What to know for a first ebike
December 18, 2023 10:52 AM Subscribe
I love riding my normal bike in the summer and I've been thinking of getting an ebike as well. Mostly I will be using the ebike for bopping around town (riding to new and exciting coffee shops outside of my normal range, for example). I love the idea of not having to trip plan around distance/tiredness/sweatyness/hills so much before deciding to take my bike somewhere.
Most of the time I would be riding ~10 miles round trip with an occasional 25+ mile ride. I think I want something that feels pretty close to a normal bike, but with that extra boost especially for getting up steep hills. I'm not looking to go super fast or to go mountain biking.
I have been trying to read up on how to get started when considering an ebike but there's a lot of technical specs to know about! Mostly I'm just looking for something with solid reliability that can help me get up hills (probably class 1 bikes) and can cover ~25 miles.
I want to start with a more "beginner" budget bike for now so I can get a sense of how much I actually use an ebike. For now my budget is around ~$2,000.
This question about REI's ebikes was helpful and from some additional reading it looks like they're generally considered to be a good deal. I also see a lot of Rad bikes where I am. Electra, Velotric, and Cannondale are also brands that seem to get decent ratings. This Linus eDutchi City eBike is cute as a button but I've never heard of this brand before.
I live in Oregon and can go test bikes in person in Portland, but it looks like most of the shops that sell ebikes lean towards the higher cost models so it may be tricky for me to IRL test out some of the models I'm considering. Any suggestions on a good Portland ebike mechanic/shop are also welcome!
Most of the time I would be riding ~10 miles round trip with an occasional 25+ mile ride. I think I want something that feels pretty close to a normal bike, but with that extra boost especially for getting up steep hills. I'm not looking to go super fast or to go mountain biking.
I have been trying to read up on how to get started when considering an ebike but there's a lot of technical specs to know about! Mostly I'm just looking for something with solid reliability that can help me get up hills (probably class 1 bikes) and can cover ~25 miles.
I want to start with a more "beginner" budget bike for now so I can get a sense of how much I actually use an ebike. For now my budget is around ~$2,000.
This question about REI's ebikes was helpful and from some additional reading it looks like they're generally considered to be a good deal. I also see a lot of Rad bikes where I am. Electra, Velotric, and Cannondale are also brands that seem to get decent ratings. This Linus eDutchi City eBike is cute as a button but I've never heard of this brand before.
I live in Oregon and can go test bikes in person in Portland, but it looks like most of the shops that sell ebikes lean towards the higher cost models so it may be tricky for me to IRL test out some of the models I'm considering. Any suggestions on a good Portland ebike mechanic/shop are also welcome!
I totally get what you are saying about it feeling like there are so many technical specs to consider! If the "feels pretty close to a normal bike" criteria is super important for you, make sure to look at whether the bike has a torque sensor or a cadence sensor. For me, a torque sensor "feels like a bike" and a cadence sensor does not, but I think lots of people are less sensitive to that than I apparently am. If you try bikes in a few different categories (mid-drive vs. hub drive, torque sensor vs cadence sensor) you'll probably get a feel for what is important to you pretty quickly.
posted by mjcon at 12:03 PM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by mjcon at 12:03 PM on December 18, 2023 [6 favorites]
My husband and I have had RadRovers for 3 years now and we both like them. They aren't used for commuting or anything so only have about 1k miles on them, but no problems so far other than problems that were immediately obvious.
The immediately obvious problems were that one came with a broken kickstand and the throttle didn't work. We aren't close to their stores, so they sent us parts at no charge along with directions for fixing them based on our pictures and descriptions of the problems. We replaced the kickstand easily. The throttle was more complicated and I asked them to reimburse me for the repair from a local bike shop, which they did. The repair didn't work and I got lazy and never followed up since throttle wasn't strictly necessary.
25 miles is pushing it, but I have taken mine that far before. Maybe you already know this or are in better shape, but no battery remaining on this particular bike (and I'm guessing most e-bikes) is not the same as riding a regular bike without help since it's a pretty heavy bike. If it ran out, personally I would prefer walking while pushing it to riding it without at least pedal assist level 1.
posted by Eyelash at 12:06 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
The immediately obvious problems were that one came with a broken kickstand and the throttle didn't work. We aren't close to their stores, so they sent us parts at no charge along with directions for fixing them based on our pictures and descriptions of the problems. We replaced the kickstand easily. The throttle was more complicated and I asked them to reimburse me for the repair from a local bike shop, which they did. The repair didn't work and I got lazy and never followed up since throttle wasn't strictly necessary.
