Torque sensor city/road ~$2k

[AmrYoussef]

I'm looking for a torque sensor based ebike that can support me for running errands and going places around San Francisco. I will use it for all things city/road like doing groceries, picking up stuff, meeting friends, going to the beach, etc. I believe I'm going to be utilizing the rear rack most of the time.

I recently tried the Aventon Level commuter ebike and while I nice looking and seemingly well built bike, the cadence based motor activation didn't feel natural and unlike the JUMP and Lyft ebikes I tried, I felt I needed to be more actively switching assistance levels especially when approaching intersections with stop signs where I often need to pause momentarily, the lowest level of pedaling would still activate the motor and pull me forward, I either had to keep switching PAS level to 0 or firmly brake. I only tried it for 10 minutes, so I'm not sure this is something I would get used to or not, but based on this short experience and comparing it to the JUMP and Lyft bikes I feel like a torque sensor based ebike is going to be more matching to my style.

I found the Rize (previously Spark) bike https://rizebikes.com/products/rize which costs $1.3k but has $400 upgrade that brings torque, 17Ah battery and hydraulic brakes, making it a total of $1.7k - the only problem is that they only carry the 19" model and I'm 5' 6" so I think a better fit for me would be the 17".

Another seemingly nice one is the Luna Fixed Stealth bike, but the battery is too small and also I don't like batteries that don't de-attach.

Are there any similar ebike models you can recommend in the ~$1.5-$2k range? I don't have a preference between class 2 or class 3.

Thanks!

 

[TMH]

I have to say that for a city/road bike with torque sensing, I have been very pleased with the FLX Roadster I bought (actually I ended up with the Roadster SE). Very effective and efficient machine, and I love the M600 mid drive.

It is only available in one size, with a seat tube equivalent of 19" and a stand over height of 28.5". It was actually too small/short for me stock, but with a suspension seatpost I was able to get the leg extension I needed. I am 6'4" with a 32" inseam. BUT, my wife is 5'6" tall and we just got her an FLX Gladiator. Same frame, I believe, with a 19" 'size', but the stand over height on her bike (with the fat tires) is just over 30" and it is quite comfortable for her.

Prices shown on FLX's web site will be above what you have said you want to spend, but I asked them and received a discount on the bikes I have recently purchased. Off season unlisted sale? I put the bikes in my cart, put in all of my contact info, and then left the site. I was contacted by Mike, an FLX product specialist, who essentially asked me what it would take for me to complete my purchase. I proposed a number and in both cases it was accepted and I bought the bikes. So maybe instead of the Roadster SE's (w/500 wh battery) $2,199 plus tax price, you could talk him down to $2k? Worth a shot.

I usually ride my Roadster in pedal assist level 3 (of 5), and since I'm just starting riding again I am only riding a 7.5-8.5 mile sprint loop from my house, with short climbs but nothing of real significance. But I don't try to keep under 20 mph for wind resistance/range purposes, and I've got to estimate the 500 wh battery is giving me a minimum 30 mile range. But I use the bike for conditioning purposes, so I am definitely 'contributing' to the pedal power.

You would need to purchase and install your own rear rack, but one of those should be reasonably priced locally, and the Roadster has built-in rack mount bosses.

Just an idea. I really like my Roadster.

(In comparison I also recently purchased a Felt SportE 50 with the Shimano Steps E8000 motor (the most powerful in their line). It was actually available in multiple frame sizes and fit me properly out of the box. I also bought it for conditioning riding, and also ride it in the middle assist level. It has similar tire widths and styles and it is more comfortable on poor roads (front shock), but it just doesn't feel as efficient as the FLX. Like you have to put in more work to get the same result. Maybe it is nothing more than the rigid fork on the FLX, or maybe it is the difference between the Bafang and Shimano motors. But the FLX just seems to put more of your input into ground speed. The Felt just feels more appropriate for casual riding. Just another reason I speak so highly of the FLX.)

 

[scout592]

Take a look at the Surface604 Rook. It get good reviews and has good components for that price range.

 

[Dewey]

Bikes Direct sell a couple of Motobecane branded commuter Class 1 ebikes using Shimano Steps motors with torque sensors in that price range eg

this

& this

 

[TomD]

I think you might appreciate a mid-drive if you plan to ride in hilly terrain. The FLX Roadster is a good suggestion but probably out of your price range. I personally don't like the noise of the M600 motor but others seem to be fine with it. I also think the M600 could use some refinements to the torque sensing but Bafang locked down this motor so you can't tune it like you can the Ultra. I would test ride one before buying. FLX has a test ride program.

