Espin Flow pedal assist power levels

[GenXrider]

Until you *own* it... it's still theoretical opinion without actual physical experience.

Ok, we can agree to disagree. Just note that all of my preferences are based on real "physical" experience on a variety of bikes, nothing virtual, not influenced by what someone else might prefer when they aren't in my shoes (on my roads). And I've even ridden ebikes specifically as part of that, just haven't owned one. Again, no theories, just what I know I like in a bike for my type of riding and roads, even if it gives me some assist where I can appreciate it.

I will let you know when I get an e-bike. Remember, as I told you recently, it's off-season here, so I don't really want one before April, but I might get one prior to that just to make sure I don't miss out due to lack of supply. Availability is fine at this point, so I'm not feeling anxious about it. I'm keeping an eye on things.

 

[BigNerd]

I will let you know when I get an e-bike. Remember, as I told you recently, it's off-season here, so I don't really want one before April, but I might get one prior to that just to make sure I don't miss out due to lack of supply. Availability is fine at this point, so I'm not feeling anxious about it. I'm keeping an eye on things.

Cool.

I'm not sure if you posted this, but are you looking at any other bikes than R1U?

I've shifted my N+1 to a lighter ebike that I can use as both my daily rider and my hill killer. Most of the light bikes are single speed (like the R1U Roadster) and I still would like something with gears so I don't have to depend on the battery.

Age is another thing that can change what you need.

 

[GenXrider]

Cool.

I'm not sure if you posted this, but are you looking at any other bikes than R1U?

I've shifted my N+1 to a lighter ebike that I can use as both my daily rider and my hill killer. Most of the light bikes are single speed (like the R1U Roadster) and I still would like something with gears so I don't have to depend on the battery.

Age is another thing that can change what you need.

I've looked at quite a few and continue to look at different ones, but I would be very reluctant to purchase something that didn't give me the same type of control over my power levels unless I could test ride in advance to see how the assist feels in different levels. The ratio of muscle power to bike power is important for my use. There are Trek and Specialized LBS's at 2 and 3 hour round trip distance from me with some stock of bikes I would consider (like Trek Allant 7s) if I'm unable to get a Ride1Up, which I could probably test ride, but they will probably be sold out soon. I think a Ride1Up will be more likely to be available in another month or two than the Trek and Specialized at the LBS (which isn't that local), so I don't think those will be available as backup purchases. And there are 4 different Ride1Up models that I like enough that I would buy any one of them if the other 3 became unavailable until later into the summer. Right now, the longest delay is on the LMTD, which is scheduled for a late February shipment, so even that's not a problem. Core-5 shows late January, and other models are in stock (excluding the Prodigy, which is a new model not yet available for order).

 

[AHicks]

I've looked at quite a few and continue to look at different ones, but I would be very reluctant to purchase something that didn't give me the same type of control over my power levels unless I could test ride in advance to see how the assist feels in different levels. The ratio of muscle power to bike power is important for my use. There are Trek and Specialized LBS's at 2 and 3 hour round trip distance from me with some stock of bikes I would consider (like Trek Allant 7s) if I'm unable to get a Ride1Up, but they will probably be sold out soon. I think a Ride1Up will be more likely to be available in another month or two than the Trek and Specialized at the LBS (which isn't that local), so I don't think those will be available as backup purchases. And there are 4 different Ride1Up models that I like enough that I would buy any one of them if the other 3 became unavailable until later into the summer. Right now, the longest delay is on the LMTD, which is scheduled for a late February shipment, so even that's not a problem.

In your research, have you found that all of the R1U controllers allow PAS power/speed adjustments? Or is it just the 700?

 

[cldlhd]

In your research, have you found that all of the R1U controllers allow PAS power/speed adjustments? Or is it just the 700?

I know you weren't asking me but I have a 700. I'm pretty certain not all of them do. It depends which controller they have I think

 

[GenXrider]

In your research, have you found that all of the R1U controllers allow PAS power/speed adjustments? Or is it just the 700?

The 500, 700, Core-5, and LMTD current generation models all have power settings that can be tweaked for each assist level.
These have the KD21C or KD218 display. Some previous generation bikes of these same models, including those with the APT-500C or APT-500S LCD display, do not have those settings available.

