Riding Towards Quality: A Call to End Low-Cost Compromises in the Bike Industry

[Giant Matt]

Hey fellow riders,

I've been passionate about biking since childhood, starting with no-gear cycles six decades ago. Over the years, I've transitioned through various types of bikes – from mountain and road biking to hybrid models. Now, at 65, I still love and live with an electric cruiser bike.

Throughout my biking journey, I've witnessed significant improvements in the quality of bikes and their components. However, in the past couple of years, I've noticed a decline in quality, particularly with products from low-cost economies. This has led to an increase in bicycle maintenance costs and inconvenience for riders.

For instance, I've experienced frequent flat tires due to low-quality tubes and tires. Even after inserting a Tannus Armour and using a new tube purchased from Amazon, I encountered a flat tire on the second ride. Such issues highlight the need for a shift in the cycle industry. In the last two years, I've noticed a troubling increase in flat tires for me!!

I believe it's time for the industry to move away from low-quality, cheap-priced products and focus on better quality, reasonably-priced options. By doing so, we can reduce overall costs and the inconvenience faced by bikers. Cycle products should be manufactured in countries where high standards are maintained.

Let's advocate for better quality and support the movement towards superior products that enhance our biking experience.

Happy riding!

Matt

 

[Tom@WashDC]

Let's advocate for better quality and support the movement towards superior products that enhance our biking experience.

That's easy, everybody just needs to buy high quality bikes.
Unfortanately, not everyone can afford, or justify higher priced quality at first. I understand your "Call", but you cannot thwart the invisible hand of the market, which will always provide for an endless supply of cheap products.

One can dream though...

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Let's advocate for better quality and support the movement towards superior products that enhance our biking experience.

I appreciate the sentiment, but advocate to whom? And what movement?

We get zillions of "help me pick an ebike" posts starting with "I've done a ton of reseach and have narrowed the choice to N ebikes", all from obscure DTC sellers at such low prices that they couldn't possibly last. And no thought whatsoever as to where they'll get parts or service after purchase.

If this is where "a ton of research" leads, there's no foreseeable movement toward quality.

 

[J.R.]

I appreciate the sentiment, but advocate to whom? And what movement?

We get zillions of "help me pick an ebike" posts starting with "I've done a ton of reseach and have narrowed the choice to N ebikes", all from obscure DTC sellers at such low prices that they couldn't possibly last. And no thought whatsoever as to where they'll get parts or service after purchase.

If this is where "tons of research" leads, there's no foreseeable movement toward quality.

Some of the better, high-quality brands have left the US market. BH, Haibike, Yamaha and Stromer are all gone, leaving parts and service very difficult, if not impossible to find. In the US, the best bets are Specialized and Trek. A quality ebike can last 10+ years. You'll need a replacement battery and software updates. Having a stable brand, with country-wide parts and service is very important. If you are spending $4 to 5k +, on a bike, you should expect quality, longevity and support.

I remember spending about $750 on a quality road bike in the early to mid 1980s. 750 in today's money is 2400 dollars. How much should a quality electric bicycle cost today? $4k? You can get that.

 

[Roamers]

software updates.

Why would you need software updates? Change for the sake of change like a PC?

 

[PedalUma]

Why would you need software updates? Change for the sake of change like a PC?

Brands such as Specialized require updates about every six months so components can talk to each other, to clear junk, and to gather data for improvements and further updates.
If people buy based on price without holding the product, as happens on the internet, they will get junk and waste money. My friend has had her PickUp tires for three years without a flat, without a tire rotation, while ridding her big cargo bike everyday with a kid on the back. She does not have anytime for flats. Others will buy things such as a cardboard/scrap leather belt if it looks shiny on Amazon.

 

[J.R.]

Change for the sake of change like a PC?

Updating software so PCs work with newer programs and peripherals is extremely important. The computer on a bike is the same. Newer batteries and displays may need that update to function on previous model years. Manufactures try to keep recent model years functioning the same. And a good example of an update is Specialized offered Class 1 Turbo Tero owners in the US an update to Class 3. The original bikes were all Class 1. Then there are updates to correct mistakes. Nothing is perfect.

 

[Roamers]

Updating software so PCs work with newer programs and peripherals is extremely important. The computer on a bike is the same.

I agree PCs eventually benefit from software updates to communicate with other software the user wants to use. I'm still running Windows 7 on one computer because it still does everything I need it to do. Needed to update another computer because of Astronomy related software I wanted new features wouldn't run on 7.

Our Gazelles only communicate with us; they are doing the same thing they did when we bought them. No reason to believe they won't still be doing it when pulled back out of storage.

 

[Roamers]

Brands such as Specialized require updates about every six months so components can talk to each other, to clear junk, and to gather data for improvements and further updates

I guess I'm glad I picked Gazelle over Specialized. Only other one we considered was Trek. What happens if you don't do the update every 6 months? I can see a software update being need if you change components.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

We get zillions of "help me pick an ebike" posts starting with "I've done a ton of reseach and have narrowed the choice to N ebikes", all from obscure DTC sellers at such low prices that they couldn't possibly last. And no thought whatsoever as to where they'll get parts or service after purchase.

