Where Is The Perfect 2019 Commuter E Bike?

bikerjohn

bikerjohn

Well-Known Member
I joined the EBR revolution in January 2014 and bought an EG Zurich 350 IX in the Spring of that year. Getting older, I seem to have less time for recreational biking and now find my ebike is the near exclusive device I use when bike commuting. I have been mixing-in 490+ ebike commutes as part of a commuting routine since 2014. With 8200 miles, the Zurich has been a proven value, now I am ready to upgrade.

I want my next bike to have some upgraded features: a battery with 48+ volts and at least 13 Ah capacity, a hub or mid-drive drag-free motor, fenders, lights, a suspension system, with a price tag under $3000. Are there any models close to those specs?
 
Scratch the "drag free", and it's a Rad City at $2k with a spare 48v.14Ahbattery. The drag is regen capability, and mine doesn't kick until Pas3 or above.
 
larry-new said:
Scratch the "drag free", and it's a Rad City at $2k with a spare 48v.14Ahbattery. The drag is regen capability, and mine doesn't kick until Pas3 or above.
Click to expand...
Rad City has some great attributes but that regen capability seems more like a gimmick than a useful feature.
 
bikerjohn said:
Rad City has some great attributes but that regen capability seems more like a gimmick than a useful feature.
Click to expand...
bikerjohn said:
Rad City has some great attributes but that regen capability seems more like a gimmick than a useful feature.
Click to expand...

Not a gimmick, its inherent in the type of motor they're using. You don't have to use the regen feature if you don't want to.
 
The direct drive hub motor will have some cogging to it whether you use the regen or not. Sorry, I don't ride anything over 48 volts so can't help with the selection.
 
1538609458218.png

This Townie looks interesting except for the 36 volt 11 Ah battery.
 
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rich c said:
The direct drive hub motor will have some cogging to it whether you use the regen or not. Sorry, I don't ride anything over 48 volts so can't help with the selection.
Click to expand...

And that makes it a gimmick?
 
Perhaps the 2018 IZip E3 Dash is a great value at close-out prices?
2018 IZIP E3 Dash Class 3 28 MPH electric bike mid drive step over frame ebike urban commuter e-bike
 
bikerjohn said:
I joined the EBR revolution in January 2014 and bought an EG Zurich 350 IX in the Spring of that year. Getting older, I seem to have less time for recreational biking and now find my ebike is the near exclusive device I use when bike commuting. I have been mixing-in 490+ ebike commutes as part of a commuting routine since 2014. With 8200 miles, the Zurich has been a proven value, now I am ready to upgrade.

I want my next bike to have some upgraded features: a battery with 48+ volts and at least 13 Ah capacity, a hub or mid-drive drag-free motor, fenders, lights, a suspension system, with a price tag under $3000. Are there any models close to those specs?
Click to expand...

Someone like you who plans to commute 1000's of miles would enjoy a high quality bike.
See if you have a local E-bike dealer who stocks 50+ bikes and try a few.

Here are some options for a fast, high-quality commuter at $3K tag.

  • Juiced CCX - may have to wait and do your own maintenance but a great value for the money. Lots of range and power. Comes with a very sophisticated Satiator charger. https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/crosscurrent-x

  • BH EVO Nitro City - excellent features (many dealers have them on clearance for $3K). Aesthetically elegant. Just change the rear tire to Schwalbe Marathon Plus and add Supernova lights. It would be perfect. (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

  • Magnum Metro+: https://www.magnumbikes.com/product/magnum-metro-plus/

  • Lots of Demo-Floor models from BULLS, Raleigh, Haibike etc can be had for $3K. Speak to your nearest dealer. You may find some really nice bikes you may not have thought of.
 
bikerjohn said:
Does a regen feature have any real applicable capability to prolong the power assistance of the battery on a flat commute?
Click to expand...

On my Stromer ST2, I kind of mastered the art of using regen. If you know how to apply to brake levers without engaging the calipers, it will activate the regen feature. The bike has 814Whr battery and I would get 55-60 miles per charge and I can say regen added 3-5 miles of range easily. Also, my brake pads would last for 4000-5000 miles of commuting. That's a benefit too :)
 
Ravi Kempaiah said:
Someone like you who plans to commute 1000's of miles would enjoy a high quality bike.
See if you have a local E-bike dealer who stocks 50+ bikes and try a few.

Here are some options for a fast, high-quality commuter at $3K tag.

  • Juiced CCX - may have to wait and do your own maintenance but a great value for the money. Lots of range and power. Comes with a very sophisticated Satiator charger. https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/crosscurrent-x

  • BH EVO Nitro City - excellent features (many dealers have them on clearance for $3K). Aesthetically elegant. Just change the rear tire to Schwalbe Marathon Plus and add Supernova lights. It would be perfect. (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

  • Magnum Metro+: https://www.magnumbikes.com/product/magnum-metro-plus/

  • Lots of Demo-Floor models from BULLS, Raleigh, Haibike etc can be had for $3K. Speak to your nearest dealer. You may find some really nice bikes you may not have thought of.
Click to expand...
That CCX looks likable.
 
1538613072564.png

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-quick-eplus

There is a lot of bike in this Giant. I am very happy with my 2018 model. 920 miles since the beginning of July and not hiccup one This 2019 model has some nice refinements. Lots of good dealership support. I encourage you to find a dealership and test ride one. The bike will speak for itself. Enjoy your search
 
bikerjohn said:
Does a regen feature have any real applicable capability to prolong the power assistance of the battery on a flat commute?
Click to expand...

No, not unless you want to work harder. I've only used mine when descending long grades.
 
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Short Answer; the market is saturated with bikes that look the similar and fill the same role as this one. It does not really bring anything new to the table.
 
Gator said:
Short Answer; the market is saturated with bikes that look the similar and fill the same role as this one. It does not really bring anything new to the table.
Click to expand...
That Nexus hub has not saturated the US marketplace at this price level. It is far beyond same old...
 
bikerjohn said:
That Nexus hub has not saturated the US marketplace at this price level. It is far beyond same old...
Click to expand...

Reminds me of the old three speeds. If that is the bike you want, I am sure they will ship one to you. Maybe you can get one from Canada.
 
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