First eBike, please help me decide from these few

[bernalhill]

Hello! I've watched a lot of videos, done a lot of reading, and test rode about 10 eBikes.

Stats:
- Live in SF on a steep hill
- 5-7 mile commute. I don't need one built for distance.
- 5'9" and 195, pretty fit
- Budget up to $3,500 but of course would rather spend less
- Not the handiest with mechanicals but not a moron
- SF bikes get stolen often.

Choices:

• Stomer ST1 Platinum. Rode it and really liked it. Sexy. My local shop sells it, which is a plus because I'd help the local economy and get better service.
• Trek XM700+. Rode and liked it. Local shop has it on sale for $2,800 and seems like a good bargain.
• Trek Super Commuter +7. Loved it but it's $$$. Worth it?
• Didn't ride: Flash V1 Commuter. Super gorgeous! Reviews are decent but someone commented on quality inconsistency and cheaper components?
• Didn't ride: Juiced CrossCurrent X. Looks amazing and feels like a good deal.

I won't list others I rode because they were more of a cruiser type and realize that I'm not a fan.

Any bikes I should take a look at that would be a better fit for me?
Are Flash and Juiced bikes a good deal?
It's a bit purchase so hoping for some insight.

Thank you all!
Matt

 

[rannyv]

You are doing the right thing by taking lots of test rides. Although Juiced bikes and other online bikes may well be good, unless you can ride one locally, I'd advise against buying it. Surely there must be a dealer that sells Juiced in the Bay Area. Having a local, conveniently located dealer would be a good thing if you're not crazy about wrenching. I think you have The NewWheel SF. And there is that huge Motostano in Redwood city.

You did not say whether or not you required a 28MPH top speed. That will affect the price and selection quite a bit. If you need class 3 (28 MPH), Bulls Lacuba Evo E45 seems like a good value and you might find it for just a little over $3500. Also, Specialized has a very nice line this year. My local shop says they are selling a lot of the Como model. It's got wide-ish 650B tires and no front suspension which means it should not be super heavy but still have a decent ride.

I've heard Stromers are capable enough hub motored bikes and they could probably handle SF hills, but you'd better make sure. Hub motored bikes will not be as well balanced as mid-drive with down tube mounted battery. And they will also likely be heavier. Stromers are not light bikes. If you value a bike that feels like a bike, look for something under 60 pounds. The more under 60 pounds, the better.

Since e-bikes go faster than conventional bikes and most of them have stiff aluminum frames, do take ride into consideration - especially if you're looking at a 28MPH bike. Front suspension and thicker tires help. Of course, these both add weight, which might be OK if you don't mind the bike feeling big and heavy.

 

[bernalhill]

Thanks! I would love to get past 20mph and am willing to pay for that, but am ok with class 1 if cost/features were worth it.

Yeah, the Stromer was a beast and a bit over 60 pounds I think. Not a selling point. I did like the feel of fatter tires for sure.

I did test ride a Specialized Turbo Vado 1.0 and it was ok. I should have tested the Vado 3.0 at $3,400, and will go back to test.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

I’ve got 5600 miles on an xm700+ and love it. Hard to go wrong with the Trek name anyhow... but given the hills you may deal with, you might end up changing out the cassette (11-36) for an 11-42, something I keep saying I am going to do. It is a full on 28 mph rig which isn’t bad either, altough the cx motor is better for big hills. I suppose I really need to get off my dead ass and do that gearig change so I can speak authoritatively on it. $2800 sounds pretty good to me, a lot of people want them and can’t find them.

 

[bernalhill]

Oh, good to hear! I may take a look at that 700+ again.

 

[Feliz]

Hard to beat the CCX for the money, battery alone is $1000+ US

 

[John from Connecticut]

I’ve got 5600 miles on an xm700+ and love it. Hard to go wrong with the Trek name anyhow... but given the hills you may deal with, you might end up changing out the cassette (11-36) for an 11-42, something I keep saying I am going to do. It is a full on 28 mph rig which isn’t bad either, altough the cx motor is better for big hills. I suppose I really need to get off my dead ass and do that gearig change so I can speak authoritatively on it. $2800 sounds pretty good to me, a lot of people want them and can’t find them.

I agree with Dave's comments. I own and ride an XM700 + and love it, but I don't have SF hills : ) The XM700 will more then get the job done especially with the 11-42 cassette. You didn't indicate if speed (20MPH + ) or climbing is of greater value.

I also own and ride a Trek Powerfly7 hardtail with the Bosch CX motor, it will climb a brick wall, but it's a Class 1, 20 mph max. I just installed a Speedbox 2 'dongle' aka speed restriction eliminator on my Powerfly ( works great ) A good combo if you need to climb plus 20mph +

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

I've ridden 25 + on paved roads with my mountain bike and it was a joy...So much torque. I have installed very non aggressive mtb bike tires.
Schwalbe Marthon Plus MTB. Trek support is fantastic along with their 2 year bumper to bumper warrantee.

 

[bernalhill]

Considering I can get the Xm700+ for $2,800, I think I'm going to go with that one. The Stromer is nice but SO heavy.

 

[bernalhill]

Well, so much for that. They only have 55cm frames and I'm 5'9"

Need to find something else!

 

[bob armani]

Well, so much for that. They only have 55cm frames and I'm 5'9"

Need to find something else!

Don't you hate that! My local Trek dealer had led me to believe that I could purchase the Police Electric class 3 E-bike. Now it is only available to law enforcement only. 'So much for that' is spot on!

 

[John from Connecticut]

Well, so much for that. They only have 55cm frames and I'm 5'9"

Need to find something else!