25 miles is pushing it, but I have taken mine that far before. Maybe you already know this or are in better shape, but no battery remaining on this particular bike (and I'm guessing most e-bikes) is not the same as riding a regular bike without help since it's a pretty heavy bike. If it ran out, personally I would prefer walking while pushing it to riding it without at least pedal assist level 1.
posted by Eyelash at 12:06 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Sorry to double-post, but if I was near Portland, I'd definitely schedule a test ride of some Vvolt bikes. It seems like they have a few models that might interest you, and Portland is the only place they offer test rides!
posted by mjcon at 12:14 PM on December 18, 2023
posted by mjcon at 12:14 PM on December 18, 2023
Radpower bikes should be within your price range. You'll see varied reviews of them online. When I got mine, the mechanic who built it called it "the lowest-price ebike that I can recommend with a clear conscience". This matches my experience -- some of the components aren't great, I've had to replace a few things, but overall it's held up to daily 20km round trip rides. If I knew I was going to be riding it so much when I bought it I probably would have spent more on a more reliable brand, but it's definitely provided bang for buck.
Before you get a Rad make sure there's a shop nearby that will service it -- lots of shops only service ebike brands that they sell.
posted by no regrets, coyote at 12:59 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Before you get a Rad make sure there's a shop nearby that will service it -- lots of shops only service ebike brands that they sell.
posted by no regrets, coyote at 12:59 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'll put in a plug for the Specialized Como. It's a very reliable legacy brand. I have basically your exact use case for mine and I love it so much. Rides like a regular bike. Looks like a regular bike. Huge cargo capacity in the front basket or the rear rack. And right now it's on sale for right at your price range.
posted by fancypants at 1:04 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by fancypants at 1:04 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
I have one of the REI bikes from that link. It is a great "normal bike but also boosts you up hills" option and I have covered hundreds of happy miles on it.
Key features for me in suburban PNW:
-Torque sensor, which means when you have pedal assist on it feels natural, like your legs jut got a little stronger.
-Disc breaks, preferably hydraulic but mechanical would be ok, this is key for stopping a heavier bike on wet or leafy surfaces
-Weighs less than 50 pounds if you're on a budget, less than 40 if you have more $$. This is essential, as my bike rides like a nice bike without any assist, so I only need the power if I'm tired, need a speed boost in traffic, or want a push up a hill. Otherwise I ride it with 0 assist. The rated mileage is 30-40 miles but I typically go over one hundred before I charge, and it's still at half power. I would not want a bike that didn't function as a bike.
-Rack or cargo area is so much nicer than a backpack, although you can add on here. I use mine for 95% of my groceries, including costco.
-Not a fat tire. It pedals like a real bike, and also it fits on bike racks so I can always bus home if it gets too dark/rainy/far/flat tire.
If I didn't have my bike I'd look at the Soltera 2 from Aventon. I rode their earlier version and nixed it for the cadence sensor, but by having the battery on the cross beam it has a little better balance for lifting onto a bus bike rack or up stairs. Aventon sells online but also at some bike shops (at least in my PNW metro area, which isn't Portland).
Also to note, I really didn't want a throttle because it seemed like cheating. I have changed to not missing a throttle but understanding there is some value in city riding, as it is a little more elegant to throttle from stop lights than to kick off and start pedaling. There are however some parks and public areas that ban bikes with throttles so it's a tradeoff.
posted by Narrow Harbor at 1:57 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Key features for me in suburban PNW:
-Torque sensor, which means when you have pedal assist on it feels natural, like your legs jut got a little stronger.
-Disc breaks, preferably hydraulic but mechanical would be ok, this is key for stopping a heavier bike on wet or leafy surfaces
-Weighs less than 50 pounds if you're on a budget, less than 40 if you have more $$. This is essential, as my bike rides like a nice bike without any assist, so I only need the power if I'm tired, need a speed boost in traffic, or want a push up a hill. Otherwise I ride it with 0 assist. The rated mileage is 30-40 miles but I typically go over one hundred before I charge, and it's still at half power. I would not want a bike that didn't function as a bike.
