry I began as a question is what this forum is all about...helping others, who need help.

You obviously awoke this morning wishing to move onto something else. Ok, please free to do so. And, know I 'thank you' for what you have provoked or provided. Indeed, I am grateful for every response and every reply. As I respect those wanting to help. And, those wishing to comment.

However, regardless of your now early morning 'mood' I am going to remain a gentleman and I shall continue to reply to whomever chooses to continue to comment. I certainly hope this shall not further offend you -

If no one else should reply - I will have nothing to answer. However, I am not going to ignore any who come to help the Mrs. and myself.

My goodness, that would be simply, rude.

Ok.

With respect,

Norwin

 

[ebikemom]

It's fine for discussions to go on for as many pages as they do... Sending peaceful thoughts!

 

[AlanDB]

Based on Court's review, that Rad City Cruiser looks pretty darned nice for a bike in that price range. For me, I would prefer the solid step thru frame of the Rad over the folding frame of the VeeGo … but that is me. Many folks love folding bikes and they do have their place. My only concern about the Rad is the weight. 65# is pretty heavy, even for an ebike. I don't think that is a big deal unless you plan to load it on a carrier or have to lift it up steps for storage, etc. As long as you can just get on and start riding, a few extra pounds won't make much difference.

 

[harryS]

Hi Norwin. Also 70, but I'm cranky because I'm not been outside since I went to Florida in January. I'll share my bias on ebikes.

I recently purchased a cheaper version ($750) of the Veego. It's 36V and 500W. Fat tires. No suspension. It might be more stable on a gravel road, but I found it less maneuverable on pavement. Makes big u-turns.

It's a fun bike (all ebikes are fun) and if it were my only one, would be great, but I own several others that I would ride first right now. My personal preference is for lighter weight bikes with skinny tires that pedal easy.

The pics are the three e-bikes my wife has ridden. The white whale in the middle is her first one. It's comfy and fast, but is a bit ponderous for our crowded bike paths, Pedals heavy because it's 55 pounds. Swept back handlebars make you wobble when riding slow. The pink one is 42 pounds and a DIY conversion. I added a 250W motor to her old DIamondback. She rode it in Colorado and found the rim brakes fine for coasting downhil and holding their 26 mph speed limit. Then I'm showing her 38 pound e-folder, also a conversion, next to the new fatbike. As we hope to hit some gravel rail-to-roads trails this year, I thought the fatbike would be a good ride, but she feels it steers too heavy. It's also 55 pounds. I think I'll just put Schwalbe tires on her blue bike for the gravel.

 

[Norwin]

Based on Court's review, that Rad City Cruiser looks pretty darned nice for a bike in that price range. For me, I would prefer the solid step thru frame of the Rad over the folding frame of the VeeGo … but that is me. Many folks love folding bikes and they do have their place. My only concern about the Rad is the weight. 65# is pretty heavy, even for an ebike. I don't think that is a big deal unless you plan to load it on a carrier or have to lift it up steps for storage, etc. As long as you can just get on and start riding, a few extra pounds won't make much difference.

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Hi Pal,

I think you have looked at the wrong Vee GO model as the one that I have narrowed \my search down to, does not fold. It is fixed framed.

Please, my friend...take another look, ok.

My best,

Norwin