First e-bike suggestions

[psychoanalyst]

Hello,

I am new to this forum and to the world of e-bikes and looking to learn from all of you!

My wife and I recently purchased a home and as a result we are now ~8 miles from work. Traffic is pretty bad where I live and it can take me as much as 40 mins to travel those 8 miles, something that I am really looking for avoid.

I have been looking at various options for the home-work-home commute. The ones I am considering are:

1. Purchase a ready-made e-bike: I was looking at options that give me 28 mph.
2. Convert one of my road-bikes into an e-bike with the Bafang 750W kits.
3. Buy a 150 or 250 cc scooter.

I do a lot of road-biking (and intend to on days where I am not required to come in early), and that is my preferred mode of transport, which is why I am tending towards Options 1 or 2. I especially like the idea of using the bike-lanes and avoiding traffic.

I am looking for recommendations for both the options. I like option 2 since it would mean that I can use my existing road-bike rather than adding another one to my fleet (=happy wife!), but I have no idea how reliable the Bafang kits are.

I called the local e-bike shops and looks like I am looking at $3000+ for Option 1, which is rather steep (it's almost as pricey as a 150 cc scooter!).

I was hoping to get some advice and opinions from the folks here before making a decision.

Thanks a lot.

Avi

[psychoanalyst]

Just to add. I am seeing Option 1 bikes for ~$1700. One of the bikes I am looking at is the Haibike SDURO Cross 4.0

[max_volt]

I am seeing the haibikes deeply discounted if you look around online. That is if you are into something like that.

[ncmired]

FLX bikes is headquartered in your area.

If built carefully and cared for, I'd guess that the Bafang BBS02 is comparable to the Yamaha motor reliability-wise, more powerful, but not as refined. I would suggest not going fly-weight on an electric commuter - opt for picking a bike with stronger components such as the wheels, and damned good brakes.

[psychoanalyst]

Thanks. I will look into FLX. The options for ready-made bikes I currently have are either the FLX or the Haibikes.

[Hard Tail]

It sounds like you’re an established bike rider already. 8 miles is a ride in the park, figuratively. An ebike will likely make your trip enjoyable and stress free. You won’t have to necessarily arrive in a lather of sweat, needing a shower either. 8 miles. Either option 1 or 2 sound like decent options.
I possibly won’t win any mates here by saying it, but for a first ebike, a factory fitted machine from your local bike shop would be a good option. There are one or two ideosinkracies with build yourself ebikes so a factory fit and local bike shop support provides a good introduction. Word of warning. Ebikes are bloody addictive and you’re going to need more than one.

[psychoanalyst]

Thanks a lot guys. I just test-rode a Stromer ST1 Platinum and Hard Tail: I can already see what you are saying......the kick you get from the pedal assist is awesome! I really like the Stromer and at $2500 for the ST1 Platinum, it seems like a really good deal.

[psychoanalyst]

It sounds like you’re an established bike rider already. 8 miles is a ride in the park, figuratively. An ebike will likely make your trip enjoyable and stress free. You won’t have to necessarily arrive in a lather of sweat, needing a shower either. 8 miles. Either option 1 or 2 sound like decent options.
I possibly won’t win any mates here by saying it, but for a first ebike, a factory fitted machine from your local bike shop would be a good option. There are one or two ideosinkracies with build yourself ebikes so a factory fit and local bike shop support provides a good introduction. Word of warning. Ebikes are bloody addictive and you’re going to need more than one.

I was leaning towards converting my existing road-bike into an e-bike with the Bafang kit, but I agree with ncrkd: the road I intend to ride on, I think I am better off with a sturdier bike. My road-bikes are speedsters, but they are definitely not sturdy.

[psychoanalyst]

Folks,

Bought a used Stromer ST1 touring from Craigslist locally yesterday. I got it for $1250 and I thought it's a price I could not refuse.

Wow!! the bikes blows me away......glad I bought it. The power and acceleration and the feel of the bike is something I have never experience before. I rode it to work today and arrived fresh and actually smelling good! Looking forward to my daily rides already.

Avi

[ncmired]

Congrats Avi - best of luck, and enjoy the riding.

[Hard Tail]

Good job psychoanalyst. Sounds like you’re off to a good start. I’m four yrs down the ebike path theses days and I started out with a factory build. Word of warning. These things are addictive and you’ll be owning more than one bike in the future.

[idahoskiguy]

Good job psychoanalyst. Sounds like you’re off to a good start. I’m four yrs down the ebike path theses days and I started out with a factory build. Word of warning. These things are addictive and you’ll be owning more than one bike in the future.

Had to laugh when I saw this since I now have three e-bikes each with a different purpose. Downhill e-mtnb, e-fatbike and a cross country e-mtnb.

[max_volt]

Great purchase and do enjoy the heck out of it but once you get settled in imagine if you will 2 or 3 times the wattage, what could you do with it.

[psychoanalyst]

I am already hooked and if this pans out long term, I can easily see myself going for the ST2 next year!