Should I buy in Seattle or Denver?

[Pablohoney]

Hey all, I'm moving next week from Seattle to Denver and I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy my first ebike and use it as my main mode of transport. So I have come to ask at what city I should buy in, Seattle or Denver? I'm asking because maybe I can have something on my bike in Seattle that a shop in Denver might not be able to for legal reasons or otherwise. I'm not even sure about the ethics of that and how others might feel so I'm hoping you all can help. Thanks for reading and hope to here from you soon. bye

 

[Over50]

I would say buy in Denver so you don't have to move the bike and more importantly, as you mention, you have the service after the sale from a Denver area shop with the associated local knowledge. But on the other hand, if you have an idea of what makes/models you are interested in and there isn't availability in Denver then you should buy in Seattle. I would think the Seattle area would be rich in e-bike representation and you'd be able to get most of the top brands there. The issue where I live is that many of the top end manufacturers are not represented. Despite living in a major metro area, I have pretty limited access to brands and to try something like an Ohm or a Haibike I pretty much have to plan a long drive to someplace like Chicago, Toronto etc.

 

[Pablohoney]

That's pretty good info. I also think the expertise edge would go to Seattle being so hilly but you are right, I should buy in Denver, if for no other reason than to establish a relationship for when I need to take the bike in for work. Thanks.

 

[JRA]

Stop in Portland and get what you want there. No sales tax! I recommend the Ebike Store, Wakes the man! You should be able to get service in D, just play the I just moved here card at the bike shop closest to you and get in good with them for service.

 

[mrgold35]

I think I would wait until I get to Denver and figure out my daily routine for work, evening/weekend fun, errands, etc... So many factors that might influence your final ebike choice like:
- no elevator if you stay in a apt/condo (very hard carrying a +60lbs ebike up +2 flights of stairs)
- can you store/secure indoors or outdoors at home or work
- access to power at work
- little to no bike lanes/paths, have to share the roads or sidewalks
- some paved bike only paths don't allow ebikes (like the walk/jog/bike only paths near downtown around all the sports stadiums)
- heavy traffic, it might not be (e)bike friendly in places or at certain times
- weather, you get all four seasons in colorado with a quite a few days of extreme weather. You can have different weather in every part of town at the same time (snow in the mountains, sleet in the foothills, rain in west suburbs, and sunshine on the far east side in May).
- access to public transport if the extreme weather hits

 

[Larry Ganz]

Good advice above - wait to buy in Denver and support to "new" local economy and see what your needs are there.