Hi from North Richland Hills, TX!

[Jsgeg]

I’m going to buy an e bike, and I want to make a good choice. I’m an older woman who wants the bike for cruising the hike and bike trails as well as for fitness. I looked at Pedego and liked it but it’s too rich for my blood. I like the Trek verve +2 but wonder if I may need a throttle. The mid drive seems smoother to me. My husband wants to be sure there are local dealers close by for maintenance and/or repairs and I agree. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[indianajo]

Welcome to the site.
If you put your zip code into the base electricbikereview.com page, it will show you what dealers have paid court to be included in your area.
I too have days when I've twisted my knee and don't want to pedal at all. Most days pedaling is fine. So I require a throttle. Many governments try to make us feel guilty about using bike paths electrically, whereas they are all over support for electric wheel chairs.
Torque sensing mid drives do have a natural feel.

 

[PatriciaK]

Many, if not most folks, will recommend what they have. I have a mid drive Giant La Free E+2 that I just love riding. My area is very hilly and I just zip right up now. Giant also makes the E+1 model that has a belt drive instead of traditional chain, but the E+2 suits my needs, and on sale was around $600 less than the E+1. I do the same sort of riding you're interested in, so you may want to give Giant a look.

If you're interested in the Verve, be sure to ride it on some hills, as it's generally considered to be underpowered on them. It's also around the same price as the E+1, which has more power, and the belt drive.

The most important thing is to ride as many different bikes as you can, under the conditions you'll be riding in real life, and find the one you're most comfortable with. I think a good LBS is key, unless you're handy and planning to do all your repairs and maintenance yourself.

 

[Jsgeg]

Many, if not most folks, will recommend what they have. I have a mid drive Giant La Free E+2 that I just love riding. My area is very hilly and I just zip right up now. Giant also makes the E+1 model that has a belt drive instead of traditional chain, but the E+2 suits my needs, and on sale was around $600 less than the E+1. I do the same sort of riding you're interested in, so you may want to give Giant a look.

If you're interested in the Verve, be sure to ride it on some hills, as it's generally considered to be underpowered on them. It's also around the same price as the E+1, which has more power, and the belt drive.

The most important thing is to ride as many different bikes as you can, under the conditions you'll be riding in real life, and find the one you're most comfortable with. I think a good LBS is key, unless you're handy and planning to do all your repairs and maintenance yourself.

Thanks so much!

 

[Jsgeg]

Thanks so much!

I can’t find the E +1on the trek website What year is it?

 

[PatriciaK]

I can’t find the E +1on the trek website What year is it?

The La Free E+ are Giant, not Trek .

 

[PatriciaK]

Two things I particularly like are the auto assist feature, where you just set it and forget it - the bike senses torque, cadence, speed and other data as you ride, and adjusts the assist level automatically.

The other feature is walk assist, that makes it easier when you have to walk/push the bike.

I do wish it had more than 8 gears - riding on the flat without assist, some higher gears would be nice for some extra speed.

The E+2 retails for $1999, last time I checked, but I got it on sale for $1699. The E+1 retails for $2399. I believe the E+2 MIGHT be being phased out for the Momentum line Giant recently introduced, so it may still be possible to get a deal.

There are lots of great bikes out there - comfort, ability on hills, and great LBS service all contributed to my decision... After almost 4 months of overthinking and driving myself crazy . Now, I'm happy and enjoying my bike - hope whatever you choose gives you the same FABulous experience!

 

[Jsgeg]

Two things I particularly like are the auto assist feature, where you just set it and forget it - the bike senses torque, cadence, speed and other data as you ride, and adjusts the assist level automatically.

The other feature is walk assist, that makes it easier when you have to walk/push the bike.

I do wish it had more than 8 gears - riding on the flat without assist, some higher gears would be nice for some extra speed.

The E+2 retails for $1999, last time I checked, but I got it on sale for $1699. The E+1 retails for $2399. I believe the E+2 MIGHT be being phased out for the Momentum line Giant recently introduced, so it may still be possible to get a deal.

