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Cross posting from bike thread does anyone have any experience with Wing eBikes? I'm, still kinda on the wanting to go ebike route and they seem right in the price range I am looking for, but all the reviews im seeing are either "THIS BIKE IS GREAT SO IS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!" posted 3 years ago or "THIS IS A HUNK OF poo poo THAT BROKE DAY 1 AND CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLETELY GHOSTS ME" posted 8 months ago
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May 26, 2022 18:40
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I'm a tall guy and the biggest thing for me on my regular bike was frame size. I destroyed my back on my first few bikes and only resolved it when I specifically tracked down xl frames in the 62 or 63cm range for my last couple. I'm not sure what to do on an e-bike because frame sizes are more limited. I can go to giant and get a whole range, but a lot of the companies that make e-bikes only have one to two frame sizes. A couple of hours won't tell me about back issues and I don't know enough about how I should fit a more upright frame to be sure about fit on a test ride. Would I be reasonably safe on a fairly upright frame that isn't as big because the geometry is less sensitive to height than a road bike? Anyone have any experiences like this? I didn't splurge on a regular bike until I spent a bunch of time on used beaters and knew what I needed. It's not really an option given ebike prices
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May 26, 2022 20:34
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Frame size is a lot more important on a road bike than an upright bike with high bars. As long as they have more than 1 size there is a good chance you'll be okay with the larger size. I am working with the assumption that you are not an extreme outlier like Shaq.
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May 26, 2022 20:46
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Nah. 6'4", not some seven foot tall guy. Just feeling the back situation more than I was ten years ago!
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May 26, 2022 21:18
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Do you already have a bike that you know is comfortable for you? Slapping a motor and a battery on that is gonna be the most sure thing as far as getting fit right.
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May 26, 2022 23:09
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yeah at 6'5" I just went with a motor kit on my commuter.
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May 27, 2022 03:54
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acidx posted:Do you already have a bike that you know is comfortable for you? Slapping a motor and a battery on that is gonna be the most sure thing as far as getting fit right. If you have a reasonably high tolerance for loving around, yeah.
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May 27, 2022 17:12
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Safety Dance posted:If you have a reasonably high tolerance for loving around, yeah. I do and I considered getting a kit for my dad's bike, since he worked out all the ergonomics and accessories the way he wants. But a decent kit with a battery seems like would be half the price of a whole bike, I'd have to set it up and maintain it, and the end result would be ugly and half-assed anyway.
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May 27, 2022 19:27
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I'm 5'11" (mostly due to long limbs) and got a Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0 with the suspension seat post. The seat at maximum height just barely lets me get a full leg extension, but due to the seat compressing down while riding, I can never break a sweat pedaling or my knees will feel like I owe the mafia money. So I just kinda lightly move the pedals and let the motor do most of the work, which is fine for commuting. Had I done more research, I would have bought the regular XP 2.0 for its higher maximum height.
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May 28, 2022 17:33
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Get a longer seat post? Diameters are plentiful but if you have a set of calipers you can measure what you need and most likely find something that will solve your ergonomics problem. Personally I dislike seat post suspension but people like different things.
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May 28, 2022 19:42
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Invalido posted:Get a longer seat post? Diameters are plentiful but if you have a set of calipers you can measure what you need and most likely find something that will solve your ergonomics problem. Specs I pulled from a review (not even the site itself, which is so typical of low end e-bikes): SEAT POST: Aluminum Alloy, Tapered Clamp Mount SEAT POST LENGTH: 500 mm SEAT POST DIAMETER: 31.8 mm To get more height, you'd be going into Brompton territory. https://www.amazon.com/TOOYFUL-Aluminum-Folding-Bicycle-Equipment/dp/B09CKV8W78?th=1 This one's only an extra 4", though since it's rigid it probably gives you a couple extra effective inches on top.