Hello again, Bummer about the 55cm XM700 frame, but in opinion all is not lost. You included Trek Super Commuter 7 and loved it.
Based on your personal needs, first bike, modestly handy with a wrench and the bike choices listed I'd seriously consider the Super Commuter.
7.

Another Trek choice is the Powerfly 5. This bike has Treks CX motor and if climbing SF hills is a concern this bike will make short work of that. I have the Powerfly 7 with same CX motor, ride on the road frequently 20-25 miles and it's a joy. The 5 and the 7 are nearly identical. The 5 has a Rock Shox which you will appreciate. My Powerfly 7 has been 100% trouble free, zero problems.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...owerfly/powerfly-hardtail/powerfly-5/p/21979/

The Trek Super Commuter 7 has the Performance Line motor with not as much torque as the CX, but with an 11-42 swap that bike will climb
very well.

Both of these bikes are limited to 20mph max, but a speed eliminator aka 'dongle' can be added, but that will void your motor warrantee.

 

[bikatwk]

Review by Retired LEO & current CA Bike Patrol Instructor

This 2018 Trek Police Electric eMTB (Class 3) is a quality and effective bike for public safety cycling use!

Besides using it in bike classes and general presentations to law enforcement, I've also used it to do some events on (no races), run errands, commute and just have FUN on!!! It did take me a little bit to get use to the longer wheelbase (approx. 7"). The weight is very good, for a PD eMTB.

Overall, a GREAT e-bike for any public safety cyclist!

Clint
The Retired & eBike Guy

 

[DaveMatthews]

Just to add to the choices/confusion, check out Giant. https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes/e-bike

I have a Fathom E+ and love it.

 

[larry-new]

I assume you've read the reviews and brand specific comments here...there's a lot of good content...before deciding, I looked for good customer service experiences, because everything breaks, sooner or later.

 

[ebikemom]

Can you test ride bikes on the same sort of hills you will be riding on? I recommend it so you don't have any unhappy surprises.

Also, it is fabulous to have local warranty support. Well worth paying a bit more in my opinion.

 

[bob armani]

Review by Retired LEO & current CA Bike Patrol Instructor

This 2018 Trek Police Electric eMTB (Class 3) is a quality and effective bike for public safety cycling use!

Besides using it in bike classes and general presentations to law enforcement, I've also used it to do some events on (no races), run errands, commute and just have FUN on!!! It did take me a little bit to get use to the longer wheelbase (approx. 7"). The weight is very good, for a PD eMTB.

Overall, a GREAT e-bike for any public safety cyclist!

Clint
The Retired & eBike Guy

bikatwk-I was curious what sort of credentials Trek asked for when purchasing your PE.
Nice bike. Wish it was available to the general public.

 

[bikatwk]

Review by Retired LEO & current CA Bike Patrol Instructor

This 2018 Trek Police Electric eMTB (Class 3) is a quality and effective bike for public safety cycling use!

Besides using it in bike classes and general presentations to law enforcement, I have also used it do events on (no races), run errands, commute on and just have FUN on!!! It did take me a little bit to get use to the longer wheelbase (approx. 7"). The weight is very good, for a PD eMTB.

Overall, a GREAT e-bike for any public safety cyclist!

Clint
The Retired & eBike Guy

bikatwk-I was curious what sort of credentials Trek asked for when purchasing your PE.
Nice bike. Wish it was available to the general public.

In earlier 2018, Trek did not request such credentials. If they had, I certainly would had proved them with such and my instructional need for the eMTB.

 

[bob armani]

Review by Retired LEO & current CA Bike Patrol Instructor

This 2018 Trek Police Electric eMTB (Class 3) is a quality and effective bike for public safety cycling use!

Besides using it in bike classes and general presentations to law enforcement, I have also used it do events on (no races), run errands, commute on and just have FUN on!!! It did take me a little bit to get use to the longer wheelbase (approx. 7"). The weight is very good, for a PD eMTB.

Overall, a GREAT e-bike for any public safety cyclist!

Clint
The Retired & eBike Guy

In earlier 2018, Trek did not request such credentials. If they had, I certainly would had proved them with such and my instructional need for the eMTB.

Ahh, either way you are a proud owner of a well tuned E-bike. Enjoy!

 

[bikatwk]

Ahh, either way you are a proud owner of a well tuned E-bike. Enjoy!

Thanks!

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Hello! I've watched a lot of videos, done a lot of reading, and test rode about 10 eBikes.

Stats:
- Live in SF on a steep hill
- 5-7 mile commute. I don't need one built for distance.
- 5'9" and 195, pretty fit
- Budget up to $3,500 but of course would rather spend less
- Not the handiest with mechanicals but not a moron
- SF bikes get stolen often.

Choices:

• Stomer ST1 Platinum. Rode it and really liked it. Sexy. My local shop sells it, which is a plus because I'd help the local economy and get better service.
• Trek XM700+. Rode and liked it. Local shop has it on sale for $2,800 and seems like a good bargain.
• Trek Super Commuter +7. Loved it but it's $$$. Worth it?
• Didn't ride: Flash V1 Commuter. Super gorgeous! Reviews are decent but someone commented on quality inconsistency and cheaper components?
• Didn't ride: Juiced CrossCurrent X. Looks amazing and feels like a good deal.

I won't list others I rode because they were more of a cruiser type and realize that I'm not a fan.

Any bikes I should take a look at that would be a better fit for me?
Are Flash and Juiced bikes a good deal?
It's a bit purchase so hoping for some insight.

Thank you all!
Matt

Go to New Wheel and get this 17" Stromer ST1-X. Comes with shocks, bigger battery and OMNI interface as well.
https://newwheel.net/products/used-electric-bikes
I think you should be able to get it for $3500. A LOT of bike for the money.