Wanted: Lightweight (less than 20kg), high Torque (90NM), Motor offering large amount of power 500w+, removable large battery

[Aneesa Chaudhry]

What do you consider a steep hill? Grade and length?

I have a Creo and I've used it at roughly half power up a long hill that is roughly a 6% grade for 4.5 km's and to me it goes up well but I'm working reasonably hard. Although I am over 50, I am probably younger than most on here and thus a bit fitter. I will ride a conventional bicycle and go on 70 - 100 km rides unpowered.

One thing I would point out, is that after regularly using the bike for 4 weeks you will see an improvement to your fitness so that will help.

But I think you need to find a shop, ideally near your route, and ride whatever your commute will be. That's really the only way to tell.

Hi Captain Slow
I logged the last 2 test rides I did on Strava. I'm on as Aneesa Chaudhry. I don't use it a lot but hope you can see the gradients of the hills and speeds I managed on the 2 bikes I tested.

 

[Deacon Blues]

Hi Deacon Blue
Do you have any experience of the Vado SL or Creo and know how it performs up steep hills?
Thank you
Aneesa

I test rode a couple of Creos before the virus hit. Just a note that I consider myself to be fairly fit for my age (68), but I'm not in the same league as Captain Slow, and I don't like hills.
The Creo, which I'm sure is very similar to the Vado SL had enough power on medium hills, but on a really steep hill I tackled (on my light carbon road bike I would have really struggled) I was surprised and how much work I had to do to get up the hill. I guess I was expecting something close to Vado 4.0 power.
Guessing at your fitness level, I'd say on all the the really steep hills the Vado SL will be fine, but it won't be close to the power output of something like a Vado 4.0.

 

[Captain Slow]

Aneesa I looked up your Strava and found your test ride on the Cube Acid bike. I went to the UK website and it lists that bike as a MTB hardtail that does not have a motor. So you're test riding conventional bikes as well?

If that Cube is an unpowered hardtail then you're a much faster rider than you're giving yourself credit for. I checked the steepest climb you went up which was the Bear Road segment and it's 0.83 mile at an 8% grade. You went up on a mountain bike in 5:44 which I'd consider very good. Interesting to note that the KOM on that segment is none other than Michal Kwiatkowski who is a top level pro and he did it in 3:20. He's not even on a MTB, so your time is good.

Your VAM or vertical ascent in meters per hour was 1,135 which is really high. I'd say you don't even need an electric bike if you're that strong a rider. In fact that's so fast I'm now wondering if I read the website incorrectly. I mean that VAM on a MTB is fast enough that you should be a pro racer ……………..

So how did it feel going up that hill. If you test rode a bike with more power than a Creo then you'd still get up that hill, you might have to work a bit harder and go a bit slower. Strava said you averaged 14.1 km/hr. up that segment.

 

[Aneesa Chaudhry]

Aneesa I looked up your Strava and found your test ride on the Cube Acid bike. I went to the UK website and it lists that bike as a MTB hardtail that does not have a motor. So you're test riding conventional bikes as well?

If that Cube is an unpowered hardtail then you're a much faster rider than you're giving yourself credit for. I checked the steepest climb you went up which was the Bear Road segment and it's 0.83 mile at an 8% grade. You went up on a mountain bike in 5:44 which I'd consider very good. Interesting to note that the KOM on that segment is none other than Michal Kwiatkowski who is a top level pro and he did it in 3:20. He's not even on a MTB, so your time is good.

Your VAM or vertical ascent in meters per hour was 1,135 which is really high. I'd say you don't even need an electric bike if you're that strong a rider. In fact that's so fast I'm now wondering if I read the website incorrectly. I mean that VAM on a MTB is fast enough that you should be a pro racer ……………..

So how did it feel going up that hill. If you test rode a bike with more power than a Creo then you'd still get up that hill, you might have to work a bit harder and go a bit slower. Strava said you averaged 14.1 km/hr. up that segment.

