New Ebike (TREK Verve 3 vs Allant 7) & Racks

[MLSRC]

Hello, This is my first post.
I have been researching ebikes.
Question 1: My best options are the TREK - I am between the Verve+3 and the Allant+7. I want a low step. My best understanding is the Allant has a better breaking system, suspension fork, quicker charging times and 1/2 lb lighter. Are these important for a beginning ebiker? I would like this bike to be relevant for as long as possible. Thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Question 2: I am going to get a hitch put onto my bmwx1 by a specialty rack store. I have some concern about the weight or the bike and getting it up. Two racks have been recommended. One is the T2 Pro and the other is the Easy fold. Do you have any wisdom you can share about how easy it is to get these bikes onto either of these racks and how easy it is to put the racks on and off?

Thank you For you wisdom.

 

[RandallS]

Hi there,
Regarding question#2
Are you going to hauling one bike or two?

If it's only one, you have more options as even cheaper models can handle the weight of one ebike.

For example, I typically only have one bike on my Swagman XC2 and it's fine - easy to put on and off. It's a 1.25" device but has a 2" adapter (I have two cars with different sized receivers).
I did use to carry two of them for short distances when my wife used to ride, but she doesn't anymore so I took the mounts off.

One thing to consider (and you've asked) is getting the bike(s) on and off. I can say that my XC2 is not a problem but I'm still relatively strong for 62.
If you can't lift 50'ish pounds, you may struggle with some racks, although the easy fold sounds like it has a built in ramp to assist.
It is rather pricey though... significantly more expensive than my rack!

Also, with a low step, most hitch racks will need an adapter to work with the "hold down" clamps - but any rack store should be able to supply.

I am of the opinion that a hitch mount is the only way to go with ebikes, and the two you've narrowed it down to are of high quality.

As for question #1,
I am a fan of the Allant +7 in the Trek lineup - I think it's well put together and would probably be relevant longer.
I'd do some reading in the Trek forum for other's opinions.

Personally, I am in the process of replacing a 9 year old ebike that has served me well but doesn't cut it any more.
After a fair bit of research, I am considering a Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (or maybe a splurge on a $$$ 5.0) and an Ohm Cruise.
I test rode a Vado 3.0 today to test the sizing and geometry and I was impressed.

Best of luck in your search

 

[steve mercier]

ALLANT + 7 all day! You will enjoy the hill climbing power of the CX motor. That is not to put down the Verve as it is a fine bike also but one full notch below the Allant. Also member Alaskan has the Thule Easyfold and he likes it.

 

[MLSRC]

Hi there,
Regarding question#2
Are you going to hauling one bike or two?

If it's only one, you have more options as even cheaper models can handle the weight of one ebike.

For example, I typically only have one bike on my Swagman XC2 and it's fine - easy to put on and off. It's a 1.25" device but has a 2" adapter (I have two cars with different sized receivers).
I did use to carry two of them for short distances when my wife used to ride, but she doesn't anymore so I took the mounts off.

One thing to consider (and you've asked) is getting the bike(s) on and off. I can say that my XC2 is not a problem but I'm still relatively strong for 62.
If you can't lift 50'ish pounds, you may struggle with some racks, although the easy fold sounds like it has a built in ramp to assist.
It is rather pricey though... significantly more expensive than my rack!

Also, with a low step, most hitch racks will need an adapter to work with the "hold down" clamps - but any rack store should be able to supply.

I am of the opinion that a hitch mount is the only way to go with ebikes, and the two you've narrowed it down to are of high quality.

As for question #1,
I am a fan of the Allant +7 in the Trek lineup - I think it's well put together and would probably be relevant longer.
I'd do some reading in the Trek forum for other's opinions.

Personally, I am in the process of replacing a 9 year old ebike that has served me well but doesn't cut it any more.
After a fair bit of research, I am considering a Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (or maybe a splurge on a $$$ 5.0) and an Ohm Cruise.
I test rode a Vado 3.0 today to test the sizing and geometry and I was impressed.

Best of luck in your search

Thank you very much for your input. I am have found a store that specializes in hitches and racks. Will inquire about the XC2. At this time, I'm only looking to carry one Ebike.Your point about the adaptor for a low step is great. I did look at the Specialized Vado 3 but was concerned about the reviews.

