Please help me choose (5k Budget - Vancouver, Canada)

[vel73]

Hi friends,

First of all what an amazing website and community. I have been going through the reviews and the forum and have learned so much, but the more I learn the deeper I go down a rabbit hole. I live in Vancouver and am 40 years old, 6 feet, and 200 pounds. First time E-Bike buyer and max budget is 5k CDN$. (Could maybe wiggle a bit more if absolutely necessary)

The e-bike I am looking for is 70% for commuting long distances in the city and 30% going to some trails on the weekends with my 2 pointers. My preference is to support a local store (even manufacturer if possible). From what I have read lots of ebikes require maintenance and repair etc so being friends with a local bike shop near my home (near UBC) would be ideal place to buy a bike from. Warranty and insurance will be very important for me as I have a somewhat unfortunate reputation for losing and breaking things.

I would obviously prefer a Bosch and Shimano to a Bafang but here are the options I am looking at so far and have tried riding most of them (unfortunately a few of them and many other bikes are sold out in the meantime because of supply chain shortages)

Ohm Quest
https://ca.ohmcycles.com/products/quest

Cube Kathmandu
https://www.citecycles.com/kathmandu-hybrid-one-500.html

Rize
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-rx-pro
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-md?variant=39904138985625
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-x?variant=39844276633753

GIant
https://www.giantvancouver.com/ca/fathom-eplus-pro-29-1

Volt
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-enduro.html
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-bravo.html

dost
https://dostbikes.com/product/kope

Surface604
https://www.surface604bikes.ca/products/2021-colt

I've also tried Rad Power and Biktrix and for their prices they were an alright ride.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to add any bikes or input you have to this list as I am new to this whole game and just learning how everything works and still have plenty of learning to do. I just want to make sure I buy something that will last me a few years with minimum hassle.

Cheers,
Vel

 

[Deacon Blues]

The only bike I've ridden on your list is the Dost. It was an okay ride, but I wished it had torque sensing.
My pick would be the Cube Kathmandu. I have that motor on my Cannondale e-gravel bike and I'm very happy with its performance.
The Giant you've linked to wouldn't be a great long distance commuter (but great for trail riding).

 

[Bubba zanetti]

The major comment I noticed in your post, was wanting a bike shop close by. The Kathmandu is a great bike. I nearly bought it, but in the end I bought the Rize RX as it saved me over a thousand $ on the Cube. Mine has been trouble free to date and I really, really like it. Where I live is extremely hilly and the added oomph of the Ultra motor is great. …. But Cit E Bikes has a shop near you on Broadway. That likely should be the tipping point in your decision. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the decision process, but a priority of a nearby shop is difficult to trump.

 

[BlackHand]

You have a pretty good list there. What stood out to you on the bikes you've ridden?

The Explore E1+ seems more along the lines of what you're looking for than the Fathom:

Explore E+ 1 Pro GTS (2021) | Trekking bike | Giant Bicycles Giant Vancouver

The Explore E+ Pro features an ALUXX SL aluminum frameset and SyncDrive Pro motor that’s powered by Yamaha. Together, they deliver great handling and smooth acceleration on a variety of road conditions. You can tune it ...

www.giantvancouver.com

I like the Cube but would consider the step up model that gets you a better group set, an air fork instead of spring fork, 625wh battery and Intuvia display. All the Kathmandu owners seem to really like their rides, the one common complaint is Cube's plastic fenders can rattle.

 

[Comfortably Numb]

I'll 2nd going to Cit E Bikes on Broadway. They carry an assortment of brands. E-bikes only.
I have not been in that particular store but I think they are west of Arbutus.
My Kathmandu is a bit north of your budget but there are a couple of CUBE Kathmandus that hover around the $5000 CDN mark.
There are a pile of bike stores within a half hour or so of you. Dunbar Cycles on Broadway close to MEC, West Point Cycles, (stores at 10th and Alma, on West Boulevard in Kerrisdale and on Main St.) one at Burrard and 4th, (the name escapes me) BSP at Burrard and Pacific, JV Cycles at the north foot of the Cambie bridge and a few more around MEC on Broadway. I always liked Simon's when they were on Robson. I think they are now at VPL/ Library Square. Oh....I just remembered there is a shop just east of McDonald? on 4th. Mostly caters to triathlon and roadbikes but it might be worth a look and Giant Vancouver on 4th just east of Burrard.
I lived 20 years on the west side. There's a ton of Cycle stores.
CN

 

[Comfortably Numb]

You have a pretty good list there. What stood out to you on the bikes you've ridden?

