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Morning All,
Misses has been thinking about getting a E-Bike for a while, she's unfit and overweight and is worried about the hills around here. Depending which way she would cycle to 5 miles to work one climb is about 300ft over 1/2 a mile the other is 300ft over 1 1/2 miles.
We tried a Marin Sausalito E2 out the Forest of Dean for the day and she didn't have any issue on but didn't really try anything really steep.
We've found a couple of E1 which have a 40NM motor rather than the 60NM(?) (Steps 5000 vs 6100) of the E2. Will the 40NM be enough torque for her 5 mile commute when combined with the wide range cassette? I think she has a slighter lower range on her current Merida Speeder but that's a triple with 11-28 cassette, and no motor...
E-Bikes aren't my thing so any advise is very welcome.
Thanks in advance.
I would expect so. The battery makes a bloomin great load of difference and if she can already operate a geared bike she'll be laughing.
We have a 'cheap' ebike at work on loan from the local council/sustrans, had it last year too. It's a ridgeback, and is 2.5k worth. Without the battery and motor, it would be a 400 quid bike, it's really not very good.
I'd be looking at converting something decent with a kit, will end up cheaper and better.
Watch out, theres just too many (cowboys) in today's ebike market. As coining in big time offering poor quality for maximum money.
Keep in mind Ebikes of the number now available have been companies about 12 months to two years, all offering basic components, using basic Chinese imported frames in one, though rarely two sizes.
All share the basic frame, the basic hub motor, and the lowest quality of componentry
Dont know what your budget is, but I'd suggest something Van Moof. Although they're also in 2 sizes, they have been at it since 2009 and have a range of very nice features. They seem less pretentious than most of the current market.
They cost £1800, which is comparable if not better priced than these new kids on the block offering Eturds.
Thanks all, we're looking to spend about 2-2500 on one.
Ideally something with a crank motor than a hub motor, we've got a few options, the Marin and a Ghost seem good at the moment.
Thanks @Nobeerinthefridge a Ridgeback was on the list but was concerned about the overall build. The Marin/Ghost seems better for the money.
My Mam has a Liv (Giant) hybrid - she just got that after getting rid of a Liv MTB. because of the size. The Mtb was about 2300 pounds (money not weight) - It was actually a pretty good MTB - I'd happily use it as a proper mountain bike.
The hybrid she has now better suits her needs, but still a good bike, Deore brakes and gears, step thu, 70mm suspension fork. - About 2800 I think - seems good.
Basically, have a look at the Liv bikes too.
What about cube trapeze stuff
https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/cube-reaction-hybrid-performance-500-trapeze-2021-electric-bike
The Bosch motors seem to be fairly rebuildable (see https://www.performancelinebearings.com/), note that not all e-motors seem to be rebuildable.
Aye the Ghost has a Bosch (Performance CX) with either 75nm or 85nm if torque, so that should drag her up a vertical wall....
Something Dutch with Shimano or Bosch electrics and a belt drive/hub gears. Lay in a spare rear tyre as 250W of constant power goes through them steadily.
I have a cube e bike (Kathmandu touring hybrid exc) I have been using it almost daily since. I got it about 15 months ago. I can recommend it, only flaw is the kickstand broke when the bike got blown over in high wind. I took that off and haven't missed it yet. I have done regular trips of up to 50 miles with no problem.
I was shocked though, when I did a quick google before posting this the model I bought seems to have gone up in price by around 20%. Also cube have a vast range of e-bikes so the nomenclature of each model is equally vast and complex
Also, usual for pics of misses before we agree if it's a fair swap!
Standards must be maintained.
Thanks all, bought a 2020 Ghost Hybride Square Trekking B5.8, seemed to have found a half decent deal for one in her size. About £1750 instead of £2999. Lets see how much she uses it now....
@sandwich, maybe worth a conversion kit....