There are lots of great bikes out there - comfort, ability on hills, and great LBS service all contributed to my decision... After almost 4 months of overthinking and driving myself crazy . Now, I'm happy and enjoying my bike - hope whatever you choose gives you the same FABulous experience!

Thanks. For the info. Unfortunately, the Giant bike stores in Dallas/Ft.Worth do not have the bikes in stock to try. What are your thoughts on the Specialized como turbo 3.0 low step? I cost about $450 more so it would be quite a strech.

 

[PatriciaK]

I'm not familiar with that bike, but there is a forum here for Como, which should have more information for you. I'm sure plenty of others will come in with their favorites, also!

Here's the Specialized group forum:

Specialized Forum

Discuss the brand, its products and upcoming models.

electricbikereview.com

 

[Jsgeg]

Thanks. For the info. Unfortunately, the Giant bike stores in Dallas/Ft.Worth do not have the bikes in stock to try. What are your thoughts on the Specialized como turbo 3.0 low step? I cost about $450 more so it would be quite a strech.

Thanks again. I may have found a Giant bike!

 

[PatriciaK]

You're welcome! I was going to suggest finding a dealer a bit further away if you wanted to try the bikes - once you purchase, any Giant dealer will service the bike and honor the warranty - which is another plus for buying an established brand with a physical presence.

 

[Jsgeg]

You're welcome! I was going to suggest finding a dealer a bit further away if you wanted to try the bikes - once you purchase, any Giant dealer will service the bike and honor the warranty - which is another plus for buying an established brand with a physical presence.

Yes, I agree with you. Thank you for your advice.

 

[steve mercier]

I like the Trek Verve+ too! I like that it only weighs 45lbs and it rides smoothly even without the power on. If you are interested in Giant ,you may like the LIV bikes which are owned by Giant but are designed by women specifically for women. My sister in law loves her Liv Amiti +1

 

[Jsgeg]

I like the Trek Verve+ too! I like that it only weighs 45lbs and it rides smoothly even without the power on. If you are interested in Giant ,you may like the LIV bikes which are owned by Giant but are designed by women specifically for women. My sister in law loves her Liv Amiti +1

Thanks! I’ll look at them too.

 

[Jsgeg]

Two things I particularly like are the auto assist feature, where you just set it and forget it - the bike senses torque, cadence, speed and other data as you ride, and adjusts the assist level automatically.

The other feature is walk assist, that makes it easier when you have to walk/push the bike.

I do wish it had more than 8 gears - riding on the flat without assist, some higher gears would be nice for some extra speed.

The E+2 retails for $1999, last time I checked, but I got it on sale for $1699. The E+1 retails for $2399. I believe the E+2 MIGHT be being phased out for the Momentum line Giant recently introduced, so it may still be possible to get a deal.

There are lots of great bikes out there - comfort, ability on hills, and great LBS service all contributed to my decision... After almost 4 months of overthinking and driving myself crazy . Now, I'm happy and enjoying my bike - hope whatever you choose gives you the same FABulous experience!

I appreciate your advice. I’m going to try out the Giant bikes next week. It has the features I want and low maintenance to boot.

 

[Jsgeg]

I bought the Giant Lafree e+1 today because of the carbon fiber belt rather than a chain and it felt great when I tried it out. I should get my bike next week! Hope the weather is good so I can enjoy the ride. Thank you all for your advice.

 

[PatriciaK]

FABulous!

Most everyone here who has La Frees (1 or 2) just loves them!

Enjoy, and post pictures!

I bought the Giant Lafree e+1 today because of the carbon fiber belt rather than a chain and it felt great when I tried it out. I should get my bike next week! Hope the weather is good so I can enjoy the ride. Thank you all for your advice.

 

[PatriciaK]

Also, be sure to check in with the Giant forum, under Discussions by Brand and User reviews - lots of additional info from La Free owners there...