If you aren't averse to drop bars these Easy Motion closeouts are hard to beat. New in box, 30 day warranty. BBB tends to accept offers for ~$50 less. They only have a 400Wh battery you could buy 2 for the price of 1 torque sensing rear hub and have a spare battery and double the parts.

2018 Easy Motion Rebel Gravel X

Looking for a de listed? Look no further, the BicycleBlueBook.com Marketplace has a used 2018 one available for purchase.

www.bicyclebluebook.com

They also have a Raleigh Detour with 0 miles that's more of a relaxed style if that's your thing.

BicycleBlueBook

www.bicyclebluebook.com

Quite a few other mid drive ebikes under $2K. Not all are new, so be sure to check the description. I believe their warehouse is in your area.

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[AmrYoussef]

Wonderful suggestions! I've spent a lot of time researching the options and I I'm liking Surface604 Colt the most. The FLX with its mid-drive Bafang M600 is also really cool but the Colt seem to provide everything I need and some more with great integration like built-in lights charging from main battery with cockpit controls, front suspension, and comes in 2 sizes.

Another bikes I came across are the Gazelle CityZen T9 and the Giant Explore E+ 4. I originally thought that a Giant or a Gazelle would have to cost $3k+ but these are priced at $2.5k, they both use a mid-drive system. I'm not sure how to compare them to the Colt though. I know that both are more reputable brands, but other than that, would anyone care to point obvious differences/trade-offs from your point of view? I feel that a $500 difference is not much and so I'm not sure what I'm missing here.

 

[TomD]

Gazelle CityZen T9 - other than brand name, not seeing much to justify paying $1500 more than this 2019 Raleigh Detour iE Step Thru with 0 miles. Edit: looks like someone snagged the Raleigh.

Giant Explore E+ 4 GTS vs Surface 604 Colt. I'd say depends on whether you want mid-drive or rear hub. I would test ride both and see which you prefer.

 

[Johnny]

I second BBB. If you can drive to their warehouse check them out.

This kodiak pro is an exceptional value, it has very good mtb drivetrain components + Bosch CX with 500wh battery(Component wise it is on par with 5-6K ebikes from Trek, Giant etc). If the size fits you then you can consider it.

 

[TomD]

Yeah, that's a nice buy, just not sure it will work for the OP since he's looking for something with rear rack.

 

[TomD]

Another bike to consider since you're pushing your price range over $2K is the Juiced Cross Current-X which is currently $2199. With more powerful 750w motor and 995wh battery it might be a better value than the Surface 604 Colt which only has a 500w motor / 500wh battery (costs $200 more to upgrade to 672wh battery). It's gong to be a heavier bike though with all that battery.

CrossCurrent X: Ultimate Commuter Bike

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[Chris Hammond]

I would also recommend looking at Juiced. You may also want to consider their RipCurrent S. Its basically the same bike as the CrossCurrent only with fat tires. If you plan on riding the bike on the beach at all you would definitely want fat tires. You will also be very hard pressed to find another bike with a ~1000 Wh battery at the price. FWIW, I have over 8000 trouble free miles on my CrossCurrent S.

 

[TomD]

Here's another option if you were looking for a low step with torque sensing. Lenny's rotates their overstock page so link may show different bikes in future. BH closeout for $1580. Good specs with hydraulic brakes, 5 year BH warranty, 500W Dapu geared hub with torque sensing, integrated 600wh battery.

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

BH product page:

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

Some videos:

 

[TomD]

Another option with Brose motor. If you want a more natural pedal feel the Brose motors are regarded as the quietest and smoothest torque sensing motors. If you're ever test ridden a Specialized Turbo you know. 26" tires on the Atom Street. There is another Atom model (City) with 28" tires they will likely discount as well.

Crazy Deal | Crazy Lenny's eBikes

Check out our Crazy Deals for the best prices in ebikes that you'll find.

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[AmrYoussef]

Thank you guys for the wonderful insights, I tried few of the bikes mentioned and the one I ended up getting is the Giant Explore E+ 4, just got it today from a LBS and they were pretty generous and added a rear rack and a front fender for free

It's not the most powerful of the bunch, but it was a lot of fun when I took it for a test ride, it sort of just clicked for me. I thought a 250W motor won't be up for SF hills but it did great, or well, it provided enough support to see me through the test hill I threw at it. I think it may not be the most "value for the buck" deal but it had a lot of things dialed to my liking and as everyone mentioned the test ride tells you a lot, so I went for it

 

[TomD]

That's a nice bike for the money. Congrats!

 

[Browneye]

I was going to say, Giant FTW, but you already figured that out.
Come on by and say hi in the Giant threads.