I think I've decided I'm going to bite the bullet

Taylor57

Taylor57

Well-Known Member
and give my kids my Espin Sport and Lectric XP and buy a sweet ride. Both current bikes have been great, but after 63 plus years, I deserve a full suspension cruiser. (No MTB)

Here are the candidates so far:

1. Bulls Iconic with new modified display
2. New Trek that was just announced

My budget is 6k tops and I plan on driving it almost every day. It will let me save wear and tear on my SUV and give me similar or greater pleasure to my first 2 Ebikes.

As a value shopper this is hard, I am used to negotiating and it sounds like I'm in a spot where I take it or leave it per the LBS, no?
 
Timpo said:
Why do you want a full suspension?

Is it because full suspension bikes are generally more comfortable?

Because full suspension MTB won't be as comfortable as hard tail cruiser bike with seatpost suspension.

I know you said "No MTB" but Bulls Iconic is hardly a "cruiser" that you described 🤔
BULLS ICONIC EVO 29 TR2 | Mtb, Bicycle sport, Ebike
Click to expand...

I want full suspension for comfort and do not envision too much mountain riding. I just want the most comfortable reliable 6k bike path, street, dirt road bike I can get, maybe even gravel or desert trails...

And I'm open minded :)
 
I'd pass on immediate gratification and order a Frey CC if you want something to replace your SUV. Love mine. It's nice to have extra power for towing and hauling lots of weight. At 63 you might also appreciate the mid-step.
 
My SUV is a sportscar that I rarely drive and after perusing the Frey CC, I agree, that bike is on my Radar. Tires maybe a little thicker than I would like knowing I am going to be 90% on the street...
 
Also, would like to see pictures of Frey with fenders and racks set up for old guys! And more info from Frey CC owners...
 
Taylor57 said:
Both current bikes have been great, but after 63 plus years, I deserve a full suspension cruiser. (No MTB)
Click to expand...

I think first you should test ride bikes with Bosch Gen 4 motor, Bafang motor, hub motor bikes with a torque sensor like the Juiced ...

The reason I mention this is, some riders get into E-biking after 30yr long hiatus and they require more assist.

On the other hand, bikes with Bosch Gen 4 motor have excellent torque sensing mechanism but do require active pedaling and gear shifting (much more than your XP) to get the best ride experience. It is for this reason, some people complain Yamaha or Bosch motors are not as powerful but if you are a seasoned rider they offer more than adequate assist and offer an amazing ride experience.
 
TomD said:
I'd pass on immediate gratification and order a Frey CC if you want something to replace your SUV. Love mine. It's nice to have extra power for towing and hauling lots of weight. At 63 you might also appreciate the mid-step.
Click to expand...

Tom, update please on a month plus of ownership. The good and the bad.
 
You mentioned Trek. I have an Allant9s with seatpost suspension. With upgraded grips and the carbon frame it is very comfortable. You could get an Allant8s put on the seatpost suspension, upgrade the grips, and if you feel it’s necessary (I don’t) install suspension on The fork though I think this unnecessary.
 
Taylor57 said:
and give my kids my Espin Sport and Lectric XP and buy a sweet ride. Both current bikes have been great, but after 63 plus years, I deserve a full suspension cruiser. (No MTB)

Here are the candidates so far:

1. Bulls Iconic with new modified display
2. New Trek that was just announced

My budget is 6k tops and I plan on driving it almost every day. It will let me save wear and tear on my SUV and give me similar or greater pleasure to my first 2 Ebikes.

As a value shopper this is hard, I am used to negotiating and it sounds like I'm in a spot where I take it or leave it per the LBS, no?
Click to expand...

Perhaps you don't have to spend that much. If you want to purchase from a dealer ... maybe. If that's not part of your equation then Frey looks the best way to get a great bike for a couple thousand less than your quote. Truth be told I should have gone that route now I have all the reports on this board regarding direct sales from Frey.

