Looking for ebike information

[Toy Boy]

Hi . My name is Russell and need some help. I am a 75 year old male with some health issues. I have been a roadie for more than 50 years. I live on the eastern shore of Maryland. Flat land with much wind. I use to ride three days a week on 40 mile rides that I no longer can do. I ride a spin bike at home for 45 minutes a day at 80 to 90 rpms ( soft pedal) .My road bike was a 60 cm Specialized Tarmac Pro . I am considering either a 2020 Cannondale Synapse Neo 1 or the 2020 Giant Road E Pro. Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

[fooferdoggie]

a decent mid drive will let you spin with little effort if thats what you need. when I started I was really sick and I could only spin and I could travel decently with just spinning. now I can put some effort into it.

 

[FlatSix911]

Here are 3 excellent mid-drive road bikes to consider... https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ebikes?fl=true

 

[Saratoga Dave]

I might be wrong here, but aren’t those all Fazua based systems? Not exactly a lot of go power. The Cannondale is a Bosch system, the Giant is Yamaha, both excellent and a lot stronger. The new Giant has gone down on battery size from 500 WH to 375, while the Cannondale still packs a 500 WH battery. You can or will be able to get a range extender for the Giant, but there’s another pile of cash you have to add in to the mix.

Cannondale looks pretty good, all this considered. It’ll go through the wind and do it all day, as they say.

 

[Dave Bodnar]

I have the Giant Road E+1 Pro (2019) and it has been a great bike for me - I posted some notes on my first few months with the bike that can be viewed with this link

https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/giant-road-e-review-and-questions.23941/page-2 - I'll paste those notes in below as well

That review was done about 1 year ago - since then I have put well over 8,000 miles on the bike and continue to love it - the only issue I have had is brake life - I am lucky to get 1500 miles on a set of pads and am on my 2nd set of rotors - considering that the bike + rider weighs about 250 pounds that may not be unexpected.

dave


FROM FEBRUARY 2019

Good day, all - I am a new member on the forum and thought I would take a few minutes to introduce myself and post some observations that I have made on the Giant Road-E+1 Pro that I purchased a few months ago.

I have been a road rider since 1988 and generally ride 7000+ miles per year. Some cardiac issues last fall convinced me to consider an e-bike and I am thrilled with the experience.

When I looked at the Giant road bike I liked what I saw with one major exception, it came with Shimano components. I have been a Campy guy since I started riding and asked my local bike shop to contact Giant to see if installing Campy components would be a problem. They reported that it could be done. I ordered the bike and my mechanic removed the Shimano shift levers and rear derailleur and installed Campy Chorus components. While some vestiges of the original drive train remain, from my perspective the shifting and braking are all as I have known it for decades.

Now for some observations.

1. After a month or so of riding I had a really unpleasant experience when the bike decided that it would not give me any "boost" above 10 or 12 miles per hour -- I struggled to complete a 30 mile ride and returned the bike to my LBS expecting the worst. After several calls to Giant one of their mechanics suggested that the controller may have gone into DEMO mode. He explained that bike shops can limit the speed and "boost" by pressing the LIGHT button 5 times in rapid succession. Doing the same again returns all to normal. That is what had happened even though no one had ever pressed the light button so much. Please note that the display never gives any indication of being in this mode.

2. The battery will not charge when very cold. After a ride in the teens (Fahrenheit) I plugged in the charger and the LED on it stayed green. Suspecting a temperature related issue I waited a few hours (leaving the bike in my warm garage) and it charged as it normally does. I have read that lithium batteries don't like to be charged when cold so this makes perfect sense. As to using the bike in cold weather that has not been an issue.

3. I was surprised a few weeks ago when a message appeared on the display that said that my e-bike needed service and a small wrench icon appeared on the screen. I fired up the App and did a quick review of the bike and it showed all systems to be A-OK. It turns out that the bike is set to give this message after about 1200 miles (2000 km, perhaps). My LBS was able to reset this and remove the wrench icon from the display. The interval to the next such message was changed to 4000 km

4. My display shows a speed that is about 2.5% high - I have found no way to adjust wheel diameter nor has my LBS.

5. I changed the % boost for the 5 levels using the phone APP. I generally stay in the ECO range and have it dropped from 100% to 75%. This is usually more than enough assistance for me and the battery is good for well of 60+ miles in hilly Western Pennsylvania.

6. The tires have been great. I have about 1500 miles on the bike and they rarely need air and show very little wear.

7. When using the APP (I have an Android phone) make sure you cleanly exit the APP after connecting or the controller may hang. I just keep hitting the BACK button on the phone till is asks if I am SURE I want to exit.

