Stromer ST1X vs Pedego City Commuter

[MAPC]

Thoughts here?

I can't find a Stromer to test anywhere near me so I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone has some experience comparing the two.

STROMER:
- love the App
- love the mid battery (and, from reading reviews, I think I'd like the related balance/center of gravity)
- love the 'like a swiss watch' quality
- like the ability to upgrade battery should I want more range at some point
- found a great demo model for $2000

PEDEGO:
- like the throttle/Class 2 but, again, have not been able to compare to a Class 3
- great local support
- love the 'designed and HQ'd in the US' part
- really like the riding position (also looked at the Interceptor which may be too laid back for me)
- found a nice demo model for $2000 with several upgrades (disc brakes, suspension fork, other small things)

Would love to hear others' experiences....or also anyone to point out anything that I am missing/neglecting to consider in my comparison.

 

[MAPC]

That is correct.....my questions were more about the Stromer since I have not been able to ride one. I think I understand the Pedego pretty well.

 

[YTOUY]

If I were in your situation, I would take the train to NYC and head to Propel in Brooklyn. The shop carries Stromer ebikes, including the ST1X. Good luck.

 

[MAPC]

Yeah---

If I were in your situation, I would take the train to NYC and head to Propel in Brooklyn. The shop carries Stromer ebikes, including the ST1X. Good luck.

I was planning to do that tomorrow but it appears that they are not open on Sundays

 

[Cohiba777]

I went thru the same thing in the spring and also was looking at Gazelle. I like all three. They’re top of the line and name brand. I ended up with Pedego mainly because the shop is close. They’ve really dialed in the design and just keep refining it. Built like a tank (weighs like a tank too) but hey...all Ebikes are heavy. I haven’t looked back wishing I had purchased a Stromer or Gazelle Other than like a lot of people you start “collecting“ them. The battery placement isn’t an issue and i get more range than I need. I picked Pedego mainly because of their business/service model. Almost every pedego store is independently owned by a retiree. They have a lot invested in ensuring you’re a happy rider. I be gone to other cities when traveling and the local pedego store lets me check out a bike for a few hours to ride....

 

[MAPC]

I went thru the same thing in the spring and also was looking at Gazelle. I like all three. They’re top of the line and name brand. I ended up with Pedego mainly because the shop is close. They’ve really dialed in the design and just keep refining it. Built like a tank (weighs like a tank too) but hey...all Ebikes are heavy. I haven’t looked back wishing I had purchased a Stromer or Gazelle Other than like a lot of people you start “collecting“ them. The battery placement isn’t an issue and i get more range than I need. I picked Pedego mainly because of their business/service model. Almost every pedego store is independently owned by a retiree. They have a lot invested in ensuring you’re a happy rider. I be gone to other cities when traveling and the local pedego store lets me check out a bike for a few hours to ride....

Great reply- thank you. Which Pedego did you end up with? I found what appears to be a great deal on a Ridge Rider that is tempting me to go more aggressive than the Interceptor that I have been eyeing....

ALSO- I, too, like Pedego because of the local dealer who has been GREAT.

 

[Cohiba777]

City Commuter Black edition. I really (really really) wanted a Riese Muller or Gazelle. My wife and I were in Tucson visiting and needed a break so I took her to the Pedego store. TUS has a 130 mile loop along the river and the store is perfectly located to ride as far or short as you want. We did a test ride and then rented a couple bikes for 4 hours. I’ve never been able to get my wife excited about biking. After the 4 hour ride she was pretty jazzed (I didn’t tell her about the throttle until the last hour). A couple days later she wanted to do it again for a longer ride. I was very surprised and on the way back we stopped at a cool coffee shop. She was ready to pull the trigger on buying. She really liked the owner and his wife and ended going on a ride with her. I said I traveled a lot and he clued me into the Pedego store listing and every place I’ve been, they graciously give me a bike. I ordered from the TUS store and the two bikes showed up at my house about a week later. i literally had to screw in the pedals and insert the handlebars (cables already hooked up).I took my bike in to the pedego store in Boulder and the owner oohed and ahhhd about the Commuter Black and I told him I felt a little guilty about not buying local. He asked where and I told him the TUS store. He knew the owners (they’re all very connected) and asked if my wife road with owners wife. So....my experience has been stellar. I still covet a RM and am looking at a mountain bike. And once again I’m in a quandary. Pedego makes a great Mtn/gravel bike but I want to try out a couple other manufacturer. In the end I’ll probably get another Pedego.

