Seattle Bike Expo - March 1 and 2, 2014

[oilerlord]

Hello Everyone!

I'll be attending the Seattle Bike Expo on March 1 & 2. Easy Motion (among others) are sponsors for the event, and are expected to have their line of bikes on display.

I'm shopping for a couple of e-bikes (for my wife & myself) and we're really excited to try out the Jumper, City, Carbon, and other bikes that will be at the show. Here's the link for more info:

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

If you live in the Northwest, perhaps we'll see you there!

Dave

 

[James]

I'm 2 hours away! I'll attempt to make it happen, although 4 kids makes life pretty busy. I'll message you if I can cruise down there for either day

 

[Brambor]

wow James. Now I understand why you want to bike to work. It's just like the pickled ginger with sushi - cleansing the palate between pieces

 

[James]

wow James. Now I understand why you want to bike to work. It's just like the pickled ginger with sushi - cleansing the palate between pieces

Haha... Thanks! (I think)

 

[oilerlord]

In Seattle now...went to the Bike Expo yesterday. We had the chance to talk with the BH rep that had a display set up with a local e-bike retailer. To my surprise, the event wasn't set up for test rides. They have a lot of space to work with (the show is at a cruise terminal) so they could have easily set up a temporary road course. After we mentioned we drove all the way from Alberta, and that we are planning to buy two bikes - the e-bike retailer took me out to ride the Jumper for a 15 minute ride.

As Ravi has mentioned, the Neo Jumper is everything (and more) than I expected it to be. SOOO smooth and powerful. They also had a new bike for 2014 called the "Jet", a step-thru model that my wife decided on. I'm very much a newbie to electric bikes but in my experience with this bike, people that think they need something more powerful should probably just by a motorcycle. I had the assist on the lowest "eco" setting and it still felt like a little too much help. As Dave has mentioned, I'll definitely be upgrading the saddle on both bikes. My wife found one called the "Cloud 9" which was very comfy.

As nice and helpful as the retailer was with us, he quoted me $3999 for the Jumper and $2600 for the Jet. He mentioned that they sell more BH bikes than anyone else, and that their prices were the best in the USA. That was a little bit of a stretch since they are obviously selling them at suggest list prices, and I've found a lot of places willing to discount them 30% and more. With Ravi's help, I was able to source the Jumper for under $2400, and I'd assume the Jet could probably be had for under $2000 - AND have both bikes shipped for free. Is it "showrooming" when I had already decided going in to see the bike that there was going to be a 99% chance I'd be buying that model? I've done all of my research on the Internet but I always feel guilty in these situations.

All I can do is be honest with the retailer and give him a shot at the business. That said, I won't be naming the competitor because I don't want them to get into trouble with BH. If they don't match the price, I'll send the salesperson a $50 Starbucks card for his time. I think that's fair compensation for a 15 minute demo.

 

[Vern]

I feel your pain about the "guilt" issue. I am also in the same situation as you. I really want to support my local dealer(s) and quite frankly I will probably need their help when issues arrive. BUT, when I finally pull the trigger, I am hoping that my local dealers will at least meet me half way and give me a decent deal. if not then....

 

[oilerlord]

I feel your pain about the "guilt" issue. I am also in the same situation as you. I really want to support my local dealer(s) and quite frankly I will probably need their help when issues arrive. BUT, when I finally pull the trigger, I am hoping that my local dealers will at least meet me half way and give me a decent deal. if not then....

There's obviously an obscene profit margin in these things, and a big fat commission for the salesperson. If one dealer is willing to sell a Jumper at $2400 AND include shipping, I'm guessing dealer cost is somewhere around $2000. Notwithstanding the fact I don't have a "local" BH dealership, I wouldn't be able justify paying twice as much for the same bike even if there was. One dealer in Vancouver tried to instill fear that buying a bike in the USA would mean I wouldn't have a warranty. If I'm saving $1600...do I really care if warranty service means another vacation trip to the USA?

Another thread asked if American bicycle buyers are savvy enough. The answer is a resounding YES! With the exception of saddle time, anyone can find out everything about e-bikes, and make their purchase decision before even stepping foot in the store.