The Explore E1+ seems more along the lines of what you're looking for than the Fathom:

Explore E+ 1 Pro GTS (2021) | Trekking bike | Giant Bicycles Giant Vancouver

The Explore E+ Pro features an ALUXX SL aluminum frameset and SyncDrive Pro motor that’s powered by Yamaha. Together, they deliver great handling and smooth acceleration on a variety of road conditions. You can tune it ...

www.giantvancouver.com

I like the Cube but would consider the step up model that gets you a better group set, an air fork instead of spring fork, 625wh battery and Intuvia display. All the Kathmandu owners seem to really like their rides, the one common complaint is Cube's plastic fenders can rattle.

My Kathmandu fenders don't rattle at all on street pavement but I'll confess I have yet to ride any trails.
CN

 

[Bubba zanetti]

If you can. Arrange a ride on the RX. Huge battery isn’t just for daily range, it means you charge less often. I’m getting 80km plus here with steep hills. Yes I took my throttle off to be compliant.
BUT… RIZE has no shop. They will send you elsewhere for repair.
I do my own repairs on all vehicles. I’ve now a complete set of tools for my ebike.

ithink that cube is for you.

 

[Captain Slow]

I recommended a friend check out Dost and he said the wait for a bike was really long, something like 7-8 months, which I suppose these days isn't really long. But if you want something for this season, your choice might be dictated by what's available.

 

[Dewey]

Kona is located on the North Shore and is distributed in bike shops throughout the city, Court reviewed the Dew-E DL model recently, although I actually prefer the external battery of the regular Dew-E which is a grand less expensive, though I would suggest you ask a dealer to swap out the rather weak 1.5w Sate-lite headlight for the more powerful B&M headlight from the DL model.

 

[RandallS]

You have a pretty good list there. What stood out to you on the bikes you've ridden?

The Explore E1+ seems more along the lines of what you're looking for than the Fathom:

Explore E+ 1 Pro GTS (2021) | Trekking bike | Giant Bicycles Giant Vancouver

The Explore E+ Pro features an ALUXX SL aluminum frameset and SyncDrive Pro motor that’s powered by Yamaha. Together, they deliver great handling and smooth acceleration on a variety of road conditions. You can tune it ...

www.giantvancouver.com

I like the Cube but would consider the step up model that gets you a better group set, an air fork instead of spring fork, 625wh battery and Intuvia display. All the Kathmandu owners seem to really like their rides, the one common complaint is Cube's plastic fenders can rattle.

As a Explore "almost owner" but in fact an actual Fathom E+ Pro rider, I sort of agree that the Explore may be a better choice, but the Fathom still should be considered.
Changing the Fathom tires out to something like Johnny Watts makes it a great allrounder and handles pavement smoothly and most trail conditions.

But the OP didn't define all the requirements for their "long commute" and I ride with a friend who has an Explore and there are many places I would not expect him to go with his bike.
So if racks and fenders are a must, then Fathom is less of an option as it's more Trail oriented.
But if trail riding is truly important like it is for me, then the Fathom is an option to consider.

I have a seatpost rack and bag I use for urban riding when I need to carry stuff, and small fenders to reduce splashes when it's wet and I worry about staying cleaner.
When I use that rack, I swap out my externally wired dropper (PNW Coast) for my alternate saddle/seatpost combo with a Suntour NCX suspension post.
I can't use the rack with my dropper due to my geometry on the bike.

I do leave the mud flap front fender on all the time, and use an "AssSaver" on the rear when it's needed and it's a 5 second install or removal.
The reason I take it off is I am a short person and when I slam the seat down (via dropper) when I am off-road, it catches on the tire.

 

[Dallant]

Hi friends,

First of all what an amazing website and community. I have been going through the reviews and the forum and have learned so much, but the more I learn the deeper I go down a rabbit hole. I live in Vancouver and am 40 years old, 6 feet, and 200 pounds. First time E-Bike buyer and max budget is 5k CDN$. (Could maybe wiggle a bit more if absolutely necessary)

The e-bike I am looking for is 70% for commuting long distances in the city and 30% going to some trails on the weekends with my 2 pointers. My preference is to support a local store (even manufacturer if possible). From what I have read lots of ebikes require maintenance and repair etc so being friends with a local bike shop near my home (near UBC) would be ideal place to buy a bike from. Warranty and insurance will be very important for me as I have a somewhat unfortunate reputation for losing and breaking things.

