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

I just finished a chat with Trek and they indicated that the Powerfly FS 2021 ordered today are backordered for a Spring of 2021 delivery. Sounds like this quest will not provide immediate gratification and I may be a Sport owner for awhile...
 
@Taylor57

Considering my experience with the Sport, although the bike is great, my next ebike purchase will most likely be through an LBS.

I had to take my Sport to shop to get it checked out anyways, if I'm upping my budget (like you), I might as well go the full service route for peace of mind.

I know there are lots of happy Frey owners, but that's still an "Internet" purchase... have you looked at Haibike? Those are usually in stores too... I'm considering the Yamaha Cross Core or if I find a bag of gold, the Vado SL.
 
@Taylor57

Considering my experience with the Sport, although the bike is great, my next ebike purchase will most likely be through an LBS.

I had to take my Sport to shop to get it checked out anyways, if I'm upping my budget (like you), I might as well go the full service route for peace of mind.

I know there are lots of happy Frey owners, but that's still an "Internet" purchase... have you looked at Haibike? Those are usually in stores too... I'm considering the Yamaha Cross Core or if I find a bag of gold, the Vado SL.

Yeah, I hear ya. The problem with LBS is at least locally they have very limited inventory and a new Trek order would not show up until Spring 2021-I could be dead by then!
 
Riding both a Riese & Muller Delite as well as a Trek Allant +9.9s my best advice is to go with the full suspension bike. As much as I enjoy riding the Allant with its snappy, responsive, sporty ride, if I had to chose just one bike I would go with the full suspension Delite.

What no one has mentioned is that the full suspension bike is not only more comfortable but it offer better control and safety. A suspension keeps the tires on the ground and allows the bike to "float" above them. When a zero suspension bike goes over bumps it breaks contact with the ground. This results in a diminution of braking and reduction of control steering through curves. The brakes only work and the bike will only turn when the tires are in contact with the road surface. Any loss of contact is a reduction in braking and steering.

If you are going to be using the bike as a vehicle replacement. The value of having a high quality bike that will be more durable and dependable cannot be overstated. Given that even the best bike will need occasional service and repair, paying the extra money to get it from a good LBS with a trained mechanical team and a commitment to keeping your bike running reliably and safely is well worth it.

I can't say enough good things about the Riese and Muller full suspension touring bikes (Delite and Homage) but they are a premium bike at a premium price. Both the Bulls Iconic Evo TR1, recently reviewed by Court , and the Moustache Friday FS are full suspension touring bikes that look worthy of a careful look and closer to your stated budget.


 
Riding both a Riese & Muller Delite as well as a Trek Allant +9.9s my best advice is to go with the full suspension bike. As much as I enjoy riding the Allant with its snappy, responsive, sporty ride, if I had to chose just one bike I would go with the full suspension Delite.

What no one has mentioned is that the full suspension bike is not only more comfortable but it offer better control and safety. A suspension keeps the tires on the ground and allows the bike to "float" above them. When a zero suspension bike goes over bumps it breaks contact with the ground. This results in a diminution of braking and reduction of control steering through curves. The brakes only work and the bike will only turn when the tires are in contact with the road surface. Any loss of contact is a reduction in braking and steering.

If you are going to be using the bike as a vehicle replacement. The value of having a high quality bike that will be more durable and dependable cannot be overstated. Given that even the best bike will need occasional service and repair, paying the extra money to get it from a good LBS with a trained mechanical team and a commitment to keeping your bike running reliably and safely is well worth it.

I can't say enough good things about the Riese and Muller full suspension touring bikes (Delite and Homage) but they are a premium bike at a premium price. Both the Bulls Iconic Evo TR1, recently reviewed by Court , and the Moustache Friday FS are full suspension touring bikes that look worthy of a careful look and closer to your stated budget.



Right now I am probably leaning towards the Iconic with the upgraded display. Now it's just a matter of where I would buy it and how long it would take to get my butt on it! It appears my LBS is a Trek dealer but I see nothing about Bulls...
 
Right now I am probably leaning towards the Iconic with the upgraded display. Now it's just a matter of where I would buy it and how long it would take to get my butt on it! It appears my LBS is a Trek dealer but I see nothing about Bulls...
Where are you located? That Moustache is very well equipped with the 625 battery, Supernova lights and horn, fenders, etc. Propel is a Bulls and Moustache dealer with locations in Longbeach, California and Brooklyn, NY. The biggest problem these days is availability with the covid rush on bikes and all.
 
Where are you located? That Moustache is very well equipped with the 625 battery, Supernova lights and horn, fenders, etc. Propel is a Bulls and Moustache dealer with locations in Longbeach, California and Brooklyn, NY. The biggest problem these days is availability with the covid rush on bikes and all.

Palm Springs CA about 100 miles from the Long Beach location...
 
I’ve got the Bulls iconic speed 2021. Having ridden the prior year model in 44cm, the 21 is a huge upgrade. The price is $1000 more at 6500 but it is worth it. The bike is a lot quieter and more responsive and includes a seat dropper post. I’m loving this bike right now.

I will tell you in my opinion you should go with the largest frame that you can. I went with the 54 cm and I am 6 feet 210. The bigger frame really makes the bike float over imperfections and it is quieter as well. There’s a lot more structural integrity like a RM.
 
I’ve got the Bulls iconic speed 2021. Having ridden the prior year model in 44cm, the 21 is a huge upgrade. The price is $1000 more at 6500 but it is worth it. The bike is a lot quieter and more responsive and includes a seat dropper post. I’m loving this bike right now.

I will tell you in my opinion you should go with the largest frame that you can. I went with the 54 cm and I am 6 feet 210. The bigger frame really makes the bike float over imperfections and it is quieter as well. There’s a lot more structural integrity like a RM.
Did you upgrade your display?
 
Did you upgrade your display?

No I didn’t. Was Not aware at time of order that it was available. All I needed were basics and would Use iPhone for other software.

Edit And Price is $ 5600.
 
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If you are going to order a new bike, I highly recommend the Bosch Nyon display. I use the older Nyon and love it. Too many people have had issue with malfunctions on the smartphone hub including having their phones fly loose out of the holder and getting smashed on the road. It's about a $400 upgrade but well worth it if you like to map and keep track of your rides.

You should really take a day and test ride some bikes. This is a big purchase. Time spent making sure you are buying the right bike for you and yiour riding style, in the right size, will pay off long into the future.

Two must visit shops in LA are Propel in Longbeach and LA Fly Rides in Hollywood. Propel has a very good reputation. I have bought three bikes from Fly RIdes in the last few years and they could not be more professional, friendly and helpful not just in sales but more importantly their warranty, repair and maintenance service is second to none.
 
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