Hi Captain Slow, sadly that info is incorrect. I was using an electric bike - Cube acid as far as I was aware. If only I was that fit....
Made me smile to read this. What next Captain? X

 

[FlatSix911]

Made me smile to read this. What next Captain? X

Your unicorn has finally arrived... with the claimed range a bit questionable.

A very cool design with a lightweight 26 lb frame, gates belt drive, and integrated battery in the rear hub... with no seat tube for carrying up stairs.

Gogoro unveils 26 lb Eeyo 1 electric bike, shows off innovative new Smartwheel

If you’re already familiar with Gogoro, it’s probably from their hugely popular electric scooters and novel battery-swapping program. In their...

electrek.co

The new Eeyo line of electric bikes from Gogoro focuses on high tech and ultra-lightweight design, to the tune of just 26 lb (11.9 kg) per bike.

In a call with Electrek, Gogoro’s founder and CEO Horace Luke explained that the Eeyo e-bike is intended for e-bike commuters who want a quick, lightweight e-bike that offers a premium experience over other brands. There are many cargo, utility, and mountain e-bikes out there, and Gogoro decided to take their e-bike in a different direction, aiming for a premium ride experience with an ultralight design.This isn’t an e-bike that you wait for the elevator with at the train station. It’s 10 steps, you can just toss the Eeyo over your shoulder and jog up the stairs with it.

The word premium might be an understatement here. The Eeyo 1 features a carbon fiber frame and fork, while the Eeyo 1s also includes carbon fiber rims, seat post, and handlebar. Pretty much anything that can be made out of carbon fiber is made out of carbon fiber. The frame also uses a novel design that removes the typical seat tube. Other than the extra carbon and the paint color options, the two models are otherwise nearly identical.

Both feature a Gates carbon belt drive transmission with a torque sensor for ultra-smooth pedal assist as well as front disc brakes and rear V brakes. The inclusion of V-brakes on the rear struck me as a bit odd at first, but they make room for the biggest innovation of all: the Gogoro Eeyo Smartwheel. The Smartwheel hides the motor, battery, and controller in the hub of the rear wheel, giving the Gogoro Eeyo 1 its clean look. It offers Sport Mode and Eco Mode, and uses the bike’s torque sensor to provide more accurate power application based on the rider’s own power output. The motor propels the bike up to 19 mph in the US, or a slightly slower 25 km/h in the EU.

The battery is rather small compared to other e-bikes, at just 123Wh. But Gogoro claims that by designing the entire powertrain in-house, their system has been made efficient enough to reach as far as 40 miles (64 km) in Sport Mode or 55 miles (88 km) in Eco Mode. That range equates to an efficiency of around 3 Wh/mi — an efficiency that I have hit before on other e-bikes, and so this range is entirely possible with enough rider input — despite sounding fairly extreme.

 

[Captain Slow]

If you can test out this new Eeyo bike maybe it's for you. One thing I thought I read earlier in the thread though was that you want to carry cargo. I'm not sure if a rack can be fitted to this bike. I'm also not sure about fenders. Personally I wouldn't want a commuter bike that didn't have provision for fenders.

 

[Ebiker01]

For 7k , the Trek Domane +HP . Use the stimulus check to boost the ebike economy and is 5.8k.
Real class 3 performance, Bosch gen. 4 not the vastly inferior Specialized Creo which is 9k !

Other then that, there are no other options rigjt now. That says a LOT about this Domane +HP. Can take an xtra 625battery.

Total- 1125WH, from Uk you could almost go to India and back if it were a direct route...
And yes it takes rear rack /fenders.. probably 25kg limit for rear rack though. Still that's plenty of groceries or books.

Check it out

Domane+ HP - Trek Bikes

Discover your next great ride with Domane+ HP. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

 

[Stefan Mikes]

or 7k , the Trek Domane +HP . Use the stimulus check to boost the ebike economy and is 5.8k.
Real class 3 performance, Bosch gen. 4 not the vastly inferior Specialized Creo which is 9k !