If this is where "a ton of research" leads, there's no foreseeable movement toward quality.

I think a hard and fast rule these days should be to never buy a bike if you haven't been able to test ride that exact same model of bike or at least a bike from the same manufacturer first.

The way I look at it, a bike is not so much ridden as worn. No sane person would spend $400, much less $4000 or more, on pair of shoes without trying them on.

People will argue that they can't test ride the bike they want to buy. That's a sign that you probably shouldn't buy that bike. Any money spent on a bike that you don't ride or don't want to ride is wasted, and at any price such a bike is a ripoff.

 

[PedalUma]

What happens if you don't do the update every 6 months

Most of my bikes are like appliances in terms of their mechanics. And are like tailored suits in terms of fit. You do not need to update a blender. A first generation Levo came in yesterday that had never been updated for seven years. When it was it would not turn off, then could not recognize the battery. We had to update the battery three times and the system twice before it would take. I work at a store where we encourage people to test ride four bikes, like wine tasting, to see what they like and what they do not like about each. If they like a bike we then encourage them to then rent it for a day with the rental fee applied to the purchase of any bike. Good tires make all the difference and they cannot be selected based on low price on the internet without seeing and feeling them. I mostly work on bikes doing eBike diagnostics and repairs, but each bike needs to be test ridden, including new builds for bedding in the brakes, and I give several guided test rides each day. Everyone is treated like a neighbor. I get paid to do complex three dimensional puzzles and to ride bikes all day in a bucolic Northern California historic town. Half of my money goes to bikes, books, and really great food. I feel so lucky and have not sat on a couch or watched TV in over ten years

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[Giant Matt]

Most of my bikes are like appliances in terms of their mechanics. And are like tailored suits in terms of fit. You do not need to update a blender. A first generation Levo came in yesterday that had never been updated for seven years. When it was it would not turn off, then could not recognize the battery. We had to update the battery three times and the system twice before it would take. I work at a store where we encourage people to test ride four bikes, like wine tasting, to see what they like and what they do not like about each. If they like a bike we then encourage them to then rent it for a day with the rental fee applied to the purchase of any bike. Good tires make all the difference and they cannot be selected based on low price on the internet without seeing and feeling them. I mostly work on bikes doing eBike diagnostics and repairs, but each bike needs to be test ridden, including new builds for bedding in the brakes, and I give several guided test rides each day. Everyone is treated like a neighbor. I get paid to do complex three dimensional puzzles and to ride bikes all day in a bucolic Northern California historic town. Half of my money goes to bikes, books, and really great food. I feel so lucky and have not sat on a couch or watched TV in over ten years

Petaluma Motor Wheel - EBIKES

Petaluma Motor Wheel is an exciting new Ebike showroom in Petaluma California.

petalumamotorwheel.com

View attachment 189548View attachment 189552

Your bike shop sounds absolutely incredible! It's so refreshing to hear about a place that's truly customer-centered, ensuring each bike fits like a tailored suit and encouraging test rides like a wine tasting experience—how fun is that! It's clear that your passion for bikes and ensuring top-notch quality for your customers sets your shop apart from many others.

Your dedication to making sure everything works perfectly, like the story with the first-generation Levo, shows your commitment to excellence. Plus, the idea of applying rental fees to the purchase price is such a smart and customer-friendly approach!

It's so important for buyers to be aware that not all bike shops operate this way—some might push inventory they just want to move. But at your shop, it’s all about finding the perfect fit and feel. Good tires really do make all the difference, and there's no substitute for seeing and feeling them in person.

Your love for solving complex puzzles and giving guided test rides in such a beautiful location sounds like a dream job. It's inspiring to hear that you dedicate your life to bikes, books, and great food, living fully and joyfully without the distractions of TV.

Keep up the fantastic work and spreading the joy of biking!

 

[PedalUma]

What do you get when you take an heirloom tomato, free-range apple wood bacon, BLT and add queso (in the form of melted Pt. Reys brae into the bacon) and add guacamole along with fresh SF sourdough toast? A: An LGBTQ sandwich with lobster mac for breakfast! The lower emerald eBike is one of my custom builds with 90Nm on the mid-drive torque sensor. Hint: what looks like a water bottle is the 7Ah battery. It can carry two. The very best do not look clunky. Zoom to see the wire to the motor. Because I ride hard I need extra calories.