 

[MAPC]

City Commuter Black edition. I really (really really) wanted a Riese Muller or Gazelle. My wife and I were in Tucson visiting and needed a break so I took her to the Pedego store. TUS has a 130 mile loop along the river and the store is perfectly located to ride as far or short as you want. We did a test ride and then rented a couple bikes for 4 hours. I’ve never been able to get my wife excited about biking. After the 4 hour ride she was pretty jazzed (I didn’t tell her about the throttle until the last hour). A couple days later she wanted to do it again for a longer ride. I was very surprised and on the way back we stopped at a cool coffee shop. She was ready to pull the trigger on buying. She really liked the owner and his wife and ended going on a ride with her. I said I traveled a lot and he clued me into the Pedego store listing and every place I’ve been, they graciously give me a bike. I ordered from the TUS store and the two bikes showed up at my house about a week later. i literally had to screw in the pedals and insert the handlebars (cables already hooked up).I took my bike in to the pedego store in Boulder and the owner oohed and ahhhd about the Commuter Black and I told him I felt a little guilty about not buying local. He asked where and I told him the TUS store. He knew the owners (they’re all very connected) and asked if my wife road with owners wife. So....my experience has been stellar. I still covet a RM and am looking at a mountain bike. And once again I’m in a quandary. Pedego makes a great Mtn/gravel bike but I want to try out a couple other manufacturer. In the end I’ll probably get another Pedego.

Great story- thanks for sharing it. I have been incredibly happy with my local Pedego dealer here in CT.....one of the two options (the Interceptor) is a demo model from him but the RR is a private sale (which, like your story above, I feel a bit guilty about).

I loved the City Commuter as well....and would definitely still consider one...but I am focused on demo's or slightly used models to get closer to what I am setting my 'first' eBike purchase to be no more than $2000. Both or the ones I am looking at can be had for that.....and I haven't found any 'preloved' CC's as yet.

 

[AHicks]

Just going to mention a personal preference of my own, and that's that I prefer my bikes to carry the battery inside the "triangle". It makes for less height to swing my leg over, and when the bike is pulled over while mounting and dismounting, it seems like the bike is balanced better. Not as tippy when on the kick stand either.

 

[MAPC]

City Commuter Black edition. I really (really really) wanted a Riese Muller or Gazelle. My wife and I were in Tucson visiting and needed a break so I took her to the Pedego store. TUS has a 130 mile loop along the river and the store is perfectly located to ride as far or short as you want. We did a test ride and then rented a couple bikes for 4 hours. I’ve never been able to get my wife excited about biking. After the 4 hour ride she was pretty jazzed (I didn’t tell her about the throttle until the last hour). A couple days later she wanted to do it again for a longer ride. I was very surprised and on the way back we stopped at a cool coffee shop. She was ready to pull the trigger on buying. She really liked the owner and his wife and ended going on a ride with her. I said I traveled a lot and he clued me into the Pedego store listing and every place I’ve been, they graciously give me a bike. I ordered from the TUS store and the two bikes showed up at my house about a week later. i literally had to screw in the pedals and insert the handlebars (cables already hooked up).I took my bike in to the pedego store in Boulder and the owner oohed and ahhhd about the Commuter Black and I told him I felt a little guilty about not buying local. He asked where and I told him the TUS store. He knew the owners (they’re all very connected) and asked if my wife road with owners wife. So....my experience has been stellar. I still covet a RM and am looking at a mountain bike. And once again I’m in a quandary. Pedego makes a great Mtn/gravel bike but I want to try out a couple other manufacturer. In the end I’ll probably get another Pedego.

I’ve been trying to find a Gazelle locally but the dealer near me sent them all back to Gazelle for the ‘season’.

I have not had a chance to deride any class 3 bikes and want to try one before pulling the trigger on a throttle bike. I really like the throttle but, to be fair, I have nothing to compare to.

 

[Cohiba777]

I find the utility in using a throttle is when at a stop light and starting to cross the street. Normally you start pedaling slowly and build up speed. You’re a bit wobbly on those first couple cranks. With a throttle, I goose it slightly and then start pedaling. I’m normally at full speed before I’m halfway across the intersection. Overall I feel it enhances safety because the cars next to me see me at the stop (hopefully) and I’m still in their periphery as I cross. Personally I feel much more comfortable crossing streets in this manner.

Gazelle’s are amazing bikes. I fly to the Netherlands on a regular basis and they are everywhere there (of course). I went over to the Gazelle HQ unannounced and just wanted to see. It’s a very old and established company but balances that tradition with making a perfect bike. Everyone in Amsterdam uses step thru’s to eliminate the leg over thing. Everyone has a basket on the front or back and the bike is really a utility thing for them. one of the executives came out to greet me and grabbed a couple bikes and we took a ride. The Gazelle commuters are perfectly designed. Cafe locks, fantastic fenders and crazy durable (just look up Amsterdam and bikes and you’ll see thousands of them parked at the train station).

Everyone is making an e-bike now and while it’s not rocket science, it is complicated. One can get wrapped up in the technical aspects and nuances of the technology but in the end I stick with well established companies whenever I make a sizable purchase. I don’t need the product to last forever but I want to know that in 3-5 years there’s someone I can take it in for repair. And then there is always that thing where one bike is perfect for one person and fits like an expensive glove but is totally wrong for another. I decided to go with a step thru upright for my everyday ride and I’m very happy with it. I keep fiddling with the handlebars to get them perfect but I’m already looking at a gravel bike for trail riding in Colorado. For me the search is as much fun as the ride and it really makes me think about granular things I would never normally think about. Sometimes I decide they’re important and sometimes I just move on. Have fun...life’s too short and if you can get a smoking hot deal on a slightly used bike, take it. If you’re not happy with it after a few months, sell it and move on.