-Rack or cargo area is so much nicer than a backpack, although you can add on here. I use mine for 95% of my groceries, including costco.
-Not a fat tire. It pedals like a real bike, and also it fits on bike racks so I can always bus home if it gets too dark/rainy/far/flat tire.
If I didn't have my bike I'd look at the Soltera 2 from Aventon. I rode their earlier version and nixed it for the cadence sensor, but by having the battery on the cross beam it has a little better balance for lifting onto a bus bike rack or up stairs. Aventon sells online but also at some bike shops (at least in my PNW metro area, which isn't Portland).
Also to note, I really didn't want a throttle because it seemed like cheating. I have changed to not missing a throttle but understanding there is some value in city riding, as it is a little more elegant to throttle from stop lights than to kick off and start pedaling. There are however some parks and public areas that ban bikes with throttles so it's a tradeoff.
posted by Narrow Harbor at 1:57 PM on December 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
I recently-ish bought myself an Aventon Pace and am really very happy with it. I was not looking for a model with a separate throttle but am pretty glad to have it occasionally when I’m feeling extra lazy. I got the older model which you can generally find for around a grand so it’s not a high end build but it’s been a reliable commuter and I don’t have any real complaints. If you were going to do big hills I’d recommend something with mid drive - lower end models like mine have the motor in the rear axle which is less powerful and less immediate.
You’re right to be mindful of maintenance and repair availability, the biggest seller of aventons in the Bay Area is a solid sports equipment chain not a bike specialist. They have several locations and it’s never been a problem getting my bike worked on by competent folks.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 2:12 PM on December 18, 2023
You’re right to be mindful of maintenance and repair availability, the biggest seller of aventons in the Bay Area is a solid sports equipment chain not a bike specialist. They have several locations and it’s never been a problem getting my bike worked on by competent folks.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 2:12 PM on December 18, 2023
Even yet still another Portlander here. I have a Specialized e-bike (not the one fancypants links to) and I absolutely love it. Mine's a road bike so it's not apples/apples with what you want to do, but one of the things I love about mine, which looking at the Como feels like it'll be the same for that bike, is that it handles like a traditional bike when you're not using the assist, because most of the weight of the bike is in the down tube and the hub.
Specialized is a reliable brand that makes very good e-bikes. And the one fancypants links to is on a really good sale right now so I would strongly consider it. River City's Belmont location is their ebike HQ, and carries Specialized bikes, so they may have one you can test ride.
If you're looking at an online purchase of another brand, find the bike shop closest to where you live and ask if they will service that brand. The reason many shops don't service ebikes they don't sell is that, particularly on the low end of the price spectrum (you're kind of looking in the middle), manufacturers will use off-spec or non-standard-sized parts that a shop normally doesn't stock and would have to order, so most just say "no thanks".
Another advantage of buying from a shop is service for the life of the bike. If you buy from River City, they'll do a free 100 mile tuneup, and they do brake/cable adjustments whenever you need as a drop-in. Most shops will do something similar.
River City, the other e-bike shops mentioned, and The E-Bike Store in NoPo (not the cheapest, but worth checking out) are all good places to look for bikes. Good luck and have fun!
posted by pdb at 5:04 PM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
Specialized is a reliable brand that makes very good e-bikes. And the one fancypants links to is on a really good sale right now so I would strongly consider it. River City's Belmont location is their ebike HQ, and carries Specialized bikes, so they may have one you can test ride.
If you're looking at an online purchase of another brand, find the bike shop closest to where you live and ask if they will service that brand. The reason many shops don't service ebikes they don't sell is that, particularly on the low end of the price spectrum (you're kind of looking in the middle), manufacturers will use off-spec or non-standard-sized parts that a shop normally doesn't stock and would have to order, so most just say "no thanks".
Another advantage of buying from a shop is service for the life of the bike. If you buy from River City, they'll do a free 100 mile tuneup, and they do brake/cable adjustments whenever you need as a drop-in. Most shops will do something similar.
