Purchased an Ebike on Alibaba, taking questions.

[bugnut]

I purchased a fat tire ebike from Alibaba. I’ve learned a lot about the benefits (saving $$$) and drawbacks (time and frustration!) to ordering a bike directly from China. I’m happy to answer any questions people have.

The bike has a Bafang Ultra (with torque sensor) mid-drive. It cost about $1400 plus $500 for shipping to the US.

What I find funny is the fact that a guy starts a thread titled "taking questions" Over a week ago and hasn't been back in over a week.

 

[LewSchiller]

What I find funny is the fact that a guy starts a thread titled "taking questions" Over a week ago and hasn't been back in over a week.

Well it is that time of year but perhaps he's said all he has to say about it

 

[bugnut]

Well it is that time of year but perhaps he's said all he has to say about it

I guess. Still strange.

 

[tomjasz]

I guess. Still strange.

Not for me... somethings just need to be adsorbed over weeks. Took me with no experience, more than a month to pull the pin on my first kit. $1600 and just a bunch of strangers with nom de plumes offering advice.

 

[MickM]

I've bought a few ebikes, a wheel kit and I am in the process of buying a battery from vendors on Alibaba and it is not for everyone but I have not had any major issues except for the last bike which was hit with the new tariffs. Finding a vendor that takes the time to package the bike properly is one of the important things along with having a customs broker that knows what they are doing and will work with you. The biggest issue at the moment IMO is the tariffs though and it is hard to save much money until they go away unless you were to buy more than one in like a group buy or something like that, I was hit with about $600 to get it through customs. I found that it is better to let the broker handle the shipping from port to port vs the vendor handling it because they use their people and they can get better rates, at least that is what they explained to me. I did have a controller that went out after a few weeks on my first bike, but I was able to get the replacement shipped to me in about a week and was back on the road. That said I do most of my own work which I know not everyone wants to do and would rather have a local shop handle repairs, so it isn't going to work for everyone.

 

[tomjasz]

I am in the process of buying a battery from vendors on Alibaba

WHo is the seller?

 

[AHicks]

Any more, it's sometimes possible to get China level pricing state side with some careful shopping. I ALWAYS ask a question or 2 prior to the sale to get a feel for the dealer. If he does poorly there, I doubt seriously he's going to do any better after the sale.

 

[MickM]

I am talking with a couple of vendors right now but have not finalized my decision, still verifying the exact size that it will fit on my bike. There's a lot of different options.

 

[Alex M]

What I find funny is the fact that a guy starts a thread titled "taking questions" Over a week ago and hasn't been back in over a week.

A bit strange, indeed. No specs, no links.

As to the savings, this is relative. Like somebody said - those savings come at a cost. Frustration is hard to measure in dollars, not to mention time lost and zero support. To me, this is almost like DIY route. Not for everybody.

 

[tomjasz]

If you are DIY and can tackle anything on a bike, then China makes sense and will save you money, no question. If you can't even change a crank arm or a fork, then forget it. But my question about tariffs still stand and remains unanswered.

If one has those skills an eBike, built around a well fit and comfortable frame makes more sense to me. I’ve now ridden dozens of bikes with marginal geometry and poorly fit to my body. I’d never buy a frame without riding it. There of course are xceptional Chinese direct sources. But a single box half way around the globe without any ability to return... I retired from The Mirage in Las Vegas, I saw a lot of dashed dreams on a bet. Sure there’s a YouTube, Reddit, ES, or post here that celebrates the savings, but I believe it the exception not the rule. More and more were trying to work with LBS’s and teach them to build for customers and do it for fair prices.
I’m really not wanting to be negative, of course I have a vested interest and a prejudice. I try to support and work with the fellas that have the passion for eBikes not the $$. Of course that’s easier for a pensioner.

After all my blather I’d like to know which Chinese resellers pack properly and have good prices for quality bikes. China is busting more of the copy cats but jeebus that has to be a daunting job.

 

[tomjasz]

I purchased a fat tire ebike from Alibaba. I’ve learned a lot about the benefits (saving $$$) and drawbacks (time and frustration!) to ordering a bike directly from China. I’m happy to answer any questions people have.

The bike has a Bafang Ultra (with torque sensor) mid-drive. It cost about $1400 plus $500 for shipping to the US.

I should have apologized and prefaced my comments and congratulate you for your success! And ask, which reseller? Did you have to buy under the idea it was a “sampl”?

All the best

 

[bugnut]

A bit strange, indeed. No specs, no links.

As to the savings, this is relative. Like somebody said - those savings come at a cost. Frustration is hard to measure in dollars, not to mention time lost and zero support. To me, this is almost like DIY route. Not for everybody.

His lack of follow up on his first post kind of says it all.My guess would be that his purchase did not go so well.