Seeking new user tips and accessory recommendations for 2020 Explore and Amiti

[Grison]

Greetings, all! After lots of research and few false starts, my wife and I just picked up our first e-bikes -- an Explore E+ 4 STA for myself and an Amiti E+ 4 for her. (I'm pretty sure we got the last Small Amiti on the US West Coast.) I've been searching the forums and devouring the great information here, but I thought it couldn't hurt to also ask for the group's collective wisdom as we begin our e-bike journey.

To that end, I'd love to get some specific suggestions (and/or forum discussion links) for any of the following...

Your favorite Explore/Amiti-compatible accessories:

1. Rear rack, bags & panniers - mostly for day trips/recreational use, but would also love to have options for smaller grocery-store runs. We are experienced backpackers and might also try bikepacking at some point, but I would prioritize a light-ish, sturdy & versatile rear rack over a bomb-proof one for heavy hauling.
2. Fenders
3. Water-bottle solutions - favorite stem bags, cages, or other options for these step-through bikes without mounting points.
4. Suspension seat posts
5. Locks - I don't think anything would survive overnight in our bike-theft-heavy college town, so mainly looking for daytime options while shopping or having lunch.
6. Day-trip/fix-it kit items - What, in your opinion, must we carry at all times? What's you favorite "nice to have" item?

Tips/links for adding lighting:

1. The Explore lacks an integrated headlight, and I'd like to add one. I've read several lengthy forum threads on this topic, but I'm hoping someone who's actually seen or done it can help direct me to a known-good solution. I successfully added a light to my e-scooter and can do basic wiring & crimping, but I'm not sure how hard this is to do with the Explore E+ 4. (Or if it's just not worth it and it's better to get a self-contained headlight, I'm open to that feedback as well.)
2. Is it possible/worth it to add integrated tail lights? If not, any favorite self-contained tail lights?

Of course, we would also welcome any other tips and suggestions (gear-related or otherwise) -- especially those along the lines of "I wish I had known when I started..."

Thank you!
- Jeff & Lora

 

[gorse]

Welcome - don't mean to rain on your parade but given your requirements I'd take them back and buy a Trek Allant+ 7S. They come in a couple of frame styles, have 500W batteries, 45kmph motor and all the acccessories you seem to require. Giant seem to have lost their way lately.

Allant+ 7S - Trek Bikes

Discover your next great ride with Allant+ 7S. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

 

[Grison]

Welcome - don't mean to rain on your parade but given your requirements I'd take them back and buy a Trek Allant+ 7S. They come in a couple of frame styles, have 500W batteries, 45kmph motor and all the acccessories you seem to require. Giant seem to have lost their way lately.

Allant+ 7S - Trek Bikes

Discover your next great ride with Allant+ 7S. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

The Allant+ 7S looks great, but it's also about 50% more expensive per bike ($3900 vs. $2500-2600). It does include a rack and lights, but I'm not planning to spend $1400 on those.

We may "trade up" to different e-bikes at some point, but ~$2500 was the most we were willing to spend initially. I'm sure we are making some compromises at that price point, and we may choose differently down the road when we have more experience.

 

[LeftyS7]

My Wife and I, right before lock down, bought exactly what you did. We live in Reno so no need for water related accessories. Other than water bottles and mounting them is a bit difficult. For my bike , to mount on the seat post, I bought this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KBZSC3G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. For my wife, to mount on the handle bars, close to the stem, we bought this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FZV9WZ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It is no longer available on Amazon but this should work: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PPQNY3H/ref=dp_cerb_1.

Be aware that the tires are tubeless so the traditional patch kit won't work but there are tubeless kits similar to auto kits.

I've ordered a pump but it hasn't come yet so I can't tell you how good it is.

Hope this helps.

 

[Grison]

My Wife and I, right before lock down, bought exactly what you did. We live in Reno so no need for water related accessories. Other than water bottles and mounting them is a bit difficult. For my bike , to mount on the seat post, I bought this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KBZSC3G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. For my wife, to mount on the handle bars, close to the stem, we bought this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FZV9WZ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It is no longer available on Amazon but this should work: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PPQNY3H/ref=dp_cerb_1.

