Review of my Lectric ONE.

[sc00ter]

I ordered 2 quick release anti-theft seat clamp conversions (one for the ONE and the other for the Xpedition) from HexLox. I also ordered a HexLox thru-axle for the front wheel of the ONE. I'm pretty sure I got the measurements correct on the thru-axle. Will post pictures and the axle size once I confirm everything fits/works. I don't want no bum types nabbing my seats!

 

[sc00ter]

Front wheel security courtesy of HexLox. This size fits/replaces the original quick release front thru axel.

 

[sc00ter]

Seat security courtesy of HexLox. Kinda complicated but you'll figure it out from the pictures posted on the HexLox website. Ask any questions about eithe, or both, HexLox add-ons!

 

[sc00ter]

I ran my phone over with a motorcycle. Don't worry, I'm fine. I hope the pictures came out okay.

 

[dblhelix]

So I'm going to start this as a series so to speak. Right now is first impressions. So here we go!

Arrived in a box that showed no external damage. I unpacked it, set it up and noticed the rear fender/rack assembly rubs on the top portion of the tire. I loosed everything up and beat on it with a dead blow hammer. I banged, twisted, manhandled the rear fender assembly and got it "good enough" for now. Something still rubs when I first start off but it quickly stops. I might pull the whole rear rack and fender off and try again, but I need to download the belt app so I can set the tension.

I never really cared for the quick connect pedals. The quality is not the issue but I can feel a little bit of play so I swapped the pedals out with some normal pedals. Don't worry, I'll post pictures later. Anyways, if you use the click in pedals make sure the the bosses in the cracks are tight! When I went to loosen the old pedals they had almost zero resistance! A tad past wimpy hand tight(ish)! So check those pedal bosses!

I farted around the block after checking ALL the fasteners and it rides really nice. No weird noises (except the rear tire rubbing at start takeoff) and the Pinion is weird. You can't hear the beep when you are maxed out in either gear but so far I like the 6 speed spread. It reminds me of my beloved Nexus hubs.

Lets see, what else? I ordered the cheap pogo post from Lectric, the comfort package. The seat post uses no shims! Its the correct size for the frame. I like cheap pogo post. I had to mount my Foldy Lock under the frame. Both of the top mounting points don't work because there is not enough room to remove the lock from the holder. I might order my little leather mud flaps from etsy. I have them on my Xpedition and the say TWO. If I get some for this ebike they'll say ONE. That's it for now. Pictures to follow and to get some miles on it.

What is the seatpost diameter? Couldn't find it in the review write-up. I miss Court's attention to detail. Thanks.

 

[sc00ter]

31.8 is the size of the seat post. It's a weird size and when you order a, say, suspension post that says 31.8mm you'll get a smaller size with shims. The cheap Lectric pogo post is 31.8, so no shims needed. I have no hatred for shims but try to avoid them when necessary. Picture of stock post. It says. 31.8.

 

[dblhelix]

31.8 is the size of the seat post. It's a weird size and when you order a, say, suspension post that says 31.8mm you'll get a smaller size with shims. The cheap Lectric pogo post is 31.8, so no shims needed. I have no hatred for shims but try to avoid them when necessary. Picture of stock post. It says. 31.8.

Thank you. I have a 31.6 Kinekt seatpost I could dedicate to this bike, if I take the plunge. Sounds as though I will need a shim. Looking forward to your comments as you use the bike.

 

[sc00ter]

I'm at roughly 60 miles now. I still don't ride it like I thought. A few things I've discovered. They (Lectric) claim it has a super high resolution cadence sensor that contains 100+ magnets for "instant engagement". I swear mine has a 7 magnet cadence sensor. Sometimes it takes forever for the motor to kick it. I just use the throttle to get started now as the "instant engagement" for the cadence is so sluggish and inconsistent. My inner voice is saying to sell it at this point. For some reason nothing on the ebike impresses me with glowing ride or build quality. It rides fine (when the cadence wakes up), it very fast (but eats the battery just as fast), and its easier to remove the battery (but other ebikes have even better battery placement) so we'll see what happens.

I've gotten used to the Pinion system and for my riding I only use 3 of the gears, so that no longer wows me.
I still get that jar of nuts and bolts rattle on take-off, no matter what level of PAS I'm using. Its just a loud ebike when starting off.
Anything over PAS 3/20mph I still get that weird "skip" in my cadence on my left foot. I'm tired of trying to figure it out.
I unlocked it but never take it over PAS 3 for the above reason.
The rear light gets clipped by everything. You have to be mindful of its poor placement.