If you had received one of the first batches of Core-5 or LMTD last June, you would have received an APT display that didn't have access to those settings. But the second generation shipped in the next batch last year included the KD21C (Core-5) or KD218 (LMTD). Someone in another thread was later sent the KD21C display for his first generation Core-5, and those settings became available, so apparently the controller supported it, it was just a matter of having a display to get to the settings.

One thing I will add is that the LMTD still is sold with a torque sensor at this point, and Kevin from Ride1Up has stated that those power settings are "optimized" for the torque sensor and should not be changed on the LMTD. Prior to that, one person on the Ride1Up FB page had changed those settings, and it seemed to work out ok for him.

Ride1Up User Manual - Ride1UP Display Tutorial - eBike

KD21C Display Ebike Models Core-5 Turris 500 Series Portola Cafe Cruiser Please view our instructional video to explain the features of the display: Understanding Your KD21C Interactive Display Get the most from your R...

support.ride1up.com

700 Series, LMT'D, LMT'D V2 and Rift Display

The 700 series, LMT'D, LMT'D V2 and Rift ebikes use a color KD218 display. Do you have questions about how to use this display? Resetting the trip readout, understanding your range, wattage output, battery levels, or your pedal assist p...

support.ride1up.com

 

[Urvaksh]

But, when push comes to shove, you dont own an Espin or Ride 1 and I do. IMO, they are both ok, but you are weak.

There's always *THAT* guy in every group.

 

[GenXrider]

Yeah he's usually not that rough with his comments. I can't say for sure and I don't like to speak for others but I think maybe the events of the last few days aren't quite how he wished they would have been...

Some people are just sensitive when they perceive anything stated as a negative against a purchase they made and are trying to rationalize. No one wants to accept that they might have made a mistake. It looks like Urvaksh is the same. I mostly just ignore trolls and share useful info with those who are actually interested.

 

[cldlhd]

Some people are just sensitive when they perceive anything stated as a negative against a purchase they made and are trying to rationalize. No one wants to accept that they might have made a mistake. It looks like Urvaksh is the same. I mostly just ignore trolls and share useful info with those who are actually interested.

Oh I assumed Uraksh was criticizing Taylor57's comment but I guess it could be interpreted either way

 

[Urvaksh]

Oh I assumed Uraksh was criticizing Taylor57's comment but I guess it could be interpreted either way

I was not criticizing Taylor.
GenXrider: you’ve made your point about what you think of the eSpin bikes. find another parade to rain on.

 

[GenXrider]

I don't have anything against Espin - it's just not at the top of my list based on personal preferences.

 

[PatriciaK]

I don't have anything against Espin - it's just not at the top of my list based on personal preferences.

And, believe me, we all know that! That poor dead horse is beat so bad you might as well just shovel it into the dog food can...

 

[GenXrider]

I don't have anything against Espin - it's just not at the top of my list based on personal preferences.

And, believe me, we all know that! That poor dead horse is beat so bad you might as well just shovel it into the dog food can...

Ummm... based on earlier comments, I'm not sure sure that's true that everyone knew that I didn't have anything against Espin until I said so. I didn't want anyone to think I was bashing Espin or had anything against them just for pointing out feature differences that matter to me. They are among the brands I would recommend someone consider. I know not everyone has the same priorities as me. So, you all did NOT know that before, but you do now. Hopefully that's all that needs to be said on the matter and we can get back to discussing bikes.

 

[BigNerd]

I mentioned this before and I think the issue is that this is an Espin sub-forum and you’re always talking up R1up and talking down Espin. And that’s fine, except not only don’t you own an Espin, but you don’t own an R1up either.

I don’t post as often as you do here in the R1up threads extolling the virtues of my Sport over their models.

But I don’t want to tell you not to post here so I just let other people know your ownership situation just like you want people to know your preferences.

 

[GenXrider]

I mentioned this before and I think the issue is that this is an Espin sub-forum and you’re always talking up R1up and talking down Espin.

See, this proves my point. This poster says I was "talking down Espin". All I was doing is pointing out feature comparisons, which came up when other people were complaining about the the power per assist level on the Espin not being adjustable, and I chimed in to say that they are adjustable on a different bike, and I added comments about some other differences that could be relevant to someone. These are just factual differences about the bikes that don't require ownership in response to concerns about the Espin brought up by others! That's not talking down Espin just because I responded to other people's concerns about the Espin and mentioned another bike that doesn't have that limitation and added other personal preferences based on my experience of riding other bikes thousands of miles for my type of use. Other people's usage, needs, and preferences will vary, and I'm not talking down Espin. That fact I still have some interest in Espin bikes is why I follow these threads. Now let's move on.

