jkchang82
Member
I'm torn which to get and needed some help deciding. I got rid of my old ebike because it was a foldable fat tire bike, a bit too unpractical to ride in NY. I also ordered it online without ever seeing it in person so didn't realize how big it was. But I've sold my bike and now back in the market for an affordable, commuter bike which I feel is more practical, and as a result will push me to ride more. Here are the two I'm debating over, although I have considered the E-Glide SS model as well.
Propella
Pro: I like them because it looks sleek and like a typical road bike, which is what I owned before jumping to the electric world. The battery looks like a bottle (does it really though?) so I think it could go pretty under the radar. The lightness is also a great plus. For this, I'm not sure whether I want the SS or 7 speed. The only deciding factor there is I'll be riding it across a bridge and in my past experience riding a SS across a bridge, it can be a workout (which I don't want for my work commute).
Cons: It doesn't have integrated lights or a way to hack a throttle on it, or is there? The battery also seems to be of low capacity with no upgrade options. No free shipping either, although $55 isn't too bad for a bike IMO.
Wing Bikes
Pro: Looks unique and sleek as well. It's got a lot of cool features like integrated lights, throttle which I love, plus the alarm system. I'm torn between the full size flagship or the S with 20" tires because while I like the traditional sizing, the small wheels are enticing for storage purposes. Free shipping but I did read about the packaging being on the weak side and people having to wait until new parts come. The build itself seems to be solid (took a test ride of the S today at their office).
Cons: The one issue I have with the frame is that it's super girthy (something I did not notice through the pics). I also am not a fan of the swept back handlebars and will likely upgrade as soon as I get the bike. Also, the alarm system is just a deterrent and with the battery off the bike, it doesn't even initiate. PLUS, I also read about their somewhat unethical digital marketing strategies, disguising as an owner of the bike so that makes it hard to really get an overall consensus on the bike.
When I went to a shop that carried the bike, the employee there also pooped on the Wing Bikes, although he seemed more like a bike snob than someone giving a fair assessment of the entry-level ebikes.
Final consideration: The Propella is a bit cheaper than the Wing Bikes ($100 diff, or $130 with the throttle added to the Wing Bike), not considering the shipping.
Decisions, decisions. Any words of advice from the experienced EBR community that can help me tip the scale on this??
Propella
Pro: I like them because it looks sleek and like a typical road bike, which is what I owned before jumping to the electric world. The battery looks like a bottle (does it really though?) so I think it could go pretty under the radar. The lightness is also a great plus. For this, I'm not sure whether I want the SS or 7 speed. The only deciding factor there is I'll be riding it across a bridge and in my past experience riding a SS across a bridge, it can be a workout (which I don't want for my work commute).
Cons: It doesn't have integrated lights or a way to hack a throttle on it, or is there? The battery also seems to be of low capacity with no upgrade options. No free shipping either, although $55 isn't too bad for a bike IMO.
Wing Bikes
Pro: Looks unique and sleek as well. It's got a lot of cool features like integrated lights, throttle which I love, plus the alarm system. I'm torn between the full size flagship or the S with 20" tires because while I like the traditional sizing, the small wheels are enticing for storage purposes. Free shipping but I did read about the packaging being on the weak side and people having to wait until new parts come. The build itself seems to be solid (took a test ride of the S today at their office).
Cons: The one issue I have with the frame is that it's super girthy (something I did not notice through the pics). I also am not a fan of the swept back handlebars and will likely upgrade as soon as I get the bike. Also, the alarm system is just a deterrent and with the battery off the bike, it doesn't even initiate. PLUS, I also read about their somewhat unethical digital marketing strategies, disguising as an owner of the bike so that makes it hard to really get an overall consensus on the bike.
When I went to a shop that carried the bike, the employee there also pooped on the Wing Bikes, although he seemed more like a bike snob than someone giving a fair assessment of the entry-level ebikes.
Final consideration: The Propella is a bit cheaper than the Wing Bikes ($100 diff, or $130 with the throttle added to the Wing Bike), not considering the shipping.
Decisions, decisions. Any words of advice from the experienced EBR community that can help me tip the scale on this??