NYC - 6+ miles, bridges, potholes, taxis, tourists, pizza rats, etc...

[misterpandrew]

Hello everyone,

I've started bike commuting during the last few months (like many have done) to avoid the wonderful NYC subways. I've been switching between my old normal bike and the electric citibike. The climb over the bridges can be rough without a little assist when I'm tired -- that's why I'm considering an e-bike. I test rode an Allante 8+ at a trek shop and liked it, but it's $$$. Maybe that's ok if I end up using it everyday -- all year around. Or should I just buy a practical old-school non-electric folding brompton ?

6'1
very urban, rough bike paths and shared lanes with cars - class 2 preferred even if not officially legal at 28mph
some sort of front suspension?
Will have indoor bike storage at work
Apartment living in queens - compact/light would be nice
must be fun
budget - $-$$$, but not $$$$

The Gazelle Cityzen Speed / Ultimate looks good -- Propel has many nice looking bikes. Or maybe a cheaper internet bike that I don't mind getting beat-up.

Too many decisions, and I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on what makes a good urban bike. No wrong answers.

 

[indianajo]

You've been to propel in queens? court is the one that runs the site.
Trek, Giant, Pedego, cannondale are a little pricey.
I spent $2000 on my bike + bags & stands, then $920 for motor & 17.5 AH battery. Really like what i got. I'm short, nobody ever stocks a bike for short people that is not single speed, pink, with a holly hobby logo. All the stock bikes around here are for men 72" and above with 35" inseam.
There should be no reason to buy off the internet unless youare extremely handy. Bike has a problem, you are the mechanic. Some brands answer the phone, some don't. See known problems under the brand forums below.
Happy shopping.

 

[smorgasbord]

class 2 preferred even if not officially legal at 28mph

Class 2 is 20MPH max. It adds a throttle to Class 1.
Class3 is 28MPH.

The Gazelle Cityzen Speed / Ultimate looks good -- Propel has many nice looking bikes.

Chris at Propel is great and will help you find the right bike. I would think it'd be hard to not buy there unless you really need a throttle.

 

[misterpandrew]

Thanks! While I don't mind being a mechanic and love fixing things, I have no experience in e-bike maintenance.

I haven't been to Propel since it's currently operating online only. I have seen a lot of court's and propel youtube vidz (how I found this site). Perhaps I should wait until the city opens up again.

 

[Ebiker01]

-when i wrote a post awhile ago saying that part of the ebike skills involve riding through or over 20inch potholes, some forum members did not believe it.
Yea , an ebike in Nyc must have at least a 110mm travel for the front suspension. No suspension, you are inviting for yourself some big casualities.

 

[Alex M]

Light and compact?

Compact = folding, they are mostly 20", won't work with those potholes. There are several 26" folding bikes but I don't know much about those. I am convinced that one should only buy a folder when he absolutely needs to fold it.

Very light = carbon, they are costly but you might look into those. Not my cup of tea.

Relatively light would be aluminum from ~50 lbs. Look into Aventon line. They have dealers in NYC and Jersey that will take care of warranty and post-warranty repairs. Only their Level has front suspension. The drawbacks (to me) are that it is not a step-through and lights are not integrated, though at this price you can add the best lights you want. Suspension is only 75mm, can be upgraded if you find this inadequate.