Please help me make final decision between Biktrix Ultra Eagle and HPC Scout

[Gasher]

I've narrowed by decision down to these two bikes. Would be grateful if anyone would tell me what you'd choose if you were in my shoes and why. Here's my scenario:

• I didn't list cost (please assume total cost is not a factor in your analysis. However my budget is 6k and both of these bikes are under that, so it wouldn't help to recommend a 10k bike)
• 3 most important factors are top speed, build quality, and good customer support/warranty
• 5"10', 145 lb female - and a decade-long 250cc dirt bike rider, so no worries that I'm overdoing it for my first e-bike
• Bike will be used exclusively on private land on GNCC type trails

My dilemma is this: seems I'll get the most power/speed from the HPC but I can't find much of any reviews about the quality of their builds or after sale support. They don't seem to have a yelp page and their BBB page has one negative review and nothing else. However their google maps reviews look great. On the other hand, Biktrix looks to have a much bigger community and positive reviews about their quality, support and warranty, but the motor is smaller and the top speed is less.

Biktrix Juggernaut Ultra Eagle

• Power: 1000w
• Battery: 52V / 17.5Ah
• Top advertised speed: 32 mph
• Warranty: 1 year on electronics
• https://www.biktrix.com/pages/ultra-eagle-details

HPC Scout

• Power: 2000w
• Battery: 48V / 17.5 AH
• Top advertised speed: 40mph
• Warranty: 3 years on electronics
• https://hpcbikes.com/collections/electric-bikes/products/scout

I guess what I'm really asking is this: is it worth it to go with a more unknown company (HPC) for a 2000w motor and 8 more mph? Really appreciate any advice that will help me decide

 

[onlineaddy]

Wow, those two bikes appear to have the same frame!?

Considering the power the Scout is extracting out of the motor, I'm inclined to say that it may be under-batteried (48V vs 52V). However, is that 2000W nominal or peak? The Juggernaut peaks at 1500W.

Also, with Biktrix's CS reputation, I'd lean more towards the Juggernaut, if I were in your shoes. But, only you can decide whether or not the extra speed potential is worth the uncertainty for you.

 

[TomD]

3 most important factors are top speed, build quality, and good customer support/warranty

Go with Watt Wagons. Better controller, top notch build, amazing customer support and warranty.

 

[FlatSix911]

Go with Watt Wagons. Better controller, top notch build, amazing customer support, and warranty.

I agree... the OP should take a look at the Watt Wagons as they have better specifications and pricing.

City Commuter - Pre-order for late July Delivery

An incredible class 3 full featured ebike, with throttle, at ~50lbs! Bafang M600, 11.6ah 48V pack 30-35 miles range with Pedal assist Shimano G-C7000-5D 5 speed IGH, Belt drive, Throttle Carbon rigid fork. 27.5x2.1 tires. We can swap out for 700C tires Carbon handlebar Carbon Seatpost Tektro HD...

wattwagons.com

Choose your style

Watt Wagons makes the Hydra, Helios, and Pulse! The new generation of automotive grade, nearly maintenance free e-bikes right here in USA. Powered by Bafang motors and Custom Controllers.

wattwagons.com

 

[TomD]

Not that bike. The City Commuter uses the lower powered M600 motor not the Ultra. OP seems to want the fastest most powerful bike out there. @pushkar can probably put together a custom build similar to the Scout or Eagle with the Ultra motor and X1 controller, titatnium frame, and larger battery. Benefits of X1 controller here:

A revolution in riding! Archon X1 controller Arriving May 2020.

We are happy to announce that we are now the exclusive North American distributor of the Archon X1 controller for the Bafang Ultra drives. This completely changes the landscape for powerful mid drives, and brings the riding experience on par with the top mid drive motors in the world. Don't...

wattwagons.com

 

[TomD]

Or get the Travalanche if FS is agreeable. Pushkar can perhaps get the price closer to $6K with reasonable cost components. Personally I find it hard to go back my HT after riding a FS.

Travalanche Specifications

This is what makes the Travalanche an incredible machine. Carbon Fiber frame, Bafang Ultra, Archon X1 controller. and up to 3000W of power! Conquer terrain you dreamed about.

wattwagons.com

 

[Gasher]

Wow, those two bikes appear to have the same frame!?

Considering the power the Scout is extracting out of the motor, I'm inclined to say that it may be under-batteried (48V vs 52V). However, is that 2000W nominal or peak? The Juggernaut peaks at 1500W.

Also, with Biktrix's CS reputation, I'd lean more towards the Juggernaut, if I were in your shoes. But, only you can decide whether or not the extra speed potential is worth the uncertainty for you.

Thank you!

 

[Gasher]

Go with Watt Wagons. Better controller, top notch build, amazing customer support and warranty.

