Size and right bike for me?

[karmap]

I am looking to get a electric bike and Juiced looks like a great choice. My current situation. I biked a lot since college(am now 32) but I have had some joint issues and really can't bike as much as I used to. No longer can I do 50 mile ride every weekend, and it sad but maybe an ebike can help. My commute to work is a 15 miles by bike path or 5 miles via roads and a train. An ebike like the Crosscurrent S looks great. I was thinking of getting the 19.2 Ah version as if I am going to spend the money I might as well go for the nicer version. What I don't know which which size to get. I am 5'9" and that is right between the two ranges. Which side would you error on? Also I realize I am asking on the Juiced forum but how does this compare to the RadCity. I am using it all in the city of Denver and am looking for realiabitly. I don't want to mess with stuff and I want a battery that will last a long time. Any help is great! Thanks!

 

[Chris Hammond]

Here is my 2 cents. Either the large or medium frame will probably be fine for you, but if you are concerned, get the medium. You can easily raise the seat to fit your height if the frame is a little small, however, if you have short legs for a 5-9 guy, you are limited by the frame height on lowering the seat on a large. Top tube length is the same on both frames if I recall correctly, thus reach will be the same. I am definitely biased to the CCS, but I am still researching as well. I have looked at Rad bikes. For the price they seem like a good option. A few things to consider, IIRC, Rad bikes are class 2, meaning they are limited to 20 mph assist. The CCS is class 3 and has an off road mode, class 3 is limited to 28 mph assist and off road mode will get you a little over 31 (This is a legal consideration as ebikes are by law limited to 28mph assist, otherwise its a moped). Also, the more you learn about ebikes, the more you will realize, the battery is the most important component. In this case the 14Ah battery on the Rad bikes is likely to leave you dissappointed sooner or later. Many people have advised me to get the biggest battery you can reasonably afford. As far as reliability goes, I have seen reports of issues from every ebike I have researched. Juiced and Rad included. It seems to me that they are both rapidly adapting and addressing quality concerns. Maintain you bike well and you should be fine.

 

[Captain Slow]

What type of bike are you used to riding? I am also 5' 9" and bought the large and would prefer a more stretched out road position. Given how high I have the seat post, I'm guessing that the XL would be a better fit for me. But I can see some like the upright position. But I'm used to road bikes so I prefer a stretched out and more aggressive position.

 

[Chris Hammond]

I am 5-10 and ride a 55 cm road frame. I am planning on getting a large frame CCS. There really aren't many good ebikes on road bike platforms at a reasonable cost IMHO. The CCS is the closest compromise I have found. My plan is to flip the stem on the handlebars to angle down rather than up. This will create a little more aggressive position. You could always get a longer stem, and/or a set back seat post. You could also theoretically put on drop bars, but that would create a multitude of conversion costs and issues (shifters, brakes, throttle, etc.)

 

[Bruce Arnold]

I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam. I can stand flatfooted astride my large-frame CCS, not much room to spare, but it's not uncomfortable. I myself wouldn't mind a little more room, although I'm not unhappy with the large size. Sometimes I wonder if I would have preferred the medium frame, but it's honestly not something I think about much, I'm so happy with the CCS as it is. Definitely go for the largest battery you can afford. you won't regret it. Get the 21 Ah 52 volt battery if you can afford the extra cost, otherwise, yes, by all means get the 19.2 Ah battery. I have the 17.4 Ah battery, no longer offered it seems, and very happy I made the upgrade.

 

[Captain Slow]

Chris, I think I'll go with a longer stem. Although I prefer riding drop bars, I think it would get awkward with all wires and controls. Plus finding a road lever for 9 speed that is also hydraulic disc might be tough to find.

Come to think of it I'd like to get slightly narrower bars because the bars are too wide for my bike locker at work. I have to back in the bike and then angle them. I can get it to fit, but it is a hassle.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

Reid put narrow bars on his CCS. I forget which thread that was in. You might want to find it to see what he did.

 

[Captain Slow]

I saw those bars, way narrower than what I need. I think if the bars were 2" to 4" narrower I'd have no problem at all with my bike locker.

 

[karmap]

What type of bike are you used to riding? I am also 5' 9" and bought the large and would prefer a more stretched out road position. Given how high I have the seat post, I'm guessing that the XL would be a better fit for me. But I can see some like the upright position. But I'm used to road bikes so I prefer a stretched out and more aggressive position.