All in all I love the bike and am considering ordering another set of wheels with heavier tread to use on the local trails.

I hope something in my musings has been of use to you.

dave

 

[Toy Boy]

I have the Giant Road E+1 Pro (2019) and it has been a great bike for me - I posted some notes on my first few months with the bike that can be viewed with this link

https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/giant-road-e-review-and-questions.23941/page-2 - I'll paste those notes in below as well

That review was done about 1 year ago - since then I have put well over 8,000 miles on the bike and continue to love it - the only issue I have had is brake life - I am lucky to get 1500 miles on a set of pads and am on my 2nd set of rotors - considering that the bike + rider weighs about 250 pounds that may not be unexpected.

dave


FROM FEBRUARY 2019

Good day, all - I am a new member on the forum and thought I would take a few minutes to introduce myself and post some observations that I have made on the Giant Road-E+1 Pro that I purchased a few months ago.

I have been a road rider since 1988 and generally ride 7000+ miles per year. Some cardiac issues last fall convinced me to consider an e-bike and I am thrilled with the experience.

When I looked at the Giant road bike I liked what I saw with one major exception, it came with Shimano components. I have been a Campy guy since I started riding and asked my local bike shop to contact Giant to see if installing Campy components would be a problem. They reported that it could be done. I ordered the bike and my mechanic removed the Shimano shift levers and rear derailleur and installed Campy Chorus components. While some vestiges of the original drive train remain, from my perspective the shifting and braking are all as I have known it for decades.

Now for some observations.

1. After a month or so of riding I had a really unpleasant experience when the bike decided that it would not give me any "boost" above 10 or 12 miles per hour -- I struggled to complete a 30 mile ride and returned the bike to my LBS expecting the worst. After several calls to Giant one of their mechanics suggested that the controller may have gone into DEMO mode. He explained that bike shops can limit the speed and "boost" by pressing the LIGHT button 5 times in rapid succession. Doing the same again returns all to normal. That is what had happened even though no one had ever pressed the light button so much. Please note that the display never gives any indication of being in this mode.

2. The battery will not charge when very cold. After a ride in the teens (Fahrenheit) I plugged in the charger and the LED on it stayed green. Suspecting a temperature related issue I waited a few hours (leaving the bike in my warm garage) and it charged as it normally does. I have read that lithium batteries don't like to be charged when cold so this makes perfect sense. As to using the bike in cold weather that has not been an issue.

3. I was surprised a few weeks ago when a message appeared on the display that said that my e-bike needed service and a small wrench icon appeared on the screen. I fired up the App and did a quick review of the bike and it showed all systems to be A-OK. It turns out that the bike is set to give this message after about 1200 miles (2000 km, perhaps). My LBS was able to reset this and remove the wrench icon from the display. The interval to the next such message was changed to 4000 km

4. My display shows a speed that is about 2.5% high - I have found no way to adjust wheel diameter nor has my LBS.

5. I changed the % boost for the 5 levels using the phone APP. I generally stay in the ECO range and have it dropped from 100% to 75%. This is usually more than enough assistance for me and the battery is good for well of 60+ miles in hilly Western Pennsylvania.

6. The tires have been great. I have about 1500 miles on the bike and they rarely need air and show very little wear.

7. When using the APP (I have an Android phone) make sure you cleanly exit the APP after connecting or the controller may hang. I just keep hitting the BACK button on the phone till is asks if I am SURE I want to exit.

All in all I love the bike and am considering ordering another set of wheels with heavier tread to use on the local trails.

I hope something in my musings has been of use to you.

dave

Thank you for the info on

I have the Giant Road E+1 Pro (2019) and it has been a great bike for me - I posted some notes on my first few months with the bike that can be viewed with this link

https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/giant-road-e-review-and-questions.23941/page-2 - I'll paste those notes in below as well

That review was done about 1 year ago - since then I have put well over 8,000 miles on the bike and continue to love it - the only issue I have had is brake life - I am lucky to get 1500 miles on a set of pads and am on my 2nd set of rotors - considering that the bike + rider weighs about 250 pounds that may not be unexpected.

dave


FROM FEBRUARY 2019

Good day, all - I am a new member on the forum and thought I would take a few minutes to introduce myself and post some observations that I have made on the Giant Road-E+1 Pro that I purchased a few months ago.

I have been a road rider since 1988 and generally ride 7000+ miles per year. Some cardiac issues last fall convinced me to consider an e-bike and I am thrilled with the experience.

