Wanted: e-tourer & commuter

[Wildmalta]

Hi all

I’m looking for my first e-bike.

I currently have only ever owned mountain bikes, currently on a workhorse that suits me fine for going off road, some longer training on-road rides & occasional commuting.

My problem is that the work commute, although short is hilly and I end up sweating with no showers at work. An e-bike looks like the answer so that I can do it more regularly.

I’ve also been after a touring bike for trips of some 60 – 100km per day (40 - 60 miles) and wondering whether I can find one bike that does it all, ideally also including my current off-roading. However I’m open-minded to keep my current bike for thrashing off road & an e-bike that’s more road oriented.


A couple of questions that might sound stupid:

Obviously the battery comes out for charging, but can I still use the bike without battery? I know I’ll still have the added weight of the motor but at least I can save the battery weight for shorter non-commuting / training rides.

I assume that tourers are built for demanding conditions so should be able to deal with some off-road (not downhill) with all-round tires. I guess a sprung saddle would help with this.

I’m seeing several touring bikes have drop handlebars – I would have thought that cycling for long hours is more comfortable in a more upright position. What am I missing here?

What sort of gear range can I expect on a touring e-bike? I guess they are all single speed up front with 6 -9 speed at the rear?

What can I expect to pay for a decent model including hydraulic discs?

I’m looking at the lower end of the budget but then if I commute I’ll save fuel so willing to consider going higher if truly justified, say internal gears.

All ideas appreciated!

Thanks

 

[rich c]

You "could" use the bike without the battery, but don't expect much over 10-12mph. These bikes are heavy, even without the battery. Some people like higher speed touring, the drop bars reduce wind drag. My Haibike XDURO Trekking S RX has a single front, 10 rear. I bought it at a year end close-out for $2700. With the 500w/hr battery, the 40-60 mile range is fairly easy to hit. I like the idea of a short travel suspension fork, but not crazy about the spring unit on the Haibike. I'll likely upgrade that next year.

 

[hurricane56]

You "could" use the bike without the battery, but don't expect much over 10-12mph. These bikes are heavy, even without the battery. Some people like higher speed touring, the drop bars reduce wind drag. My Haibike XDURO Trekking S RX has a single front, 10 rear. I bought it at a year end close-out for $2700. With the 500w/hr battery, the 40-60 mile range is fairly easy to hit. I like the idea of a short travel suspension fork, but not crazy about the spring unit on the Haibike. I'll likely upgrade that next year.

When did you buy your bike? I got the exact same bike on clearance and only got the 400wh battery. As for the suspension fork, I just ditched the stock Suntour fork for a RockShox Paragon. It makes a huge difference to have a real air suspension and that is the main disappointment with Haibike as they use the lower end Suntour spring fork on many of their models.

 

[hurricane56]

How long is your commute? If it's anything over 10 miles you should look at a Class 3, 28 mph speed pedelec. I have a 16 mile trek into the office and couldn't imagine being limited to 20 mph.

With the form factor of the bike, I think it's best to go with the comfort of straight handlebars over drop bars.

Realistic range always depends on rider weight, gear, etc. On my Bosch powered Haibike, I almost always ride in Turbo for the commute to work. On a fully charged 400wh battery, my range is between 16-21 miles. My route is flat with 100 ft of elevation gain and the bike is carrying about 170-180 lbs, that's me plus two panniers.

 

[WilliamT]

Without the battery turned on, you can ride it like a regular bike. It will just be a heavier bike (~15 lbs more than normal). My e-cargo bike is about 100 lbs with gear and I get about 12 mph average on slight inclines and 16 mph on flat without assist. I think it really depends on your fitness level.

Personally I think hub motors are easier to ride without battery assist because you have full range of gears. With my mid-drives, you are limited in your gears and it just doesn't ride as smooth because your chain doesn't line up as nice.

With a 13.6 ah battery (on my 48v and 36v kits), I get 40-45 miles with 20% assist on a 45 lb e- mountain bike.

To get 60 miles, I would probably be more comfortable looking using a 17 ah battery.

As for hydraulics on an e-bike, the Juice Crosscurrent S I think is around $1700 with that option. If you purchased a mid-drive kit like the BBS02 (~$1000 w/13.6 ah battery) on a hydraulic bike (around $600-$650), it will still cost you roughly the same amount. The Crosscurrent peaking out a 960 watts and the BBS02 peaking out at 1200 watts (assuming 48v * 25 amps). Both units from the same manufacturer Bafang.

You can also just add e-hydraulic brakes to an existing bike for $90. The cables already have the oil in them and just need to be bolted on to an existing disc bike.

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

The luna bikes look like a good value too
https://lunacycle.com/luna-alite-hard-tail/

 

[rich c]

When did you buy your bike? I got the exact same bike on clearance and only got the 400wh battery. As for the suspension fork, I just ditched the stock Suntour fork for a RockShox Paragon. It makes a huge difference to have a real air suspension and that is the main disappointment with Haibike as they use the lower end Suntour spring fork on many of their models.

I bought it in March, but paid $300 extra for the upgrade battery.