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May 28, 2022 20:27
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SamsCola posted:Speaking of R&M, I have had my eye on their Multicharger for a couple years now. It's got all the bells and whistles that I'd want on a bike, but are they worth the money? The Tern HSD also has everything I am looking for, but it's $3k less... T.C. posted:Would I be reasonably safe on a fairly upright frame that isn't as big because the geometry is less sensitive to height than a road bike? Anyone have any experiences like this? T.C. posted:Nah. 6'4", not some seven foot tall guy. Just feeling the back situation more than I was ten years ago! evil_bunnY fucked around with this message at 22:17 on May 28, 2022 |
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May 28, 2022 22:13
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kimbo305 posted:Specs I pulled from a review (not even the site itself, which is so typical of low end e-bikes): Thanks for the link! The 600mm seat post you listed should be more comfortable than my suspension 400mm. I'll do an update when it gets here in 2-4 weeks. Fred Dawes fucked around with this message at 00:37 on May 29, 2022 |
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May 29, 2022 00:33
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T.C. posted:I'm a tall guy and the biggest thing for me on my regular bike was frame size. I destroyed my back on my first few bikes and only resolved it when I specifically tracked down xl frames in the 62 or 63cm range for my last couple. Do you live in a place where you could find a shop to sit on a few? I've definitely felt like sizing is way less sensitive on an upright fat tire ebike that replaced a drop bar road bike for me, but it's hard to get a feel for it without at least going around the block on one.
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May 29, 2022 01:38
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I'm visiting my grandparents on the East Coast and took a day to myself to do a 30-mile circuit of New York City on a Citi Bike ebike. Would have liked to get a proper ebike rental where I could turn off the assist as I'd like, but the Citi Bike ended up a little cheaper and much more convenient pickup/dropoff. Had intended to stick to the riverfronts, but eastside's bike routes are spotty at best and I ended going straight through the middle down to Battery Park, then back up the much easier westside greenways. The poor bike finally gave out mere blocks before my destination going up a steep hill just past the Little Red Lighthouse. Definitely a fun way to get out and see the city for those who might otherwise struggle with long ride in mixed traffic! Maybe one of these days we'll get cars banned from the city and open the streets up to people.
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May 30, 2022 18:57
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More city bike share should have ebikes, it's ideal since those are always big heavy clunky bikes to start with and the e-assist fixes that. I wish my city did.
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Jun 4, 2022 18:47
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Academician Nomad posted:More city bike share should have ebikes, it's ideal since those are always big heavy clunky bikes to start with and the e-assist fixes that. I wish my city did.
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Jun 4, 2022 21:32
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Spent more time with the Rize MD. Pretty happy with it so far. I'm definitely on the heavier side, and it's got no problem getting me up the steepest hills in Seattle provided I'm in the right gear and pedaling myself. Only 50 miles on it so far since I got out of surgery, so not a ton of use, but the bike feels well made. I did have to spend a bunch of time reindexing the rear derailleur, which isn't too challenging. The other thing that I want to point out is that it is big. It's not quite fat-bike big, but people on the trail will not mistake you for a regular cyclist. That weight and size also makes it far more cumbersome after you stop pedaling. In retrospect, I would probably have been fine with something like a Priority Current, but I don't feel bad about my choice. 
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Jun 7, 2022 20:48
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I sometimes feel like I should have gotten a Rize MD since it seems better than my RadRover 6 on paper and is only a few hundo more. But the fact that Rad Power has a local shop nearby, and that they are such a successful company and thus will be around when I need them, gives me the peace of mind that tipped me over the edge. I'm also very happy with my RadRover 6 after over a hundred miles now. The motor can be 'unlocked' using the debug mode on the pedal assist software, so it's pretty easy to maintain 24mph on flat open terrain, and acceleration feels nice and snappy. My only negative would also be the bulk. At about 75lbs with my baskets, the RadRover 6 is a chunky boy and a little more of a pain in the rear end than I'd like. I also somewhat regret not getting a step through, on further reflection. But I know what I signed up for. It's still a great bike. That is a sick red on the Rize as well. I was also looking at Vanmoof, and those things are so ugly in comparison..
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Jun 8, 2022 04:55
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I need someone to tell me I'm very stupid for wanting to buy an Urban Arrow since the third kid is coming and the trailer will not fit them all - it does not feel like a good use of $8000 but I really want it!
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Jun 8, 2022 19:57
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Sab0921 posted:I need someone to tell me I'm very stupid for wanting to buy an Urban Arrow since the third kid is coming and the trailer will not fit them all - it does not feel like a good use of $8000 but I really want it! Do it. Box bikes are rad AF.