I would obviously prefer a Bosch and Shimano to a Bafang but here are the options I am looking at so far and have tried riding most of them (unfortunately a few of them and many other bikes are sold out in the meantime because of supply chain shortages)

Ohm Quest
https://ca.ohmcycles.com/products/quest

Cube Kathmandu
https://www.citecycles.com/kathmandu-hybrid-one-500.html

Rize
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-rx-pro
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-md?variant=39904138985625
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-x?variant=39844276633753

GIant
https://www.giantvancouver.com/ca/fathom-eplus-pro-29-1

Volt
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-enduro.html
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-bravo.html

dost
https://dostbikes.com/product/kope

Surface604
https://www.surface604bikes.ca/products/2021-colt

I've also tried Rad Power and Biktrix and for their prices they were an alright ride.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to add any bikes or input you have to this list as I am new to this whole game and just learning how everything works and still have plenty of learning to do. I just want to make sure I buy something that will last me a few years with minimum hassle.

Cheers,
Vel

So to reverse engineer your list a bit…what dealers are near you who you want to support?
Bosch is a great choice, IMO, and Trek is a great brand with the Performance Line Speed or CX motors. I have the Allant+7 and consider it a great bike for commuting (with fenders/rack/lighting) and some trails (with suspension fork/trail-worthy tires), depending on what kind of trails you’re referring to. Best of luck with your search.

 

[theemartymac]

Just to add a couple of points to ponder as well. 5K isn't a lot in the Canadian market, but you have your good list started. Also consider:

1. Do you want a second battery? Add $800-1200 - often cheaper at time of purchase.
2. Are you happy with stock speeds and limitations? (i.e. 35kph top speed)
3. Are you a natural tinkerer, or do you prefer shop maintenance?

The Bosch/Brose/Shimano's are fantastic options and tuned out of the box. They are harder to delimit and can't really be modded much if at all. Possibly the better option if you have the budget and want the most refined and hassle free option. May be more limited on who can maintain the motor.

The Bafangs can be made to be really nice with some settings tweaks (needs a cable, some free software, etc.), and your dollar can go a lot further towards extra batteries/accessories. Possibly more suitable if you like to tinker and customize, or want to unlock more speed or power.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Mr. AH]

Hi friends,

First of all what an amazing website and community. I have been going through the reviews and the forum and have learned so much, but the more I learn the deeper I go down a rabbit hole. I live in Vancouver and am 40 years old, 6 feet, and 200 pounds. First time E-Bike buyer and max budget is 5k CDN$. (Could maybe wiggle a bit more if absolutely necessary)

The e-bike I am looking for is 70% for commuting long distances in the city and 30% going to some trails on the weekends with my 2 pointers. My preference is to support a local store (even manufacturer if possible). From what I have read lots of ebikes require maintenance and repair etc so being friends with a local bike shop near my home (near UBC) would be ideal place to buy a bike from. Warranty and insurance will be very important for me as I have a somewhat unfortunate reputation for losing and breaking things.

I would obviously prefer a Bosch and Shimano to a Bafang but here are the options I am looking at so far and have tried riding most of them (unfortunately a few of them and many other bikes are sold out in the meantime because of supply chain shortages)

Ohm Quest
https://ca.ohmcycles.com/products/quest

Cube Kathmandu
https://www.citecycles.com/kathmandu-hybrid-one-500.html

Rize
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-rx-pro
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-md?variant=39904138985625
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-x?variant=39844276633753

GIant
https://www.giantvancouver.com/ca/fathom-eplus-pro-29-1

Volt
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-enduro.html
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-bravo.html

dost
https://dostbikes.com/product/kope

Surface604
https://www.surface604bikes.ca/products/2021-colt

I've also tried Rad Power and Biktrix and for their prices they were an alright ride.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to add any bikes or input you have to this list as I am new to this whole game and just learning how everything works and still have plenty of learning to do. I just want to make sure I buy something that will last me a few years with minimum hassle.

Cheers,
Vel

I have a RX and for the price a fantastic bike primarily because of the motor. Depends on where you ride, the RX is a monster on hills but will require periodic maintenance on the drivetrain, something with a hub motor while having nowhere-near, not-even close the performance would give you years of no-worries maintenance-free service apart from brakes and tires...

 

[st0ut]

As a Explore "almost owner" but in fact an actual Fathom E+ Pro rider, I sort of agree that the Explore may be a better choice, but the Fathom still should be considered.
Changing the Fathom tires out to something like Johnny Watts makes it a great allrounder and handles pavement smoothly and most trail conditions.