 

[MayL]

Hi there,
Regarding question#2
Are you going to hauling one bike or two?

If it's only one, you have more options as even cheaper models can handle the weight of one ebike.

For example, I typically only have one bike on my Swagman XC2 and it's fine - easy to put on and off. It's a 1.25" device but has a 2" adapter (I have two cars with different sized receivers).
I did use to carry two of them for short distances when my wife used to ride, but she doesn't anymore so I took the mounts off.

One thing to consider (and you've asked) is getting the bike(s) on and off. I can say that my XC2 is not a problem but I'm still relatively strong for 62.
If you can't lift 50'ish pounds, you may struggle with some racks, although the easy fold sounds like it has a built in ramp to assist.
It is rather pricey though... significantly more expensive than my rack!

Also, with a low step, most hitch racks will need an adapter to work with the "hold down" clamps - but any rack store should be able to supply.

I am of the opinion that a hitch mount is the only way to go with ebikes, and the two you've narrowed it down to are of high quality.

As for question #1,
I am a fan of the Allant +7 in the Trek lineup - I think it's well put together and would probably be relevant longer.
I'd do some reading in the Trek forum for other's opinions.

Personally, I am in the process of replacing a 9 year old ebike that has served me well but doesn't cut it any more.
After a fair bit of research, I am considering a Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (or maybe a splurge on a $$$ 5.0) and an Ohm Cruise.
I test rode a Vado 3.0 today to test the sizing and geometry and I was impressed.

Best of luck in your search

 

[MayL]

To RandallS. Jumping in here to see which you decided on and why. Also deciding on Vado 4.0 step thru (although Lack of stock may eliminate this option) and OHM cruise. OHM quest more uncomfortable with the cross bar but I do like the stronger motor. Necessary or do you think the Cruise is strong enough for occasional high hills?
I am new to ebikes and all the specs so want to make sure I’m choosing the best bike for the money. And of course Specialized makes great bikes. Does OHM?

 

[RandallS]

To RandallS. Jumping in here to see which you decided on and why. Also deciding on Vado 4.0 step thru (although Lack of stock may eliminate this option) and OHM cruise. OHM quest more uncomfortable with the cross bar but I do like the stronger motor. Necessary or do you think the Cruise is strong enough for occasional high hills?
I am new to ebikes and all the specs so want to make sure I’m choosing the best bike for the money. And of course Specialized makes great bikes. Does OHM?

If you haven't already, I would have a good look at the reviews available on this site. While you're doing that I would watch the video as well because Court does ride in the Vancouver area which can have some hills.

Ohm has been making e-bikes for quite a while and their direct-to-consumer model would likely generate a lot of negative reviews if they didn't make quality gear. I am not seeing that but then again I'm not seeing a lot of reviews in general about these bikes. One of the major reasons I was considering their products, is that they are a Canadian company and in these times I'd like to support the local economy as best I can. For that reason I was also looking at Dost bikes, but they and Ohm currently have no step through bikes available.

To summarize, I don't think you can go wrong with either Specialized, Ohm or Trek ( or many others). But since you're new to e-bikes I would strongly recommend purchasing from a local bike shop because if you're new to it, having someone who's familiar with the equipment could be critical to your enjoyment. These are not unsubstantial investments and getting the most "grin for your buck" is important!

In 2011 when I invested over $4,000 for my two bikes, I thought I was spending an inordinate amount of money on bicycles yet here I am shopping for a single bicycle that will exceed that.

Best of luck and finding the one that works for you. This site is an incredibly good tool in facilitating that. Having said all that it stopped raining last night and it's sunny this morning so I think I will go for a ride!

Regards,
Randall

 

[teskow]

I purchased a motorcycle hitch mounted carrier from Harbor Freight at a very reasonable price compared to a bike carrier that would accommodate my machine. I did some modifications to it to make it custom fit my fat tire bike.

 

[MayL]

If you haven't already, I would have a good look at the reviews available on this site. While you're doing that I would watch the video as well because Court does ride in the Vancouver area which can have some hills.

