Yeah, it's kind of a PITA. I made an order for desired perks for one bike with the first contribution for the combo bikes. I then emailed them for links to the Perks I wanted to add for the 2nd bike. Essentially you can end up with several separate contribution numbers. I have had to clarify this several times over the intervening months but they appear to have it right. We will see when they arrive.
That should work. Be sure to put add perks to an order in the subject line. You can also go to the Facebook Group and try emailing (messaging) Charlie Foxtrot or Erik Yam for assistance. The emails come from China so consider the time difference, language barriers and small staff.
Well, Sondors has better marketing ... The production issues seem to have eased up in China and bikes are shipping. If you don't want front suspension you can get an XL with Rack for $1400 delivered this month. If you want/need front suspension and 17ah battery (extra $ 200) then you're probably looking at a June delivery for the XL if you order now. Sondors indicates the Fold XS (most comparable to the XL) will be delivered in June for just over $1,900. So they are $3-4 hundred appart and the Sondors is 8lbs heavier. I liked the motor regen feature (it really does work), slightly larger frame (I'm 6'5"), lighter weight (folding and traveling) and the high capacity battery (17ah) so the Rattan was an easy choice for me. They are very similar and you probably can't go wrong either way.
No worries MJ. are you going to order this California instock bike? What color?
I dont get what you mean by california in stock bike. It just redirected me to the indiegogo page. And I would be going for jet black. And another thing is that, what about maintainance? Wouldnt it be easier to get a sondors if needed something repaired. And I read previously that you ordered the RattanXL for yourself. Have you recieved it yet ?
The "California" Indiegogo bikes will be at the California Rattan CA warehouse soon. There were 100 units with no front suspension but including the rear rack, tail light and fenders for $1199 USD plus shipping ($200). My bikes are already shipped in another batch and will arrive in LA by the end of May. The Covid19 crisis has delayed all bike manufacturing/shipping including Sondors.
As for maintenance, any bike shop can maintain the ebikes except for the Controller and Motor. Rattan has a 2 year warranty and will ship you any parts that fail. Sondors may have a facility in the US for repairs but unless you happen to live close by, shipping the bike there would be cost prohibitive.
Really with all these Chinese made ebikes you are pretty much on your own in terms of maintenance. The only exception is a major bike brand product purchased for a local bike shop at a higher price. Rad Ebikes are probably the best option if you want good warranty and service options but again, proximity to a service location is critical. These are just my opinions, not necessarily facts. Go with what you are comfortable with ...
BTW, you might find you are riding more than 15 miles. I generally ride 20-30 miles and do so in less than 2 Hours. Thanks to the Pandemic, I've put over 800 miles on my ebike in the past couple of months. It is a lot of fun to ride! Can't wait to get the new XL with even more power and range. ;-)
