GreenBikeUSA parts needed -Warrantee unresponsive

DAK

New Member
Have a warrantee issue with GreenBike USA and can't get them to communicate by email or return a phone call. They are an importer located in Florida. Bought a ebike a few months ago. Handlebars fell off at a folding fitting at 50 miles. Apparently it was not tight from the factory and the book it came with gave no advice. They sent a starnut a few weeks ago and good local bike shop said tube going up from front fork is now distorted (see pictures) so need new tube up from fork and new bearings...I think.

After trying email and phone with no response got a response to a posting on their Facebook page, They said they would send something (nondescript) when I posted on their website on Tuesday but no shipping advice nor what they are actually shipping.

In general the bike is a GREAT folding city style equipped well and has 500w engine and is a Low Step design....great.....when it was ride-able.

Just want parts so bike shop can get it going or a source of where I can buy a new fork with steerer tube (I think they are one unit-see picture). I see on line other bikes use the same fork with built in suspension units. It is not a Fat tire style.
Any help and suggestions appreciated where I can buy a fork for the bike. Just want to ride and cost is not a real factor.

Thanks,
Dan
 

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Your LBS can't sort the parts?

They said will install but have problems with all suppliers back ordered for parts now. Suggested I find parts and get specs. Just ordered a part on Amazon and it might fit.... Little risk since Amazon Prime. Exhasberated with GreenBikeUSA as you can probably understand.
 
I see the starnut came out of the steerer tube, and is inside the steerer collar, still attached to the top bolt, Looks like the two side screws on the steerer collar were not tight. The top screw/starnut is only intended to snug up the upper/lower headset bearings. Do you still have the upper set? Hope you didn't crash.

I guess you wouldn't want me to arbitrate, It's not a parts issue to me, but an assembly issue, and one that needs to be covered in the final assembly. it's like brakes.

If your shop says the steerer tube is warped, so be it, but that tube is not user or shop replaceable. You have to buy a whole new fork. Personally, I don't see how it could get bent, unless it was a cheap steel thin wall tube. I've bent one of them. I knew it too, tightening the side screws. Suddenly they got easy to turn.

Well, if the tube were still good, it looks like a 1 1/8" threadless steerer. Those are mostly standard, in that any 1 1/8" headset you buy off the shelf will fit. You'll get the top/lower bearings, the covers, and a new star nut/bolt,
 
I see the starnut came out of the steerer tube, and is inside the steerer collar, still attached to the top bolt, Looks like the two side screws on the steerer collar were not tight. The top screw/starnut is only intended to snug up the upper/lower headset bearings. Do you still have the upper set? Hope you didn't crash.

I guess you wouldn't want me to arbitrate, It's not a parts issue to me, but an assembly issue, and one that needs to be covered in the final assembly. it's like brakes.

If your shop says the steerer tube is warped, so be it, but that tube is not user or shop replaceable. You have to buy a whole new fork. Personally, I don't see how it could get bent, unless it was a cheap steel thin wall tube. I've bent one of them. I knew it too, tightening the side screws. Suddenly they got easy to turn.

Well, if the tube were still good, it looks like a 1 1/8" threadless steerer. Those are mostly standard, in that any 1 1/8" headset you buy off the shelf will fit. You'll get the top/lower bearings, the covers, and a new star nut/bolt,
Thanks Harry. I think you got it right. The hinge that goes on the steerer tube was not tight from factory. Handlebars wiggled a bit and star nut fixed it on temp basis but obviously not solve problem. As new biker, had no idea how all it worked and manual said nothing. So spent a few hours on YouTube and learned a lot. Probably could have fixed it by just tightening the lower part of the folding mechanism. Rode about 10 miles that day before it got really loose. Tightened star nut again but starting out, handlebars fell off forwards and I fell. Since I was just starting out I was startled and just rolled with the bike on the trail and hurt nothing except my pride. People asked if I was ok? Nice. So then I figured out the bracket needed to be tightened to hold the steerer post on but star it was bent and out. Bike shop said probably came from factory not properly tightened. Son said when was brand new, handlebars were wobbly. I tighten the star it, not knowing what it was at the time. But as I said that did not last.
II think steerer tube got bent in my fall when the star nut was not there. Should not have happened in first place if factory delivered tightened. Again book no help. So now asking for exact specs for new fork from GreenBikeUSA so I can buy one on internet... but I suspect I will not hear from them. I ordered one that looked right via Amazon Prime... so no risk. We shall see.
I feel sort for others that might buy GreenBikeUSA products. Gr8 ebikes, no Warrantee or tech support. Contacted some of their dealers and GBis also in responsive to them. Unbelievable and Covid is no excuse for ignoring customers when reputation is everything when buying via the internet. I guess it is my duty to warn the world? Ridiculous situation. I am small business owner and understand the value in reputation. I can’t believe they are so....
LOL
Thanks again. Waiting for info and for parts. Not a money thing...just want to ride.
 
