Torn between two bikes

[Johnny]

Both Cadent and Lore are really good bikes for their prices however as Ravi suggested Lore is coming with very good components and a much more expensive Bosch system with 500wh battery. You may feel like $700 difference is a lot but in fact it is very little for the extras you get.

Trek sells Super commuter 8+ for $5200 and Lore seems to be better than that bike (it comes with a good front suspension fork and the same motor/battery) minus rack, fenders, light which you can install them when you need them for around $200 or less.

In the long run Lore will be a better experience.

Whichever you choose enjoy your new ride.

 

[Aisakura7]

Both Cadent and Lore are really good bikes for their prices however as Ravi suggested Lore is coming with very good components and a much more expensive Bosch system with 500wh battery. You may feel like $700 difference is a lot but in fact it is very little for the extras you get.

Trek sells Super commuter 8+ for $5200 and Lore seems to be better than that bike (it comes with a good front suspension fork and the same motor/battery) minus rack, fenders, light which you can install them when you need them for around $200 or less.

In the long run Lore will be a better experience.

Whichever you choose enjoy your new ride.

Thanks for the response! I think that’s where I’m leaning to but figured I’d give the Cadent a fair try. I’m still a little bummed the Lore doesn’t come with fenders, rack or lights but I didn’t realize it would be only about $200 to get those things on over time, so that’s encouraging. Replacement batteries for the Cadent are $500 but for the lore are $800 so that kind of stinks but I think your paying more for a bigger / better battery. Oh and the lore doesn’t have a kick stand! For some reason that’s really bumming me out something so simple like that lol. But I did find a cheap clamp on one on amazon which may work

I’ll keep you all posted for sure!

 

[TrevorB]

Checkout SmartMotion X-City. If you can find US dealer.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

You asked about lights in another thread, so I thought of replying to yours.

You could install some really bright lights that run off the main battery. You would need a light cable like this: https://shop-usa.scooteretti.com/products/bosch-light-cable

And get this powerful light. It's the best light under $80 and runs off the main battery.
https://www.lezyne.com/product-led-ebike-macro1000.php

Show this video to your mechanic and he could get the job done in 30 minutes.

Here are some good rack options for your Lore iE bike.

Racktime: https://www.racktime.com/en/racktime-products/ (Scroll below for racks and other accessories; racktime makes great products.) You could get your pannier and rack from them and they would work seamlessly.

Ortleib: They have some neat products too: https://ortliebusa.com/product-category/tubus/rear-racks/

AXIOM : lots of options, cheaper than the above 2 and really good product.
https://www.axiomgear.com/products/racks/

 

[Bruce Arnold]

Got back in touch with our local shop - He said the Cadent came in yesterday and they have it ready for me to test ride (currently in the middle of a huge storm so tomorrow I'll pop in). He said it shouldn't be a problem to get the Lore in if i test ride the Cadent and really prefer the comfort of the lore with the bosch motor. Huzzah!

You guys rock, thank you so much for all your help and advice. If I'm not a fan of the $1700 Cadent I'll stretch my budget a bit more and go with the $2400 Lore - and i'm pretty happy with both of those options thanks to you guys.

Regardless... my new steed shall be named, "Two-Mortgage-Payments-But-Thats-Okay-Treat-Yoself-2019"

I'll be sure to post pictures

It will pay your investment back, sooner than you think, in so many ways!

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Thanks for the response! I think that’s where I’m leaning to but figured I’d give the Cadent a fair try. I’m still a little bummed the Lore doesn’t come with fenders, rack or lights but I didn’t realize it would be only about $200 to get those things on over time, so that’s encouraging. Replacement batteries for the Cadent are $500 but for the lore are $800 so that kind of stinks but I think your paying more for a bigger / better battery. Oh and the lore doesn’t have a kick stand! For some reason that’s really bumming me out something so simple like that lol. But I did find a cheap clamp on one on amazon which may work

I’ll keep you all posted for sure!

What bike did you end up with and how are you liking it?

 

[Aisakura7]

What bike did you end up with and how are you liking it?

Ended up with the lore but there was an issue with our LBS and Raleigh so they had to reorder it... hopefully it’ll be in in a few weeks! I promise to post an update once I get it

 

[WalkinTarget]

Heh, Ravi and JR should get a commission for keeping this girl on the straight and narrow path to biking bliss ! I'm just amazed at how many hurdles she has encountered. We have stressed it already, but let me add it just in case you glossed over it .. DO NOT SETTLE for a lesser bike than what you deserve.

