Happy Summer 2019 from Northern Virginia!

[bascherz]

Thanks to the great video reviews by EBR, my decision of which to make my first ebike was easy (and fun!). I'm 6'5" tall and weigh around 240lbs. So I needed a bike that could hold more than 250lbs to feel "safe" in that regard. I also didn't want to break the bank. So many of these bikes are over $2500 (USD) and I just couldn't justify that right out of the gate. I also did not know whether a hub or crank (mid) motor made the most sense. I also looked a belt vs. chain drive. So many choices! Who knew?

I ended up with the Surface 604 Colt. It's a 9-speed Shimano chain drive with a rear hub motor and a pretty standard Samsung 500W battery pack. Range is said to be "up to 50 miles", but I don't expect more than about 25-30 at my weight. Its weight limit is 285lbs, which is plenty of margin. It's also got hydraulic disc brakes, an integrated (welded-in) rear rack, built-in head and tail lights, and an adjustable steering neck. I like the Bafang cyclometer a lot. A true bargain (comparatively) at $1800 and free shipping to the US east coast.

The front fender does rattle quite a bit, but I don't really care. The assist works differently than I expected. It helps more when I exert LESS effort. I rather expected the opposite; more assist if it sensed I was struggling. Something I'll have to get used to, I suppose. I've only ridden it 4 miles so far, but I can tell it's a quality machine.

So, thanks again EBR for getting me off to the right start!

 

[ilanarama]

You were able to find a frame size that fit you out of the box? I had a friend your height back in the 90s and I think he had to go custom for his bike. I expect there's more availability these days. I have the opposite problem, but luckily I'm average-small rather than extra-small, so it's not hard for me. I hope you enjoy your new e-bike!

 

[bascherz]

You were able to find a frame size that fit you out of the box? I had a friend your height back in the 90s and I think he had to go custom for his bike. I expect there's more availability these days. I have the opposite problem, but luckily I'm average-small rather than extra-small, so it's not hard for me. I hope you enjoy your new e-bike!

Yep. I didn't even have to put the seat at max height. It feels way different than my Giant Cypress LX for sure. But with all the adjustments on this e-bike, I've got it setup quite comfortably. This bike only comes in two frame sizes: S and M/L. M/L worked for me.

 

[christob]

Thanks to the great video reviews by EBR, my decision of which to make my first ebike was easy (and fun!). \

Welcome aboard (ebikes, and the forum.) S. Arlington here - howdy, neighbor!