Thanks for this. Both their MTBs appear to be over 6k though.

 

[pushkar]

yeah that would be the easiest since it is already set up for off road.

I was thinking maybe the Commuter Pro can be used, but the rake angle is clearly not meant for off road.. it's meant for long distance comfort.
I can't imagine landing jumps with this rake angle.

and if you look at the Travalanche, it has even more aggressive rake angle than the Biktrix Ultra Eagle.

Yup, I can absolutely build something comparable with my frames. We can choose components to be in a similar $$ range.

 

[TomD]

The WW titanium offerings are also more expensive due to using belt drive and Rohloff.

The travalanche is a CF frame. It's basically a rebadged Exess HP-E180 with the upgraded fork and dropper. I was thinking Pushkar could get the price down with more standard spec but the bigger cost is going to be upgrading to the 2000W (or 3000W) version of the controller which may make it prohibitively expensive.

EXESS Bikes

www.exess-bikes.de

I would work with Pushkar to see what he can do within your budget. In terms of Biktrix Eagle vs. HPC Scout, I would go with the Biktrix Eagle. If you want more speed just go with a larger front larger chain ring (gearing is usually the limiting factor for speed). My Frey CC with stock Ultra motor goes 35mph on flats on throttle alone. I'm not sure you are getting your money's worth with the HPC 2000W controller. My guess is they are just shunting the controller to double the current and adding potting, but the motor will be as unrefined as the stock Ultra, x2. You won't get any of the refinement benefits that you get with the X1 controller that Watt Wagons offers. This is worth the price alone.

 

[onlineaddy]

I concur that a Watt Wagons bike can be built to suit your needs.

Another option, if speed (50 mph!) is indeed your most important criterion:
Delfast Top 3.0

Note that you can't actually buy the bike at the moment. But, if you pre-order and pay in advance, the reservation discount gets the price below your budget: $5649. Delfast has been successful in delivering their previous models, so eventual delivery of this bike shouldn't be a concern.

 

[Gasher]

The WW titanium offerings are also more expensive due to using belt drive and Rohloff.

The travalanche is a CF frame. It's basically a rebadged Exess HP-E180 with the upgraded fork and dropper. I was thinking Pushkar could get the price down with more standard spec but the bigger cost is going to be upgrading to the 2000W (or 3000W) version of the controller which may make it prohibitively expensive.

EXESS Bikes

www.exess-bikes.de

I would work with Pushkar to see what he can do within your budget. In terms of Biktrix Eagle vs. HPC Scout, I would go with the Biktrix Eagle. If you want more speed just go with a larger front larger chain ring (gearing is usually the limiting factor for speed). My Frey CC with stock Ultra motor goes 35mph on flats on throttle alone. I'm not sure you are getting your money's worth with the HPC 2000W controller. My guess is they are just shunting the controller to double the current and adding potting, but the motor will be as unrefined as the stock Ultra, x2. You won't get any of the refinement benefits that you get with the X1 controller that Watt Wagons offers. This is worth the price alone.

Thanks! Very helpful

 

[FlatSix911]

I concur that a Watt Wagons bike can be built to suit your needs.

Another option, if speed (50 mph!) is indeed your most important criterion: Delfast Top 3.0

Note that you can't actually buy the bike at the moment. But, if you pre-order and pay in advance, the reservation discount gets the price below your budget: $5649.
Delfast has been successful in delivering their previous models, so eventual delivery of this bike shouldn't be a concern.

Timely suggestion... Electrek has just reviewed the new version of the high-power electric bike.

The specs are impressive but go far beyond traditional EBikes into well into E-Motorcycle territory.

Delfast launches new 50 mph Top 3.0 electric bike with 200-mile range

Delfast has just announced a new version of their high-power electric bike, the Delfast Top 3.0. The bike comes with...

electrek.co

 

[TomD]

If you want something that's more like a motorcycle instead of a pedal bike you could also look at the SurRon that Luna sells.

Surron X Bike (Black Edition)

We are the USA distributor of this fast and fun dirt ebike.... buy it from the source! We have the newest bikes at the best price.

lunacycle.com

 

[onlineaddy]

If you want something that's more like a motorcycle instead of a pedal bike you could also look at the SurRon that Luna sells.

That's another good suggestion. It fits the OP's needs well, I think.

 

[Deacon Blues]

If you want something that's more like a motorcycle instead of a pedal bike you could also look at the SurRon that Luna sells.

Surron X Bike (Black Edition)

We are the USA distributor of this fast and fun dirt ebike.... buy it from the source! We have the newest bikes at the best price.

lunacycle.com

I wish the kids that ride their (noisy) gas engined dirt bikes on the streets and trails in my neighbourhood would switch over to SurRons.