I had 2k budgeted for a fat bike, and while I waited for MONTHS for it to come back in stock, I had more time to reflect on what I ultimately would be putting miles on, and I created a thread just like you, got some great advice from Ravi, and I ended up buying an ebike that was a completely different animal than what I originally wanted. No fat tires, no huge motor .. I myself was shocked when I actually pulled the trigger on the sale. I also blew my budget by a good bit, but I did not settle on what I bought.

It's been 9 months since I bought it, and I am so grateful I took the advice suggested on here. Its a perfect bike for my types of trails, and while I still feel I need to scratch my fat bike itch (just one ride on one to let me know that it's not what I hoped it would be), it was more of a conversation starter for me than the proper tool for the job. My Haibike SDuro IS the proper tool for my riding. Lastly, the hoops I had to jump through to actually BUY my bike remind me of where you are now ... it took over 10 calls to different dealers on both coasts, numerous emails, even a purchased ebike that I fielded a call for the next day from the shop owner telling me the bike I bought was not in fact available to ship to me .. been there, done that. But, I eventually got what I wanted, and it was worth it.

 

[LimboJim]

Thanks for the reply! Our Local bike guy said that the throttle option is actually illegal here in Massachusetts. Any type of a throttle or boost button I guess. I definitely need to learn how to shift better, hopefully the more time I spend on the bike the better I get at it. I think the raleigh is in the lead just because it will be from a local shop to us so we'll have the support down the line if we need it. If I end up riding it when it comes in and just can't warm up to the Tansx system the Trek will be back on the drawing board lol


Thanks again for all your help / advice!

Howdy from Western MA!

Throttles aren't illegal in MA, they simply make ebikes Class 2 as long as assistance stops at 20mph. Technically we don't have the 3-Class ebike law in place here yet, but I just learned it's in committee and will likely be voted on soon.

 

[Aisakura7]

Howdy from Western MA!

Throttles aren't illegal in MA, they simply make ebikes Class 2 as long as assistance stops at 20mph. Technically we don't have the 3-Class ebike law in place here yet, but I just learned it's in committee and will likely be voted on soon.

Hey neighbor!

Oh man, I really hope it goes in our favor because the Lore I’m waiting on is a class 3..... ?

 

[ebikemom]

Class 3 will not have a throttle, though. Throttles are only on bikes limited to 20mph. I think the rationale is to avoid creating a new class of slow motorcycles. Meanwhile, allowing throttles on slower (20mph) limited ebikes opens up cycling to folks who have limited pedaling ability, like folks with limb issues, neuropathy, COPD or cardiac problems, or balance issues that make pedal assist a challenge.

 

[LimboJim]

Class 3 will not have a throttle, though. Throttles are only on bikes limited to 20mph. I think the rationale is to avoid creating a new class of slow motorcycles. Meanwhile, allowing throttles on slower (20mph) limited ebikes opens up cycling to folks who have limited pedaling ability, like folks with limb issues, neuropathy, COPD or cardiac problems, or balance issues that make pedal assist a challenge.

I could be wrong, but I believe Class 3s can be throttled or not, the main difference being their 28 mph assisted capacity.

 

[LimboJim]

Hey neighbor!

Oh man, I really hope it goes in our favor because the Lore I’m waiting on is a class 3..... ?

It's almost sure to pass in Mass, but Class 3 bikes will probably not be legal on bike paths, throttled or not. You'll be fine on the road, though.

My main issue with all the states - including ours - that are passing 3 class laws is that they're excluding "natural surfaces," which is where I ride 90% of the time.

What that means is that land managers of MTB trails will consider my Class 1 eMTBs "motorized." I'll only be able to (legally) ride alongside ATVs and motocross bikes, breathing in their exhaust while I'm huffing and puffing up hills!

Anyone from MA that wants to get natural surfaces included in Class 1 category should call their legislators soonly!

 

[Toomanycats]

It's almost sure to pass in Mass, but Class 3 bikes will probably not be legal on bike paths, throttled or not. You'll be fine on the road, though.

My main issue with all the states - including ours - that are passing 3 class laws is that they're excluding "natural surfaces," which is where I ride 90% of the time.

What that means is that land managers of MTB trails will consider my Class 1 eMTBs "motorized." I'll only be able to (legally) ride alongside ATVs and motocross bikes, breathing in their exhaust while I'm huffing and puffing up hills!

Anyone from MA that wants to get natural surfaces included in Class 1 category should call their legislators soonly!