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Jun 8, 2022 20:59
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Citizen Z posted:Do it. Box bikes are rad AF. There is an even more expensive one - drat wtf I don't even know why it's more expensive but I want it because it is. Marketing is a hell of a drug https://www.r-m.de/en-us/bikes/load-75/
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Jun 9, 2022 03:23
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Sab0921 posted:I need someone to tell me I'm very stupid for wanting to buy an Urban Arrow since the third kid is coming and the trailer will not fit them all - it does not feel like a good use of $8000 but I really want it! Sounds like it's time for a trike, no? e - great little video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGmDu0EinBs
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Jun 9, 2022 03:51
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After getting a new job that requires I commute back into the city every day, I’ve put a deposit down on a low mileage second hand bike. The distance is only 18km/11mi each way, so it seems a great opportunity for a twice daily bike ride, over sitting in traffic, parking and paying for $20 every day for the privilege. I knew I wanted a mid-drive torque sensing bike, and eventually found a barely used 2020 Avanti mid drive with a Shimano 6000 for a pretty solid deal. Really looking forward to putting some mileage on it, maybe posting in here a bit when I break things. PuntCuncher fucked around with this message at 09:23 on Jun 11, 2022 |
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Jun 11, 2022 07:12
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Bucky Fullminster posted:Sounds like it's time for a trike, no?
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Jun 11, 2022 11:14
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Invalido posted:Seconding a trike. They're not bikes and they're not fast but a trike with an articulated box trike similar to that one is an incredibly useful vehicle for heavy hauling and fun to ride in it's own right. You'll se them with five kids or so onboard at times so three including a baby seat plus their stuff and your stuff should be easily doable. Also along with their not-a-bike disadvantages, trikes come with a unique set of advantages some of which are pretty neat. What's the benefit over a bakfiet?
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Jun 11, 2022 13:27
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Sab0921 posted:What's the benefit over a bakfiet? The killer benefit is a bigger box. Much bigger even. Easily twice the number of kids no sweat. The weight is right over the front wheels so if those are good you can load well over 100 kg with no issue which few bakfiets can handle. Also easier to load and unload and ride at slow speeds, or when being pushed around or reversing. A bakfiets or any two wheeler really can be quite cumbersome when it's very heavy, what with getting on and off the center stand and just unstable mass in general (which shifts around a bit when it's lively kids onboard even if they're strapped in). It's literally a balancing act and the slower you go the trickier it gets. I'm fine with it, but I'm pretty strong and I have good technique. My wife rode it lots and liked it until the weight of both kids reached critical mass and after that she wouldn't ride it with two kids in the box anymore since she had a tip over and thought it too sketchy after that. Even a very heavy trike is super easy to handle at no or very low speed. It won't tip over and there's no muscling it onto or off the center stand. Just set the parking brake and it's done. At high speed the trike is a much shittier ride and it really sucks offroad or when space is tight but all things considered it's still what I'd personally choose for moving three kids around over moderate distances.
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Jun 11, 2022 16:16
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I've got about 250 miles on my Rize MD now. The platform is very nice, among the better quality e-bikes I've messed with. The biggest thing that annoys me still is the motor wants to spin fast, so starting from a stop in a high gear is not ideal, and downshifting while braking is just weird. I've decided to change the cassette out with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub. Parts weren't much on Amazon, and my bike guy will lace up the wheel and get me dialed in. Being able to click down at a light or something and get back to speed quickly seems really neat. Plus maintenance should no longer be a problem once I change over. I'll keep the thread updated!
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Jun 11, 2022 17:07
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strangeless posted:among the better quality e-bikes I've messed with. quote:The biggest thing that annoys me still is the motor wants to spin fast, so starting from a stop in a high gear is not ideal, and downshifting while braking is just weird. This is torque sensing, right? Is the issue on starting is how much you have to suddenly spin up to match the rpm the motor sets? On downshifting while braking, is that just a controls ergonomics thing?