Alternatively the Bulls posted above is a nice bike but it doesn't look any better than a Biktrix FS with an upgraded fork and that would be a lot less money. Of all the direct sales outfits I've read about Biktrix looks by far the best.
 
Mulezen said:
You mentioned Trek. I have an Allant9s with seatpost suspension. With upgraded grips and the carbon frame it is very comfortable. You could get an Allant8s put on the seatpost suspension, upgrade the grips, and if you feel it’s necessary (I don’t) install suspension on The fork though I think this unnecessary.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mule, I'm pretty sure I will have at least front suspension and maybe stem suspension as well...
 
reed scott said:
Perhaps you don't have to spend that much. If you want to purchase from a dealer ... maybe. If that's not part of your equation then Frey looks the best way to get a great bike for a couple thousand less than your quote. Truth be told I should have gone that route now I have all the reports on this board regarding direct sales from Frey.

Alternatively the Bulls posted above is a nice bike but it doesn't look any better than a Biktrix FS with an upgraded fork and that would be a lot less money. Of all the direct sales outfits I've read about Biktrix looks by far the best.
Click to expand...

I haven't ruled out Frey CC, I want to see one dressed up with fenders and lights and other regalia and hear from a contemporary that drives it like I plan on doing. To the golf course, to the store, on a bikepath tour...
 
@Taylor57

With that budget I highly recommend going to your LBS and trying some different bikes out so you can see how the riding profile and comfort is.

When you say cruiser it makes me think of the Sondors Elite bikes but earliest you can order one is next year.

I think one of the big 3 might have something you are looking for.
 
Taylor57 said:
Thanks Mule, I'm pretty sure I will have at least front suspension and maybe stem suspension as well...
Click to expand...
I ended up going stem/seatpost suspension only (Redshift) and don't miss having front shocks at all.

I'm not MTBing like I did when I was young, but the stem/seat suspension is enough to smooth out bumpy trails, and cobblestones on my OHM Cruise.

@Ravi Kempaiah is right though. If testing multiple mid-drives is an option (even if the geometry of the bike isn't right), it's worth doing before pulling the trigger. I personally found I didn't need more than 60nm for the hills I'm tackling, so I opted for a lighter motor with a better reported battery range, but YMMV.
 
antboy said:
I ended up going stem/seatpost suspension only (Redshift) and don't miss having front shocks at all.

I'm not MTBing like I did when I was young, but the stem/seat suspension is enough to smooth out bumpy trails, and cobblestones on my OHM Cruise.

@Ravi Kempaiah is right though. If testing multiple mid-drives is an option (even if the geometry of the bike isn't right), it's worth doing before pulling the trigger. I personally found I didn't need more than 60nm for the hills I'm tackling, so I opted for a lighter motor with a better reported battery range, but YMMV.
Click to expand...

Ok, I looked up the YMMV and got that one, what is OHM Cruise?
 
Now you guys have got me thinking I may miss having a throttle option as I don't mind pedaling but find it is nice to have a quick jolt of throttle at dead stops...
 
Throttle might be nice occasionally, but I found that I never used it on the rental bike I took out for a day. If you go with a throttle, try to get a thumb rather than twist grip.
I had one wheelie out from under me when walking the bike and I accidentally twisted it.
Lots of suspension options available, but again not needed except at highest speeds and roughest surfaces IMO.
 
Taylor57 said:
Ok, I looked up the YMMV and got that one, what is OHM Cruise?
Click to expand...
The OHM Cruise is a step thru with a Shimano motor. Court reviewed it at the beginning of the year...

electricbikereview.com

OHM Cruise Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $2899.00 | Model Year: 2020 | A beautiful premium step-thru city ebike with everything you need for commuting, including tubular alloy fenders, a sleek rear rack with great weight rating, excellent integrated lights, two bottle cage bosses, and name-brand Schwalbe tires that are puncture...
electricbikereview.com electricbikereview.com

Personally, I love it. I'm considering slightly less swept back handlebars though, but that's just my riding style.
 
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