2old

Attended an e-bike expo at my LeBS, Electrical Bicycle Center in Fullerton, CA, today. There were more than 10 different brands with models available for test. The standout was the 40 pound carbon fiber Haibike XDURO, but less expensive models from E_LUX and Juiced Bikes were equally impressive. Finally was able to tell which companies "get it" when it applies to programming their systems and which don't seem to have a clue.

NoPhart

Do tell!

Was that at Sam's shop? He usually has a pretty good manufacturer turnout at his open houses.

2old

NP, yes; annual event.

NoPhart

What I meant by "Do tell" is your thoughts on "Finally was able to tell which companies "get it" when it applies to programming their systems and which don't seem to have a clue." comment.

Which ones get it and which ones don't?

2old

Haibike, Juiced Bikes and E-LUX get it; wasn't impressed by e-Motion and Motiv. Some others were in between; no comment.

chas58

what is the difference between those that get it, and those that don't? What is it they get?

2old

TO ME, the difference is the way the power is delivered. I like fairly rapid acceleration, and "seat of the pants", the good ones were peppy, the bad sluggish.

chas58

Funny, I like slow acceleration from the motor, to encourage me to use my legs. Well, it works well on a 30lb bike, not so much on a typical production bike. That is why I keep my current down to 10-15amps.

I know, I'm weird. ;-)

350htrr

I too think the motor should come on like it isn't there at all, at lower levels of assist... After all, it's only a bit of an assist, I am looking for, not an E-Bike/moped type of ride... Even at higher levels it should be smooth, part of the pedalling effort, not really noticeable, except that you are going faster and pedaling a bit less than one would think it would take to do for grade of the hill or to go at that speed... JMO

2old

BTW, I like smooth assist that feels like a younger, stronger me too; it's just when I'm test riding (and I'll concede that it may not be the way everyone should), I tend to "floor it".

chas58

Well, that is kinda fun on a test ride! Whoohooo!

speedy25

At the bike expo early this year I had the same experience. Some bikes just dont work the way they say they should. Sorry you didnt like the e-motion. They were my top pick. Haibike is very impressive while not being insanely expensive.

You going to interbike in Vegas 2old?

-SP

350htrr

Having power is great when needed and I too would use that criteria when testing a bike, but when buying, smoothness/quality for the price is/are, more important traits to me when deciding which to actually get ...

2old

350, agree if testing for purchase; I was testing for FUN.
Speedy; planning to go for a few days; you?

350htrr

FUN, OK then. The more power the better, and more fun...