My local ebike shop does consignment sales and they happen to sell Lectric. I usually pick my Xpedition over the ONE when going out for a ride, even if by myself. Only reason the ONE has been ridden lately is the Xpedition has a broken rear wheel and its still in the shop.

 

[dblhelix]

I'm at roughly 60 miles now. I still don't ride it like I thought. A few things I've discovered. They (Lectric) claim it has a super high resolution cadence sensor that contains 100+ magnets for "instant engagement". I swear mine has a 7 magnet cadence sensor. Sometimes it takes forever for the motor to kick it. I just use the throttle to get started now as the "instant engagement" for the cadence is so sluggish and inconsistent. My inner voice is saying to sell it at this point. For some reason nothing on the ebike impresses me with glowing ride or build quality. It rides fine (when the cadence wakes up), it very fast (but eats the battery just as fast), and its easier to remove the battery (but other ebikes have even better battery placement) so we'll see what happens.

I've gotten used to the Pinion system and for my riding I only use 3 of the gears, so that no longer wows me.
I still get that jar of nuts and bolts rattle on take-off, no matter what level of PAS I'm using. Its just a loud ebike when starting off.
Anything over PAS 3/20mph I still get that weird "skip" in my cadence on my left foot. I'm tired of trying to figure it out.
I unlocked it but never take it over PAS 3 for the above reason.
The rear light gets clipped by everything. You have to be mindful of its poor placement.

My local ebike shop does consignment sales and they happen to sell Lectric. I usually pick my Xpedition over the ONE when going out for a ride, even if by myself. Only reason the ONE has been ridden lately is the Xpedition has a broken rear wheel and its still in the shop.

Well this is underwhelming but appreciated. The plethora of magnets purports to imbue torque sensor-like qualities to the cadence sensor. Have you owned any torque-sensing bikes? I'm trying to figure out whether the magnets are a kludge, or if it just feels delayed compared to pure cadence sensor? I've owned only Bosch bikes and recently rode a friend's Bafang bike equipped with only a cadence sensor. From my perspective, I was instantaneously hurtled forward.

One thing I don't like is that Lectric's site has little/no information on product specs/tech. I'm not the kind of person who makes a purchase based on so-called 'influencers.'

 

[sc00ter]

Only torque sensor ebike I've ridden was a Cero One. I liked that ebike but 1) No throttle and 2) It took mad effort to get over 16mph. But the take-off was instant, quick and smooth. Never herky jerkied. Every ebike I've ever owned has had better response off the line compared to the ONE. My old E-Lux Malibu GT was a monster, I just couldn't live with the feet forward position over 10 miles. So I would encourage you to attempt to test ride a ONE before buying it. Perhaps something is out of adjustment causing this weird cadence issue. But I'm kinda over it at this point and I don't see myself getting it looked at. My Xpedition runs circles around the ONE, was more affordable and has better range with 2 batteries.

Another thing I'd like to point out. I use to commute 14 miles each way on a 1st gen RanRunner 1, the single speed model. The 20mph was just enough speed to feel safe, the single speed made it squirrel proof and it was reliable. I thought the ONE would be like a luxurious RadRunner, its not. Another thing to note. I've yet to start this commute again. It seems every month car drivers get worse. I don't need a lagging cadence getting me caught out. If I try this commute again I'll take the Xpedition instead.

But I picked the ONE because of the following:
If I get a flat and/or a breakdown and have to call my wife to rescue me I know the ONE will fit in the car.
The ONE is light enough with the battery removed that I can handle it without dying. Try lifting a Xpedition!
The ONE is easy to care for. I get lazy doing service work.
The Pinion is cool but I'm now seeing it as a novelty that needs a little more refinement.
I wont get dirty from a chain BUT I never downloaded the Gates app so I'd rather just go back to a chain.
Easy battery removal to charge at my desk and keep it warm during winter.

 

[sc00ter]

I put the ONE up for consignment. I learned a few things from this last purchase.
I give up trying to commute to work. If I want to get in shape I'll join a crappy gym like everyone else. The route to work has just gotten to dangerous.
I always pick the Xpedition when running any errands. It just feels more responsive than the ONE.
I took a hit on the value of the ONE but that was expected. It is a DTC ebike after all.
It was fun for what it was, just didn't fit my needs or meet my expectations.
I hope (but don't really care) that the next owner actually uses it. I only had 43 miles on it in all the time I owned it.
The Lectric 2 year extended warranty doesn't transfer (according to the shop that's selling it).