Stromer ST1 or Haibike Sduro Trekking?

[Riding High]

Hi: I have been looking into ebikes in preparation of demo at the end of the month for geometry and fit.

I am a big and tall rider (Clydesdale) whose knees are telling him that a little help on hills would be appreciated. I live in the mountains and ride mostly paved (80%) but some gravel, not looking to mtb with ebike. Would like to do one bike tour a year (staying in hotels and only doing 30-50 miles a day). I want a power system that is likely to be in business for the next 10 years.

Thus far, I am focusing on the STI and SDURO Trekking. One of the distinguishing features is the location of the drive (Haibike center/Bosch 500w 10 speed and Stromer rear 630w/ 27 sp Class 3).

Opinions on these bikes and their match with my needs?

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Sduro Trekking would suit your needs better.
While the Stromer has enough power and speed, it is not made for gravel/light off-road use.

The 27.5" wheels and wide Super Moto tires on the trekking would help you do some light off-road and even touring. Since the front and rear wheels are just like any bicycle, when you're touring, fixing flat would be easier.

 

[Riding High]

As I have been diving deeper into the bikes, the Haibike options of Yamaha and Bosch motor/batteries is a bit of a curiosity for me. I am working to understand the benefits of each and why Haibike offers both, partly price I guess. I would like to be able to have the system off for regular bike trails that are flat for periods of time to expand range, so I am researching which is friendlier for that use. I am pretty confident in Bosch's likelihood of being in the ebike drive/battery business over time, haven't developed an opinion on Yamaha yet.

Thoughts? Still considering the Stromer but am trying to sort out the Haibike models right now.

 

[Nova Haibike]

I am pretty confident in Bosch's likelihood of being in the ebike drive/battery business over time, haven't developed an opinion on Yamaha yet.

Although Yamaha came in after Bosch with their performance mid-drive, they have been making electric systems for bicycles for 25 years. Now with the entrance of their own branded bikes, I have little doubt about them closing up shop.

 

[Riding High]

Nova, can you speak to what it is like trying to ride the Haibike with Yamaha w/o battery?

 

[Bicyclista]

... the Haibike options of Yamaha and Bosch motor/batteries is a bit of a curiosity for me. I am working to understand the benefits of each and why Haibike offers both, partly price I guess. I would like to be able to have the system off for regular bike trails that are flat for periods of time to expand range, so I am researching which is friendlier for that use...

Price is a differentiator, but also the Yamaha and Bosch systems each offer a different kind of pedal assist. If you are a high-cadence (90 RPM+) rider, go with Bosch. If you are a low-cadence (60 - 90 RPM) rider, as I am, go with Yamaha. The Bosch system continues to support your pedaling at high cadence, whereas the Yamaha tends to peter out beyond 100 RPM. But the Yamaha system provides very high torque at low speeds, enabling quick starts from a stop.

Pedaling my Haibike Sduro AllMtn Plus with the motor off is a chore. With rack and panniers full of photo equipment, my bike probably weighs more than 60 lbs. The Trekking would probably be slightly easier to pedal with the motor off, given its more slender wheels and tires, compared to my bike. You can always use it in ECO+ mode, which is minimal motor assist. It will extend your range considerably, compared to HIGH mode.

 

[Nova Haibike]

Nova, can you speak to what it is like trying to ride the Haibike with Yamaha w/o battery?

I did a 30 mile ride earlier this week; the first 10 miles I rode with the motor completely disengaged. It rides like a normal bike...but it rides like a heavy normal bike.

 

[Riding High]

I am definitely a low cadence rider 60-70 RPM

 

[Riding High]

Bought a SDURO Trekking 6.0, started a thread for getting to know the bike. Thanks for the advice. I feel good about the choice.