Be aware that the tires are tubeless so the traditional patch kit won't work but there are tubeless kits similar to auto kits.

I've ordered a pump but it hasn't come yet so I can't tell you how good it is.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the links and tip! Regarding the tires -- my impression was that the bikes were "tubeless ready" -- meaning that they initially came with tubes but could be converted to tubeless usage. Are they actually tubeless from initial purchase?

 

[LeftyS7]

Thanks for the links and tip! Regarding the tires -- my impression was that the bikes were "tubeless ready" -- meaning that they initially came with tubes but could be converted to tubeless usage. Are they actually tubeless from initial purchase?

A web search confirms what you thought. Glad you mentioned it. I'll get my tube repair kit from my bike stuff and put it in my saddle bag!

 

[Anna]

Greetings, all! After lots of research and few false starts, my wife and I just picked up our first e-bikes -- an Explore E+ 4 STA for myself and an Amiti E+ 4 for her. (I'm pretty sure we got the last Small Amiti on the US West Coast.) I've been searching the forums and devouring the great information here, but I thought it couldn't hurt to also ask for the group's collective wisdom as we begin our e-bike journey.

To that end, I'd love to get some specific suggestions (and/or forum discussion links) for any of the following...

Your favorite Explore/Amiti-compatible accessories:

1. Rear rack, bags & panniers - mostly for day trips/recreational use, but would also love to have options for smaller grocery-store runs. We are experienced backpackers and might also try bikepacking at some point, but I would prioritize a light-ish, sturdy & versatile rear rack over a bomb-proof one for heavy hauling.
2. Fenders
3. Water-bottle solutions - favorite stem bags, cages, or other options for these step-through bikes without mounting points.
4. Suspension seat posts
5. Locks - I don't think anything would survive overnight in our bike-theft-heavy college town, so mainly looking for daytime options while shopping or having lunch.
6. Day-trip/fix-it kit items - What, in your opinion, must we carry at all times? What's you favorite "nice to have" item?

Tips/links for adding lighting:

1. The Explore lacks an integrated headlight, and I'd like to add one. I've read several lengthy forum threads on this topic, but I'm hoping someone who's actually seen or done it can help direct me to a known-good solution. I successfully added a light to my e-scooter and can do basic wiring & crimping, but I'm not sure how hard this is to do with the Explore E+ 4. (Or if it's just not worth it and it's better to get a self-contained headlight, I'm open to that feedback as well.)
2. Is it possible/worth it to add integrated tail lights? If not, any favorite self-contained tail lights?

Of course, we would also welcome any other tips and suggestions (gear-related or otherwise) -- especially those along the lines of "I wish I had known when I started..."

Thank you!
- Jeff & Lora

Suspension seat posts would be a great addition to your hard tail Ebikes. I tried a Kinekt 2.1 but it lengthened my reach a bit too much. (Liv Vall+e). Settled with the latest Cane Creek Thudbuster ST suspension post. I purchased the extra soft elastomer separately. Amazon should have these. In my humble opinion, the $ is worth it! You two are in for a ‘fun ride.’ Those are nice bikes.

 

[pmcdonald]

Welcome - don't mean to rain on your parade but given your requirements I'd take them back and buy a Trek Allant+ 7S. They come in a couple of frame styles, have 500W batteries, 45kmph motor and all the acccessories you seem to require. Giant seem to have lost their way lately.

Allant+ 7S - Trek Bikes

Discover your next great ride with Allant+ 7S. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

Seriously, how is a 'you should have bought an xyz' post a helpful contribution? If the OP wanted integrated accessories I could think of at least a half dozen totally solid models priced between the E+4 and the Allant (Merida, Cube, Gazelle, Yamaha, etc). True the Trek is about the best looking bike on the market, but it's not going to win any awards as a value proposition.

