leisesturm
100 W
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2014
- Messages
- 205
Getting old (60+). Still fairly fit, but can't see small parts anymore. Wrenching is getting to be a headache (literally). Want an e-bike because 30mi. (roundtrip) commute. Short-list: Trek Allant+ 8s; Raleigh Redux IE; Giant Quik E+. These are all Class III bikes and look nice to my eyes. I will be in formal business attire, and IMO suspension forks and/or motocross styling just doesn't mesh with FBA.
From talking with dealers I learn that 28mph won't be a cruise speed for any of these bikes. They can reach it, just about, but the rider will be putting in about half the energy. So my question: I could probably build (with help) a true top of Class III bike for less, certainly not any more money than any of the bikes on my list. For sanity's sake I have focused on just one way of doing that: commercially available commuter bike plus TSDZ2 mid-drive.
Short list of 'donor bikes': Raleigh Redux (heh); Salsa Journeyman 650 Flat Bar; Surly Bridge Club. The Surly is the most expensive platform, but even at $1200 plus $1000 for the motor and battery I would be spending 1/2 of what an Allant+ lists for! It's hard to see a downside. Allant+ motor is 75nm torque vs 90+nm torque for the 52V mid-drive.
One immediate difference I notice between commercial e-bikes and 'normal' bikes is that all the decent e-bikes have much longer wheelbases. Like several inches longer. And they use 2.4" clinchers for the most part. So I guess what I am wondering is whether or not to pay the big money and get a commercial product that will have hydraulic brakes, long wheelbase and clearance for big rubber, or kit out a passable donor bike to get somewhat the same functionality? Any thoughts?
From talking with dealers I learn that 28mph won't be a cruise speed for any of these bikes. They can reach it, just about, but the rider will be putting in about half the energy. So my question: I could probably build (with help) a true top of Class III bike for less, certainly not any more money than any of the bikes on my list. For sanity's sake I have focused on just one way of doing that: commercially available commuter bike plus TSDZ2 mid-drive.
Short list of 'donor bikes': Raleigh Redux (heh); Salsa Journeyman 650 Flat Bar; Surly Bridge Club. The Surly is the most expensive platform, but even at $1200 plus $1000 for the motor and battery I would be spending 1/2 of what an Allant+ lists for! It's hard to see a downside. Allant+ motor is 75nm torque vs 90+nm torque for the 52V mid-drive.
One immediate difference I notice between commercial e-bikes and 'normal' bikes is that all the decent e-bikes have much longer wheelbases. Like several inches longer. And they use 2.4" clinchers for the most part. So I guess what I am wondering is whether or not to pay the big money and get a commercial product that will have hydraulic brakes, long wheelbase and clearance for big rubber, or kit out a passable donor bike to get somewhat the same functionality? Any thoughts?