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Jun 11, 2022 20:53
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Sab0921 posted:I need someone to tell me I'm very stupid for wanting to buy an Urban Arrow since the third kid is coming and the trailer will not fit them all - it does not feel like a good use of $8000 but I really want it! gently caress you, do it. Sab0921 posted:There is an even more expensive one - drat wtf I don't even know why it's more expensive Bucky Fullminster posted:Sounds like it's time for a trike, no? Invalido posted:The killer benefit is a bigger box. Much bigger even. Easily twice the number of kids no sweat. The weight is right over the front wheels so if those are good you can load well over 100 kg with no issue which few bakfiets can handle. Also easier to load and unload and ride at slow speeds, or when being pushed around or reversing. A bakfiets or any two wheeler really can be quite cumbersome when it's very heavy, what with getting on and off the center stand and just unstable mass in general (which shifts around a bit when it's lively kids onboard even if they're strapped in). It's literally a balancing act and the slower you go the trickier it gets. I'm fine with it, but I'm pretty strong and I have good technique. My wife rode it lots and liked it until the weight of both kids reached critical mass and after that she wouldn't ride it with two kids in the box anymore since she had a tip over and thought it too sketchy after that. Even a very heavy trike is super easy to handle at no or very low speed. It won't tip over and there's no muscling it onto or off the center stand. Just set the parking brake and it's done. At high speed the trike is a much shittier ride and it really sucks offroad or when space is tight but all things considered it's still what I'd personally choose for moving three kids around over moderate distances. real answer: give both a try, but the workcycles kr8 and urban arrow both ride great IMO. evil_bunnY fucked around with this message at 21:22 on Jun 11, 2022 |
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Jun 11, 2022 21:09
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With an internally geared hub, you can downshift while you are stopped.
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Jun 11, 2022 21:31
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evil_bunnY posted:boo-this-man.gif
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Jun 11, 2022 22:09
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If you're going to the width of two wheels side by side, why not just go all the way to four wheels? You're going to have the same width limitations, and it's going be more stable. Something like:  or: 
AreWeDrunkYet fucked around with this message at 22:28 on Jun 11, 2022 |
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Jun 11, 2022 22:25
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Invalido posted:poo poo, I never thought I'd find myself arguing for trikes of all things. I think they're an abomination. Two wheels good, three wheels bad. They just happen to offer utility that isn't available in any other package. They're like a mini van I guess (never had one). It's not something you necessarily want but at some point you just have to give up and accept that they make a whole lot of sense. example of something you can get in the US: https://bunchbike.com/products/the-preschool-electric-cargo-bike-for-6-kids Invalido posted:Also any electric cargo bike (even if not actually a bike) full of happy kids is bound to be an awesome thing even if it rides like poo poo. The kids won't care. But the larger truth is that no parent of young kids that get any kind of e-cargobike is going to regret taking the step. These things improve quality of life immensely no matter which model you choose. They're useful and fun and fantastic and everyone should have one and stop loving driving everywhere because driving sucks. We were the first to have one in our building and now there's a dozen or so. Mostly tadpoles /spit
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Jun 11, 2022 22:35
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evil_bunnY posted:I think the scale at which they make sense is when you have >4 kids. As for quads I kind of like the idea of them. I built one once. It didn't have a proper differential or any suspension apart from tire and frame flex, but those things would have made it much better. Reverse gear was the Flintstone method, but it really would have needed that too. When it wasn't broken it saw some use hauling construction sheets and tools around on a flat large site which was neat (it was shaped like a pickup truck with two recumbent pedal stations side by side and a bed in the back), but a good quad needs to be complex which means expensive and heavy and big, which I guess is why you don't see many of them around. Anyways, the ideal number of wheels shall always remain two, for obvious reasons.
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Jun 11, 2022 23:06
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acidx posted:With an internally geared hub, you can downshift while you are stopped. Yes, but don't let perfect be the enemy of good enough.
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Jun 11, 2022 23:34
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AreWeDrunkYet posted:If you're going to the width of two wheels side by side, why not just go all the way to four wheels? You're going to have the same width limitations, and it's going be more stable. Yeah why is that? I guess aside from the weight, and the centred riding position, there might still be some manoeuvrability advantages to a trike despite having the same width at the front? Or people just want to hang onto the “bike”- ness? Also those recumbent DHL pedal assisted things, despite how janky they look, are likely the future of urban cargo deliveries
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Jun 12, 2022 03:02
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AreWeDrunkYet posted:If you're going to the width of two wheels side by side, why not just go all the way to four wheels? You're going to have the same width limitations, and it's going be more stable. This is just a car but shittier.
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Jun 12, 2022 05:27
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Shittier in my favor. Run me over with that DHL recumbent, not a mail truck.
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Jun 12, 2022 06:27
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kimbo305 posted:Shittier in my favor. Run me over with that DHL recumbent, not a mail truck. I assume they were talking about the top pic. The DHL recumbent is absolutely not a car but shittier, it’s an E Bike which can do a lot of the work of a van.. It fits in bike lanes and operates on pedal assist and can legitimately and easily shave significant percentage points off our collective petrol consumption (and noise and particulate pollution), today.
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Jun 12, 2022 08:06
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