Looking for Sub-1k bike

[BillW]

Hello,

This may have been discussed before, but I’m looking for a sub-1k eBike to ride for exercise.

I’m 6’1” and ride a 26” hard tail mtn bike (20” frame) for my health (cardiac issues). As a result, I need to limit my target heart rate, so pedal assist on the hills is what I’m after, plus the ability to ride a bit farther.

I test-rode a Specialized Vado at a local bike shop but it’s WAY out of my price range. I liked the ride, however.

I considered the Lectric XP but wonder if the tires are too small.

Any suggestions?

Thank-you!

 

[J.R.]

I'm 6'-2" and I ride the same size frame mtb as you, but I prefer it in a 29er. Most of the sub 1k bikes are medium 17" and 18" frame bikes, they don't offer frame sizes for the most part. I've ridden 18" bikes, some aren't bad, but most feel cramped. If you're considering making a smaller bike fit, try to test ride the bike. If you can't test the ebike, try to find a bike with similar dimensions, any bike e or not and test ride it to see if you can make it work.

Your needs are probably a little more critical than the Sunday afternoon joy rider. Fit will be important for exercise. Have you considered fitting a kit to your current mtb?

 

[WattsUpDude]

If you liked the ride of the Vado, you may not like the cadence sensor pedal assist found on most inexpensive bikes. Bikesdirect.com has some eBikes that come with a torque sensor pedal assist starting at $1600 or you can check out the Ride1Up LMT'D that also has a torque sensor PAS at $1795 though it has a rear hub drive.

 

[PatriciaK]

The Aventon line has several models in the $1099-$1599 price range; they all come in several frame sizes. The Pace 350 is the least expensive, at $1099. They have a limited dealer network, but also sell direct. These are all rear hub, cadence sensing bikes, but have decent components for the price. You'd have to check with your LBS to see if they'd be willing to service it if you don't have an Aventon dealer nearby:

Pace 350.2 Step-Through | Electric Cruiser Bike | Aventon

The Pace 350.2 Step-through ebike goes on throttle and pedal assist. This electric bike includes a 350W hub-drive motor and large comfortable tires. It gives you the ultimate balance in comfort and power. Shop Now!

www.aventon.com

There's a forum for owners here; most seem quite happy with their bikes. You might check that out.

You also have to consider the terrain you'll normally be riding - that can make a big difference in the bike you need.

 

[BillW]

The Aventon line has several models in the $1099-$1599 price range; they all come in several frame sizes. The Pace 350 is the least expensive, at $1099. They have a limited dealer network, but also sell direct. These are all rear hub, cadence sensing bikes, but have decent components for the price. You'd have to check with your LBS to see if they'd be willing to service it if you don't have an Aventon dealer nearby:

Pace 350.2 Step-Through | Electric Cruiser Bike | Aventon

The Pace 350.2 Step-through ebike goes on throttle and pedal assist. This electric bike includes a 350W hub-drive motor and large comfortable tires. It gives you the ultimate balance in comfort and power. Shop Now!

www.aventon.com

There's a forum for owners here; most seem quite happy with their bikes. You might check that out.

You also have to consider the terrain you'll normally be riding - that can make a big difference in the bike you need.

Thanks. I’ll check them out.
I primarily ride the roads, and the occasional rails-to-trails paths which are usually gravel.
Nothing too rough.

 

[EMGX]

It is going to depend a lot on how hilly your ride is, how much you weigh and how much effort you can put in. A low power hub motor might not provide the assistance that you need. Several years ago I bought a 36v, 250w MXUS geared hub motor laced into a 26" front wheel. I was going to use it to ride to work once in a while on a route that has some long steep hills. It did really well on the flats where I didn't need assist but basically stalled out even on the more moderate hills where I wanted assist, even with very strenuous effort pedaling. Then it was just an additional 10-15 pounds of weight to pedal. Maybe a 350w motor would have done better but I'd be skeptical that one of the more inexpensive ebikes like from Costco will do what you need. At least from Costco if you find it inadequate you should be able to return it, with other sellers you would be stuck with the bike if you don't like it.

If you like your current bike and have the inclination a kit might offer the assistance that you want. Tongsheng makes a mid drive with torque sensing, a throttle and high assist (I think 90nm but that might not be correct). They used to be sub $300 including shipping (without a battery) but when I checked more recently the price seemed to have gone way up.

 

[J.R.]

Thanks. I’ll check them out.
I primarily ride the roads, and the occasional rails-to-trails paths which are usually gravel.
Nothing too rough.

@PatriciaK has some good suggestions there. I'm in central Pennsylvania, south west of you, and I ride the long hills here from 18 to 22% grades and the bikes she noted will do it with effort. Sounds like you want to put the effort in. Most 350 to 500 watt hub motors peak at 600 to 1000 watts. 750 watts is one horsepower. You won't take the long hills at 20 mph, but 13 to 15 mph is very doable.

Good luck! When you get your bike I hope you can join us on the next central PA meet and ride.

 

[BigNerd]

Most sub-$1k bikes are going to be rear hub motors.

You will probably want one with gears so that only leaves the sold on Amazon brands like Ancheer etc. Many of those only have 250w motors.

If you can stretch, you can look at:

Ride1Up Core-5 500w $1095
Aventon Pace 350 350w $1099

The Biktrix Swift Lite is $999, has 6 speeds and a 350w motor but it's more of a commuter bike.

And if you can deal with the smaller wheels, the $899 Lectric XP has a good reputation here.

I used to know all the sub-$1k bikes but I was teased so much here so I forgot them all.

 

[BET]

I think the kit suggestion is a good one so you could use your current bike. Front hub kits are the easiest and lighest idea if you just need a little more power for hills. Mid drive kits have a decent reputation but by the time you buy everything it will be over $1000.00. Besides Ride1Up and Aventon, other direct to consumer rear hub drives bike companies include Espin (the fat tire Nero is $999 and the commuter/ traditional Sport and Flow are $1200.) Rad power also has a few below 1500 . I would not get a rear hub motor less than 500 watts. However, I would not think the Electric xp would suit you unless you changed the gearing which is not expensive. You definitely want a bike with gears. There are likely others. Concentrate on what meets your needs. Do you want a suspension fork for rougher trails / roads ? They do add weight. Size wise all of these should fit you.

 

[TheEqualiser]

NCM Moscow is not a lot over the $1k mark in the US and is a lot of bike for the money. OK it is rear hub drive and mechanical disc brakes but it's got a 48v 13Ah battery and is available as a 29er

 

[BillW]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
I definitely do not want to try and convert my existing bike.

It’s showing it’s age and either way is due for replacement soon.

I’ve checked out the espin and ace ton and both offer a nice bike.

I think suspension would be a nice addition as well.

Probably not the thing I should be saying on this forum but I’m not discounting switching over to a regular 29” (non-electric) bike, too.

 

[Art Deco]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
I definitely do not want to try and convert my existing bike.

It’s showing it’s age and either way is due for replacement soon.

I’ve checked out the espin and ace ton and both offer a nice bike.

I think suspension would be a nice addition as well.

Probably not the thing I should be saying on this forum but I’m not discounting switching over to a regular 29” (non-electric) bike, too.

At the price point you may be happier with a nice mech bike rather than the cheapest of ebikes. If you are willing to risk and wait, you might want to check out Swytch bike, an easily removed lower powered wheel with hub motor and a battery pack that rides on the handlebars. I think there are a few reviews and they are taking preorders now for about $500 for the kit.