Your favorite Explore/Amiti-compatible accessories:

1. Rear rack, bags & panniers - mostly for day trips/recreational use, but would also love to have options for smaller grocery-store runs. We are experienced backpackers and might also try bikepacking at some point, but I would prioritize a light-ish, sturdy & versatile rear rack over a bomb-proof one for heavy hauling.
2. Fenders
3. Water-bottle solutions - favorite stem bags, cages, or other options for these step-through bikes without mounting points.
4. Suspension seat posts
5. Locks - I don't think anything would survive overnight in our bike-theft-heavy college town, so mainly looking for daytime options while shopping or having lunch.
6. Day-trip/fix-it kit items - What, in your opinion, must we carry at all times? What's you favorite "nice to have" item?

Tips/links for adding lighting:

1. The Explore lacks an integrated headlight, and I'd like to add one. I've read several lengthy forum threads on this topic, but I'm hoping someone who's actually seen or done it can help direct me to a known-good solution. I successfully added a light to my e-scooter and can do basic wiring & crimping, but I'm not sure how hard this is to do with the Explore E+ 4. (Or if it's just not worth it and it's better to get a self-contained headlight, I'm open to that feedback as well.)
2. Is it possible/worth it to add integrated tail lights? If not, any favorite self-contained tail lights?

Congrats on the purchase! They're great bikes for the money and it's nice to have a huge dealer network backing you up if you travel.

1. I'm not a fan of the MIK system rack Giant have been pushing, unless you really want to use Basil bags. It's obvious but I'd approach it backwards: draw up your load requirements (weight, custom rails, etc) and find a compatible rack. The manufacturer or your Giant dealer can advise on compatibility.
2. Do you ride in the rain much? If so get a pair with good wheel coverage (ie. https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/sks-longboard-mudguard-set/rp-prod68581, just linked as an example of the style, no idea if they fit). Even with similar fenders on my bike I still get spray around the motor from the rear wheel. On wetter streets it's enough to drench my shoes so I wear waterproof shoe covers.
3. Some great suggestions in others posts.
4. The Kinekt and Thudbuster get a lot of love around these parts but on a budget also consider the Suntour NCX.
5. I use an Arbus Bordo 5700 and one of their U-locks in combination, but never leave the bike unattended in a public space. There's dozens of bike safety threads here with hundreds of recommendations but this post sums it up pretty well: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/best-locks-for-ebikes.34493/post-285955
6. I'd say enough to change a tyre (or two) and the tools to adjust your contact points (stem, seat, cockpit accessories like mirror, bell, controller, grips if they lock). My bag includes: various allen keys, 2 spare tubes, hand pump, puncture kit, cable ties, pliers, philips and flathead screwdriver, wet weather gear if rain is forecast). Or just minimise your chance of puncture almost entirely with a combination of tyres, sealant and liners: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/any-puncture-proof-tire-recommendations.34398/.

On the lighting:

1. Integrating a light is possible (see this outstanding thread: https://electricbikereview.com/foru...nt-road-e-1-with-syncdrive-sport-motor.27213/) but sounds tricky.
2. My E+1 has integrated lights. I guess they're nice to have but I find them practically too weak for both daylight car visibility and their ability to light a path at night so I also run a 1W Cygolite Hotshot at the rear and 800 lumen Cateye up front. In 8 years of use (been through several lights and batteries) I've never been bothered by having to charge them every week or remove them when leaving the bike in racks. There's a new generation of rear lights that will auto brake or turn off when the bike is stationary too, which may take some of the arm work out of it.

 

[Grison]

Suspension seat posts would be a great addition to your hard tail Ebikes. I tried a Kinekt 2.1 but it lengthened my reach a bit too much. (Liv Vall+e). Settled with the latest Cane Creek Thudbuster ST suspension post. I purchased the extra soft elastomer separately. Amazon should have these. In my humble opinion, the $ is worth it! You two are in for a ‘fun ride.’ Those are nice bikes.

After my several-mile adventure down a washboarded levee road during the lunch hour today, I'm definitely on board with getting a suspension seat post! Thanks!

 

[Grison]

Seriously, how is a 'you should have bought an xyz' post a helpful contribution? If the OP wanted integrated accessories I could think of at least a half dozen totally solid models priced between the E+4 and the Allant (Merida, Cube, Gazelle, Yamaha, etc). True the Trek is about the best looking bike on the market, but it's not going to win any awards as a value proposition.