I ordered a Lore from Propel Bike shop. I’m really excited about getting it. I was very concerned about the class 3 restriction on bike paths. I think the restriction was ill considered by People For Bikes. If I buy a Ferrari, I can drive at 150mph, but I can also drive it anywhere- on any public road, or any private road where any other motor vehicle is allowed. If I don’t drive sensibly and follow the speed limits, then I will be in trouble with the law. Nobody says “You’re capable of going 150 mph, so you can’t drive in front of a school where children are present” for example.
Anyhoo, My bike shop researched the issue with Bosch, and there is a fix that would allow the motor to be restricted to 20mph, making it a class one bike. So there’s that.
I don’t plan on riding the Lore at 28mph. I plan on riding about half that speed. Not because I don’t feel that people should ride at 28mph- I love riding fast- but because I just don’t have the bike handling skills right now.

 

[Aisakura7]

Hello everyone! Picked up my new steed last night! What a DREAM! I will eventually need to upgrade the saddle as this one isn't too comfortable for my bum for an extended period of time, but man, what a difference. I'm so happy I listened to all of your suggestions and snagged this, totally different, bike!

It was only 12F outside with wind gusts of 60MPH but that didn't stop me from taken her on a quick maiden stroll. One of the biggest things I wanted an electric assist bike was to be able to bike out of my driveway and up my extremely hilly and steep incline of a road. It was an absolute dream bombing out of my driveway yesterday! Once we get a small patch of nice weather and less snow I'll take her for a good ride and give a solid update and review on it. The motor is an absolute dream compared to the Transx, and I'm not sure if it was the crazy wind but I could barely hear the motor working.

Again, thanks everyone for all your guidance, suggestions and advice! She's a real beaut!

 

[erider_61]

Class 3 will not have a throttle, though. Throttles are only on bikes limited to 20mph.

The Ariel Rider W Class in my avatar has a throttle limited to 20 mph and can also be configured as a 28 mph pedal assist. It actually comes with a class 3 sticker to replace the class 2 if you decide to set it up this way.

 

[Toomanycats]

Hello everyone! Picked up my new steed last night! What a DREAM! I will eventually need to upgrade the saddle as this one isn't too comfortable for my bum for an extended period of time, but man, what a difference. I'm so happy I listened to all of your suggestions and snagged this, totally different, bike!

It was only 12F outside with wind gusts of 60MPH but that didn't stop me from taken her on a quick maiden stroll. One of the biggest things I wanted an electric assist bike was to be able to bike out of my driveway and up my extremely hilly and steep incline of a road. It was an absolute dream bombing out of my driveway yesterday! Once we get a small patch of nice weather and less snow I'll take her for a good ride and give a solid update and review on it. The motor is an absolute dream compared to the Transx, and I'm not sure if it was the crazy wind but I could barely hear the motor working.

Again, thanks everyone for all your guidance, suggestions and advice! She's a real beaut!

I’m waiting for mine now. I’m delighted to hear that you are enjoying yours so much. I’m getting my saddle swapped out for a women’s Terry Liberator, because I’m having the bars and stem modified so I can ride in a more upright position. I’ll let you know how the Terry works out, if you want.

 

[J.R.]

Hello everyone! Picked up my new steed last night! What a DREAM! I will eventually need to upgrade the saddle as this one isn't too comfortable for my bum for an extended period of time, but man, what a difference. I'm so happy I listened to all of your suggestions and snagged this, totally different, bike!

It was only 12F outside with wind gusts of 60MPH but that didn't stop me from taken her on a quick maiden stroll. One of the biggest things I wanted an electric assist bike was to be able to bike out of my driveway and up my extremely hilly and steep incline of a road. It was an absolute dream bombing out of my driveway yesterday! Once we get a small patch of nice weather and less snow I'll take her for a good ride and give a solid update and review on it. The motor is an absolute dream compared to the Transx, and I'm not sure if it was the crazy wind but I could barely hear the motor working.

Again, thanks everyone for all your guidance, suggestions and advice! She's a real beaut!

So good to see you with your new bike. Storms and wind this winter have been rough, but our Punxsutawney Phil says spring is just around the corner. Enjoy!

 

[LimboJim]

...I will eventually need to upgrade the saddle as this one isn't too comfortable for my bum for an extended period of time, but man, what a difference...

A suspension seatpost and/or padded bike shorts might help, too, but the more you ride, the less discomfort you'll feel (at least that's been my experience).

I wouldn't skimp on these - as with most other things, you often get what you pay for...

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Once we get a small patch of nice weather and less snow I'll take her for a good ride and give a solid update

As long as you shift down before approaching a hill, your bike will perform wonderfully well.
You will have a great time on your bike this Spring!

You could get a rack like this: https://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Streamliner-Disc-Cycle-Black/dp/B004094HY2/

And a $12 kickstand: https://www.amazon.com/BV-Bike-Kickstand-Adjustable-Bicycle/dp/B00LNM79CQ/