any owners of Charge E bikes?
09-10-20, 09:47 PM
#1
Motorvated
Thread Starter
any owners of Charge E bikes?
Seem to have good value at an affordable price. Any owners out there?
09-12-20, 07:36 PM
#2
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
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Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
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The XC model at least has a somewhat quality Shimano motor and hydraulic disc brakes. Beyond that none of the models look to be of much quality. Cheap components that won't handle e-biking well and hub drives tend to have the lovely issue of broken or loose spokes quite frequently.
The bike is only affordable if you only look at purely initial cost and nothing else. That is where a lot of folks stop is they look at initial cost only and stop. You need to think about cost into the future (unless just riding the bike once or twice) such as replacing parts often, getting frequent service and dealing with any warranty headaches. Make sure you have a shop nearby that is willing and able to work on Bafang systems (or Shimano if you go XC) and has the knowledge to get it done right.
I would pass on these and other bikes similar to it. The folding gimmick is something but that doesn't really excite me enough to overlook the overall bike.
The bike is only affordable if you only look at purely initial cost and nothing else. That is where a lot of folks stop is they look at initial cost only and stop. You need to think about cost into the future (unless just riding the bike once or twice) such as replacing parts often, getting frequent service and dealing with any warranty headaches. Make sure you have a shop nearby that is willing and able to work on Bafang systems (or Shimano if you go XC) and has the knowledge to get it done right.
I would pass on these and other bikes similar to it. The folding gimmick is something but that doesn't really excite me enough to overlook the overall bike.
09-16-20, 09:37 PM
#3
Motorvated
Thread Starter
Figure it will do while I await for my ordered Spec Vado SL 5.0 EQ from LBS.
09-17-20, 09:15 PM
#4
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
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Ehhh I would use that money for my upgrades. That would get me the new 650B wheels (White Industries is able to do a road boost front in their CLDs), new Shimano XT or XTR flat mount brakes (XTR only for the sexy silver) and Cambium saddle. Or I could buy a Racktime Odin bag or something for the rack and maybe add a Kinekt Carbon seatpost and other fun useful accessories.
09-27-20, 10:41 AM
#5
Motorvated
Thread Starter
They claim a 10 minute assembly upon arrival. Took me 12 minutes. A great entry into electric bikes.
Pros:
Sits well. comfy saddle.
Battery is removable (I know pros and cons here but for me it's a pro)
Weighs 40 lbs. when battery is removed.
Lights are always on, a good safety feature
Display unit is small with good info.
I like also having a throttle.
In Stock!! Arrived in 5 days from order!!
Cons:
In Florida single speed shifting is preferred. (Comes with a 7 speed)
Quality of manufacture is nothing special but good enough.
Fenders easily rub against tires, but I think I have under control
No suspension accessories, but keeps weight down.
Class 1, top speed only 20 mph.
All in all, a great value.
Pros:
Sits well. comfy saddle.
Battery is removable (I know pros and cons here but for me it's a pro)
Weighs 40 lbs. when battery is removed.
Lights are always on, a good safety feature
Display unit is small with good info.
I like also having a throttle.
In Stock!! Arrived in 5 days from order!!
Cons:
In Florida single speed shifting is preferred. (Comes with a 7 speed)
Quality of manufacture is nothing special but good enough.
Fenders easily rub against tires, but I think I have under control
No suspension accessories, but keeps weight down.
Class 1, top speed only 20 mph.
All in all, a great value.
10-01-20, 10:47 AM
#6
VELO.MUERTO
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Vancouver, WA
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Bikes: Charge EVO III, Cannondale CAAD8
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They're re-branded Cannondale ebikes (Charge/Fabric is owned by Cycling Sports Group, who owns Cannondale).
So they're basically whatever cheap ebikes CDale is buying and re-selling as their own.
So they're basically whatever cheap ebikes CDale is buying and re-selling as their own.
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