Good you didn't get hurt. I've always worried about the steerers coming apart on our folding bikes. My wife's bike had a wiggly folding stem. I replaced it twice. First with a $25 unit that was still flexing, and finally with a $90 unit, worth it for peace of mind.

If you have regular size tires, the 20" Sun Tour suspension fork on amazon should fit and be just as good as what you had. You may need a new headset, about $20, if you lost any of the old parts. The lower race has to be pried off the old fork if you didn't get a new headset. I suppose the shop can do all of that.

From you perspective, I agree. Your seller should do something for you,. Good luck.
 
Good you didn't get hurt. I've always worried about the steerers coming apart on our folding bikes. My wife's bike had a wiggly folding stem. I replaced it twice. First with a $25 unit that was still flexing, and finally with a $90 unit, worth it for peace of mind.

If you have regular size tires, the 20" Sun Tour suspension fork on amazon should fit and be just as good as what you had. You may need a new headset, about $20, if you lost any of the old parts. The lower race has to be pried off the old fork if you didn't get a new headset. I suppose the shop can do all of that.

From you perspective, I agree. Your seller should do something for you,. Good luck.
Yes it is 20” with regular tires and disc brakes. I ordered a fork on amazon... not the Sun Tour... did not see that one... will look. One I ordered is picture below. Where you get headset? Not sure what other parts I may need. Fork to come Saturday’s Prime so can tell fast if a fit and if disc brakes will fit. Are beefing std stuff and bike shop should have them?
Really nice help. Appreciate it. Felt lost before I found forum.

I do have another manual folding bike but after 1 hour I get beat. Love it But want to ride further and easier.... so this GreenBikeUSA....with no real Warrantee service. Called some dealers with orders and they have no better luck communicating with importer. All Warrantee stuff goes direct to importer in Florida. They are totally inept and lousy managers... and of course will blame Covid.... but old reviews say the same years ago. Unfortunately, it is a well equipped bike with rack, fenders, lights f/r, brake light, directional, large 18 amp 48 v battery. But shitty service. Oh well, maybe with your help and others I will be back on the road. Also thinking of adding a motor to my Manual Zizzo folding bike... Bafang mid engine kit. Any thoughts or experience there? Someone on their Facebook user group suggested a kit from Luna. Gets expensive without all the bells and whistles of the GB-USA one.
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I've installed suspension forks on two bikes that didn't have them, and replaced an old set on a third. The 1-1/8" system is pretty much the same as far as parts. Your shop should have a spare headset if needed. I'm not even a shop and I have a spare. Otherwise, another week on amazon and $20.

The 20" tires sure benefit from shocks. My wife's first 20" folder is full suspension. Her second one and mine have nothing, but we mostly ride on smooth asphalt. .I'd put shocks on her second bike, but it's a Schwinn Loop and I've found nothing that fits.

I installed hub motors on all three of our folders. They're 350W, but the controller can push 800W on a hill, so they work fine in Florida and Illinois. Don't really need to go very fast on a folder.

I also have put a bafang BBS02 (Luna kit) on my old 26" DIamondback. I think it's less install work than a hub motor and is less hassle when you get a flat tire on the rear wheel. Lots of power though. You might have a problem keeping the front wheel on the ground going uphill or starting off with no weight on the bars.
 
Wow, you do have some real experience with bikes and ebikes installing all sorts of stuff. I am pretty mechanical but have very little bike experience. Have more time now but also busy with whatever, so don’t mind paying bike shop but that gives less personal satisfaction than doing it yourself. Thanks for your perspectives and guidance.
 
I've installed suspension forks on two bikes that didn't have them, and replaced an old set on a third. The 1-1/8" system is pretty much the same as far as parts. Your shop should have a spare headset if needed. I'm not even a shop and I have a spare. Otherwise, another week on amazon and $20.