I do ride a road bike mostly and am used to the more aggressive style. I probably wouldn’t like the most upright position. Sounds like a large might be s better option

For reference my Road bikes are 56cm

 

[Captain Slow]

My Cervelo is a 54 cm which I feel is the correct size. I have a Large CCS and I would prefer a more stretched out position. I think I'll eventually get a longer stem, and narrower bars but a longer stem won't likely make too much difference, though I suppose a negative rise and a longer stem would help.

 

[Captain Slow]

Bruce, there is another thread where owners of the 17.4 ah battery claim that it doesn't fit quite right and that sometimes the power cuts out due to the battery contacts. Have you ever had this problem?

I regret not ordering a larger battery. The stock one serves my needs decently, but after reading all the threads about charging to 80% and I'd also love to ride all the way to work and back in either 3 or S for a fast ride both ways.

The new 21.0 ah battery at 52 volts sounds awesome.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

Bruce, there is another thread where owners of the 17.4 ah battery claim that it doesn't fit quite right and that sometimes the power cuts out due to the battery contacts. Have you ever had this problem?

I regret not ordering a larger battery. The stock one serves my needs decently, but after reading all the threads about charging to 80% and I'd also love to ride all the way to work and back in either 3 or S for a fast ride both ways.

The new 21.0 ah battery at 52 volts sounds awesome.

I've seen those complaints. Fortunately they haven't happened to me. The battery mounts and dismounts perfectly. No power cut-out either.

Question: if a lemon is a vehicle where all the possible manufacturing flaws coalesce into that one vehicle, then what's the opposite, where everything is perfectly to spec? A beaut? I've got a beaut.

I'm not going to worry much about the 80-20 thing and I'll tell you why. Let's say a battery will last for 500 charging cycles. If you charge from 50% to 100%, that's a half-cycle. You should get 1000 half-cycles. If you can ride 25 miles on half a charge - the way I ride, this is a bit conservative - then you should get 25,000 miles before the battery won't hold enough charge. How long will it take any of us to put 25,000 miles on a bicycle? Long before then, I'll have saved the money to buy the latest up-to-datest battery, which will probably have even more energy density than the 52 volt, 21 Ah battery now available.

I feel ya on buying the stock battery. I'm really glad I put the extra money down for the 17.4 Ah. Almost didn't. I'll be saving up for the 52 volt battery for sure.

 

[Reid]

I've come to the same conclusion.

I am running the bike from a full-up charge these days because the range of strong performace if I only 80% or 90% charge is poor.

Full charging is the only way I can get full oomph of the 48V 12.8Ah stock battery.

Am using my bike for errands and pleasure, so ultimate range is not much of an issue.

In a year or so I will budget for a bigger 52V battery and enjoy full performance to the bottom of a charge, performance that 48V does not provide.

Signed,

Another Addict

 

[Reid]

I saw those bars, way narrower than what I need. I think if the bars were 2" to 4" narrower I'd have no problem at all with my bike locker.

You might cut the bars a bit shorter with an inexpensive tubing cutter. However, you can only cut maybe an inch and a half and yet retain room for the bar components, as the bar expands in diameter as it nears the stem. Or, you can fudge things a bit (clamping to expanding portions of the bar and remove about 2" from each end of the bar.

Here is the old thread where I listed the parts needed for the shortest practical straight bar. It is not for everyone, but it remains ideal for my short-trips comfort and city biking practical needs: it lets the bike fit though the tightest of traffic with ease. And it looks good, not freakish, in person.

 

[Asher]

I ride a 58cm CAAD10 road bike. I know it's the right frame size, but the head tube is a little low and strains me a bit. I'm 6'1" with long legs and arms (35" in men's shirt size).

Would the Crosscurrent S XL or the XXL be a better fit? Juiced doesn't post any reach measurements.

 

[Chris Hammond]

You seem squarely in the middle of the XL frame size. You also mention that the head tube seems low on your current roadie, causing some strain. If you get the XXL you are likely going to feel out of position. There are many adjustment you can make to get your riding position right. Many local bike shops will do a custom fitment for about $50. Its money well spent if you can't find a comfortable position on your own. Get the bike that gives you adjustment in both directions not just one.