But the OP didn't define all the requirements for their "long commute" and I ride with a friend who has an Explore and there are many places I would not expect him to go with his bike.
So if racks and fenders are a must, then Fathom is less of an option as it's more Trail oriented.
But if trail riding is truly important like it is for me, then the Fathom is an option to consider.

I have a seatpost rack and bag I use for urban riding when I need to carry stuff, and small fenders to reduce splashes when it's wet and I worry about staying cleaner.
When I use that rack, I swap out my externally wired dropper (PNW Coast) for my alternate saddle/seatpost combo with a Suntour NCX suspension post.
I can't use the rack with my dropper due to my geometry on the bike.

I do leave the mud flap front fender on all the time, and use an "AssSaver" on the rear when it's needed and it's a 5 second install or removal.
The reason I take it off is I am a short person and when I slam the seat down (via dropper) when I am off-road, it catches on the tire.

I have an Exploer + NA spec I absolutly love it. Great for long distance commuting 20KM one way.
Additionally I have taken it on trails and fireroads it did both with ease. Would i take it off a feature? NO!

The article is a link to a trail I found myself on a few weeks ago. i had some other misadentures due to a s*it pannier BUT the bike was a champ.
Normally I am a roadie BUT i have down significant time at my local downhill park as well. FWIW.

Trail

 

[antboy]

I suggest stay local and get the OHM Quest.

I'm biased as I have an OHM Cruise and love it, but the shop being local is certainly a bonus. It also helps that the Quest was tagged as the "Best City Bike of 2021" by EBR.

Best Electric Bikes | ElectricBikeReview.com

Looking for the best electric bike for your lifestyle and budget? As of today, we have reviewed 1225 electric bicycles. EBR conducts the industry’s most complete and objective reviews. Reviewing electric bikes is all we do. Since 2012, we have helped millions of people find and choose the best...

electricbikereview.com

 

[Csubi]

Hi friends,

First of all what an amazing website and community. I have been going through the reviews and the forum and have learned so much, but the more I learn the deeper I go down a rabbit hole. I live in Vancouver and am 40 years old, 6 feet, and 200 pounds. First time E-Bike buyer and max budget is 5k CDN$. (Could maybe wiggle a bit more if absolutely necessary)

The e-bike I am looking for is 70% for commuting long distances in the city and 30% going to some trails on the weekends with my 2 pointers. My preference is to support a local store (even manufacturer if possible). From what I have read lots of ebikes require maintenance and repair etc so being friends with a local bike shop near my home (near UBC) would be ideal place to buy a bike from. Warranty and insurance will be very important for me as I have a somewhat unfortunate reputation for losing and breaking things.

I would obviously prefer a Bosch and Shimano to a Bafang but here are the options I am looking at so far and have tried riding most of them (unfortunately a few of them and many other bikes are sold out in the meantime because of supply chain shortages)

Ohm Quest
https://ca.ohmcycles.com/products/quest

Cube Kathmandu
https://www.citecycles.com/kathmandu-hybrid-one-500.html

Rize
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-rx-pro
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-md?variant=39904138985625
https://rizebikes.ca/products/rize-x?variant=39844276633753

GIant
https://www.giantvancouver.com/ca/fathom-eplus-pro-29-1

Volt
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-enduro.html
https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-bravo.html

dost
https://dostbikes.com/product/kope

Surface604
https://www.surface604bikes.ca/products/2021-colt

I've also tried Rad Power and Biktrix and for their prices they were an alright ride.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to add any bikes or input you have to this list as I am new to this whole game and just learning how everything works and still have plenty of learning to do. I just want to make sure I buy something that will last me a few years with minimum hassle.

Cheers,
Vel

What did you choose?

 

[Csubi]

Nice choice. I went a different direction. My choice is the Watt Wagon Hyrda

 

[vel73]

Hello everyone, thank you again for all the responses. After a ton of research I wanted the OHM (but it was unavailable) so I put an order on the new Rize RX Pro because their sales rep said that it would be available a few weeks after (not that it was the best bike in that price range) but because it had the most bang for the buck for what I wanted to do: which was have fun!

However it's been a few months after my order and it keeps getting delayed so it looks as though I'm going to cancel that and buy something else. Essentially I went whole summer without the damn bike I wanted to buy in the first place )

I wanted a hybrid city/trail bike with good warranty and customer service. A lot of the new ebike companies seemed to not offer that unfortunately, and had a get rich quick type of scheme. This was one of the reasons I was heavily looking into more credible and local companies that now also build ebikes for their brand. But to be honest I am still confused by all the options and just gave up in the end. One thing I quickly realized is that having an ideal e-bike is no excuse for ignorance and that it will require me to educate myself and be very attentive in order to assure it doesn't break down on me. From everything I've read so far e-bikes require a lot more maintenance than the average bike.