It would really help if you stop thinking the U.S.-centric way. The Domane+ HP is not available in Europe because it doesn't and will not meet the requirements of the European/UK S-Pedelec. See the U.K. site (no HP there):

eRoad bikes for wherever you ride – Trek Bikes (GB)

Trek electric road bikes are designed to let you ride further and faster than you've ever imagined. Meet your new favourite riding buddy online and in-store.

www.trekbikes.com

 

[Aneesa Chaudhry]

It would really help if you stop thinking the U.S.-centric way. The Domane+ HP is not available in Europe because it doesn't and will not meet the requirements of the European/UK S-Pedelec. See the U.K. site (no HP there):

eRoad bikes for wherever you ride – Trek Bikes (GB)

Trek electric road bikes are designed to let you ride further and faster than you've ever imagined. Meet your new favourite riding buddy online and in-store.

www.trekbikes.com

So frustrating! Thanks for picking up on these aspects. If only I the laws here in the UK were the same as those in the USA....

 

[Aneesa Chaudhry]

If you can test out this new Eeyo bike maybe it's for you. One thing I thought I read earlier in the thread though was that you want to carry cargo. I'm not sure if a rack can be fitted to this bike. I'm also not sure about fenders. Personally I wouldn't want a commuter bike that didn't have provision for fenders.

You're right though, if I can't add a rack and mudguards it's a no go. Can you see what the motor / power is on it?

 

[Cyklefanatic]

Your unicorn has finally arrived... with the claimed range a bit questionable.

A very cool design with a lightweight 26 lb frame, gates belt drive, and integrated battery in the rear hub... with no seat tube for carrying up stairs.

Gogoro unveils 26 lb Eeyo 1 electric bike, shows off innovative new Smartwheel

If you’re already familiar with Gogoro, it’s probably from their hugely popular electric scooters and novel battery-swapping program. In their...

electrek.co

The new Eeyo line of electric bikes from Gogoro focuses on high tech and ultra-lightweight design, to the tune of just 26 lb (11.9 kg) per bike.

In a call with Electrek, Gogoro’s founder and CEO Horace Luke explained that the Eeyo e-bike is intended for e-bike commuters who want a quick, lightweight e-bike that offers a premium experience over other brands. There are many cargo, utility, and mountain e-bikes out there, and Gogoro decided to take their e-bike in a different direction, aiming for a premium ride experience with an ultralight design.This isn’t an e-bike that you wait for the elevator with at the train station. It’s 10 steps, you can just toss the Eeyo over your shoulder and jog up the stairs with it.

The word premium might be an understatement here. The Eeyo 1 features a carbon fiber frame and fork, while the Eeyo 1s also includes carbon fiber rims, seat post, and handlebar. Pretty much anything that can be made out of carbon fiber is made out of carbon fiber. The frame also uses a novel design that removes the typical seat tube. Other than the extra carbon and the paint color options, the two models are otherwise nearly identical.

Both feature a Gates carbon belt drive transmission with a torque sensor for ultra-smooth pedal assist as well as front disc brakes and rear V brakes. The inclusion of V-brakes on the rear struck me as a bit odd at first, but they make room for the biggest innovation of all: the Gogoro Eeyo Smartwheel. The Smartwheel hides the motor, battery, and controller in the hub of the rear wheel, giving the Gogoro Eeyo 1 its clean look. It offers Sport Mode and Eco Mode, and uses the bike’s torque sensor to provide more accurate power application based on the rider’s own power output. The motor propels the bike up to 19 mph in the US, or a slightly slower 25 km/h in the EU.

The battery is rather small compared to other e-bikes, at just 123Wh. But Gogoro claims that by designing the entire powertrain in-house, their system has been made efficient enough to reach as far as 40 miles (64 km) in Sport Mode or 55 miles (88 km) in Eco Mode. That range equates to an efficiency of around 3 Wh/mi — an efficiency that I have hit before on other e-bikes, and so this range is entirely possible with enough rider input — despite sounding fairly extreme.

View attachment 53590

Very nice bike but they seem to suggest a Gates transmission (marketing misleading hype?) but looking at it I would say it’s a single speed. Might be a real challenge on hills if the gearing is as high as they claim.