When I looked at the Giant road bike I liked what I saw with one major exception, it came with Shimano components. I have been a Campy guy since I started riding and asked my local bike shop to contact Giant to see if installing Campy components would be a problem. They reported that it could be done. I ordered the bike and my mechanic removed the Shimano shift levers and rear derailleur and installed Campy Chorus components. While some vestiges of the original drive train remain, from my perspective the shifting and braking are all as I have known it for decades.

Now for some observations.

1. After a month or so of riding I had a really unpleasant experience when the bike decided that it would not give me any "boost" above 10 or 12 miles per hour -- I struggled to complete a 30 mile ride and returned the bike to my LBS expecting the worst. After several calls to Giant one of their mechanics suggested that the controller may have gone into DEMO mode. He explained that bike shops can limit the speed and "boost" by pressing the LIGHT button 5 times in rapid succession. Doing the same again returns all to normal. That is what had happened even though no one had ever pressed the light button so much. Please note that the display never gives any indication of being in this mode.

2. The battery will not charge when very cold. After a ride in the teens (Fahrenheit) I plugged in the charger and the LED on it stayed green. Suspecting a temperature related issue I waited a few hours (leaving the bike in my warm garage) and it charged as it normally does. I have read that lithium batteries don't like to be charged when cold so this makes perfect sense. As to using the bike in cold weather that has not been an issue.

3. I was surprised a few weeks ago when a message appeared on the display that said that my e-bike needed service and a small wrench icon appeared on the screen. I fired up the App and did a quick review of the bike and it showed all systems to be A-OK. It turns out that the bike is set to give this message after about 1200 miles (2000 km, perhaps). My LBS was able to reset this and remove the wrench icon from the display. The interval to the next such message was changed to 4000 km

4. My display shows a speed that is about 2.5% high - I have found no way to adjust wheel diameter nor has my LBS.

5. I changed the % boost for the 5 levels using the phone APP. I generally stay in the ECO range and have it dropped from 100% to 75%. This is usually more than enough assistance for me and the battery is good for well of 60+ miles in hilly Western Pennsylvania.

6. The tires have been great. I have about 1500 miles on the bike and they rarely need air and show very little wear.

7. When using the APP (I have an Android phone) make sure you cleanly exit the APP after connecting or the controller may hang. I just keep hitting the BACK button on the phone till is asks if I am SURE I want to exit.

All in all I love the bike and am considering ordering another set of wheels with heavier tread to use on the local trails.

I hope something in my musings has been of use to you.

dave

Thank you for the information on the Giant. Is it a 500 or 375 watt bike. What is the bike size and how much do you weight? Still looking for some feedback on the Cannondale.

 

[Dave Bodnar]

Thank you for the info on

Thank you for the information on the Giant. Is it a 500 or 375 watt bike. What is the bike size and how much do you weight? Still looking for some feedback on the Cannondale.

The 2019 giant is a 500 watt bike (motor) with a 500 watt/hour battery - I weigh about 210 so the total bike weight is around 250.
dave

 

[indianajo]

am a 75 year old male with some health issues. I have been a roadie for more than 50 years. I live on the eastern shore of Maryland. Flat land with much wind. I use to ride three days a week on 40 mile rides that I no longer can do.

Buying a bosch or bafang mid drive is like buying a convertible car. No exercise, plenty of wind & sun. Smells better.
If you can heal enough to build up your strength, a Yamaha or shimano mid drive with a one-way clutch, or a geared hub motor with same, will allow you to pedal as much as you are able. No drag unpowered. I use a geared hub, pedal myself most of the time. Sometimes the wind is 25 mph in my face. On those days I use the electricity. Under 12 or behind me, I can do it myself. Unless I've twisted my knee walking, those days the e-bike subs for a powered wheel chair. Army vet, no knee cartlege.
Note DD hub motors are NOT GEARED HUB MOTORS. Salesmen and most members here can't hear the adjective. DD hub motors drag unpowered.
One brand of prebuilt geared hub bike is Magnum. Also some juiced models, but they are internet only, you are the repair department.

 

[King me]

Hey Toy Boy,
I recently joined and posted on my new purchase of a Cannondale Synapse Neo SE. It's more of an all-rounder: gravel & road bike. Pretty sure it has the same Bosch system as the Neo 1, but it is a Sram 1X11 drive train rather than the Shimano dual chainring. You can read my short initial review & opinions in this thread, posted today. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer!
Cheers