The 20" tires sure benefit from shocks. My wife's first 20" folder is full suspension. Her second one and mine have nothing, but we mostly ride on smooth asphalt. .I'd put shocks on her second bike, but it's a Schwinn Loop and I've found nothing that fits.

I installed hub motors on all three of our folders. They're 350W, but the controller can push 800W on a hill, so they work fine in Florida and Illinois. Don't really need to go very fast on a folder.

I also have put a bafang BBS02 (Luna kit) on my old 26" DIamondback. I think it's less install work than a hub motor and is less hassle when you get a flat tire on the rear wheel. Lots of power though. You might have a problem keeping the front wheel on the ground going uphill or starting off with no weight on the bars.
Looks like the Fork I received from Amazon had AIR shocks. I think the original ones and probably the one the importer GreenbikeUSA finally sent to arrive tomorrow (from ups ship advice) are SPRING shocks. I was going to send back the Amazon one but since it might be better, probably makes sense to use the AIR shock fork.

What do you think?

Original helpful bike shop scheduled me 3 weeks out but I was lucky to find a local big custom shop that scheduled me to bring it in on Wednesday for a Friday pickup..... And hopefully a long test ride Saturday. ...winter is coming fast in Virginia. Sounds like you too go to FL. We typically go to Naples Jan-April... Usually fly but might drive and bring bike....or maybe get another for there...or maybe put a motor on my Zizzo Via. Just a little afraid of driving on streets with old folks (like me). Actually know a lawyer there that specializes in representing bike riders. Has big house in most expensive area of town on the water...if that sais anything. LOL.
 
Here's our folders visiting in Naples. A wonderful place, but we're normally in the cold midwest, especially with the virus scares. I haven't been on a plane for a long time. We traveled with a dog for 15 years.

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Nice folders. hard to see...you put hub motors on them ? I see same shock fork in blue one. We love Naples...have a condo in Park Shore area on Venetian Bay. Old folks, like us in cars, scares me about bike riding. Pic is my Zizzo folder...27 lbs I think. A lot lighter than ebike folder at 60+ lbs. Both fun. Can ride ebike longer !! think a mid-
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drive motor would fit on Zizzo?
 
I put a small mid-drive, 36V 250W, on my Zizzo frame.
Thanks. What brand engine and model.....and is the 250w sufficient? I have a 500w hub motor on other ebike and think it would be too much. Also think a 36V battery would be lighter. How far can you go before recharge necessary? (I realize many variables involved.) How much you weigh and do you have throttle and how much % time pedal power? Thanks, Dan
 
My folder is only used on busy bike/walking paths. I NEVER ride over 15MPH there. Most want much more power. If I were to do it again I'd have used a rear gear drive hub motor. I don't need the hill-climbing abilities of a Bafang mid-drive. My last hub build used a MAC gear drive. I'm liking it for the ability to run on a range of voltages, and with a Grin controller that will also work with a range of voltages.
 
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This is a marketing shot as you can't do much with the 4Ah battery under the seat, but it's good enough to do a 14 mile round trip from my friend's cabin on Lake Michigan to the lodge for lunch.

It's under 35 pounds as shown. Rear 350W hubmotor. 20A controller pulls about 660 watts on throttle uphill, and about 100W in PAS 1 at 12 mpg. Top speed around 20, but who goes fast. If I ugly it up with a battery bag on the rear rack, as in the Santa pic above, I can carry 8-12 AH for 30+ miles.

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I bought a 60 pound fat tire folder last year. Just me, but I feeel silly riding it on suburban bike paths. Maybe I can ride it on the above beach next year.We stayed home this year.
 
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Service after the sale put the value in a Ebike.
Since my manual pedal Zizzo Via was so great and I wanted to take longer rides, I bought a folding ebike. Great bike but service after the sale was lacking for the 18 month warranty. I started a Facebook user group like the Zizzo user group which is great. Turns out a user group that is also supported by the importer is a Win-win for everyone. Hopefully GreenBikeUSA can learn from Zizzo, and leverage future sales with good service and good reputations. GreenBikeUSA has a way to go with service but they have engineered a good bike IMHO. Plan to probably get another Via when go to Florida for the Jan-April snow season here. ...and add a mid drive motor.
 
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