Questions I have about the Amiti.

[JohnRC]

Hello.

Browneye has answered some of my questions but I have some more before I head to my appointment at the Giant store later today.
First of all I cannot tell from my reading whether or not I can use my iPad Pro to change settings on this bike. It appears you must use a phone. Can I use the iPad? I do not own a phone and not planning on getting one so far.

A couple of people have put Big Apple tires on theirs. One said they had to take the fenders off. Would some other fenders work or will it not be possible With the BA tires?

Has anyone anywhere managed to get a Giant store to exchange the 400 battery for a 500 battery?

I need to do some modifications to make this bike more comfortable for my 74 year old body. Higher bars: Stefanmike has put a steerer tube extension on his and got 3” before the cables and brake lines were too tight. Has anyone else gone this route?

I like this bike and the dealer appears to be one of the safest and competent ones to go to.
Many thanks to you all for all the bits of information and experiences you have provided on this site.
John

 

[Browneye]

Hello.

Browneye has answered some of my questions but I have some more before I head to my appointment at the Giant store later today.
First of all I cannot tell from my reading whether or not I can use my iPad Pro to change settings on this bike. It appears you must use a phone. Can I use the iPad? I do not own a phone and not planning on getting one so far.
Thanks!
I have an iPad mini, and IIRC it does have a app link. But I can't tell you for sure what kind of capability an ipad has for 'smartphone' apps. My recommendation would be to dowload the app if you have that option, then take your tablet to the dealer and see if you can pair to one. Perhaps there's some other internet info on this subject.
Also know that the only real 'adjustment' to the SyncDrive are the percentages of assist at each PAS setting. While it might be handy for stretching range, just selecting a lower assist level will do the same. Most all the other features are ride info and battery charge level, which while nice to have is certainly not critical, and you're not going to mount your tablet on the bike anyway. All kind of moot. So this would not be a deal-breaker for me. As it is, I don't use my smartphone as a display on my TranceE - installed a Cateye bike computer instead. I didn't want an expensive phone perched up on top of the bars of a mountain bike. The RideOne control pad is all I need otherwise.

A couple of people have put Big Apple tires on theirs. One said they had to take the fenders off. Would some other fenders work or will it not be possible With the BA tires?
Frankly I think the BA's are little too big. I would recommend the Big-Ben if you want a balloon tire - get the 2.0 size - 50mm. They match the bike size better and have better puncture resistance. And they may even fit with the fenders.
The problem with fender mounts is they're not really adjustable. So if the 'as-built' has them quite close to the stock tire, there won't be room for a bigger tire.
Sorry, can't advise you on alternative fenders.

Has anyone anywhere managed to get a Giant store to exchange the 400 battery for a 500 battery?
The 500w pack is of a different configuration, for the SyncDrive Pro. It won't fit anyway. The Explore/Amiti has the SyncDrive Sport mid-drive assist system from Yamaha.
As I've experimented with trying to stretch range, riding on the first or second assist level appears to provide for a range near 60 miles. If really extended range is in your future, consider a second pack and a way to carry it in a trunk bag or panniers, or something along those lines. JMHO.

I need to do some modifications to make this bike more comfortable for my 74 year old body. Higher bars: Stefanmike has put a steerer tube extension on his and got 3” before the cables and brake lines were too tight. Has anyone else gone this route?
I have a 45* stem riser and it helps a TON. Plenty comfy now. You could also opt for a bar with some rise in them to get a little more.
If possible try both frame sizes if you're in the middle - a smaller frame will require raising the seat more which exacerbates the tendency for the bars to be too low.
Also know that as you develop your riding stamina, your core strengthens and lessens the need/want for a more upright position. Some forward stance really assists with pumping pedals. Wifey is finding this out - I replaced her stem with a shorter version that has a 15* rise and it turned out to be perfect.
You may want a more cushy saddle as well, although I've found for most people a little seat-time on the bike toughens the sit-bones enough to be comfortable. There are good options otherwise. I put a WTB Rocket on my eMTB - it's fantastic.

I like this bike and the dealer appears to be one of the safest and competent ones to go to.
Many thanks to you all for all the bits of information and experiences you have provided on this site.
John

My answers in blue to the best of my ability...

Be aware that the Amiti is the ladies version of the Explore step-thru. If you're going to order the bike, get the men's version. At least that would be my recommendation.

Good luck and let us know how it goes, what you decide.

 

[Browneye]

2020 Explore step-thru...

 

[LeftyS7]

The Explore comes in a large but if you don't need the large size the Amity has more features and upgraded features.

 

[JohnRC]

Browneye. Thanks for your many words. Lots of thinking came out of them. I have been challenged on this and will stand by it: The reason I do not want an Explorer + is because of the colours! I am so sick and tired of black, flat black, very dark blue, brown, green etc. I have always worn bright colours for protection from drivers playing with their phones and although the bike does not represent much visibility, I think that as much colour as possible is better.
The Amiti fits me and is a good bright white expect for the forks.
Remember when we used to have silver rims, hubs, spokes and nipples? (Sigh)

 

[Browneye]

It's okay. I don't like black very well either. And why I snapped up a 2019...cuz I could still get one and it wasn't BLACK!!!