New to e-bikes.

C

Caligirlshan

New Member
May not use a whole lot, just for fun. Don’t want to spend a lot, but don’t want to get junk. I’ve looked over some bikes online and went to a local bike shop. There are soooo many options! What would you recommend? Do I need to spend a lot to get quality? TIA :)
 
No idea what you consider “a lot”. I’d suggest you budget at least $3000. That gives you a quality turn key eBike. A lot of folks will tell you to spend half that, but then give you a list of accessories and upgrades to get. I highly recommend you get sized for a bike in a local shop. Buy on line and you’ll be asking about risers for the handlebars and possibly other ways for you to feel comfortable. It also helps to tell us where you ride. Urban, gravel, off-road, etc......
 
Caligirlshan said:
May not use a whole lot, just for fun. Don’t want to spend a lot, but don’t want to get junk. I’ve looked over some bikes online and went to a local bike shop. There are soooo many options! What would you recommend? Do I need to spend a lot to get quality? TIA :)
Click to expand...
Need more info. What kind of riding are you planning on, how long are your rides going to be, what is your preferred riding style (upright, pedal forward, MTB, hybrid, road, etc.)
 
rich c said:
No idea what you consider “a lot”. I’d suggest you budget at least $3000. That gives you a quality turn key eBike. A lot of folks will tell you to spend half that, but then give you a list of accessories and upgrades to get. I highly recommend you get sized for a bike in a local shop. Buy on line and you’ll be asking about risers for the handlebars and possibly other ways for you to feel comfortable. It also helps to tell us where you ride. Urban, gravel, off-road, etc......
Click to expand...
Thanks. It will be mostly Urban and gravel.
 
Chris Hammond said:
Need more info. What kind of riding are you planning on, how long are your rides going to be, what is your preferred riding style (upright, pedal forward, MTB, hybrid, road, etc.)
Click to expand...
Thanks, mostly urban and gravel. We rode the fat tire upright style at the beach last week and it was a fun time. Not sure what to get, but will keep researching.
 
I didn't think I'd ride my bike nearly as much as I do. I thought I'd just ride with my son, but I ride for fun/exercise, commuting, and local errands. I agree with Rich on the $3,000 budget. :) Here's a photo from yesterday's bike ride to the library (5 miles away).
Screen Shot 2018-07-02 at 8.02.15 PM.png
Screen Shot 2018-07-02 at 8.02.15 PM.png
 
Caligirlshan said:
Thanks, mostly urban and gravel. We rode the fat tire upright style at the beach last week and it was a fun time. Not sure what to get, but will keep researching.
Click to expand...

You wrote " It will be mostly Urban and gravel. " and also "We rode the fat tire upright style at the beach last week and it was a fun time. Not sure what to get, but will keep researching." ... I'd focus on the style of riding you enjoy (ed) first leading to a type of bike. Hybrid, Fat Tire, etc ) not the other way around. As for budget and purchasing I strongly agree with the post from 'Rich C' .

If you sense that eBike riding is something that really motivates you as contrasted to a traditional bike, I also recommend you consider a bike in the $3000 plus bracket. Trek makes some very fine bikes and their sales and tech support service via an authorized LBS is fantastic... I had never sat on an eBike in my life, until last July, took one out for a test ride and in 10 minutes I knew the eBiking was meant for me and bought it on the spot. Best money I've ever spent...Everyday that I ride is "Christmas morning " : )
 
Caligirlshan said:
What brand is the the turquoise bike in the forefront? That’s similar to one we rode on the beach
Click to expand...

Hello again, I don't recognize the turquoise cruiser style bike in your photo, but if you enjoyed your ride and liked that cruiser style bike
you may want to check out the Trek Electra Townie-Go. It has a unique 'pedal forward' design such that when you're stopped your feet
can directly touch the ground providing a safer more stable experience. The wider tires make for a very comfortable around town ride.
I believe Trek has lowered the price $300. My LBS has a Townie-Go at the reduced price.

Here is a link https://www.electrabike.com/bikes/townie-go/townie-go-8i

if you're thinking along the lines of trail riding ( Rails to Trails ) and a little gravely riding besides below is a link to a bike that will perform extremely well. I ride a very similar Trek bike, the Powerfly 7 on Rails to Trails and around town and it is so much fun. Should you choose a bike of this style, do not,... I repeat : ) do not buy a full suspension version unless you're going to do serious off road riding.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...werfly-5-womens/p/21981/?colorCode=grey_white
 
John from Connecticut said:
Hello again, I don't recognize the turquoise cruiser style bike in your photo, but if you enjoyed your ride and liked that cruiser style bike
you may want to check out the Trek Electra Townie-Go. It has a unique 'pedal forward' design such that when you're stopped your feet
can directly touch the ground providing a safer more stable experience. The wider tires make for a very comfortable around town ride.
I believe Trek has lowered the price $300. My LBS has a Townie-Go at the reduced price.

Here is a link https://www.electrabike.com/bikes/townie-go/townie-go-8i

if you're thinking along the lines of trail riding ( Rails to Trails ) and a little gravely riding besides below is a link to a bike that will perform extremely well. I ride a very similar Trek bike, the Powerfly 7 on Rails to Trails and around town and it is so much fun. Should you choose a bike of this style, do not,... I repeat : ) do not buy a full suspension version unless you're going to do serious off road riding.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...werfly-5-womens/p/21981/?colorCode=grey_white
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! The Townie is what I think would work for me. Thanks for all the info! :):)
 
rich c said:
No idea what you consider “a lot”. I’d suggest you budget at least $3000. That gives you a quality turn key eBike. A lot of folks will tell you to spend half that, but then give you a list of accessories and upgrades to get. I highly recommend you get sized for a bike in a local shop. Buy on line and you’ll be asking about risers for the handlebars and possibly other ways for you to feel comfortable. It also helps to tell us where you ride. Urban, gravel, off-road, etc......
Click to expand...

I've found that you can get a quality E-bike for under $1500 on sale with a $3000 retail price. Plenty of bargains out there once you narrow down exactly what you are looking for. Another option is to buy a slightly used demo and at a huge savings. Why pay retail if you do not have to, unless of course you are an E-bike enthusiast that needs specific components, etc IMHO. Happy shopping.;)
 
Caligirlshan said:
Thank you so much! The Townie is what I think would work for me. Thanks for all the info! :):)
Click to expand...

Are you okay with no throttle? I live in a very hilly area, and without the throttle it is almost impossible to start the bike facing uphill, if it gets steep. I think the Electra e-bikes are all class 1 (no throttle). I was interested in them, but decided against them because of the lack of a throttle option.
 
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