Help choose sub-$2000 ebike

[Prone2wander]

Congrats Neek, enjoy! I went with the R1U 700.

 

[TomD]

I am also looking for a 'first' eBike in the, ideally, sub $2000 range....but willing to go up a bit for 'the right bike'. The Turbo Vado and Turbo Como are great values now but was put off by the motor- I really wanted at least 500w.

I've now been focused on used Stromers and Pedegos....but still trying to figure out what is right for me at this point.

Do not be put off by the 250W nominal rating. It is plenty powerful with up to 72nm torque and 520W peak. Excellent torque sensing, quiet, smooth, and you have the mission control app to custom tune things. The Vado 4.0 has the speed motor which does not cut out until 28 mph so you don't need to play games to derestrict that might affect your warranty.

Brose T Speed (1.2) — ElectriCityBikes

Aka Specialized 1.2, it provides up to 28 mph assistance. Noticeably peppier than competing systems, the Brose T motor’s "natural" feeling power delivery hits the perfect balance between plenty of giddyup and efficiency to ensure great range. Torque peaks at 72nm and 520 wat

www.electricitybikes.com

Then again, if you just want a bike to get you from A to B with minmal pedaling a rear hub with more power (and battery) may be more to your liking.

 

[MAPC]

Helpful thank you. I guess all that I’ve read had me focused on wanting 500w. I’ll give them another look.

 

[TomD]

Check out Court's video review, no substitute for a test ride, but may give you an idea of what the bike is capable of. If you go with a cheaper rear hub it will be a heavier bike there will be more centrifugal intertia due to motor weight in the wheel, and you won't be able to gear down to help the motor like you can with a mid drive, so I wouldn't go less than 500W nominal for a rear hub. If you just want to go fast with minimal effort and cost a rear hub with large battery might be a better choice.

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $3550.00 | Model Year: 2020 | A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack

electricbikereview.com

 

[MAPC]

Check out Court's video review, no substitute for a test ride, but may give you an idea of what the bike is capable of. If you go with a cheaper rear hub it will be a heavier bike there will be more centrifugal intertia due to motor weight in the wheel, and you won't be able to gear down to help the motor like you can with a mid drive, so I wouldn't go less than 500W nominal for a rear hub. If you just want to go fast with minimal effort and cost a rear hub might be a better choice.

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $3550.00 | Model Year: 2020 | A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack

electricbikereview.com

I did test a Vado a while back. Hard part for me is I can’t test bikes back to back so hard to truly compare. I really like the Class 2s that I have ridden as I like the throttle but I’m wondering if that is a cop out. I am reconsidering the Specialized mostly because of their dealer support and the rebate which gets them really close to my ideal budget

 

[smorgasbord]

Torque gets you up the hills. Power supports top speed. Note also that many bikes with higher power ratings are heavier, with fatter tires and just overall less efficient. When you test ride, turn off assist to get a real feeling for how hard they make the motor work.

 

[MAPC]

Torque gets you up the hills. Power supports top speed. Note also that many bikes with higher power ratings are heavier, with fatter tires and just overall less efficient. When you test ride, turn off assist to get a real feeling for how hard they make the motor work.

All makes sense....the real problem continues to be the ability to test them back to back and on similar roads. I have been looking since the fall but can't get comfortable with any bike to pull the trigger. Have considered (and I realize that they are very different): Turbo Vado and Como, VanMoof S2 (now S3), Stromer ST1X, Pedego City Commuter and Interceptor. Looked at many others but ruled them out along the way (Juiced, RAD, Trek SC, etc.).

My roads are flat with moderate hills and I don't expect to do really long rides. I am 6'0 and 225.

 

[neek]

Just to follow up, in case anyone else ever finds this thread: I have the Juiced and I absolutely love it. It's heavy, as all e-bikes are, but rides like a dream, it seems well put-together, and both the mechanical and electronic components all seem to be very good for what the cost is. Rad Power just updated their bikes too, they'll have more power-similar bikes available in July.

Happy riding!