E-bikes anyone? (bicycles)

A few weeks ago I bought a Speicalized Turbo Vado 4.0 to commute to work (23 miles each way). I did a bunch of research on this style of bike (what I call the Professor-going-to-class style), and finally settled on the Vado. The other contender was the Bulls UrbanEvo, but i settled on the specialized for specific specialized bike shop support and the ability to tweak motor settings via the specialized app. This only shows one pannier, but plan on commuting with both. So far the bike has been great and a lot of fun ripping around the area.

 

you bike to work 23 miles each way?????

 

In theory I will... once the pandemic is over. ha. I did it once on my regular road bike a couple of years ago, and it was a chore. the ebike will make it much more manageable (I just rode 12 miles in 35 minutes, so it'll take me just over an hour to ride to work). I've many times driven half way and biked about 10 miles to work.

 

Cool bike, I keep looking at the Turbo Vado SL 4.0 and keep trying to convince myself I need it more than the money

 

Got my wife a Giant Explore last year.
She absolutely loves it. And at her weight (125lbs) and using it 90% of the time on "Eco", the range is very impressive.

It was pricey.....but watching her gave as she waits for me at the rio of a long grade is worth it.

 

The sl is a nice bike, I took it for a spin, much more like a traditional bike than the vado. The bike shop guy said, do you want to sweat more going to work? Get the sl. Want to sweat less? Get the non sl vado.

 

Or sweat none and get one of these - leaning heavily in this direction at the moment. All the Luna bikes have throttles. All things considered the Fat Babe is a remarkable deal.

 

I guess the regular bike look is what really appeals to me and I would be using it more for pleasure rather than commuting so I thought it might be the route to go.

 

I was the same way, but since they're everywhere and not going away, might as well join 'em

You can use any mid-drive kit with a thru axle. Try the Bafang BBSHD, etc.

 

one more thing about the SL... its turbo mode is like the sport mode on the Vado. So if you're set on the SL, don't test ride a Vado. ha.

 

*UPDATE*
New Giant Roam E's just came in.
My wife got tired of waiting for me at the top of hills. It's being set up for me tomorrow, just in time for a camping trip across the UP of Michigan at the end of the month in our new Tacoma and sleeping platform I made.

 

Very cool! Can't wait to hear what you think about it.

Good to hear shops are getting new inventory in. The last few shops I've visited have been looking pretty bare...sales have been fast and new inventory slow. Maybe supply chains are finally moving again.

 

This shop usually has 100+ on hand just in storage.
Same owner for 40 years.
Told me the basement storage area is empty for the first time since inception. Showroom is sparse, but better than 2 months ago.
The Roam E is the updated Giant Explore.
My wife loves hers. So I got one too

 

Ordered this so now I guess I am an official e-bike owner

 

Heh. I have a eFatBike, and a eCargoBike.

 

Looking at getting into a cheap ebike. Looking at the RadRover’s and Leon Cycles NCM Aspen Plus. The NCM’s components seem slightly better but the Rad’s being made in Seattle gives me more piece of mind and they seem like they are everywhere at this point.

Mainly will be using it to cruise around but will be doing some trail riding with it too. Anyone have either of these?

 

The Rads are legit.

 

I got this M2S back in March of this year. Its not what I would classify as a true mountain bike, but its been great for trails, gravel roads, beach, etc. Since March, I've put 4000 miles on this and loving it more and more.

 

Luna's still running the Black Friday specials. $1,100 for a BBSHD kit with a battery - sitting here with my finger on the trigger...

BlackFriday - Luna Cycle

 

Something to think about for DYI: http://sickbikeparts.com/electric-shifter-kit/