tons of research later, here's the ebike I got

[LostCat]

Finally chose my first e-bike and did a video about it to help others who are in heavy research mode. This is the Qualisports DOLPHIN folding e-bike w/battery is in the seat post. AND it has a throttle. Avg 30 miles PAS.

Here's some footage of set up, first ride and the custom add-ons that made it even better:

links:
Bike on Amazon https://amzn.to/34JibBa
Comfort seat https://amzn.to/2REtFAn
Bike alarm https://amzn.to/2V7TL0Q
handlebar mirror. https://amzn.to/2XzEmIf
Mirricycle https://amzn.to/2VcHict
Seat suspension https://amzn.to/3a8zoF5



These are all mods I bought and made that made the Dolphin even more enjoyable. Someone pointed out I need to add an FTC for Amazon associates as I listed the links above, so here goes:


*FTC Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn credits from qualifying purchases. This means if you order an item through the links on this page, I get a percentage as a referral recommendation. Only products personally tested are recommended.

 

[rich c]

What's going on with the chain in those pictures? That's a ton of slack!

 

[PDXzap]

That's a ton of slack!

The chain has fallen off.

 

[goldconch]

The Dolphin checks lots of boxes as a starting package.

Users may find they need: upgraded pedals/seat, rear derailleur guard, chain guide, battery/seat retention strap, and with the speed at full throttle, an 11t rear freewheel gear.

 

[Marcela]

Looks robust. Gonna need a basket for the cat.

 

[rkracketeer]

Congrats, we have his and her Dolphins for about 2.5 weeks now, we think they are great. Nice review, although my chain has never fallen off either bike when folding. Maybe check the derailleur tension adjustment.

Feel free to check out my post on the Dolphins, a great member added a video on how to use the bike computer.

Happy e-biking!

 

[Onnie]

chain looked tight at beginning of ride, got lose after u rode awhile?

 

[LostCat]

Yes as mentioned in the review, the chain has fallen on me twice in the folding process. I need to improve my technique!

 

[Onnie]

my tiger's too big to ride onboard lol!

 

[LostCat]

Looks robust. Gonna need a basket for the cat.

Marcela: You are a fortune teller! Got basket for Henry...

 

[LostCat]

The Dolphin checks lots of boxes as a starting package.

Users may find they need: upgraded pedals/seat, rear derailleur guard, chain guide, battery/seat retention strap, and with the speed at full throttle, an 11t rear freewheel gear.

Thanks for the suggestions. I did immediately upgrade the seat to a suspension V bar and so worth it.

Please explain the rear freewheel need. Is this a safety issue?

 

[LostCat]

Henry has the annoyed cat eye thing going.

Here is one of my dogs in a bike basket several years ago, time flies.

View attachment 56688

Sorry, couldn't resist.

So adorable! As I recall, Henry had his eye on a chipmunk in my backyard. The basket seems to be enough disguise they come out unaware he is peeking at them from his throne.

 

[goldconch]

Please explain the rear freewheel need. Is this a safety issue?

I suppose it's more of a comfortable speed gyroscopic stability thing. When on flat ground, at power assist 5, the 14t Shimano "top gear" pedal cadence is a bit frantic and unstable >25mph. Replacing with an 11t freewheel provides a 22% taller gear ratio and should allow some mechanical participation by the rider at PA5.

Before you do anything though, have a chat with Henry to see if he's down with going 30mph in the front basket.

 

[Over50]

Those slowpoke cats need to watch out for the tailgating dogs in their big pickup trucks.

 

[LostCat]

yes I think that is exactly what he is doing!

 

[Mr. Coffee]

 

[TomD]

Bike on Amazon https://amzn.to/34JibBa
Comfort seat https://amzn.to/2REtFAn
Bike alarm https://amzn.to/2V7TL0Q
handlebar mirror. https://amzn.to/2XzEmIf
Mirricycle https://amzn.to/2VcHict
Seat suspension https://amzn.to/3a8zoF5

That's a mouthful of Amazon affiliate links. FWIW you are violating the affiliate program terms by not disclosing: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GHQNZAU6669EZS98

 

[goldconch]

I figure this is @LostCat's own thread about her bike journey, and the mods she's undertaken with links. I don't think there is any commercial agenda to this. The links are super helpful for anyone that comes along later.

There's also a growing compendium of cute animals enjoying wholesome basket excursions, which can't be bad...carry on I say.

 

[TomD]

There is a disclosure on her website although not sure why the claim is it's only a few cents (full fee schedule here). You can see why there is an incentive to promote a $1200 bike on social media for a 3% referral. Nothing wrong with affiliate links per se, but amazon requires disclosure or you risk termination from the program.

 

[goldconch]

What website is that?

...and a happy pig in a basket