Interesting Times for Electric Bikes

[Rás Cnoic]

I'm not saying that the US is largest market for e-bikes now, only that it has a lot of potential to be. There's what, 5 million of them here now? Lots of room for growth.

My point was, selling direct works for the low end Amazon consumer. Cheap is king. Not so with an unknown brand at a premium price, without a storefront presence and no reputation in the country. The bike shop is still the place in the US that a customer goes for quality. They want a good sales experience, and a place to take it to when things aren't right. It's an automobile mindset. This forum is full of geeks who like to play with bikes. We do not represent the average bicycle consumer.

Fair point, but I'm just saying for a NZ brand and a start up America is just too difficult and expensive to branch into. Even large European companies have had difficulty even before Trump. Orbea got a terrible reputation among customers and dealers alike in the US and the blame was with the US based guy who acted as their distributor and was dodgy as anything. It takes enormous resources plus local knowhow and presence to have enough impact to get into US bike shops and while facing stiff local competition from the big four. It's why direct to consumer is much more manageable for new companies, even if for the customer it can raise issues with warranty and repair if the bike has to be boxed up and sent back to factory. With a boom in Asia and that market 'local' for NZ that is where there attention is first after NZ and Oz. I must check site to see if here in UK if they are available as that would also be attractive/easy market for them to break into given historical connections and amount of kiwis here.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Also the Velduro bike frames & forks are manufactured in China and assembled in NZ. So the US market might be a big no no depending on country of origin rules for tariffs. They are such a new brand I'd say it'll be baby steps for a while just to survive.

 

[stompandgo]

All good points. These are all nice examples of the kind of bike I'd like to buy. Hopefully, the industry takes notice, and that there will be continued innovation that makes it into the rest of the market.

 

[RidgeRunner500]

So maybe despite what I said, DJI have no need for a lower specced & lighter motor at that level- given how often you'll have the motor assist off on the flat then that battery will take you a long way.

This was my conclusion as well.

A single motor would simplify inventory management throughout the supply chain, including for parts.

 

[RidgeRunner500]

I'm not saying that the US is largest market for e-bikes now, only that it has a lot of potential to be. There's what, 5 million of them here now? Lots of room for growth.

My point was, selling direct works for the low end Amazon consumer. Cheap is king. Not so with an unknown brand at a premium price, without a storefront presence and no reputation in the country. The bike shop is still the place in the US that a customer goes for quality. They want a good sales experience, and a place to take it to when things aren't right. It's an automobile mindset. This forum is full of geeks who like to play with bikes. We do not represent the average bicycle consumer.

Velduro is a start-up, and they are looking for dealers.

 

[RidgeRunner500]

Can you please explain what’s so funny?

 

[Gionnirocket]

View attachment 195000
Can you please explain what’s so funny?

Certain people on here are obtuse to a fault and often on purpose. They think that there is cheap Chinese junk and then well known brands sold at an LBS. Period.
It's inconceivable to them that there is a whole universe of bikes in between of very good quality... and some just as good and others even better than what's sold at an LBS.
To me the purpose of an LBS is service... personally of which I have no use for.

Knowing the above seems commonplace to me.. but trying to discuss with some is just...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Hell is paved with e-bike startups.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

The Hell is paved with e-bike startups.

You're thinking of Purgatory. Bicycles are banned in Hell. That's part of why it's hell.
;^}

 

[Rexlion]

Whatever happened to "hell on wheels"?

 

[Biplaneguy]

You're thinking of Purgatory. Bicycles are banned in Hell. That's part of why it's hell.
;^}

No, there's a special level level of hell for impolite riders... where all rides are uphill, into the wind, on a heavy ebike with a dead battery.

 

[Gionnirocket]

No, there's a special level level of hell for impolite riders... where all rides are uphill, into the wind, on a heavy ebike with a dead battery.

You forgot no saddle, only a rusty post.

 

[stompandgo]

You forgot no saddle, only a rusty post.

Broken rusty post.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Broken rusty post.

That or a hair trigger dropper.

 

[Chazmo]

You're thinking of Purgatory. Bicycles are banned in Hell. That's part of why it's hell.
;^}

No, they’re just required to start lots of lithium fires!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I didn't say Hell was paved with e-bikes
"A fool and his money are soon parted"

 

[Chazmo]

I didn't say Hell was paved with e-bikes

Yup. Your mistake, Stefan.