Not quite bike newbie

jwalker678

New Member
I’m jim and live in Siesta Key Fl. Recently began researching ebikes and planning to buy soon. My main objective is to expand riding distance and to be more comfortable when it’s hot and humid which is most of the time. Currently leaning toward the Priority Embark. I like the idea of mid dive and belt for low maintenance. Don't have many hills so the power should be more than adequate. Also, although I don’t plan to ride on the beach it gives the option with much easier cleanup.
 
Hey there! I have had the the Priority Embark for exactly a month and have ridden 172 miles on it, and really love it! If you want to read my thoughts about choosing an e-bike and how I picked this one, I wrote it up on my blog here. The company has provided amazing support by email, A+ helpful and friendly. Also, in case you don't know, Costco online sells this bike for $3K, which is a significant discount over the direct sales.
 
Read your review and it seems similar objectives. A week ago I knew nothing about ebikes but since have been immersed in reviews. The mid belt drive and enclosed components appealed to me for the low maintenance aspect and easy cleanup if it sees beach action (my house is .4 mi from the Gulf). That said, I am a bit skeptical since it seems 9 out of 10 are chain drive and for the inability to test drive. Then I read some reviews about the Yamaha drive systems and at least one reviewer preferred it to the Bosch system but I concluded that the differences were of a nature that I probably wouldn't notice. All agreed that Bosch was a good system. After making myself crazy with all the reviews I decided that the Embark was the best fit and convinced myself that there wasn't much risk in ordering direct. So I went to order the Embark from Costco and only had the large size and only white. The color is not important to me but I thought I needed a medium. I called Priority to find out if they would be shipping to Costco anytime soon or if they could just sell to me at the same price. I am glad I called for two reasons. First, I learned that Costco wouldn't have any bikes until holiday time as in December, 2nd Priority is getting the return of some demos with less than 50 miles and he would sell and ship to me for $2,600 and not collect sales tax. That is a $600+ savings for a slightly used bike. And, Dave also recommended that I buy a large. I am 6"1" and looked to me I could go large or medium. My sons who would ride occasionally when they visit Sarasota are a little shorter and I thought a medium would fit them better. Dave convinced me that I would be more comfortable in a large and that the boys could easily handle a large. So now I'm waiting on an email from Dave to let me know when he receives some demos. He suggested within 2 weeks and would send lots of pictures.
 
That's great! Like I said, Dave (and the rest of the company) are super super responsive and helpful. I had also emailed them asking about sizes and they were spot on in recommending a small for me and a large for my husband (who is 5'10" with long legs). I hope you get your new bike soon, and I think you'll really like it if you're going for low maintenance and an easy-riding bike.

I actually just now posted a follow-up of thoughts on having ridden my bike for one month, with some photos: ebikes are awesome!
 
Read your review and it seems similar objectives. A week ago I knew nothing about ebikes but since have been immersed in reviews. The mid belt drive and enclosed components appealed to me for the low maintenance aspect and easy cleanup if it sees beach action (my house is .4 mi from the Gulf). That said, I am a bit skeptical since it seems 9 out of 10 are chain drive and for the inability to test drive. Then I read some reviews about the Yamaha drive systems and at least one reviewer preferred it to the Bosch system but I concluded that the differences were of a nature that I probably wouldn't notice. All agreed that Bosch was a good system. After making myself crazy with all the reviews I decided that the Embark was the best fit and convinced myself that there wasn't much risk in ordering direct. So I went to order the Embark from Costco and only had the large size and only white. The color is not important to me but I thought I needed a medium. I called Priority to find out if they would be shipping to Costco anytime soon or if they could just sell to me at the same price. I am glad I called for two reasons. First, I learned that Costco wouldn't have any bikes until holiday time as in December, 2nd Priority is getting the return of some demos with less than 50 miles and he would sell and ship to me for $2,600 and not collect sales tax. That is a $600+ savings for a slightly used bike. And, Dave also recommended that I buy a large. I am 6"1" and looked to me I could go large or medium. My sons who would ride occasionally when they visit Sarasota are a little shorter and I thought a medium would fit them better. Dave convinced me that I would be more comfortable in a large and that the boys could easily handle a large. So now I'm waiting on an email from Dave to let me know when he receives some demos. He suggested within 2 weeks and would send lots of pictures.
The Embark is a really nice bike. I am pleasantly surprised to see Costco carrying a quality bike. I have a Giant bike with a Yamaha motor. I love it but bosch motors really are fantastic as well. You wont be disappointed.
 
I’m jim and live in Siesta Key Fl. Recently began researching ebikes and planning to buy soon. My main objective is to expand riding distance and to be more comfortable when it’s hot and humid which is most of the time. Currently leaning toward the Priority Embark. I like the idea of mid dive and belt for low maintenance. Don't have many hills so the power should be more than adequate. Also, although I don’t plan to ride on the beach it gives the option with much easier cleanup.

Unless you plan to be your own 'Bike Tech' which is fine and can be fun, before you buy, I would contact a 'local' ish bike shop along the keys
and specifically ask if the shop will or is willing to work on your exact model bike should it need repairs and or warrantee work.
 
There is a well established ebike store close to me in Sarasota that carries several Bosch drive bike lines, though not the Embark since they don’t have a dealer network. They advertise that they service all ebikes and even have a pickup and delivery service. Given the low maintenance build of the Embark I am not too concerned about service but I believe it won’t be a problem if needed.
 
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