Older models sitting on showroom floor

[keithd]

The only bike shops in my area there are two that sell ebikes one has Specialized and the other Giant. The bikes they have in stock are two 2017 or 2018 Como 2.0's they were not sure how old they were. And the other is a 2018 Giant Pro E+1. I do not believe either of these dealers spend much time if any at all making sure the batteries are properly maintained. They really want to sell these bikes, but what are the pitfalls of buying such a bike. I am looking for mostly commuting I was hoping for dealer support but I do not think that either will really support e-bikes well.

 

[pnop]

You partially answered your own question but the alternatives for you are not many. If you are concerned over service, you travel or hope for the best.

As far as answers go though, you can find just about anything you want online. The dealer should still be able to do basic bicycle service if that is what you want. I'd assume the warranties are still good. That would be my first concern. Second, I would ask them if they would do a full charge and allow you to try the bike out. If you get what is expected as full charge miles, I wouldn't be too concerned. If it's dead after 4 miles........then that would be another story.

 

[keithd]

You partially answered your own question but the alternatives for you are not many. If you are concerned over service, you travel or hope for the best.

As far as answers go though, you can find just about anything you want online. The dealer should still be able to do basic bicycle service if that is what you want. I'd assume the warranties are still good. That would be my first concern. Second, I would ask them if they would do a full charge and allow you to try the bike out. If you get what is expected as full charge miles, I wouldn't be too concerned. If it's dead after 4 miles........then that would be another story.

The giant dealer offered it to me to try out over weekend (bike and charger).

 

[pnop]

The giant dealer offered it to me to try out over weekend (bike and charger).

That's great and a start. It costs you nothing to do that. I'd give it a full charge, keep track of how you rode and how far and report back. I'm sure many can make a
good educated reply on whether the bike is doing as it should.

Odds are decent you can likely make a good deal on it also.

 

[MikeDD]

I do not know if you can get a straight answer on the warranties. I purchased a Specialized rental bike from LBS 1. They do not register the bike with Specialized, therefore I became the first owner. LBS 2 where I had been shopping registers all their bikes that they rent or demo with Specialized which they said may make the buyer the second owner. How this affects the warranty I do not know.

Specialized did replace my battery under warranty.

 

[keithd]

Thanks for that info Mike I will be sure to look into it.

 

[rich c]

About the only damage they could have done to the battery over that short amount of time is if they brought it out of a freezing warehouse and charged the battery. I’ve had good luck for 2,700 miles with the demo Haibike I bought. Recently though an issue with the Bosch battery pack BMS. Cells are fine.

 

[keithd]

Tried the Como 2.0 today step thru 2018. Was totally amazed at how smooth and quiet it is. I like the up right position very easy to maintain 20mph on level ground in economy mode. The low price is 2k with full warranty and updated firmware. Not sure on how I feel about step thru.

 

[pnop]

Tried the Como 2.0 today step thru 2018. Was totally amazed at how smooth and quiet it is. I like the up right position very easy to maintain 20mph on level ground in economy mode. The low price is 2k with full warranty and updated firmware. Not sure on how I feel about step thru.

If you liked it (if it was me) it wouldn't bother me a bit. Yeah, when I was 12 it would have. Not now. Mines a folding bike so it's basically a step through.

Seems to me the two bikes you are looking at are quite different. Only you know what you are wanting.

 

[PDoz]

Is the giant a FULL e pro ( dual suspension mountain bike) ? Just a thought, but if you are commuting the giant is going to be a lot more appealing to a young thief who wants a mountain bike. It also has 11 speed gears so you will be chewing through chains ( but they are NICE ....an absolute pleasure every time you click the gears) , the brakes are much better than the como , the suspension will make bumps disappear , but it's a twitchy bike at speed and even more twitchy if you grab a handful of front brake in an emergency stop! I'd hate to be riding amongst traffic on the stock tyres in rain, but it's an awesome bike for splashing through puddles and rocks!

The rear wheel bearings are junk on the giant ( easy replacement) , and the freewheel will leave you with a niggling fear that one day it will collapse - it only has 3 ratchet pawls, and if the retaining clip spins some of the pawls start sticking - the 2019 trances have had lots of people destroy hubs as a result. Touch wood, mine is holding up well so far (1400 km of hard mountain bike riding) .

Unless you plan to ride dirt occasionally, leave the giant for someone who does?

 

[keithd]

I believe I am going with the Como 2.0 ST. and will have the pizza rack and fenders installed. Should make my 12 mile round trip comfortably. Thanks for the help.

 

[ebikemom]

The step-thru is also great for when you load up the back rack with stuff that's hard to throw your leg over. It's a practical choice.