Trek’s Electra Rolls Out $1500 Hub Drive Townie

[e-boy]

https://electrek.co/2019/08/01/electra-townie-go-7d-electric-bicycle-1499/

“Electra is coming in hot, attacking the growing low-cost electric bicycle market with the company’s newest e-bike.”

 

[Dewey]

Competition at that price point from other cruiser style ebikes: the Schwinn Constance is also $1500 at Walmart and has a mid drive, other geared hub cruisers are cheaper eg Tuesday August Live is $1400, BikesDirect Mango is a grand, etc. But it’s nice to see a budget ebike you can buy from a Trek dealer.

 

[Alphbetadog]

That is so... 2015 technology!

 

[Dewey]

That is so... 2015 technology!

But cheap. By comparison look at the Giant LaFree E+2, also with a rack battery it costs $500 more because the Yamaha system has a more sophisticated torque sensor PAS, the Giant has a larger battery (400wh v 300wh), and the mid-drive motor has to be integrated into the frame vs a hub motor. This Townie Go model shows Trek working their supplier-distribution chain to compete in the budget ebike market. Customers are brought in to Trek shops by the low prices, and while selling a budget ebike the sales reps can talk up Trek's trade-in program for future e-bike purchases.

 

[jim6b]

But a step forward from a 1950's cruiser.

 

[JRA]

Think they could get the battery any further back and higher on the men’s frame especially.

At this point there are torque sensing mid drives with frame mounted batteries as mentioned for a bit more. But also as mentioned Trek has its followers and their huge dealer network worldwide backing it up.

 

[tomjasz]

Think they could get the battery any further back and higher on the men’s frame especially.

Most of my bikes are flat foot frames. Oddly the rear rack battery doesn't through the balance off. On my hybrid I definitely know there a rear rack battery.

 

[tomjasz]

That is so... 2015 technology!

Micah called is "2013"

AND "The bike lacks a throttle, meaning you’ll have to pedal to initiate any motor power."

Still I can see them selling well here with flat streets and no hills on the paved trails. I LOVE the geometry.

Nice little motor by Hyenatek/Brose. http://www.hyenatek.com

Another $300 for fenders, lighting, and accessories.

 

[Deleted member 4210]

they obviously noticed that hub drive models from many brands, priced below $2000 are absolutely taking a ton of market share from their mid drives. They aren't the only brand to add back hub drives to their line of all mid drives. the market is very price sensitive, and at prices above $2000, there are dozens upon dozens of brands all competing for a very small piece of the market. the price point below $2000, is probably going to represent 90% of all market growth for the next 10 years. Rad and others like Aventon are blowing nearly every one else out of the water with their sub-$1500 price point bike line up, in terms of numbers of units sold.

 

[Deleted member 4210]

That is so... 2015 technology!

the rear rack batteries are ancient technology. top heavy and make bike tippy.

 

[tomjasz]

they obviously noticed that hub drive models from many brands, priced below $2000 are absolutely taking a ton of market share from their mid drives. They aren't the only brand to add back hub drives to their line of all mid drives. the market is very price sensitive, and at prices above $2000, there are dozens upon dozens of brands all competing for a very small piece of the market. the price point below $2000, is probably going to represent 90% of all market growth for the next 10 years. Rad and others like Aventon are blowing nearly every one else out of the water with their sub-$1500 price point bike line up, in terms of numbers of units sold.

I predict a hit. My wife refuses to have fenders. Hers is strictly a fair weather 6-8 mile ride on a local path around a lake. I see dozens of fender less bikes. She like to pedal. If max assist is strong her crowd will be happy. Watch these fly out of shops. Best geometry for aging riders.

 

[tomjasz]

the rear rack batteries are ancient technology. top heavy and make bike tippy.

You’ve never ridden one apparently. I don’t find them tippy on flat foot bikes. Longer wheel base seems to make a difference. I’m finishing s Marin frame step through with rear battery. IT is tippy by comparison.

 

[TForan]

I just put a half of a bag of sand on my bike rack to dump it down the street and boy, could I feel that weight. That rear mounted battery and a rear hub has to to make the front end feel light. Combined with the flat foot geometry is nothing I'd be interested in but I'm sure there's a market for around town folks who aren't in hurry.

 

[Marci jo]

Good price point. I wonder how balanced that bike feels. That’s a lot of weight on the back wheel.

 

[tomjasz]

Good price point. I wonder how balanced that bike feels. That’s a lot of weight on the back wheel.

Longer wheel base seems to mitigate that issue.

 

[TForan]

Good price point. I wonder how balanced that bike feels. That’s a lot of weight on the back wheel.

Lean into a corner and you' ll feel it. Antiquated design.

 

[TaraBara]

I love it.....it's perfect for the casual ebike rider. Well done Electra. This bike is perfect for that person who just wants to play. It's a great bike for a tween or someone who does a short commute. Perfect for a campground.

 

[Dewey]

Indeed see

https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/cocecx