Townie Commute go vs Townie go

[JimFMB]

I currently have a Townie Go and love the bike. There certainly is a difference in crank forward pedaling. As I continue to go farther distances on the bike I sense that my pedaling effeciency is not as good as a somewhat traditional crank at the base of the seat tube. I do like the geometry of my bike but as I want to push my rides closer to 35-50 miles that perhaps the Townie Commute would be more comfortable and effecient. The Townie Commute cranks are still forward of the seat tube but not by much. I test rode the Townie Commute and really liked how it handled and comfort in pedaling, but a 5-6 mile test ride may not offer a true indication of improvement in effeciency.
I know there are plenty of opinions on the internet relating to tire size effecieinties.
The biggest differences between the commute and the regular townie go are:
1. Commute: 28” rims 28x2” Fat Frank tires Townie Go. 26’x2.35” Fat Frank tires
2. Commute: Cranks are just a little forward from the seat tube with the Townie Go cranks substantially farther forward the the Commute.
3 Commute has hydraulic disc brakes vs the roller band brakes on the Townie Go. I’m really impressed with the disc brakes.
4. Commute: Swept back more upright handlebars.
Going forward, I do intend to buy a suspension seat post and a more comfortable saddle, whether it is on my current bike or on a Townie Commute.

All opinions are appreciated.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

I've never ridden a crank-forward bike. My wife considered one, thinking it would be more comfortable (like you said.) She ended up with the Pedego City Commuter, which is not crank-forward. The longer trips we take, the happier she is that she didn't go with a crank-forward bike.

 

[JimFMB]

Yes, The Pedego City Commuter is a sweet bike, and the geometry appears similiar to the Commute Go. Its good to hear she made the right choice for her.

 

[Nova Haibike]

The only real drawback to a crank-forward position is that you can't use your own body weight as much to drive the pedals...but you have a motor for that.

 

[Philly5834]

Really informative review of their differences--thanks!

 

[ebikemom]

Do either of those bikes have a throttle?

 

[Nova Haibike]

Do either of those bikes have a throttle?

They use Bosch mid-drive motors; no throttles on Bosch bikes.

 

[TForan]

They use Bosch mid-drive motors; no throttles on Bosch bikes.

Good for them. Throttles are stupid. I disconnected mine earlier this year.

 

[JimFMB]

That’s correct. Both bikes have the Bosch performance line motors. They have a very natural feel when pedaling and no throttle.
If starting on an incline all you need to do is have the bike in sport or turbo mode in a low gear and pushing the pedal about 1/4 turn will start the motor.
Also both bikes have the 8 speed internal hub which allows you to shift to any gear while stopped.

 

[ebikemom]

Sometimes I have to stop on hills that are quite steep. If too steep for me to ride up, like over 30%, then the throttle works great for walking the bike. If the hill is less than that, and I have to stop on it, The throttle is a big help to start again. But I never tried either of the bikes you are talking about on a steep hill.