Ohm has been making e-bikes for quite a while and their direct-to-consumer model would likely generate a lot of negative reviews if they didn't make quality gear. I am not seeing that but then again I'm not seeing a lot of reviews in general about these bikes. One of the major reasons I was considering their products, is that they are a Canadian company and in these times I'd like to support the local economy as best I can. For that reason I was also looking at Dost bikes, but they and Ohm currently have no step through bikes available.

To summarize, I don't think you can go wrong with either Specialized, Ohm or Trek ( or many others). But since you're new to e-bikes I would strongly recommend purchasing from a local bike shop because if you're new to it, having someone who's familiar with the equipment could be critical to your enjoyment. These are not unsubstantial investments and getting the most "grin for your buck" is important!

In 2011 when I invested over $4,000 for my two bikes, I thought I was spending an inordinate amount of money on bicycles yet here I am shopping for a single bicycle that will exceed that.

Best of luck and finding the one that works for you. This site is an incredibly good tool in facilitating that. Having said all that it stopped raining last night and it's sunny this morning so I think I will go for a ride!

Regards,
Randall

 

[RandallS]

Oops, MayL, I got a bit confused over different members. I see now that you are in Vancouver so I would strongly suggest that you contact Ohm over in North Van, and see if you can arrange for a test ride. My direct-to-consumer post above is not applicable to you based on where you live. It still would for me here in Calgary of course.

 

[MayL]

Thanks Randall.
Yes, I’ve been reading through many of the reviews and comments posted throughout. Interesting but adding more bikes to the mix adds more confusion! “Stick to the big three” is a common message.
Dost certainly makes an awesome bike but that weight! Ohm makes the Cruise which is a step through but just a little weaker on the NM compared to the Quest or Vado 4. I do like the Cruise but I live up a long road which is steep! Hence the hesitation. And yes, finding reviews on the OHM is slim pickings.

 

[MayL]

Oops, MayL, I got a bit confused over different members. I see now that you are in Vancouver so I would strongly suggest that you contact Ohm over in North Van, and see if you can arrange for a test ride. My direct-to-consumer post above is not applicable to you based on where you live. It still would for me here in Calgary of course.

Thanks, I have done that already and had a couple of test rides. The difference in NM can be felt between the Cruise and the Quest on a hill for sure. Also Quest has the front shocks but no step through. Are shocks that necesary for mostly urban rides but some gravel and dirt trails? So trade offs.
So hard to decide on one and not have regrets!

 

[RandallS]

Thanks, I have done that already and had a couple of test rides. The difference in NM can be felt between the Cruise and the Quest on a hill for sure. Also Quest has the front shocks but no step through. Are shocks that necesary for mostly urban rides but some gravel and dirt trails? So trade offs.
So hard to decide on one and not have regrets!

Regrets are inevitable in one way or another. I am horrible on buying something and continuing to research afterwards.

I've ridden with shocks for so long I really don't know if they are that necessary or not. With things like Kinect seatposts and others, I don't think a front shock or not is going to sway me one way or the other for where I ride.

I think you and I share the same concern, getting up steeper hills and still having juice to continue to ride the route we planned. I don't know if you know Calgary or not, but I go out my front door and go left (west), and I am faced with Nose hill. I love to go that way and ride the paths of the NW part of the city. Lots of ravines and green (ok sometimes brown) spaces. Regardless, no matter which route I take, there are plenty of climbs, so I keep coming back to Vado or Como 5.0 as first choice. Getting one may be difficult, and the bike shop that's the most convenient for me just raised the price on the Vado 5, by $400! No one else locally is showing inventory. Grrr...

 

[MayL]

Regrets are inevitable in one way or another. I am horrible on buying something and continuing to research afterwards.

I've ridden with shocks for so long I really don't know if they are that necessary or not. With things like Kinect seatposts and others, I don't think a front shock or not is going to sway me one way or the other for where I ride.

I think you and I share the same concern, getting up steeper hills and still having juice to continue to ride the route we planned. I don't know if you know Calgary or not, but I go out my front door and go left (west), and I am faced with Nose hill. I love to go that way and ride the paths of the NW part of the city. Lots of ravines and green (ok sometimes brown) spaces. Regardless, no matter which route I take, there are plenty of climbs, so I keep coming back to Vado or Como 5.0 as first choice. Getting one may be difficult, and the bike shop that's the most convenient for me just raised the price on the Vado 5, by $400! No one else locally is showing inventory. Grrr...