Congrats on the purchase! They're great bikes for the money and it's nice to have a huge dealer network backing you up if you travel.

1. I'm not a fan of the MIK system rack Giant have been pushing, unless you really want to use Basil bags. It's obvious but I'd approach it backwards: draw up your load requirements (weight, custom rails, etc) and find a compatible rack. The manufacturer or your Giant dealer can advise on compatibility.
2. Do you ride in the rain much? If so get a pair with good wheel coverage (ie. https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/sks-longboard-mudguard-set/rp-prod68581, just linked as an example of the style, no idea if they fit). Even with similar fenders on my bike I still get spray around the motor from the rear wheel. On wetter streets it's enough to drench my shoes so I wear waterproof shoe covers.
3. Some great suggestions in others posts.
4. The Kinekt and Thudbuster get a lot of love around these parts but on a budget also consider the Suntour NCX.
5. I use an Arbus Bordo 5700 and one of their U-locks in combination, but never leave the bike unattended in a public space. There's dozens of bike safety threads here with hundreds of recommendations but this post sums it up pretty well: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/best-locks-for-ebikes.34493/post-285955
6. I'd say enough to change a tyre (or two) and the tools to adjust your contact points (stem, seat, cockpit accessories like mirror, bell, controller, grips if they lock). My bag includes: various allen keys, 2 spare tubes, hand pump, puncture kit, cable ties, pliers, philips and flathead screwdriver, wet weather gear if rain is forecast). Or just minimise your chance of puncture almost entirely with a combination of tyres, sealant and liners: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/any-puncture-proof-tire-recommendations.34398/.

On the lighting:

1. Integrating a light is possible (see this outstanding thread: https://electricbikereview.com/foru...nt-road-e-1-with-syncdrive-sport-motor.27213/) but sounds tricky.
2. My E+1 has integrated lights. I guess they're nice to have but I find them practically too weak for both daylight car visibility and their ability to light a path at night so I also run a 1W Cygolite Hotshot at the rear and 800 lumen Cateye up front. In 8 years of use (been through several lights and batteries) I've never been bothered by having to charge them every week or remove them when leaving the bike in racks. There's a new generation of rear lights that will auto brake or turn off when the bike is stationary too, which may take some of the arm work out of it.

Thank you for the detailed suggestions and links! Looks like I have some more reading to do.

We probably won't be riding in the rain unless we get caught out (no need to commute), so I was thinking of fenders mostly as insurance against wet streets, puddles, or the occasional surprise shower. It's possible we don't actually need them, but it seems like it couldn't hurt to have some basic ones.

 

[gorse]

Seriously, how is a 'you should have bought an xyz' post a helpful contribution? If the OP wanted integrated accessories I could think of at least a half dozen totally solid models priced between the E+4 and the Allant (Merida, Cube, Gazelle, Yamaha, etc). True the Trek is about the best looking bike on the market, but it's not going to win any awards as a value proposition.



Congrats on the purchase! They're great bikes for the money and it's nice to have a huge dealer network backing you up if you travel.

1. I'm not a fan of the MIK system rack Giant have been pushing, unless you really want to use Basil bags. It's obvious but I'd approach it backwards: draw up your load requirements (weight, custom rails, etc) and find a compatible rack. The manufacturer or your Giant dealer can advise on compatibility.
2. Do you ride in the rain much? If so get a pair with good wheel coverage (ie. https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/sks-longboard-mudguard-set/rp-prod68581, just linked as an example of the style, no idea if they fit). Even with similar fenders on my bike I still get spray around the motor from the rear wheel. On wetter streets it's enough to drench my shoes so I wear waterproof shoe covers.
3. Some great suggestions in others posts.
4. The Kinekt and Thudbuster get a lot of love around these parts but on a budget also consider the Suntour NCX.
5. I use an Arbus Bordo 5700 and one of their U-locks in combination, but never leave the bike unattended in a public space. There's dozens of bike safety threads here with hundreds of recommendations but this post sums it up pretty well: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/best-locks-for-ebikes.34493/post-285955
6. I'd say enough to change a tyre (or two) and the tools to adjust your contact points (stem, seat, cockpit accessories like mirror, bell, controller, grips if they lock). My bag includes: various allen keys, 2 spare tubes, hand pump, puncture kit, cable ties, pliers, philips and flathead screwdriver, wet weather gear if rain is forecast). Or just minimise your chance of puncture almost entirely with a combination of tyres, sealant and liners: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/any-puncture-proof-tire-recommendations.34398/.