Now I am looking at this bike to buy (only in Europe though at the moment and predominantly for city use):
https://cowboy.com/products/e-bike-cowboy-4

Final note: I literally went to every store I could and test drove a ton of bikes in Vancouver and the coolest and most patient place I came across was OHM. The guy who worked there really took his time to explain everything in detail to me and I really wanted to buy one of their bikes but they didn't have it in stock and said it wouldn't be available for at least a little while. But they are still at the top of my list in terms of local quality/service. I just really wanted a bike with a throttle for the lazy days.

Anyways I still frequent this site and am still on the hunt so if anyone has any new suggestions please let me know.
Cheers my friends!
---------------------

On a personal side note/rant: local shops and old school bike heads were mostly unfriendly and had zero patience for me asking questions. If I'm going to spend 5k I would like to get a good idea of what I'm buying, how much maintenance is required, where the parts are from, how is the customers service, where it's assembled etc...and god forbid I ask about a throttle. Most conventional bikers despised any idea of a an e-bike having a "throttle."

Vancouver has some of the most amazing scenery and trails in the world, but the people here have the most first world problems I've ever encountered on my many travels. I swear the things people lose their s*it over here is unbearable. I once saw someone protest a marathon over their parking spot (that was unavailable for two hours). That person took the time to go the store buy some magic markers, write a stupid slogan, stand in the sun and yell at people practicing a healthy and fun community event over a freaking parking spot. /endrant

 

[Comfortably Numb]

Hello everyone, thank you again for all the responses. After a ton of research I wanted the OHM (but it was unavailable)

I was real interested in the new OHM Quest Sport, but they only come in the diamond frame and they couldn't bother to reply to an e-mail I sent them, so bye bye OHM.

.....but the people here have the most first world problems I've ever encountered on my many travels. I swear the things people lose their s*it over here is unbearable. I once saw someone protest a marathon over their parking spot (that was unavailable for two hours). That person took the time to go the store buy some magic markers, write a stupid slogan, stand in the sun and yell at people practicing a healthy and fun community event over a freaking parking spot.

I concur with the First World problems in Vancouver. I got out as soon as I retired.
What you have to remember is the gridlock traffic is unreal in Vancouver so it's no wonder people lose their ****. There are a lot of lousy drivers that makes it even worse. My answer to the traffic when I lived in the downtown area was go without a car. I did for almost two decades, relying on a bike, walking or transit. Transit really works in the downtown core.
The other thing is Vancouver is full of wealthy, entitled p******. It also has it's share of non-wealthy pretenders who are artificially entitled, so you have a large portion of the population running around like the world owes them a favour. The further west you go in Vancouver-proper, the more NIMBY/entitled it gets. God help you if you decide to go over to West Vancouver. The rest of the population is working their butts off, semi-poor or drug addicted. The 'Tour de France, skinny tire' crowd' and related businesses are real snobby too. It seems to go with the territory.
It was really refreshing to move to a place where the people aren't dicks.
End of rant and back on subject...I bought a Cube Kathmandu EXC 625 from Cite Cycles but I really like the full suspension Bulls TR1 or whatever they call it. Cite Cycles still has a few in stock. I think they only come with a 500 battery, but if my Cube is any example, I no longer fear the 500. I get insane mileage on my Cube with the 625 because I ride it 'power off' a large portion of the time. I never did consider full suspension when I bought. My daughter in law and son in law just bought Trek Powerflys and now I almost wish I'd gotten an e-MTB, or at least full suspension. Keep looking. They're out there. CN

 

[Dallant]

I bought a Cube Kathmandu EXC 625 from Cite Cycles but I really like the full suspension Bulls TR1 or whatever they call it. Cite Cycles still has a few in stock. I think they only come with a 500 battery, but if my Cube is any example, I no longer fear the 500. I get insane mileage on my Cube with the 625 because I ride it 'power off' a large portion of the time. I never did consider full suspension when I bought. My daughter in law and son in law just bought Trek Powerflys and now I almost wish I'd gotten an e-MTB, or at least full suspension. Keep looking. They're out there. CN

I know what you mean. I have an Allant +7 and a Rail 5 and when deciding on what to bring for a weekend trip that included a 27 mile paved trail ride along the Root River in Minnesota and some MTB trails in Iowa, I decided the Rail was the obvious choice. Other than a rack, the Rail has and does most everything I need. I might have to get better all around tires though!