Trek, Giant or Haibike
- Thread starter Jeamand
- Start date
Nova Haibike
Well-Known Member
I bought a 20 mph bike knowing that I would probably end up removing the restriction with a dongle. The ony reason I did not buy a class 3 bike to begin with was cost. I don't know your circumstances or how you want to ride, so maybe 20 mph is fast enough for you...or not.
As someone who has sold and worked on thousands of bikes, in my opinion all three brands are good. It is more important to get the bike that best fits your needs/wants/desires, from the shop that can provide you the service that you may require.
As someone who has sold and worked on thousands of bikes, in my opinion all three brands are good. It is more important to get the bike that best fits your needs/wants/desires, from the shop that can provide you the service that you may require.
CodyDog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Colorado
Are you where you can test ride all three? Also, if you hadn't viewed them yet, Court has done a lot of video reviews on commuters. I don't own any of the three but each of the companies you listed produce great bikes. Trek would be my choice out of the three.
John from Connecticut
Well-Known Member
All three, Trek, Giant and Haibike are fine brands. 28 mph is a must for commuting. I own a Trek XM700+ commuter and absolutely
love it.
rich c
Well-Known Member
I'm a big fan of Haibike, own 2 of them. But Class III are getting tough to find in their new line up. You might be able to find a 2017 yet, at a great price! I consider 28mph a must. I never ride at 28mph, but very often from 20-23mph. Bulls is another brand to consider, more Class III models than Haibike.
ebikemom
Well-Known Member
How long is your commute? My commutes are 13-15 miles each way. I'm happy with 20mph for mine, though I sometimes go a smidge over with assistance (my bike goes up to 24mph--it was built and shipped before the ebike laws went into effect in my state). Going down hills I'll go up to 22 or 23, but usually start braking before speed goes higher than that. I have no desire to go any faster, because to be safe on my bike I need to keep track of so many things--pavement, driveways, etc.
John from Connecticut
Well-Known Member
A quick back story, I own a Trek Powerfly 7 mtb and as mentioned prior an XM700+ and love them both. I'm sure you know (?) the Trek Commuter 7 is limited to 20mph. For me using a bike to commute at 20mph would be a deal breaker considering your other two choices...
I really enjoy my XM700+ and with 2400 miles and zero problems to boot. I never ride in the upper 20's, but frequently 22-24 mph. The XM 700 is rock solid, the disc brakes are strong and smooth. The Bosch Motor/drive train is powerful silky smooth. I much prefer the Bosch Intuvia Controller which is standard.
The Powerfly 7 has the same geometry and I'm guessing feel as the Commute 7 and the Police Electric. The Powerfly is just so much fun to ride. The Rock Shock makes for a comfy ride. The Commute 7 and the Police Electric use different motors from the PF7, but the torque is quite adequate.
The Police Electric could be the best of all worlds. Trek has taken the Performance Line Class 3 motor from the XM 700 and uses it in the Police Electric to achieve the 28mph Class 3 rating...It is the exact same motor. My LBS confirmed the part numbers.
Since the geometry of the PE is the same as the Powerfly 7, I can speak to to that. The bike is incredibly stable, rock solid, and to me feels 'stuck' to the road. All of my riding on is rails to trails or paved roads, similar to what will be doing. I love riding the Powerfly 7...1200 miles zero problems.
So... Which one to buy, If you never ever see yourself riding rails to rails and or gentle off roads, the XM 700+ would be an excellent commuter choice. It's fast, nibble, stable and fun to ride...A serious commuter ! It is a bit stiff for my liking so I 'fixed' that with a Cirrus Body Float seat post (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) well spent. I have a Body Float one on both my Treks.
If you think you may want use your bike for something in addition to commuting, rails to trails etc, yet have a 28 mph commuter then the Police Electric might the choice. The PE is not going to be as nimble and 'sporty', but that is an advantage on poorly maintained paved roads. If my PF 7 was a Class 3 ( 28 mph ) or the PE I believe that would be the 'perfect' bike for the style of riding I enjoy.
I hope this was helpful.
John from CT
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