On the lighting:

1. Integrating a light is possible (see this outstanding thread: https://electricbikereview.com/foru...nt-road-e-1-with-syncdrive-sport-motor.27213/) but sounds tricky.
2. My E+1 has integrated lights. I guess they're nice to have but I find them practically too weak for both daylight car visibility and their ability to light a path at night so I also run a 1W Cygolite Hotshot at the rear and 800 lumen Cateye up front. In 8 years of use (been through several lights and batteries) I've never been bothered by having to charge them every week or remove them when leaving the bike in racks. There's a new generation of rear lights that will auto brake or turn off when the bike is stationary too, which may take some of the arm work out of it.

Don’t forget the $600 range extender

 

[LeftyS7]

Suspension seat posts would be a great addition to your hard tail Ebikes. I tried a Kinekt 2.1 but it lengthened my reach a bit too much. (Liv Vall+e). Settled with the latest Cane Creek Thudbuster ST suspension post. I purchased the extra soft elastomer separately. Amazon should have these. In my humble opinion, the $ is worth it! You two are in for a ‘fun ride.’ Those are nice bikes.

How does the set back compare with the stock seat post?

 

[pmcdonald]

Don’t forget the $600 range extender

Hmm, the Syncdrive motors are pretty efficient.. I'd see what real world range the OP achieves before considering extenders or additional batteries.

I can get 200km range from my 500W battery on flatish track with Eco support - well more than my bottom can handle atm! Others here have pushed that to 250km. Even 100km range may be more than enough for a comfortable day's bike trekking.

 

[Grison]

Don’t forget the $600 range extender

It's not compatible with these models anyway. I suspect that by the time we are experienced enough to be frustrated by the lack of range, someone will have figured out an innovative solution. If not, we will have enjoyed and learned from these bikes, and will be better informed if we decide to replace them.

 

[Anna]

How does the set back compare with the stock seat post?

On my Liv it was an extra 1 1/2-2 inches with the Kinekt, 1/2 inch with the Thudbuster. Moving the seat too far forward put my knee out of optimum position. In general, and by comparison, I think men have longer torsos.

 

[LeftyS7]

On my Liv it was an extra 1 1/2-2 inches with the Kinekt, 1/2 inch with the Thudbuster. Moving the seat too far forward put my knee out of optimum position. In general, and by comparison, I think men have longer torsos.

Thanks! I'm looking for more set back and a suspension post would be very nice.

 

[LeftyS7]

Checking out the suspension seat posts I see a new problem: no real room to mount anything on the post such as a clamp for a water bottle holder and no room under the seat for a small seat bag. Both essential for me. Is there a way around these issues?

 

[Grison]

What rock have I been hiding under? I've been perfectly happy with the 30-year-old, ~$25, cylindrical suspension seat post on my old mountain bike. (Admittedly it hasn't seen a real trail in years, but for basic bumpiness it always seemed fine.) I have a feeling I've been missing out...

 

[LeftyS7]

What rock have I been hiding under? I've been perfectly happy with the 30-year-old, ~$25, cylindrical suspension seat post on my old mountain bike. (Admittedly it hasn't seen a real trail in years, but for basic bumpiness it always seemed fine.) I have a feeling I've been missing out...

What one do you have, that sounds good to me!

 

[Grison]

What one do you have, that sounds good to me!

It's so old that I don't even know what brand it is. After reading some reviews, I have a feeling the modern styles are indeed more effective, especially at dealing with things like washboarding. The old one mainly served to deal with sudden jolts.