New Electra Townie 7D Owner with questions

[SmileAtSusan]

Hi Folks! I'm hoping some of you experts out there can help me out.

I'm a very excited new owner of what I hope will become an old friend
My main goal was to find a bike that I could ride like a regular bicycle, but could also help me when I hit an area that has an incline too much for my 58 year old body.
I first tested a Pedego, which felt a bit cumbersome. I was impressed after riding a Liv, and really enjoyed trying out a Specialized.
I ended up choosing the Electra Townie because of the ease of the mount. (I should point out that I'm not terribly heavy, weighing in at 125, and standing at a whopping 5 feet tall.) The Townie also has nice price point.

After having my new bike home for a couple of days, I do however have a couple of concerns.

First off: When I hit a rough patch of road I feel as though the back end of my bike is wobbling, or swinging either left or right. The wheel is properly tightened. I will admit to avoiding keeping my rear on the seat on the big bumps when I'm going fast, but even when I slow down and try to stay seated, I get the same sensation of the back of the bike leaving the ground and pulling to the side. It's a little scary, and I feel as though I'm losing control.


Next, is a feel of rubbing and vibration when I'm pedaling a bit hard without the assist. I The resistance is only on part of the rotation, but is on every rotation taken on all speeds. Is this normal? I have absolutely no problem keeping up speed, and can climb any hills heading back from the river here in RVA.

Don't get me wrong: I love my new bike. it has changed my whole life for the better! It makes me feel like I'm flying!

I appreciate your insight. Thanks for reading!

Susan

 

[Bakari45]

First off: When I hit a rough patch of road I feel as though the back end of my bike is wobbling, or swinging either left or right. The wheel is properly tightened. I will admit to avoiding keeping my rear on the seat on the big bumps when I'm going fast, but even when I slow down and try to stay seated, I get the same sensation of the back of the bike leaving the ground and pulling to the side. It's a little scary, and I feel as though I'm losing control.

Hi Susan, I got a 7D stopover model last month as well, and like you am totally loving the experience of e-bike riding.

However, I'm not experiencing the issues you're having. The fact that the battery weight is on the back end of the bike could contribute to the swinging, but I haven't noticed that.

Have you taken it back to that store so they can check it out?

 

[Admin]

Hi Susan! Perhaps the momentum of the rear rack and battery are exaggerating trail input like the bumps. You described it as up and to the sides. That fits the weight distribution of the high mounted battery pack that moves further to each side than a mid mounted battery. It would also carry more weight upwards when going over bumps at speed... you’d feel more pressure from the saddle than a non electric bike due to the momentum of that rear weight in the motor, rack, and battery.

As for the resistance when pedaling, it sounds like one or both of your disc brake rotors could be warped and rubbing on the brake pads with each revolution. Be careful not to touch them directly if you try to bend them straight. The oils from your fingers can seep into the pads and cause squealing noises. Consider taking it to your Trek/Electra dealer and asking for a tuneup

 

[tomjasz]

A properly mounted battery on the rear of a flat foot bike should not vibrate, add rubber pads, and the longer wheelbase does mitigate the rear rack mount imbalance found on shorter wheelbase bikes. In my limited experience.

 

[RandallS]

I've an old Townie 21D from 2011 with a rear rack battery and a hub drive (Bionx). It's as stable as can be - no wobbles at all and I am not shy about opening it up on downhills. Not super silly speeds as it's got caliper brakes, but 30 mph none the less.

As others have suggested, a trip to the vendor would be prudent.