 

[GregGritton]

Gazelle’s are amazing bikes... I decided to go with a step thru upright for my everyday ride and I’m very happy with it. I keep fiddling with the handlebars to get them perfect but I’m already looking at a gravel bike for trail riding in Colorado.

I own a Gazelle Arroyo C8 and have ridden it on gravel roads and some trails. While it might not replace a mountain bike I expect it should be able to cover what a gravel bike would. At least I find it far better on gravel roads than my road bike was.

 

[6zfshdb]

Thoughts here?

I can't find a Stromer to test anywhere near me so I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone has some experience comparing the two.

STROMER:
- love the App
- love the mid battery (and, from reading reviews, I think I'd like the related balance/center of gravity)
- love the 'like a swiss watch' quality
- like the ability to upgrade battery should I want more range at some point
- found a great demo model for $2000

PEDEGO:
- like the throttle/Class 2 but, again, have not been able to compare to a Class 3
- great local support
- love the 'designed and HQ'd in the US' part
- really like the riding position (also looked at the Interceptor which may be too laid back for me)
- found a nice demo model for $2000 with several upgrades (disc brakes, suspension fork, other small things)

Would love to hear others' experiences....or also anyone to point out anything that I am missing/neglecting to consider in my comparison.

Thoughts here?

I can't find a Stromer to test anywhere near me so I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone has some experience comparing the two.

STROMER:
- love the App
- love the mid battery (and, from reading reviews, I think I'd like the related balance/center of gravity)
- love the 'like a swiss watch' quality
- like the ability to upgrade battery should I want more range at some point
- found a great demo model for $2000

PEDEGO:
- like the throttle/Class 2 but, again, have not been able to compare to a Class 3
- great local support
- love the 'designed and HQ'd in the US' part
- really like the riding position (also looked at the Interceptor which may be too laid back for me)
- found a nice demo model for $2000 with several upgrades (disc brakes, suspension fork, other small things)

Would love to hear others' experiences....or also anyone to point out anything that I am missing/neglecting to consider in my comparison.

I drove a great many miles visiting bike shops when ebike shopping. On one such trip I test rode a Stromer STX Comfort which was added to my short list. Eventually, it came down to a choice between the STX Comfort and Pedego Platinum Interceptor Step Thru. None of the bikes I test rode had all the features I wanted and some had those I didn't need. Even though I liked the balance, better stability and detail quality of the Stromer, I ultimately chose the Pedego because of it's 2 year warranty and it was the easiest to modify to fit my needs.

For what it's worth, these are the main points that affected my decision:

The Pedego has a throttle which at first I thought I didn't need. Now, I wouldn't be without one.

The Stromer had a better, more comfortable handlebar position but swapping the cruiser style bars on the Pedego with Jones H bars was an easy upgrade.

Since I ride mostly gravel trails, I liked the front suspension of the Pedego.

I frequently ride in areas where the e-bike laws are in a state of flux. I never know from one week to the next if I'm legal or not. The downtube battery on the Stromer made it obvious it was an ebike whereas the rear rack battery on the Pedego was more "stealthy", especially when using panniers. Moving the 8# battery to the rear made a noticeable difference in balance but to me, the added stealth made it worth the sacrifice.

The Pedego dealers were the friendliest by far of all I visited. Pedego was also willing to ship warranty repair parts directly to me without involving a dealer.

 

[MAPC]

I drove a great many miles visiting bike shops when ebike shopping. One one such trip I test rode an Stromer STX Comfort which was added to my short list. Eventually, it came down to a choice between the STX Comfort and Pedego Platinum Interceptor Step Thru. None of the bikes I test rode had all the features I wanted and some had those I didn't need. Even though I liked the balance, better stability and detail quality of the Stromer, I ultimately chose the Pedego because of it's 2 year warranty and it was the easiest to modify to fit my needs.

For what it's worth, these are the main points that affected my decision:

The Pedego has a throttle which at first I thought I didn't need. Now, I wouldn't be without one.

The Stromer had a better, more comfortable handlebar position but swapping the cruiser style bars on the Pedego with Jones H bars was an easy upgrade.

Since I ride mostly gravel trails, I liked the front suspension of the Pedego.

I frequently ride in areas where the e-bike laws are in a state of flux. I never know from one week to the next if I'm legal or not. The downtube battery on the Stromer made it obvious it was an ebike whereas the rear rack battery on the Pedego was more "stealthy", especially when using panniers. Moving the 8# battery to the rear made a noticeable difference in balance but to me, the added stealth made it worth the sacrifice.

The Pedego dealers were the friendliest by far of all I visited. Pedego was also willing to ship warranty repair parts directly to me without involving a dealer.

Great insight. Thank you. I agree that the Pedego dealers are awesome.