Trek FX+ 2 or Trek Marlin+ 8 2nd gen?

[Stefan Mikes]

As a woman, I’d rather not have a bike that is half my body weight.

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Some petite women such as my riding mate Anna do not mind a heavy but a powerful e-bike with a big battery

The question you should ask yourself @modern is whether you prefer carrying to rather riding your e-bike!

A small battery won't take you far. A hub-drive motor is the most hopeless climber. The low weight of the e-bike won't change it.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

@stompandgo that’s true. Although, I dread the thought of having to research more. I’ve been searching for months and cannot seem to find a bike that fits all of my wants (mid-drive, 50 lbs or less, user removable battery, something not crazy expensive).

Totally understand the research fatigue, and very much agree that local service is essential. But you can narrow the field and educate yourself at the same time by visiting other local shops with quality brands.

Importantly, testing a variety of bikes close to your needs is the best defense against wanting a different bike a year later.

I like how Trek offers Bosch motors, but the bikes are typically too hefty or full suspension emtbs. So I thought the Marlin would be perfect, but I cannot detach the battery myself.

A detachable battery really limits your options. How important is that to you and why?

Am open to any suggestions. I would prefer a legacy brand like Trek or Specialized over a DTC company.

If you're willing to consider hub-drives, Velotric and Aventon are quality brands worth looking at. Both have large national dealer networks.

I ride the yellow lightweight low-power Specialized mid-drive above but am quite impressed with my wife's 50 48 lb, 750W, 65 Nm Velotric Breeze 1 (the blue one). That's 50 48 lb with battery.

Removable 48V, 627 Wh UL-certified battery. Both torque- and cadence-sensing pedal assist selectable on the fly. Gobs of power with very natural power delivery in torque-sensing mode. Very responsive. Class 3.

Yes, it's a cruiser, but it's quite capable on all the surfaces you want to ride. We live in a very hilly area, and it has yet to bog down on a climb. In fact, she can leave me in the dust on any hill she wants.

I'd say well worth a test given your stated needs.

 

[PedalUma]

Totally understand the research fatigue, and very much agree that local service is essential. But you can narrow the field and educate yourself at the same time by visiting other local shops with quality brands.

Importantly, testing a variety of bikes close to your needs is the best defense against wanting a different bike a year later.



A detachable battery really limits your options. How important is that to you and why?



If you're willing to consider hub-drives, Velotric and Aventon are quality brands worth looking at. Both have large national dealer networks.

View attachment 217129
I ride the yellow lightweight low-power Specialized mid-drive above but am quite impressed with my wife's 50 lb, 750W, 65ish Nm Velotric Breeze 1 (the blue one).

Removable 48V, 627 Wh UL-certified battery. Both torque- and cadence-sensing pedal assist selectable on the fly. Gobs of power with very natural power delivery in torque-sensing mode. Very responsive. Class 3.

Yes, it's a cruiser, but it's quite capable on all the surfaces you want to ride. We live in a very hilly area, and it has yet to bog down on a climb. In fact, she can leave me in the dust on any hill she wants.

I'd say well worth a test given your stated needs.

Your wife's bike is very similar to the super popular Pace 500. It is not for me but it is probably the #1 bike in the US. The Velotrics are feature rich and at a nice price point for most people.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Your wife's bike is very similar to the super popular Pace 500. It is not for me but it is probably the #1 bike in the US. The Velotrics are feature rich and at a nice price point for most people.

We tested the Pace.3, and both of us liked the Breeze a lot better. — mainly on weight, power, and handling.

Recently rented Aventon's lightweight 350W Soltera hub-drive (yellow above). I enjoyed it, but it might be underpowered for the 0P — especially on hills.

 

[PedalUma]

We tested the Pace.3, and both of us liked the Breeze a lot better. — mainly on weight, power, and handling.

View attachment 217131
Recently rented Aventon's lightweight 350W Soltera hub-drive (yellow above). I enjoyed it, but it might be underpowered for the 0P — especially on hills.

The Tempo is 39 pounds and has a pedal assist range on the flats of 60 miles. It is 350W and has a removable throttle so it can be Class 1, 2, or 3. It has nation wide support with 1,600 dealers. Velotric is very responsive with service.