Thought I had made up my mind, but now I'm not sure!

serena1202

New Member
Hi all,

Have been researching e-bikes for almost a year now. It’s a big investment, so I want to make sure I’m picking a bike I’ll be happy with.

I’m looking for a step-thru frame, sitting upright, so a Dutch style bike. I like disc brakes and the internal hubs. I found the Gazelle NL and Easy Flow models to meet those specs and they also seem to be well-reviewed. I included the Easy Flow as an option because of the weight. It’s a little lighter than the NL. Amsterdam Bicycle Company also has a several great options that meet these specs, but I couldn't find any reviews.

I finally reached out to a local store that carries the Gazelle NL / Easy Flow to see if I could test them out before buying only to find they were out of stock and not looking to restock. They were saying people were unhappy with both these models and pointing me toward the Medeo or Arroyo. Stating that the seat on the NL is really high and is a rare fit for riders. And the Easy Flow is better for riders with long legs/special riders only.

While the Medeo is well-reviewed and slightly cheaper, the rim brakes and the derailer were two things I didn’t want. The Arroyo is out of my budget.

Now I feel like I’m back to square one, but also not ready to let go of the options I researched. Does anyone have experience with the NL / Easy Flow? Or perhaps you know of other ebikes with these specs? Really looking for that classic Dutch bike look/feel.

In case it’s helpful, I’m 5’8 (I’m not sure if that’s tall). Existing bicycle commuter on a single speed for the last 15 years (average 50-80 miles a week). Getting older/lazier and looking for an upright e-bike to forego those car trips and a place to put my heavy backpack/groceries.

Thank you!
 
The EasyFlow is a good town bike, particularly for shorter people due to the low stand over height and smaller 26” wheels, the Arroyo is better suited to taller riders due to the 28” wheels. Both are good. I test rode an EasyFlow for a month and was impressed, I liked the torque pedal assist sensor much more than the cadence sensor on my BBS01 kit motor. My review on the Gazelle website https://www.gazellebikes.com/en-us/blog/washington-dc-ambassador here are a bunch of others https://www.gazellebikes.com/en-us/bike-blog?category=Gazelle+EasyFlow
 
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This is great. Thank you both for the feedback. I'll definitely checkout the Townie.

And thank you for sending the links to the blog reviews. I like being able to read through things like this. It's really helpful.
 
If there’s any consistent lesson here it’s support your local bike shop. Also known as LBS. so often buyers choose what are actually good sellers that ship direct to customers and then complain when issues arise and the buyer hasn’t the skill, tools, or brain space to sort problems. Any buyer going direct needs to at least in a multimeter and learn how to use it. YouTube has all the lessons, but more often than not the whiners come here disparging great resellers and their support. The money saved may have been better spent at your LBS. Perhaps it’s a pay now or pay later scenario...
 
Thank you, Dave - will check out the Giant LaFree.

And thanks, Thomas. Not sure what this has to do with my post, but I was planning to purchase locally. Just doing some more research and seeing what other folks think of other options that might be available locally that I can try before purchasing. I'm probably going to have to find a different local store to order from depending on the brand and would love to find a bike shop that doesn't mansplain.
 
Generally I have supported my LBS'es over the years, but when it comes to e-bikes, they don't offer the value available from DTC purveyors, especially those that have established dealer networks. Look at RadPower and Aventon as good examples of a DTC that I can trust and know that I can get local service. Check it out, any bike from RadPower and Aventon would be twice the price from Specialized, Trek, Giant and Cannondale. My point is that it's not an either/or choice like Thomas says, but I do agree that you have to make sure that whatever you buy on-line or DTC, make sure you are comfortable with the after sale support offered.
 
Not sure what this has to do with my post,
Sorry. Just read several posts across 3 forums where buyers are disappointed in the seller rather than understand their choice and accepted responsib. I pulled out the soap box. Unfortunately for others, I have several. <wink>
 
I went with the Radcity Step-thru after researching all the available step thru models. It has all the items I wanted throttle, rear rack without a mounted battery, front and rear lights, fenders and less than $1500. Look forward to trying it out. The Aventon Pace seemed nice too with its speed, but had less features, and didn't like hearing how it jumped to 12 mph when trying to slow start.
 
It's all good!

I've seen a few RadWagons around the city (with 2 kids in tow!) - will check them out. Thanks!
 
Hey @FreeWheelie, I love your username! It sounds like you made a great choice and I hope you enjoy the RadCity. If you're ordering direct online, I've heard that Rad is much easier to assemble than Aventon too, so that's another win in my book.
 
Hey @FreeWheelie, I love your username! It sounds like you made a great choice and I hope you enjoy the RadCity. If you're ordering direct online, I've heard that Rad is much easier to assemble than Aventon too, so that's another win in my book.
Thanks Court. I did watch the assembly video and it looked pretty straight forward. Also like how they give you all the tools!
 
Thank you, Dave - will check out the Giant LaFree.

And thanks, Thomas. Not sure what this has to do with my post, but I was planning to purchase locally. Just doing some more research and seeing what other folks think of other options that might be available locally that I can try before purchasing. I'm probably going to have to find a different local store to order from depending on the brand and would love to find a bike shop that doesn't mansplain.
One thing I like about Giant is that their dealer network is huge. Service and support is usually not too far away.
 
I went with the Radcity Step-thru after researching all the available step thru models. It has all the items I wanted throttle, rear rack without a mounted battery, front and rear lights, fenders and less than $1500. Look forward to trying it out. The Aventon Pace seemed nice too with its speed, but had less features, and didn't like hearing how it jumped to 12 mph when trying to slow start.
Glad to see you made a good decision, enjoy!:)
 
Hey @FreeWheelie, I love your username! It sounds like you made a great choice and I hope you enjoy the RadCity. If you're ordering direct online, I've heard that Rad is much easier to assemble than Aventon too, so that's another win in my book.
In the grand scheme of things, I'm not sure 30 extra minutes to assemble the Aventon Pace would affect my decision. The RadCity is a great choice for you, good luck with it. Rad has built an impressive business with their white label bikes through excellent marketing and after sales support.
 
White label bikes? Still slamming the Rad product? Are you saying you haven't been able to match an Aventon product, or you haven't tried?
 
Sorry your perception is slamming Hicks, i'm just stating the facts. I like the Rad bikes, but they are white label bikes, with great marketing, paid publicity and great support. Many, if not most, of the DTC and on-line bikes are white label, but some seller's don't want you to know that. Interestingly, the Aventon bikes are actually designed and built in California.
 
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