 

[Dave]

Oilerford, it's great that you were able to attend the bike show. It's really great that you were able to test ride your ebike of choice, before purchasing. I'm not suprised you liked the Jumper or were impressed with the power level. I feel the same way, and still spend most of my time in Eco mode occasionally going into Standard for really steep hills.

I think the price savings is just too great to pass up. I can understand you feeling a little guilty, but all the dealers are free to sell at the prices they see fit. In your case, your place of purchase will stand behind the product. These bikes are not rocket science, despite being cool, it's still basically a bicycle, and fairly simple to work on.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Hi Dave,

It’s great to hear you enjoyed riding the Neo Jumper. For me, it has been a pure delight to ride so far. As Dave mentioned, ebikes are not that very complicated. If we do the basic maintenance like checking the cables, brakes regularly and half-yearly service for hydraulic brakes and miscellaneous components, it should last a long time. Even before becoming active on EBR, I knew Jumper will be my bike and I am very happy with my decision so far. Both the dealer and the Easy Motion team have been very responsive.

Before spending that kind of money I did insane amount of research including back n forth discussions with premium bike manufacturers in China (mainland, Guangzhou province, Zhejiang province, Shandong etc.) and Taiwan. Price is as much a feature as the battery or the motor and could be a decisive factor. Also this journey about ebikes and purchasing one has been a very stimulating and learning experience. I learnt about the products, technology, markets and what’s wrong with certain things etc.

When I was speaking to Stefan of Seattle Electric Bikes, back in December, BTW I really liked his courteous and friendly approach, but he seemed little surprised about me asking specific questions about such high dealer markups. Little did he know that I had original quotes from the original manufacturers in China for these kinds of ebikes.

Anyways, one of my gripes about manufacturers is that if they keep quoting prices that are similar to 2nd hand car, most people wouldn’t venture buying these bikes and this in turn affects the sales numbers and their market penetration. Finally, many people get put off and continue with their gas ICE car. I’m all for proving subsidy to EV cars and ebikes so that people start looking into alternatives for oil and hopefully, 2014 is going to be a great year in that regard.

Coming back, Neo Jumper is a blast to ride and minor quirks can be fixed by oneself or with the help of mechanic shop. With the money saved, you would still be ahead factoring in $250/year maintenance charges. Money is just one aspect but the joy of riding these bikes (when the weather is good) is something totally different. Also, ebiking with your partner is a great way to bond and keep in shape.

Good luck with your purchase and keep us updated
Cheers

 

[Admin]

Sounds like the show is going very well, thanks for the update oilerlord! I hope you and your wife are happy with the bikes, the Neo's are some of my favorites and I've got videos all set for reviews of the 2014 Jumper and Jet but am holding for them to appear on the BH website in full. Maybe you can post a couple of pics and impressions once you guys ride a bit. I'd love to hear how the Jet works for your wife, what her thoughts are on ebikes before/after.

 

[oilerlord]

The bike expo was fun. It was cold & rainy in Seattle but I was at least able to get a 15 minute test ride on the Jumper. My wife isn't exactly the all-weather rider so she bowed out of the offer to ride the Jet, and she hasn't been on a bike in about a decade so I didn't want her first experience to be a bad one. That said, she's about 5'8" and the Jet fit her very well. With the softer saddle (she tried out a Cloud 9), she loved it. The fact that the Jet also comes with the 12Ah battery makes it convenient for us to be able to swap batteries to extend the other rider's range when necessary.

 

[Ralph]

Oilerlord, did you happen to see the new EVO ECCO Lite bike? My wife is 5'3" and I was considering the City, but was told the EVO ECCO was possibly a better choice.

 

[oilerlord]

Oilerlord, did you happen to see the new EVO ECCO Lite bike? My wife is 5'3" and I was considering the City, but was told the EVO ECCO was possibly a better choice.

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I didn't see the Eco at the show, but it looks like a good choice for a 5'3" rider. Best thing you can do is find a local shop (or show) that has one and see if you're wife is comfortable on one. I thought the Jumper was going to be perfect for my wife, but she preferred the Jet. The City with the adjustable handlebars is cool too.

From experience shopping for a bike (and from this show), the best advice I can give is to take your time and not be pressured from a salesperson to close the deal. Your wife should love it or she's on the wrong bike. Also, it's amazing the difference a comfortable saddle makes. That alone can influence the decision for your wife liking a bike or not - which happened with us.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide!