Which Stromer To Buy - Confused

[Jasonpb]

Hi all,

After a little advice on which one to buy, can't take one for a test ride unless I wish to jump on a plane for 22 hours so going to rely on feedback from in here to make a decision.

At a later stage I'll be buying a haibike full suspension bike but right now after a daily commuter.

So the bits I'm really conflicted on, is the ST2 that much better than an ST1 granted it's almost twice the cost, is there any difference in the quality of the motors and running gear.

Lastly is the ST2 S worth the extra over the ST2, from my own investigation it seems like a steep price to pay for some minor upgrades, however all the bikes are well within my budget so should I just buy the ST2 S and be done with it.

2016 Stromer ST1 S - Don't really like the colour
2016 Stromer ST1 T - I Like this one
2016 Stromer ST2 - I Like this one, I'll be riding into the city so the tracking is nice
2016 Stromer ST2 S - Is this worth the extra over the ST2

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Hi all,

After a little advice on which one to buy, can't take one for a test ride unless I wish to jump on a plane for 22 hours so going to rely on feedback from in here to make a decision.

At a later stage I'll be buying a haibike full suspension bike but right now after a daily commuter.

So the bits I'm really conflicted on, is the ST2 that much better than an ST1 granted it's almost twice the cost, is there any difference in the quality of the motors and running gear.

Lastly is the ST2 S worth the extra over the ST2, from my own investigation it seems like a steep price to pay for some minor upgrades, however all the bikes are well within my budget so should I just buy the ST2 S and be done with it.

2016 Stromer ST1 S - Don't really like the colour
2016 Stromer ST1 T - I Like this one
2016 Stromer ST2 - I Like this one, I'll be riding into the city so the tracking is nice
2016 Stromer ST2 S - Is this worth the extra over the ST2

ST2 is a big step up from ST1.
Without sounding like a marketing person, let me quickly mention the difference.

1. The motor is lighter and runs at 48V vs 36V. Remember, it's the amps the produce heat. Not the volts. That's why transformers are used for electricity transmission right!
   Anyhow, running at 48V helps in maintaining speed and quick acceleration.
2. Battery. For me this is a decisive factor. You can almost eliminate range anxiety with 814Whr in the tank. I routinely get 60mi or 100km per charge. 814Whr is 205% of current Bosch batteries.
3. 3 lbs lighter than ST1
4. The motor is entirely redesigned. Lighter and more efficient than ST1.
5. It has sophisticated electronics and this should be your only concern, rest all are very modular and serviceable.
6. Quick release on front and back. Slightly easier to do flat repairs.
7. Great for commuting but not useful for any kind of off-road conditions.

Also, ST1 design is 3 yrs old. This is a rapidly developing space, so it's better to go with something latest (and you say money is not an issue!)

ST2-S is nice but if you can modify the ST2 yourself, you can save $2.5K easily. I wish the ST2 came with Supernova M99 Pure (if not Pro!) and Magura MT5 dual piston brakes and slightly more robust racks. These additions + Body Float would make ST2 a terrific commuter bike.

 

[smitty]

I'm new to Stromer and the forum, but have done a ton of research on the Stromer line. I purchased the ST-1 Limited based on a 60-day trial. I liked the color and the setup. I wondered about a single chain ring with 52 teeth (those days are long gone) but to my surprise it seems fine, though I haven't tackled any really long hills yet and having a second chain ring might possibly help out on battery usage. I was torn between the ST - 1 and the ST-2, but felt like I had enough on my hands with the electrical stuff without dealing with all of the advanced technology on the ST-2. Wouldn't you know though that this is the first year Stromer has made a 22in frame size, but it is restricted to the ST-2 models. the ST-2 has an improved (and lighter ) 500W motor and a much bigger battery. I could use the 22in frame, I am pretty sure (6'2, 200+lbs). Depending on your commute distance, the larger battery may be key. With the improved motor, the much bigger battery and the technology, I'm still thinking I might flip for the ST-2, but I would guess that the best buy all of the way around is the ST-1 elite. The Platinum has a bigger battery (as does the Limited) which means better distance and I'm pretty sure that it comes with a triple crank. The Limited comes with the "city kit" (fenders, lights,wired directly to the battery and rear rack), ). ebikesofne.com is offering it at $3900 ($500 off of list), a second battery, a $100 lock and no taxes. Enjoy the search, others will have more ideas for sure on this topic.

 

[Jasonpb]

ST2 is a big step up from ST1.
Without sounding like a marketing person, let me quickly mention the difference.

1. The motor is lighter and runs at 48V vs 36V. Remember, it's the amps the produce heat. Not the volts. That's why transformers are used for electricity transmission right!
   Anyhow, running at 48V helps in maintaining speed and quick acceleration.
2. Battery. For me this is a decisive factor. You can almost eliminate range anxiety with 814Whr in the tank. I routinely get 60mi or 100km per charge. 814Whr is 205% of current Bosch batteries.
3. 3 lbs lighter than ST1
4. The motor is entirely redesigned. Lighter and more efficient than ST1.
5. It has sophisticated electronics and this should be your only concern, rest all are very modular and serviceable.
6. Quick release on front and back. Slightly easier to do flat repairs.
7. Great for commuting but not useful for any kind of off-road conditions.

Also, ST1 design is 3 yrs old. This is a rapidly developing space, so it's better to go with something latest (and you say money is not an issue!)

ST2-S is nice but if you can modify the ST2 yourself, you can save $2.5K easily. I wish the ST2 came with Supernova M99 Pure (if not Pro!) and Magura MT5 dual piston brakes and slightly more robust racks. These additions + Body Float would make ST2 a terrific commuter bike.

So we scrap the ST1 and go with the ST2.

When talking "sophisticated electronics" is everything modular, i.e. GPS module, GSM module etc could I easily remove these components to replace them? do you happen to know the mobile phone frequencies that Stromer supports as 2G is being turned off in my country shortly.

If my frequency isn't supported would the only impact on the bike be the firmware upgrade feature?

I've been offered the ST2 S at a pretty decent price, not sure I'd save 2.5k by modifying it myself given the savings already on offer, the rear rack sounds nice but I'll likely wear a back pack so it will be of little use.

I've never seen electric gears before, I do have a concern about them running on a different battery and what happens if that goes flat, I'm assuming I can't change gears. Also not sure on the longevity of electric gears or any problems associated with them.

I assume you can add a body float to an ST2 S?

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I've never seen electric gears before, I do have a concern about them running on a different battery and what happens if that goes flat, I'm assuming I can't change gears. Also not sure on the longevity of electric gears or any problems associated with them.

I am pretty sure there are tons of riders in the US and elsewhere who are using electronic version of the Di2. When it goes flat, just like cell phone and laptop, you can charge them.

http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/components/8-things-you-need-know-about-electronic-shifting

I assume you can add a body float to an ST2 S?

Of course, you can.

When talking "sophisticated electronics" is everything modular, i.e. GPS module, GSM module etc could I easily remove these components to replace them? do you happen to know the mobile phone frequencies that Stromer supports as 2G is being turned off in my country shortly

I am not sure of these details. I know Stromer has 2G contract for many more years. Are you sure your country is going to phase out GSM completely on that particular date or is it a gradual phase out?

I hope Stromer will renew contract with 4G because there are hundreds of customers here and in EU who are relying on that.

 

[Jasonpb]

Yeah, December 2016 it gets turned off here (AU), looking online in the US AT&T is turning it off in 2017.

Thanks for that link on electronic shifting.

 

[Jasonpb]

Is this video actually demonstrating a real problem? have to admit I'm surprised at how flimsy the door is.

If the door is like this has anyone ever had their Stromer battery stolen? seems like it would be easy to pull that door open with just your bare hands and take someone elses very expensive battery.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Is this video actually demonstrating a real problem? have to admit I'm surprised at how flimsy the door is.

If the door is like this has anyone ever had their Stromer battery stolen? seems like it would be easy to pull that door open with just your bare hands and take someone elses very expensive battery.

It is certainly not the case with every ST2. I had read about flimsy doors and had contacted them about this.
The response from Stromer was " Early 2014 models in EU had this problem and since then polymer reinforcing has been used"

I'm not sure if this guy got a late 2014 model in 2015 or the metal plate expanded due to some thermal cycling.

 

[Streumer]

I have my ST2 from October 15 and my bat door is not from better quality as this shown?

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I have my ST2 from October 15 and my bat door is not from better quality as this shown?

Sounds like they had old stock.
Most of the 2015's have reinforced door.

 

[Streumer]

How does it look? Can you see de difference?

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

How does it look? Can you see de difference?

It has a 2-3 mm thick plastic reinforcement. Definitely sturdier and you can't see any bending.

 

[Jasonpb]

Any other common problems with the bike? and a question, does the app communicate via bluetooth or GPRS, I can understand it using GPRS as a fall back but that's really stupid if the app doesn't use bluetooth when within range.

So far for me it's the ST2 S, or the Specialized Turbo S, here in AU they sell the Specialized Turbo S so if something breaks I can get parts easily so it's a tough one.

 

[Jasonpb]

Well I now own a Stromer ST2 S, now to get it over to AU.

 

[smitty]

Well I now own a Stromer ST2 S, now to get it over to AU.

best of luck with it, along with getting it to AU...

 

[Streumer]

It has a 2-3 mm thick plastic reinforcement. Definitely sturdier and you can't see any bending.

Is it possible to make a pic as I like to know if they sold me old stuff
as my door is pretty flexible????????
Can you point to the difference?
thanks in advance

 

[Jasonpb]

If you're still waiting, I'll take a picture when mine arrives.... better not be like in the video though for a 9k bike.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Is it possible to make a pic as I like to know if they sold me old stuff
as my door is pretty flexible????????
Can you point to the difference?
thanks in advance

The 2015 versions have a polymer backing. Pic attached.

@opimax , that's impossible because in 2014, the ST2 wasn't even launched in the U.S.
It was released on the 3rd week of March 2015 and dealers received it only in April.

 

[Streumer]

Ravi many thanks,
I will look if the backing is there but out of my mind it is, but door is still bending???

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Ravi many thanks,
I will look if the backing is there but out of my mind it is, but door is still bending???

It definitely flexes but not bend.
The 2014 model I rode during Interbike 2014 had few different components as well.