Lancer

[stan staats]

Just ordered a Lancer from Bolton. I should be able to share some info soon. I searched bikes until my eyes were bugging out and finally decided to just pull the trigger on something that was in stock and had the major parts I wanted. Mid-drive, fat tires, and full suspension. I have an early model fat tire full suspension hub drive that I've upgraded over the years and finally have it dialed in so that I really like it. It's crazy to spend the money on another bike but I wanted to try settle the hub drive, mid-drive controversy myself. Education is expensive. If I'm head over heals over the mid-drives I might really take the leap and get a carbon fiber frame if they come out with a fat tire. Weight is a major issue for me. Jory at Area 13 has been very helpful and will tune the bike to match my riding style before shipping.

 

[stan staats]

Just got back from a short ride on the ditch bank with the doggies. The mid-drive is starting to grow on me. At first I wasn't so sure. The thumb throttle was on the wrong side for me to start with but the problem is that the throttle was too sensitive and with all that torque it was jerky and unstable at slow speeds. I couldn't find a consistent sweet spot. I ordered a twist grip and got that mounted on the right side where I'm used to having the throttle and it's now much better. I still have to be careful starting out and when picking my way through obstacles at slow speed but I think I'm getting the touch. Think I'll keep it. I put air shocks on the front and rear and a 35 degree stem. The frame is 3 to 4 inches longer than my folding bike and I like to sit up straight to take pressure off my wrists so I ordered a stem extension to see if that helps. One thing for sure, the mid-drive is way more powerful at the low end. To get up on the ditch bank it's about 20 feet of 40 degree angle and I have to start at a dead stop. My 750w hub drive takes three or four pedal strokes to make it up, but the 1000w mid-drive would catch air if I didn't come off the throttle. My first impression is that the Lancer is a good first mid-drive starter bike. Heavy, yes. Needs upgrades out of the box, yes. But for under 3K, and not knowing if I would like it, I think it was a good buy.