Heavy Rider, need suggestions

[gkochner]

For those interested, I just test rode the Euphree Stellar Falcon 2.0 and the Velotric Summit 2. I also test rode a Velotric Discover M, but realized mid-drive bikes are probably not what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, I can't decide which I prefer as both have pros/cons that cancel each other out. I would consider the Velotric Discover 3, but I am wanting a step-over bike vs. step-through for stability purposes.

Note these are strictly my opinion and may not apply to everyone.
ESF 2.0 Pros:

• Clean cable management
• Throttle is a push down vs. push forward
• Suspension seatpost
• Comfortable saddle
• Rear rack pre-installed

VS2 Pros:

• Comfortable controls
• Lower price
• Narrower tires
• Smooth ride
• Higher payload
• Security features (NFC Card, Apple FindMy)
• Integrated turn signals
• Lighter weight

I'd love to hear any feedback anyone has on either of these bikes and which they might recommend and why.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I would consider the Velotric Discover 3, but I am wanting a step-over bike vs. step-through for stability purposes.

Not sure I understand "stability" in this context. But if you're concerned about frame flexure, we've had 2 step-thru hub-drives (Velotric Breeze 1 and Surface 604 V Rook), and I have yet to see or feel evidence of frame flexure in either one. That includes a good bit of bumpy hardpack on the Rook.

Velotric's SensorSwap is a valuable feature. If for any reason you find yourself unable or unwilling to put in the pedal force needed to get the assist you want in torque-sensing mode — say, on a steep climb — SensorSwap lets you switch to cadence-sensing mode on the fly to get full power just by turning the pedals.

My wife vastly prefers torque-sensing assist in general but finds this useful now and then, as her creaky sacroiliac joints limit the pedal force she can generate. Folks with bum knees might also appreciate SensorSwap.

Her Velotric Breeze is a well-designed and well-made 750W hub-drive with plenty of climbing ability in our hilly terrain. A recent OTA firmware update fixed my only real complaint — the initially odd throttle implementation.

Importantly, Velotric has a large national service network. Will you be able to get local service on a Euphree?

 

[gkochner]

Not sure I understand "stability" in this context. But if you're concerned about frame flexure, we've had 2 step-thru hub-drives (Velotric Breeze 1 and Surface 604 V Rook), and I have yet to see or feel evidence of frame flexure in either one. That includes a good bit bumpy hardpack on the Rook.

I guess I just prefer the step-over look/feel. I'm used to riding bikes with a top tube. The best I test rode were all step-throughs and didn't notice any issues, but I guess it's just a preference?

Importantly, Velotric has a large national service network. Will you be able to get local servuce on a Euphree?

There is a shop in town that services all ebikes under 1000W so yes. Even if they can't, there's a dealer that services Euphree bikes ~40 minutes away. One of the perks of being in a large metro area!

 

[6zfshdb]

I guess I just prefer the step-over look/feel. I'm used to riding bikes with a top tube. The best I test rode were all step-throughs and didn't notice any issues, but I guess it's just a preference?

I thought the same way when I was shopping for my first e-bike. I had no problem throwing a leg over the bar then, but I wasn't sure just how long that would last. E-bikes are expensive so I decided not to take a chance and bought a step thru. Two hip replacements later, I was VERY glad I did!

 

[PCeBiker]

ESF 2.0 Pros:

• Suspension seatpost
• Comfortable saddle

A suspension seatpost is something that can almost always be added to any ebike.

The Suntour NCX suspension seatpost is very popular at ~$100


A saddle is something that is very personal, and adding the saddle that you like best to the ebike that you like best is very common.

Nobody ever seems to be able to find the right saddle.
I've got four saddles.
(And don't forget the gel seat covers for added comfort.)