Yes, Also feeling the pain of no available stock and rising prices and indecision! When riding the Vado vs the Como I feel the latter is more “sluggish”? I Like the upright position and the step thru very much. Haven't ridden the 5.0‘s though. Would love to hear more feedback from you on how you think they both handle and what other ones you throw in the mix of contenders. OHM now is great but being such a small local company will they be around in the future for problems, parts and fixes?

 

[RandallS]

The riding position of both is quite comfortable but I think the Vado is more conducive for climbing situations. So I think barring any further considerations I will likely go with the Vado 4 unless I can get some sweeteners from the LBS in regards to the 5.

As for OHM, I don't think you would have anything to worry about in regards to their ongoing sustainability. They've been around since 2005 and weathered other economic downturns. This one, if anything, creates a stronger market for them and the rest of the industry.

For me it's a process of deciding on motor first and then frame second. That's how I got to Specialized and finally to Vado. The third question is $$, and with world travel being disrupted the way it is, I am investing travel budget into a different niche. E-bike rather than airline tickets and hotels.

Since it sounds like we're both on the Specialized plan, let's take any further commentary over to Stefan's thread in the Specialized sub forum.

Happy trails!

 

[RandallS]

Thank you very much for your input. I am have found a store that specializes in hitches and racks. Will inquire about the XC2. At this time, I'm only looking to carry one Ebike.Your point about the adaptor for a low step is great. I did look at the Specialized Vado 3 but was concerned about the reviews.

Just being nosy/curious. Did you end up buying anything yet?

 

[MayL]

Just being nosy/curious. Did you end up buying anything yet?

Yes! Finally opted for the OHM Quest as Vado 4 step throughs were not available locally (Or going to be for months!) and the guys at OHM were very helpful and are close by for support needs. Plus I received some positive feedback from seasoned experts right here about the Quest that helped enormously
Did get a little pricing discount which sweetened the deal. Have to wait till the end of June but better than waiting for 2021 Vados and price increases!

 

[MayL]

Yes! Finally opted for the OHM Quest as Vado 4 step throughs were not available l

Just being nosy/curious. Did you end up buying anything yet?

oops, may have answered question not intended for me. Just disregard
Did you get a Vado 4?

 

[Dallant]

Hello, This is my first post.
I have been researching ebikes.
Question 1: My best options are the TREK - I am between the Verve+3 and the Allant+7. I want a low step. My best understanding is the Allant has a better breaking system, suspension fork, quicker charging times and 1/2 lb lighter. Are these important for a beginning ebiker? I would like this bike to be relevant for as long as possible. Thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Question 2: I am going to get a hitch put onto my bmwx1 by a specialty rack store. I have some concern about the weight or the bike and getting it up. Two racks have been recommended. One is the T2 Pro and the other is the Easy fold. Do you have any wisdom you can share about how easy it is to get these bikes onto either of these racks and how easy it is to put the racks on and off?

Thank you For you wisdom.

I have the Allant+7 and it’s about 47.5 lbs. loving it after about a month. I had the Swagman XC2 but it’s just not intended for that heavy a bike, let alone 2 of them. It’s base tubing is only 1.25”. I bought a new 2” based Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 2” hitch rack from etrailer.com. It’s rated at 50 lbs per bike. Good rack but the Allant is heavy and a bit hard to get into position, especially because it’s higher up when using my pickup.

 

[RandallS]

oops, may have answered question not intended for me. Just disregard
Did you get a Vado 4?

Not yet. I really wanted to try a Giant Explore +2, but the only place with supposed stock is up in Edmonton. I've emailed twice, with no response. They won't answer the phone and they are really disappointing me. I've spent a lot of money at their shop over the years but I guess they are struggling to keep up. It's not a big deal for me to pop up to Edmonton (300kms) but I'd only go if they will guarantee that a bike will be there. At $3499 it's substantially cheaper than Vado4, and would then leave money for lots of fun accessories! But I should buy the Vado as my two other vehicles are a VW and a Volvo. And, if I get the general hint from these forums, it has to be Maroon.

Did you get your bike yet, and what part of Vancouver are you in? I'm originally from Burnaby but that was a very long time ago!