I have been looking at all sorts of E-bikes and reading and watching what I can. The terminologies used are so varied as to make bikes hard to compare.
I talked to a couple of local bike shops, but they are doing everything they can to convince me that I need to spend $2500 and up for a 250 watt bike.
And they are insulting all the $1500 bikes out there (and not carrying them either). I have 3 bikes below that are around $1500 to $1700. I don't want a bike to break in just a couple of years.
Here are my parameters that would make me very happy. I hope that we can find one that works.
The goal is to be under $1500 for the bike.
1) Frame size. I measured my road bike/comfort bike and they measure 38" from seat to bottom of the pedal stroke. It needs to be a step over (not a step through).
2) Weight limit. I see ranges from 275 to 300 lbs for my target. I weigh over 300, but I don't ride rough, so I am comfortable with these bikes.
3) Motor size. I am looking at 500 and 750 watt motors with 48 Volt batteries. As I am heavier than average, this is necessary so I don't burn up 250 watt motors.
4) Range. It must have over 30 miles of range on throttle alone. (i.e. 30-50+, not 15-30). This is a comparison feature, I do plan on pedaling all the time!
5) Motor noise. Geared motors are rather loud. I have a preference on quieter motors. I think the gearing is how they claim the 250 watt motor has any torque.
6) Motor location. I think I prefer rear hub motors. Reviews say that mid-drive motors put a lot of stress on the bike chain. Again, I don't ride hard, so this is not critical. This seems to be more applicable to mountain bikes.
7) NOT a fat tire bike. Why do they even sell them around here in CT? lol. Around here, you either ride on the road or a paved rail trail (except for the path that runs along the canal!)
Here are the bikes I have been looking at.
First preference is Rad Power RadCity4. It has a 750 watt motor. 48 Vdc battery. It is touted as very quiet.
It is a brushless direct drive motor.
https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radcity-electric-commuter-bike#specs
Second preference is the Magnum Ui6 plus.
https://www.magnumbikes.com/product/magnum-ui6/
Third preference is the Ride1Up 700 series bikes. This has very good reviews, and plenty of size margin for my leg length.
https://ride1up.com/product/700-series/
I talked to a couple of local bike shops, but they are doing everything they can to convince me that I need to spend $2500 and up for a 250 watt bike.
And they are insulting all the $1500 bikes out there (and not carrying them either). I have 3 bikes below that are around $1500 to $1700. I don't want a bike to break in just a couple of years.
Here are my parameters that would make me very happy. I hope that we can find one that works.
The goal is to be under $1500 for the bike.
1) Frame size. I measured my road bike/comfort bike and they measure 38" from seat to bottom of the pedal stroke. It needs to be a step over (not a step through).
2) Weight limit. I see ranges from 275 to 300 lbs for my target. I weigh over 300, but I don't ride rough, so I am comfortable with these bikes.
3) Motor size. I am looking at 500 and 750 watt motors with 48 Volt batteries. As I am heavier than average, this is necessary so I don't burn up 250 watt motors.
4) Range. It must have over 30 miles of range on throttle alone. (i.e. 30-50+, not 15-30). This is a comparison feature, I do plan on pedaling all the time!
5) Motor noise. Geared motors are rather loud. I have a preference on quieter motors. I think the gearing is how they claim the 250 watt motor has any torque.
6) Motor location. I think I prefer rear hub motors. Reviews say that mid-drive motors put a lot of stress on the bike chain. Again, I don't ride hard, so this is not critical. This seems to be more applicable to mountain bikes.
7) NOT a fat tire bike. Why do they even sell them around here in CT? lol. Around here, you either ride on the road or a paved rail trail (except for the path that runs along the canal!)
Here are the bikes I have been looking at.
First preference is Rad Power RadCity4. It has a 750 watt motor. 48 Vdc battery. It is touted as very quiet.
It is a brushless direct drive motor.
https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radcity-electric-commuter-bike#specs
Second preference is the Magnum Ui6 plus.
https://www.magnumbikes.com/product/magnum-ui6/
Third preference is the Ride1Up 700 series bikes. This has very good reviews, and plenty of size margin for my leg length.
https://ride1up.com/product/700-series/
