pakeboi

https://espinbikes.com

Robert C

I am going to sound a bit critical; but first I want to say that I do like to see more ebikes on the market and I also like to see more marketing toward casual riders.

Frame:
Two thoughts. Firstly, I realize that "one size fits all" keeps costs lower; but one size really does not fit all. Second, if one is going to go with a semi custom frame design, it would be good to include a mid drive instead of still using a hubmotor.

Motor:
The appear to be using a 350W geared hubmotor in the rear. I have a 350W geared hubmotor on my commuter. It will give good, but not great performance.

As mentioned, at this point, a good, purpose built ebike will use a mid drive, there are several on the market, including a new OEM only model from BaFang that looks like it was "inspired" by the bosch unit.

This manufacturer took the easy way out.

Battery Capacity:
It isn't that great (416Wh @ 36V). They have room for significantly more battery capacity, however, that may require using better cells.

In all, it looks like it is an OK turn-key ebike; however, it could be a lot better. It should be good for local rides and runs to nearby grocery stores and if it helps people do those things on a bicycle, instead of driving then I give it one out of two thumbs up.

(keep in mind, all of this is based on just looking at the website, I havn't seen one of these bikes in person)

pakeboi

Thanks for the reply .
Here's a Q & A I found with the company founders .
Q&A with the Creators of ESPIN eBikes ? espin
I think they're targeting first time buyers and for sure the entry level price point .

Which mid-drive bike(s) do you like in that segment ?

jon c. 

I'd always be leery about buying the first production models of anything. I gather the first ones have just hit the road.

pakeboi

Yes , I thought about that too ; plus afaik ,company founders have no prior bicycle business experience .
However , the bike did receive a good review by Forbes magazine .
https://www.google.com/amp/www.forbe...android-google

Joe Remi

They appear to be basic entry-level hub-motor ebikes based on basic Chinese frames. There's quite the cottage industry growing for this market, and we'll see how many of these companies are still around in a few years. I wouldn't buy one without a published road test, so hopefully they're working on getting one to Court at Electric Bike Review for a tryout.

pakeboi

What is the price for an entry level mid-drive from an established company with a good reputation .?
Or put another way , what's the least expensive decent mid-drive commuter type ebike ?

Joe Remi

I'm not an expert on the topic, but I just paid $2050 including shipping for a 2016 Haibike Sduro Trekking SL. That's close to the bottom of their line, and started at about $3000 last year..I think the cheapest '17 model from them is $2500.

Check out crazylennysebikes.com for the current sale on Haibike and BH bikes. If you're like me and just dipping your toe in the factory mid-drive ebike water, end-of-year clearance in the dead of winter is a great time to get a deal.

Doc_Wui

Good luck guys. Bikes are a bit boxy in my opinion, but at least the battery is integrated. Will your bikes go from Fisherman's Wharf to the Mark Hopkins? If they can take the hilly route, then the motor would be robust enough for me.

pakeboi

They claim their bike can do SF's steepest hill.
They have a good back story , and maybe a good bike , but I wouldn't be surprised if they're simply importing a model they saw at their local bike shop in Shanghai selling at less than half the asking price here .
And nothing wrong with that .

2old

Really be surprised if a 350w motor can climb the steepest hills in SF, and if it could be geared so low, the top speed might be slooooooow.

speedy25

Its just an 8Fun rear hub motor. Nothing special about it but at least you can repair it if it goes bad after warranty time. I can almost guarantee that it wont climb steep hills of SF!

I didnt see a price, but it should be a relative bargain. The only thing really going for it is the AL frame.

-SP

pakeboi

Speaking of new ebike companies , what do you think about Elby ?

https://elbybike.com


https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.bus...-review-2016-5

2old

Saw at Interbike and was very impressed with the quality. Also has a BionX 500w system IMO one of the best in the business. Priced at $3500 or so; glad I don't need a commuter.

tds101 

Oh man,...for a low step thru frame, this baby is SMOKIN!

coominya

I'm always leery about a website that won't display content without javascript enabled.