Hello from Cowichan Bay, British Columbia (The Big Canadian Island Next to Seattle)

H

Hils

New Member
I’m enjoying an uphill ride/commute to work every morning on my 1980’s vintage Norco MTB. Just beginning my search for an electric-assist bike to (possibly) avoid cooling down and showering when I arrive at work.

Came across EBR with its reviews and YouTube clips describing MANY cool bikes - so now I am completely overwhelmed.

Simultaneously I have learned of many acquaintances who are keen to sell their E-bikes as they upgrade - so more options.

A BC option I am keen to learn more about are E-Bikes offered by Voltbike - the Elegant and the Bravo. They seem VERY reasonably priced - but when I talk with local shops they infer replacement parts for lesser expensive bikes are all but non-existent??

So, at present, I am trying to test-ride different bike options, read up on options and navigate EBR and its many helpful links.

Hils
 
Welcome! I love my ebike and the transformational experience of getting around by ebike instead of car for many functions in my life!

One thing to keep in mind is that ebikes will need maintenance and repair, not only for the "bike" aspects (which most bike shops can fix, though some won't work on ebikes) and for the electrical system aspects. Are you mechanical and a tinkerer, or do you need a shop to support your bike? If the latter, I suggest you buy from a dealer who can offer aftercare, since you don't want to get stuck with a bike that nobody can fix. A local dealer will charge more than an online store, but should (be sure to ask!) be able to fix, do warranty repairs, etc., the bikes that they sell.
 
Hils said:
I’m enjoying an uphill ride/commute to work every morning on my 1980’s vintage Norco MTB. Just beginning my search for an electric-assist bike to (possibly) avoid cooling down and showering when I arrive at work.

Came across EBR with its reviews and YouTube clips describing MANY cool bikes - so now I am completely overwhelmed.

Simultaneously I have learned of many acquaintances who are keen to sell their E-bikes as they upgrade - so more options.

A BC option I am keen to learn more about are E-Bikes offered by Voltbike - the Elegant and the Bravo. They seem VERY reasonably priced - but when I talk with local shops they infer replacement parts for lesser expensive bikes are all but non-existent??

So, at present, I am trying to test-ride different bike options, read up on options and navigate EBR and its many helpful links.

Hils
Click to expand...

Congrats on your ebike search!
I’m in agreement with Ebikemom, ride as many as possible before you buy, then pick the one that’s best for your needs.
Looking forward to to a photo of your new ebike!
 
Marci jo said:
Congrats on your ebike search!
I’m in agreement with Ebikemom, ride as many as possible before you buy, then pick the one that’s best for your needs.
Looking forward to to a photo of your new ebike!
Click to expand...
Thank you for insights!
 
Dewey said:
Hi Hils,

Another option local to you is a retailer on Salt Spring Island who is the Canadian distributor for Juiced Bikes but has just started to sell his own branded ebikes (Link Removed - No Longer Exists), the spec is good. Here is his blog post introducing his bikes at the BC bike show in January https://hilleater.ca/blog/vancouver-bike-show-new-hilleater-bikes-new-products/.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the helpful reply and
Timpo said:
Here, Juiced CrossCurrent S, the red one is on sale for $2,059 Canadian.
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

Unlike Voltbike, it comes with hydraulic disc brakes and it's a 28mph speed pedelec.
IMO it's a much superior bike.

Looks like they're located on place called Salt Spring Island.. I don't know how far you are but here's their info: https://hilleater.ca/resources/about-us/
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a nearby possible source.


I’m feeling bad ... I posted something a couple of days ago and haven’t gone back to EBR until tonight. This is fantastic help. I look out to Saltspring Island - a nearby ride to a 30 minute ferry trip.

I will certainly be checking them out - thank you!
 
Dewey said:
Hi Hils,

Another option local to you is a retailer on Salt Spring Island who is the Canadian distributor for Juiced Bikes but has just started to sell his own branded ebikes (Link Removed - No Longer Exists), the spec is good. Here is his blog post introducing his bikes at the BC bike show in January https://hilleater.ca/blog/vancouver-bike-show-new-hilleater-bikes-new-products/.
Click to expand...
Thank you - very easy to visit. Apologies for the tardy reply.
ebikemom said:
Welcome! I love my ebike and the transformational experience of getting around by ebike instead of car for many functions in my life!

One thing to keep in mind is that ebikes will need maintenance and repair, not only for the "bike" aspects (which most bike shops can fix, though some won't work on ebikes) and for the electrical system aspects. Are you mechanical and a tinkerer, or do you need a shop to support your bike? If the latter, I suggest you buy from a dealer who can offer aftercare, since you don't want to get stuck with a bike that nobody can fix. A local dealer will charge more than an online store, but should (be sure to ask!) be able to fix, do warranty repairs, etc., the bikes that they sell.
Click to expand...


Excellent advice - and the vey notion of dealing with an on-line type of business really bothers me. It is bound to cost more initially - but not in the long run. That’s the notion of how to build and retain a community. Thank you for insightful & helpful observations.
 
ebikemom said:
Welcome! I love my ebike and the transformational experience of getting around by ebike instead of car for many functions in my life!

One thing to keep in mind is that ebikes will need maintenance and repair, not only for the "bike" aspects (which most bike shops can fix, though some won't work on ebikes) and for the electrical system aspects. Are you mechanical and a tinkerer, or do you need a shop to support your bike? If the latter, I suggest you buy from a dealer who can offer aftercare, since you don't want to get stuck with a bike that nobody can fix. A local dealer will charge more than an online store, but should (be sure to ask!) be able to fix, do warranty repairs, etc., the bikes that they sell.
Click to expand...


Thank you Ebikemom - very sound advice, driven home when I popped into my local bike shop in Duncan, BC. They very tactfully explained some of the challenges they face when people bring in E-Bikes from econo sources that don't work - sourcing parts etc.

I plan to be a little more circumspect in my search.

Many people have been suggesting I look a the offerings from a Salt Spring Island shop - that distributes "Juiced Bike".

Thank you again - and apologies for the tardy reply. New to forums too.

Hils
 
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