 

[Aneesa Chaudhry]

Very nice bike but they seem to suggest a Gates transmission (marketing misleading hype?) but looking at it I would say it’s a single speed. Might be a real challenge on hills if the gearing is as high as they claim.

Support up steep hills is the main reason i'm getting an ebike so I need to know it can help with those hills. Thanks, Aneesa

 

[FlatSix911]

Very nice bike but they seem to suggest a Gates transmission (marketing misleading hype?) but looking at it I would say it’s a single speed. Might be a real challenge on hills if the gearing is as high as they claim.

Support up steep hills is the main reason i'm getting an ebike so I need to know it can help with those hills. Thanks, Aneesa

The website specs confirm an assisted single-speed drive designed for fit athletic riders... YMMV

Gogoro Eeyo - An ultralight ebike that rides like nothing else.

Whether navigating a speedy work commute, or just cruising around town, the Gogoro Eeyo is city riding at its best.

eeyo.bike

 

[Aneesa Chaudhry]

The website specs confirm an assisted single-speed drive designed for fit athletic riders... YMMV

Gogoro Eeyo - An ultralight ebike that rides like nothing else.

Whether navigating a speedy work commute, or just cruising around town, the Gogoro Eeyo is city riding at its best.

eeyo.bike

I'm not sure i'd describe myself ... quite... that way, hence the lookout for an ebike that can replace my car so help me up our very steep hills particularly when i'm carrying my music bits and pieces

 

[Ebiker01]

thinking the U.S.-centric way.

I agree, forgot that there are different rules/laws. Same for Canada. I was also away for 2months from posting on EBR and kind of forgot some of this...thete are somany threads now, is hard to keep up.

I just keep it to a minimum:
Specialized Creo , BH Nitro and Trek Domane +HP.
Lately M1 SPITZING EVO Is also in my rearview mirror as well. German build speed pedelec available there where you are !



But she could still get the +HP from US and reg. as a speed pedelec, or maybe no reg. Thousands of riders already do that (S pedelec with no reg.) in Belgium/Holland and other countries there in Eu. It's small risk if one is not riding fast. At least it can accelerate very fast.


Ptobably she will end up with a Turbo Vado 5.0.

That's the only straight forward way. Not light , but fast on hills.

 

[Ebiker01]

Did my homework and learned.

If anyone else needs the info , here it is :

Buying and riding an S-pedelec in the UK

You know how motorists are always banging on about how cyclists “don’t pay road tax”? Well check out what I’ve been riding. My bike has a number plate and everything. Welcome to the confusing world of speed pedelecs in the UK. I was contacted by Dan Jones, the UK sales manager for Riese und...

ebiketips.road.cc

 

[byunbee]

Thanks for this. I wasn't getting updates in my email so I thought you'd all disappeared but see you're still on the case! Thanks guys. SO... with this Specialised Turbo Vado SL, the weight is pretty good (15KG) but do you think it would provide a high level of pulling power up the steep hills I have to go up? I think I read that the torque is only 35NM so I guess the motor must be impressive. How would you say this compares to the Specialised Turbo Levo as regards weight and lots of power up steep hills? Is there a big difference when the battery is removed for carrying indoors? x

Turbo Levo is a full suspension mountain bike. Vado SL meets your weight requirement but only offers 200% assist, so you will have to put your legs to work up hills.

 

[FlatSix911]

I'm not sure i'd describe myself ... quite... that way, hence the lookout for an ebike that can replace my car so help me up our very steep hills particularly when i'm carrying my music bits and pieces

Like most things in life... compromise may be required.

As we say when racing... light, cheap or fast... pick 2!

 

[byunbee]

Like most things in life... compromise may be required.

As we say when racing... light, cheap or fast... pick 2!

That for project management. Good, Cheap, Fast.

 

[Esther]

I'm looking at Alchemy E-Ronin bike (made in USA) https://alchemybicycles.com/product/e-ronin/
has mounts for rack and mudguards.
Starts at $6500 US
Fazua evation motor system.
13.2 kg with battery, without rack
drop handlebars