need advice on which e-bike. 15 mile commute each way, 6'1 male 240lb

[brian m]

I'm looking for a higher-end e-bike in the $3k-8k range. I have a 30 mille roundtrip commute on paved roads, so range is important. A few really steep hills...so I figured a torque system would be preferable to a cadence sensor. I like the traditional 'look' of a mountain bike over the futuristic styles of some of the new bikes out there. I definitely prefer sitting in an upright position with high handlebars (when I'm hunched over on a regular mtn bikes I end up with sore wrists and neck (from craning it looking up). No preference on pedal-assist vs. throttle only (although I'm not sure if a throttle only is legal in New Hampshire). I also like the idea of suspension forks. I was thinking about a long road distance trip (500+ miles over the course of a week or so...or even longer) at some point, so reliability is important. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks
Brian

 

[Bernie Conry]

There is a great ebike store in Derry, NH they will let you test drive. E bikes of New England. Very nice people, Mom and Pop store.

 

[brian m]

There is a great ebike store in Derry,NH they will let you test drive. E bikes of New England. Very nice people, Mom and Pop store.

awesome...thanks for the tip!

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Test riding is the best way to figure out..!!

Ebikes of New England carry a decent range and a trip would be totally worth it. What looks so good on papers may look different in reality. Test riding eliminates anxiety, regret etc. Once you have ridden Throttle/Cadence/Torque assisted bikes, you'll be in a much better position to make a decision.

Some of the Kalkhoff bikes (Pro Connect, Agattu, Impulse) and Haibikes (Trekking RX) can help you get long range (~60 miles) with their 12-16AhAh+ batteries. Since money is not an issue, you can also think of Specialized Turbo. Brambor (a member here) got one and you can check that thread to hear his thoughts.

Seems like you prefer MTB but with upright seating position...!!
eMTB may feel different to you compared to a normal MTB. You can always change the handlebars/stems on any bike.

 

[Chris Nolte]

I agree with Ravi. Nothing really beats a test ride, if there is a shop within a reasonable distance I definitely recommend it. The unfortunate thing is there aren't too many shops with the Kalkhoff or Haibike bikes he recommended. There are only two Kalkhoff dealers in the US, The New Wheel in San Fransisco and us Long Island Electric Bikes in NY. We are also a Haibike dealer, although they won't be available till the end of May and I'm not sure what your time frame is, but the Trekking is an awesome bike.

Mid-drive systems definitely kick butt on hills and they are the most efficient drives on the market today. I think your plans to do a longer trip is really cool, we actually sponsored a ride to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the riders raised $10,000.00. They rode 350 miles with no prior training, you can learn more about it here. I also agree with Ravi, changing the stem and handlebars can dramatically change the comfort of a bike, we also commonly swap out the seats and tires as well. Feel free to reach out if there is some way we can help further.

 

[Brambor]

I think if you had time to wait to consider the Grace MXII when it comes to our shores. There is a lot to like about that bike.

 

[JoePah]

I'm looking for a higher-end e-bike in the $3k-8k range. I have a 30 mille roundtrip commute on paved roads, so range is important. A few really steep hills...so I figured a torque system would be preferable to a cadence sensor. I like the traditional 'look' of a mountain bike over the futuristic styles of some of the new bikes out there. I definitely prefer sitting in an upright position with high handlebars (when I'm hunched over on a regular mtn bikes I end up with sore wrists and neck (from craning it looking up). No preference on pedal-assist vs. throttle only (although I'm not sure if a throttle only is legal in New Hampshire). I also like the idea of suspension forks. I was thinking about a long road distance trip (500+ miles over the course of a week or so...or even longer) at some point, so reliability is important. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks
Brian

IF you're looking for a top of the line commuter and won't be going on trails, Stromer Elite with the large battery is the way to go.... Extremely comfortable, very stylish. 30 mile rountrip no problem in PAS Power mode.... 23 mph.. All for around $4k. Just go with the suspension fork and replace the god awful seat and grips.

The only downside to the new model, imo, is the lack of a throttle.. pedal assist only.. On lazy days I enjoy using the throttle

I have an older model Stromer, and not a day goes by that someone does not stop me to compliment the bike.. It looks that good.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Joepah is right.
Stromer ST2 blows everything else out of the water. The price range is expected at $7K but comes with extremely long range battery (48V, 17Ah) and phenomenal array of features.
Stromer ST1 with 14.5Ah battery + Fox suspension + Thudbuster would be a brilliant combination for under $5K.

 

[Brambor]

yeah Brian, we all think you should get a Stromer ST2. PLEASE! ;-)

and because you're in New Hampshire could I test ride it? PLEASE ;-)

 

[Admin]

Hi Brian, it seems like you've got a pretty good handle on ebikes and the advice here is right on. Test rides go a long way. Having ridden a few of these bikes from the aforementioned brands (Specialized, Stromer, Haibike) I agree that something with either torque sensing or full sensing (torque, cadence and speed) like the Haibike system or that used on the IZIP E3 Dash would be ideal.

Mid-drive is going to get you the best distance and climbing power because it leverages the rear gears. If I was in your position and had a solid budget to work with I'd definitely get a Haibike... Though I have not tried the Trekking, it uses the same system as the Superrace and AMT Pro which were both awesome. The Trekking has that front suspension and is available in several frame sizes so you'll get a great fit and excellent warranty and support through Currie Technologies which is US based vs. Kalkhoff which is just entering the scene here (though I like their bikes a lot as well).