Note - I think some of the custom changes AHicks has mentioned making to the Espin with the gearing, tires, saddle, and controller would make the Sport much more appealing to me. I rather not spend the extra time to do that if I can get a bike that's already closer to how I want it, but it's another consideration, especially if you have the time, know how, and don't mind spending a little extra dough. I look forward to his feedback, especially regarding the existing controller since some questions remain unanswered and whether wider tires will fit.

 

[BigNerd]

I know in your head you don't think you're talking down Espin, but if I had the time, I can go through your posts and demonstrate why others would think that way. There is no tone on a forum and if I'm not the only one who thinks this way, then that should be proof enough for you.

Maybe I should have said "seems like you are talking down Espin", but that's just an example how one word can change the perception of a post.

 

[GenXrider]

why others would think that way.

Maybe I should have said "seems like you are talking down Espin", but that's just an example how one word can change the perception of a post.

Then you agree with my recent response that not everyone knew I didn't have anything against Espin, as PatriciaK implied when saying "we all know that". Clearly not all of you knew that, so that was my whole point in explaining. I don't dislike Espin, never have. A few customization as AHicks is doing may actually make it work well for me if Ride1Up wasn't available. And it may be a better choice for someone with different preferences. I never once disputed that. Again, I didn't bring up the complaints about the Espin power customizations in this thread. I merely responded to them after some others did, which is what set off your (and some others') misunderstanding when you thought someone might not be raving about your chosen bike, even though I didn't even bring that problem up! I wasn't even the first one to respond about Ride1Up! lol Go back and read the first post in thread! lol

 

[PatriciaK]

Then you agree with my recent response that not everyone knew I didn't have anything against Espin, as PatriciaK implied when saying "we all know that". Clearly not all of you knew that, so that was my whole point in explaining. I don't dislike Espin, never have. A few customization as AHicks is doing may actually make it work well for me if Ride1Up wasn't available. And it may be a better choice for someone with different preferences. I never once disputed that. Again, I didn't bring up the complaints about the Espin power customizations in this thread. I merely responded to them after some others did, which is what set off your (and some others') misunderstanding when you thought someone might not be raving about your chosen bike, even though I didn't even bring that problem up! I wasn't even the first one to respond about Ride1Up! lol Go back and read the first post in thread! lol

What i meant was everyone knows that you are not interested in the Espin, and everyone knows why - because you have stated your opinion over, and over, and over, and over and... We all get it!

"Other people" are not the only ones misinterpreting here . Time to tap the ol' ignore button .

 

[Admin]

Hey guys... I saw the question from @rbermanaz and it reminded me of some ebikes I've tried that seem to zip from standstill, even in lower levels of assist. It seems like this is a refinement that other companies have made to their (mostly) cadence sensor ebikes, and it's nice to see. However... I also think it can be fun and show off an ebikes power during demo pre-sale rides. I'm not sure if this is still the case for Pedego, but their bikes have always felt "zippy" to me. I suppose it uses more juice, and might not be ideal for people who prioritize stability. I just thought I'd toss in my experience here too. Are there any brands you guys know of that seem to have smoothed out the lower levels of assist? Worst case, someone like @rbermanaz could sell their Espin used and put the money towards a smoother start ebike

 

[cldlhd]

Hey guys... I saw the question from @rbermanaz and it reminded me of some ebikes I've tried that seem to zip from standstill, even in lower levels of assist. It seems like this is a refinement that other companies have made to their (mostly) cadence sensor ebikes, and it's nice to see. However... I also think it can be fun and show off an ebikes power during demo pre-sale rides. I'm not sure if this is still the case for Pedego, but their bikes have always felt "zippy" to me. I suppose it uses more juice, and might not be ideal for people who prioritize stability. I just thought I'd toss in my experience here too. Are there any brands you guys know of that seem to have smoothed out the lower levels of assist? Worst case, someone like @rbermanaz could sell their Espin used and put the money towards a smoother start ebike

Well I'm hesitant to bring it up.... again....but my son's Espin seems pretty smooth in PAS 1 we just thought it could be a little more gradual of a bump into 2. With my 700 I can set the percentage of power in each level wherever I want it: gradual increases or " showoff mode,".