River City, the other e-bike shops mentioned, and The E-Bike Store in NoPo (not the cheapest, but worth checking out) are all good places to look for bikes. Good luck and have fun!
posted by pdb at 5:04 PM on December 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I just very recently bought a 700 Series from Ride1up, which is gaining ground on a lot of older brands due to making throttle-enabled bikes with good parts and full size (even oversize) wheels and tires. It's been great though assembly was slightly involved.
But my guess is that one is not the bike for you — it has a cadence sensor rather than torque sensor for the pedal assist, which makes it a little less smooth, and it's intended for part-time pedaling, part time throttle, with a really big max range of like 60-70 miles. And it comes with some useful but heavy accessories - fenders and a rack, etc.
They have lighter bikes, like the LMT'D ('limited') with a torque sensor, and the slightly more minimal Gravel Roadster.
That's all I can speak to. From my own online research I understand the Specialized and Trek etc bikes are great but tend to be overpriced for what you get. Those brands are actually making sub-brands now like Globe (Specialized) and Electra (Trek) that focus more on the electric side and lower prices because they're less for "bike people" than "people who would like to have a bike."
Definitely can't contradict anyone else's take here though and I completely agree that going to your local bike shop where they carry a few and actually seeing whether you prefer a certain motor, assist type, custom settings etc will be key to whether you end up actually using this thing as planned. Have fun!
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 7:54 PM on December 18, 2023
But my guess is that one is not the bike for you — it has a cadence sensor rather than torque sensor for the pedal assist, which makes it a little less smooth, and it's intended for part-time pedaling, part time throttle, with a really big max range of like 60-70 miles. And it comes with some useful but heavy accessories - fenders and a rack, etc.
They have lighter bikes, like the LMT'D ('limited') with a torque sensor, and the slightly more minimal Gravel Roadster.
That's all I can speak to. From my own online research I understand the Specialized and Trek etc bikes are great but tend to be overpriced for what you get. Those brands are actually making sub-brands now like Globe (Specialized) and Electra (Trek) that focus more on the electric side and lower prices because they're less for "bike people" than "people who would like to have a bike."
Definitely can't contradict anyone else's take here though and I completely agree that going to your local bike shop where they carry a few and actually seeing whether you prefer a certain motor, assist type, custom settings etc will be key to whether you end up actually using this thing as planned. Have fun!
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 7:54 PM on December 18, 2023
I'm not nearly 100% satisfied with the build quality of my Carbo S bike but it has what I think is important, which is least 9 gears because you don’t want to be stuck with an unrideable brick when the battery dies. I was looking for a light weight foldable, so also tried the GoCycle and Brompton Electric at a local bike shop but felt underwhelmed.
If your locality allows for it, a throttle is another must-have. I love tooling around on really hot, muggy days using only battery power.
posted by brachiopod at 9:22 PM on December 18, 2023
If your locality allows for it, a throttle is another must-have. I love tooling around on really hot, muggy days using only battery power.
posted by brachiopod at 9:22 PM on December 18, 2023
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Instead of focusing too much on technical specifications, I'd say to go with a reliable retail shop who is selling quality bikes, and then test ride a few. Sometimes one just feels so much better than another.
You can try out Rads with an appointment at Upcycles in NE. My household has a Rad. It's more than fine for the limited miles we've ridden it, but I also know some folks who ended up upgrading a year or two later, so I think it's worth trying out other brands too.
In inner SE, you can hit up Clever, Splendid, and River City. You might not need to go to all three, but they have a wide range.
I'd suggesting going first to Clever Cycles. Linus is a fine brand; lots of folks ride their non-ebikes around town. As you know, Clever has ebikes and focuses on city riding, which is the combo you have in mind. Yes, they have some expensive cargo ebikes, but they also have a lot of more regular ebikes, and they definitely have a few under $2000. Even if you decide to get a Rad or REI bike, you will be in a better position of having test ridden a few so you know what are and aren't getting.
Splendid Cycles is their nearby competitor, and also has ebikes and town bikes.
And River City Bikes has made their secondary location into an ebike store, so you can stop by there as well.
With any kind of bike, there's no substitute for a test ride, especially at distances of 10-25 miles. This is a good time to buy bikes, since it's winter, and bike sales have declined from the heart of the pandemic.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:12 AM on December 18, 2023