During the sheltering-in-place event in early 2020, I decided to get an inexpensive e-bike to try it out and use it for local errands. I ordered an FLX BabyMaker Pro because it really looks good and cheap ($1375, at the time for early crowdfunders). The BabyMaker Pro has battery in the downtube, motor in the rear hub, and a single speed belt drive. Most folks can't tell that it's an e-bike. However, because of the pandemic and related parts shortages, it took over 14 months to receive it. I had the bike since August and really loved it.
I belong to a couple of bike clubs in the Bay Area and had to tell some of the advanced riders that I was on an e-bike. I felt guilty letting them think that I was in such great shape.
One of my main issue with this bike concerns running out of battery power. The single belt-drive gear ratio is fine for flats or a slight incline when the power is off. There is no way to add a booster battery during the ride. If i run out of power, I would have to walk the bike up any steep inclines.
Recently, I converted the bike to a chain-driven 8-speed. It really changes the characteristic of this bike. I normally ride the bike as a normal 8-speed and use the power boost only when going up steeper hills. I also can use my pedal power going down hills because of proper gearing. I am less concerned about running out of power, since i can pedal up most hills to get back home.
I normally lead a lot of rides for the club and this bike allows me to check in with other riders and get back to the front easily. I'll probably end up riding this more than my expensive road bike.
Looking forward to learning more about e-bike from this forum.
Rich
I belong to a couple of bike clubs in the Bay Area and had to tell some of the advanced riders that I was on an e-bike. I felt guilty letting them think that I was in such great shape.
One of my main issue with this bike concerns running out of battery power. The single belt-drive gear ratio is fine for flats or a slight incline when the power is off. There is no way to add a booster battery during the ride. If i run out of power, I would have to walk the bike up any steep inclines.
Recently, I converted the bike to a chain-driven 8-speed. It really changes the characteristic of this bike. I normally ride the bike as a normal 8-speed and use the power boost only when going up steeper hills. I also can use my pedal power going down hills because of proper gearing. I am less concerned about running out of power, since i can pedal up most hills to get back home.
I normally lead a lot of rides for the club and this bike allows me to check in with other riders and get back to the front easily. I'll probably end up riding this more than my expensive road bike.
Looking forward to learning more about e-bike from this forum.
Rich
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