No sweat short distance commute in California

[Eddy]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for bike recommendations given an easy commute (no hills, just 2-3 miles but rather warm/hot weather).

I'd like a comfortable and upright position for a cruising experience.

I'd prefer a lower priced model given the fact that it's going to be replaced after 3-4 years. I'm willing to pay more if the price/value ratio is excellent.

Thanks,
Eddy

 

[grench]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for bike recommendations given an easy commute (no hills, just 2-3 miles but rather warm/hot weather).

I'd like a comfortable and upright position for a cruising experience.

I'd prefer a lower priced models given the fact that it's going to be replaced after 3-4 years. I'm willing to pay more if price/value ratio are excellent.

Thanks,
Eddy

Look at the Juiced Cross Current...good bang for the buck. I have two friends who have them. The each commute under 10 miles each way. Body position is slightly more aggressive you would probably need a stem riser to relax the seating position.

 

[Bicyclista]

The Magnum Ui5 is reasonably priced, has upright riding position, and received a very good review by Court in these pages. I own one and have been very happy with it. For your short commute, the Ui5 would be an easy and enjoyable ride.

 

[Dunbar]

Pretty much anything would suffice on a 2-3 mile flat commute. You wouldn't even necessarily need an electric bike for that distance. Do you plan to do anything else with the bike other than commute on it?

 

[Nutella]

I agree, I think an eike is overkill tbh unless you want to ride without pedalling at all. Just don't push it hard and you won't be sweaty.

 

[Bicyclista]

I agree with Dunbar and Nutella that an ebike is hardly necessary for a 2-3 mile flat commute. Most of us get an ebike for help in climbing tough hills and to extend our range. But there is also the fun part. It's exhilarating to feel one's leg power amplified by an ebike! Everyone who has tried my ebike only has to travel 10 yards to exclaim, "I like it already!" If Eddy wants to increase the fun of his short commute by riding an ebike, what's wrong with that?

 

[Dunbar]

Just to clarify, I wasn't intending to discourage the OP from buying an e-bike. I would just base my recommendations on what other uses they have for the bike. Pretty much any e-bike on the market could easily handle that commute.

 

[Cory151]

(Im copying this from another post I responded to.)

I own an $8,000 Stromer ST2 and a $12,000 Stealth Bomber (the baddest production e-bike ever made). I have tried a GREAT many bikes on the market, so you may be surprised to learn that I consider the JUICED RIDER (the Honey Badger of Ebikes) to be the best all around ebikes that I know of. I own one, and even purchased one for my mother recently. I have grown to love the details of these bike more and more and has been these most reliable and durable bike in my collection.

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

 

[Bicyclista]

I would have bought a Juiced CrossCurrent but for the fact that they do not carry a small frame size. Their headquarters is in Chula Vista, next to San Diego, so it would have been very convenient for me to pick it up there. I did try their U500 Utility Bike with 20-inch wheels. It was a lot of fun!

As it relates to Eddy, the original poster, the CrossCurrent has a moderately aggressive riding position (meaning you are leaning forward) whereas the U500 Utility Bike has an upright position (and you can carry stuff!). One could probably make the CrossCurrent upright with a taller stem and/or a different handlebar. Both are reasonably priced, the CrossCurrent at $1499 and the U500 at $1999.

http://www.juicedbikes.com

 

[Brambor]

An ebike will go faster and provide more cooling breeze for 'no sweat commute'