Help me choose my first ebike

[Josh Levinson]

I'm looking to get into ebikes!
I have fairly short last mile commute: ~4 miles, 5 days a week, in hilly/busy SF.

I'm 24yo, 5'10" 145lbs.
I'm active/moderately fit.
I don't currently bike frequently, but want to use my new commute as a reason to exercise via biking (so I don't mind a pedal assist; throttle isn't a requirement).

Right now, I'm looking at a used
- Prodecotech phantom X2
- a2b metro
- kalkhoff agattu impulse 7
- public d8 electric

all of which I've found preowned within my budget ($1k).

My preferences in a bike are:
- pedal assist, preferably dedicated/pure throttle
- suspension fork
- foldable (nice-to-have for train ride)
- well-made/name-brand parts

Any advice on one bike vs the other, or any general advice at all would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Deleted member 803]

We have a used A2B Ferber and Galvani that is under $2K. I can make you a good deal as these are demo units but with very low mileage and in great condition. Visit our website at (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) to see info on the bikes. 1K is a very tough budget for a quality ride.

 

[Josh Levinson]

We have a used A2B Ferber and Galvani that is under $2K. I can make you a good deal as these are demo units but with very low mileage and in great condition. Visit our website at (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) to see info on the bikes. 1K is a very tough budget for a quality ride.

Would you recommend the a2b bikes (specifically the metro)?

 

[Deleted member 803]

Another great option is the new Surface 604 Colt. A fantastic deal at $1899. If you call us we'll even schedule a demo test ride on up to 2 bikes at your home or office. I am not a big fan of the Metro as it is dated tech at this point. It was a great bike in its day.

 

[Deleted member 803]

Would you recommend the a2b bikes (specifically the metro)?

I do have a used Kuo+ that I can sell for a great price. Again, check it out on our website. It is a folding bike. The range is short 15-20 miles but a very nice short range commuter for those who want a compact storage form.

 

[Josh Levinson]

I do have a used Kuo+ that I can sell for a great price. Again, check it out on our website. It is a folding bike. The range is short 15-20 miles but a very nice short range commuter for those who want a compact storage form.

Thanks for your advice and information! However, my budget is pretty strictly capped at $1k as an upper limit.

 

[Deleted member 803]

sorry we can't help. Good luck with your search. Used ebikes suffer from unknown battery wear and without understanding how many charge cycles the battery has gone through you have no way of knowing how close to end of life the battery is. And, as you will learn, batteries are very expensive.

 

[TrevorB]

Beware of Kalkhoff, there have been a few issues with impulse drive system. As 2nd owner you may not be covered by warranty.

 

[Kaldeem]

If you're serious about a 1k budget, then you might want to consider DIY eBike. If you already have a bicycle that you ride and is a good fit, then all you need is a motor and battery. Which, depending on what you're looking for will/might cost you between 500 and 1000$. Check out Luna Cycles or EM3EV. Both great sources for motors and kits. Luna is based in US Cali, while EM3 is outta China. Good luck.

 

[Josh Levinson]

Beware of Kalkhoff, there have been a few issues with impulse drive system. As 2nd owner you may not be covered by warranty.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Josh Levinson]

If you're serious about a 1k budget, then you might want to consider DIY eBike. If you already have a bicycle that you ride and is a good fit, then all you need is a motor and battery. Which, depending on what you're looking for will/might cost you between 500 and 1000$. Check out Luna Cycles or EM3EV. Both great sources for motors and kits. Luna is based in US Cali, while EM3 is outta China. Good luck.

Thanks for th advice and references! Know anything about the bikes I listed in my OP?

 

[Lost]

I vote 'none of the above' to your poll.

My vote:

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

Yeah, I know, it's 95 bucks above your budget but you'll save a ton of money in the long run. Think 'standard parts'.

I'd buy a CC if I were living in the US. It's a great commuter bike, and the drive & battery are super easy to source if the company goes under. It's a no-brainer if you ask me.

And that comes from someone who bought a Haibike...

I would second that. Standard parts are paramount in my estimation. The 350 watt motor seems a little small in comparison to what's out there. I bought a Rad Rover, it too is replete with standard parts.

 

[J.R.]

In my opinion this is so spot on, I'm just going to second it and quote it.

I vote 'none of the above' to your poll.

My vote:

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

Yeah, I know, it's 95 bucks above your budget but you'll save a ton of money in the long run. Think 'standard parts'.

I'd buy a CC if I were living in the US. It's a great commuter bike, and the drive & battery are super easy to source if the company goes under. It's a no-brainer if you ask me.

And that comes from someone who bought a Haibike...

 

[Kaldeem]

I'm going to have go with the other guys here. If you aren't up for a DIY adventure, then go with Juiced Bikes. Solid company, with a price to match!!! Linked here.