NYC Commute - 1st ebike

[wade]

Hi! Thanks in advance for anyone willing to comment, all suggestions are welcome!

Questions:
1. What type of bike suits the below needs best? Mountain bike, hardtail, city, cruiser, fat tire, etc
2. Any obvious bikes I should add to the short list at the bottom?
3. Any bikes on the short-list which obviously don't make sense.

Budget:
$2500

Rider info:
5’10” (178 cm)
215 pounds (97.5 kg)

Requirements:
95% of use = commuting in New York City
Commute distance 6 miles (12 miles a day), mostly on a bike path
One large hill each day (daily elevation gain 150 ft)
Front light and rear tail lights
Covers/shields for wheels to protect from splashes
Wouldn't mind 28 mph max speed pedal assist, but 20 mph max is ok

Nice to haves:
GPS tracking in case bike is stolen
Prefer a bike that can be professionally assembled at a shop
Prefer a bike that's supported locally for maintenance
Seat for my son or daughter to ride on the back, maybe a bike with a seat like the Super 73? Both are younger than 6 yrs old, so max 50 lbs additional weight.

Current Short List:
Surface 604 Colt
Voltbike Enduro
Cube Cross
Blix Aveny
RadCity Electric Commuter
Juiced CrossCurrent S
CIVI Bikes Cheetah

 

[Ashander]

Maybe call NYCe if they have any remaining ST1's that they're willing to discount?

 

[AlanDB]

Does NYC still have the restriction on Class 2 ebikes (those with a throttle) where they impound them? I know this was discussed a while back in the forum, but haven't heard it mentioned lately. I am only familiar with one of the bikes on your list, the Blix Aveny. It is a great bike but it is a class 2.

 

[wade]

Does NYC still have the restriction on Class 2 ebikes (those with a throttle) where they impound them? I know this was discussed a while back in the forum, but haven't heard it mentioned lately. I am only familiar with one of the bikes on your list, the Blix Aveny. It is a great bike but it is a class 2.

Yeah- technically no throttle bikes and a 20 mph speed limit for pedal assist bikes. I have heard through the grapevine that they aren’t pushing the rule too hard and that it may change in the not too distant future to allow throttles (I could be wrong though!)

 

[flatlander]

I commuted daily on a Faraday Porteur S for about a year. It's a cruiser, no suspension, and I didn't find the streets too bumpy. A mountain bike with suspension might add a bit of comfort but generally I find NYC streets fairly decent.

 

[Nova Haibike]

I'd say the first one on your list is best, because you can buy it from NYCe, assembled and ready to ride, with service and warranty support. The Voltbike's rear suspension is stupid for a commuter (IMO); it adds weight, complexity, and makes adding a rack problematic. If you're already an avid rider, the Cube is sportier, but if not, you might find it less comfortable than a more upright and relaxed bike. The Rad City is under-geared; the Colt's 9-speed cassette drivetrain is far preferable to the City's 7-speed freewheel setup. I think the Juiced is a well thought out bike, I just wonder about their support sometimes. The CIVI is 75 freakin' pounds! Not a problem if you have your own garage and driveway and never have to lift or transport it, but otherwise I say it is too much style over practicality.

 

[wade]

Maybe call NYCe if they have any remaining ST1's that they're willing to discount?

Thanks for the suggestion! I looked at the ST1s - any

I'd say the first one on your list is best, because you can buy it from NYCe, assembled and ready to ride, with service and warranty support. The Voltbike's rear suspension is stupid for a commuter (IMO); it adds weight, complexity, and makes adding a rack problematic. If you're already an avid rider, the Cube is sportier, but if not, you might find it less comfortable than a more upright and relaxed bike. The Rad City is under-geared; the Colt's 9-speed cassette drivetrain is far preferable to the City's 7-speed freewheel setup. I think the Juiced is a well thought out bike, I just wonder about their support sometimes. The CIVI is 75 freakin' pounds! Not a problem if you have your own garage and driveway and never have to lift or transport it, but otherwise I say it is too much style over practicality.

Thanks bud great feedback, really appreciate it