 

[indianajo]

No bike that fits me is stocked in this tiny city of 2000000. Except a pink one with rim brakes, 7 speed insta-fail rear axle, and a holly hobbie logo on the seat. I ordered my yuba from CA without ever sitting on it. Almost fits. Almost no dealer will order a bike for a short person unless he/she prepays. Check the stock of extra small frames on the internet. Manufactured, but not stocked anywhere. Bike riders are supposed to have 32" legs. Unfortunately I was age 30 when Human Growth Hormone hit the market.
I can get quality tubes at my LBS. Made in taiwan. I have never had one of those blow up as soon as I inflated it. I do not know where he gets them. His bikes are useless to me, his parts are useless to me (2 defective air pumps, 1 defective light, no 32 tooth freewheels in stock). Unfortunately, one is not allowed to know where anything is made when internet ordering until one opens the box.
As far as tires, giant & kenda knobbies roll over the trash that causes flats until the knobs wear down to 3/32". Yes, they make a noise. Deal with it. I go years without a flat by changing the tire when worn out. There is no street tire with that performance, IMHO. Goodyear & Firestone exited the bicycle market 30 years ago..

 

[Mike TowpathTraveler]

Some of the better, high-quality brands have left the US market. BH, Haibike, Yamaha and Stromer are all gone, leaving parts and service very difficult, if not impossible to find. In the US, the best bets are Specialized and Trek. A quality ebike can last 10+ years. You'll need a replacement battery and software updates. Having a stable brand, with country-wide parts and service is very important. If you are spending $4 to 5k +, on a bike, you should expect quality, longevity and support.

I remember spending about $750 on a quality road bike in the early to mid 1980s. 750 in today's money is 2400 dollars. How much should a quality electric bicycle cost today? $4k? You can get that.

@J.R. nails it with this post. So many good brands have exited our US market in the past 5 years and that void was filled with questionable junk from Mainland China. Those name brand bikes were outfitted with good components, ensuring great rideability and a long life. The good thing is that those high end ebikes of yesterday are now on the used ebike market found on Craigslist, Ebay or Facebook Marketplace. It's up to the potential buyer of these used bikes to get educated as to what to look for; to know where to buy repair parts for the basic bike itself as well as repair parts for the ebike drive, control and battery systems.

As far as tires go, I'm resigned to the fact that the bicycle tire will always be susceptible to flats. I've always used the best Schwalbe Jumbo Jim for my Haibike and have fitted it with Mr Tuffy tire liners (they still flattened); Tannus Armour (they still flattened) as well as a stint going tubeless with a Dyna-Plug tire plugging set up (they still flattened after encountering a rip on the tire too big for a Dyna Plug to be of any use!).

The best anti-flat tire protection on the market remains........a good set of eyes as to the road ahead of you!

 

[Gionnirocket]

Hey fellow riders,

I've been passionate about biking since childhood, starting with no-gear cycles six decades ago. Over the years, I've transitioned through various types of bikes – from mountain and road biking to hybrid models. Now, at 65, I still love and live with an electric cruiser bike.

Throughout my biking journey, I've witnessed significant improvements in the quality of bikes and their components. However, in the past couple of years, I've noticed a decline in quality, particularly with products from low-cost economies. This has led to an increase in bicycle maintenance costs and inconvenience for riders.

For instance, I've experienced frequent flat tires due to low-quality tubes and tires. Even after inserting a Tannus Armour and using a new tube purchased from Amazon, I encountered a flat tire on the second ride. Such issues highlight the need for a shift in the cycle industry. In the last two years, I've noticed a troubling increase in flat tires for me!!

I believe it's time for the industry to move away from low-quality, cheap-priced products and focus on better quality, reasonably-priced options. By doing so, we can reduce overall costs and the inconvenience faced by bikers. Cycle products should be manufactured in countries where high standards are maintained.

Let's advocate for better quality and support the movement towards superior products that enhance our biking experience.

Happy riding!

Matt

Never going to happen.
A better approach would be educating end users... But again, never gonna happen.

 

[Roamers]

The best anti-flat tire protection on the market remains........a good set of eyes as to the road ahead of you!

This!

 

[Chargeride]

KTM 250
8 grand

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Its been a long time, ebikes are still stupidly overpriced.

 

[harryS]

Beater ebikes for me. Easy enough to upgrade the brakes, shifters and derailleurs.

Motorcycles are a different game. Can't have them coming apart at speed. so D.O.T. regulations if DOT survives DOGE, will apply,

 

[PedalUma]

if DOT survives

Stuff like food safety and pharma safety, or the best freshly trained youngest sharpest air traffic controllers, are all being thrown out the window. Then the Christian-Right-Taliban can teach kids that the earth was created in six-days in public schools, dinosaurs are a lie, and everyone will get a check for $11.35 in "savings". Putin's female dog with a bad combover is gutting us both nationally and internationally. Putin's agenda includes purging the top US military which Mr. T. just did as Putin's loyal female dog. Russia and South Afrikaner racist billionaires are running the show. Against your security, health, and safety all for a promised $11.35 check. What about just your water quality? Is that worth $11.35 per year. All the watch dogs are being dismissed so the foxes run the henhouse.

Someone can get a pro built good eBike with local support for $1300 at their local bike shop.