2018 dual batt Charger NuVinci (now Enviolo) HS -- replaced with:
2019 dual batt Nevo GX Rohloff HS -- replaced with
2022 dual batt Load60 Touring w/ LinkGlide HS
My application is touring -- all types of terrain, elevation etc. The first replacement was prompted by Enviolo -> Rohloff to increase range.
I really had to pause when it came to switching back to chain, but I had two incidents in which the Rohloff E14 left me locked into inconvenient gears. The first time was in an extremely remote location, requiring an extremely expensive ride back to civilization. The second time was about 6 miles outside of Washington, DC and hoo, boy, pushing the bike to a shop was a horrible experience.
I would have stayed with Rohloff if I'd been able to switch to mechanical shifting OR
(even better) if customers were permitted to purchase the diagnostic kit of replacement cables used by the E14 service techs. We can all replace cable segments systematically -- it's not difficult. But, no. For me, there is insufficient service support to justify the risk of being stranded again in a remote area. I consider it a safety issue, or alternatively, a real limitation imposed by the "urban" marketing preference by ebike manufacturers.
The R&Ms are presented as robust, variable-terrain vehicles. But with that comes increased risk of cable damage -- and on my bike, the E14 shifter unit itself was not far off the ground. Another negative was the potential replacement cost of the shifter unit out-of-warranty, not that you're able to purchase it yourself.
The Load60 decision was based on trying out a more rugged R&M model w/ suspension and a cargo box to replace panniers etc. This is my favorite R&M, by far. However, the LinkGlide technology
(chains/cassettes to last up to 3x longer) is probably a bit overhyped. I was disappointed by hard- to-find/expensive cassette replacement at 4600 miles. Shimano is STILL claiming supply chain probs. On the flip side, consumables have a shorter lifetime on cargo bikes, so perhaps the 4600 miles is a real achievement -- I can't say. I also go through brake pads quickly.
What these three bikes have in common is a dual-battery system, a MUST, IMO. At one time, R&M had a lock on this type of bike -- dual battery, robust frame, drivetrain options. This kept me tethered to R&M.
What is my big R&M tu;rn-off? The penny-wise, pound-foolish nonsense. Within 90 days, the springs that hold the Load kickstand in place snapped (the hooked ends). So unpleasant and inconvenient. One replacement spring from R&M is $20. I found 2 for $5 at the hardware store (application: door springs) that thus far have held up longer.
What about the next bike? Let me mention that I have owned a Tern Vektron since 2017 when the model was first introduced. It's a folding frame and primarily used for commuting on regional rail, stashing on a boat etc. I have also taken it on some challenging rides for this type of bike. It takes everything I throw at it, and then some. Case in point: I recently acquired a sailboat and used the Vektron to transport equipment using a Burley Travoy. I was in the boat cabin and my heart dropped into my stomach as I heard a gust of wind, followed by a clunk/splash. The Vektron was gone ... I ran down the dock to land to get long boat hooks and help. I'd say it was fully submerged about ten minutes in about 9-12 ft of water. Luckily an empty pannier filled with air kept the bike "butt up," and we were able to get our hooks on the frame to pull it up/out of the Chesapeake Bay waters.
Ten minutes later I was riding the bike in Turbo. The electronics were erratic for about a week but fine now. I don't deserve this bike. No frame damage due to boat hooks. And it was hoist-able -- imagine trying to pull out a heavier e-bike. This bike has taken all kinds of punishment! I did lose a Bosch charger and retired the battery. Tern has also been very responsive over the lifetime of the bike and doesn't have the "go away, dealer only" attitude.
I have enjoyed my R&Ms, but it's fair to say that they don't command "brand loyalty" from me. I will be very open-minded next time, esp since sailing now competes for recreational $. Consider how far a company like Tern has come in terms of features: there's a Rohloff, a dual-batt, a HS. I also appreciate the weight savings w/ a bike like Tern.
OTOH, there's nothing to say that I won't own another R&M model in the future. We'll see!
