peppep

Hi! I've been doing a bunch of ebike research, and would love some opinions. I'm new to ebikes, and will be test riding some soon. Looking for some ideas of what to test, or if a conversion might be the best idea.

Why ebike? I have a congenital condition that affects my lung capacity. I love riding bikes, but I don't ride as much as I'd like to. Going up hills causes me to need to stop and heavily breathe for a while; it can make me really out of it, which is unsafe on city streets. My main reason for wanting an ebike is for help on inclines so that I can maintain better breathing patterns and not get over-winded.

Budget: $2000 is the very top, under would be better.

Wish list: First and foremost something I can get serviced without having to mail it in/something not from a startup with crappy service (I'm in New England). Lightweight enough to carry up a flight of stairs and to still be pedaled comfortably enough if the battery dies. Rear rack compatible. Stealth or hard to steal would be a bonus. Preference towards ones that look like road bikes, aesthetically.

I've read up on cadence vs torque PAS, and I think cadence fits my needs better, since more effort when I'm trying to conserve breath seems counter-productive. I think a throttle would be a huge help, too.

So far I'm planning on test riding the Wing Freedom and the Aventon Pace series. Anything else good to consider?

Pics attached are my current bikes. I've got very long legs and a short torso, hence the high seats. If I converted one, it would likely be the Trek, because gears and rack.

Thanks for any insights!

2old

If you like the Wing and know anybody who has had good service from one, it seems like a good deal for $1098. The Aventon bikes have a good reputation, but doubt you'll get them up the stairs. The Trek looks like it could be converted to a 40 - 45 pound bike. In order to get the most reliable DIY kit I'd call ebikesca but they're expensive. You need to read more and decide exactly what type of system you want. So far you've listed hub motors, but mid-drive might be better for climbing.

Leisesturm

Take a good look at the tires on The Wing Freedom X. That is the main reason not to upgrade a road racer or hybrid from 20 years ago into an e-bike. Even if you have been riding with a health condition previously, and rarely ever experienced level ground speeds much greater than 10mph. That is about to change with even a 250W e-assist. Potholes and other road hazards approach at undodgeable speeds, and without some size in the tire to absorb some of that punishment, the rider has to. I don't own an Aventon Pace but the 500 was on my short list. It is still what I recommend. The Wing certainly looks nice and who can argue with the weight but there is no doubt in my mind that shortly after purchase you will be instructed as to how, and where, to complete the contract that consigns your Immortal soul to Eternal Hellfire, upon your death. Nothing gives that much without asking a lot in return. I didn't do well in 116F a couple of weeks ago. A man has got to know his limitations ...

kayakindude

Because we live near each other, I would recommend the Trek store in EP. They are pricey but will give you a good idea on setups and how the ride compares to a regular bike. If you want to see how a conversion affects things send me a PM.

cat0020

With a budget of $2k limit, it's gonna be difficult to find new e-bike that suits your criteria.. especially from name brand (Trek, Specialized, etc..) stores.

The Trek 790 might be a good candidate to convert to e-bike, $2k budget is certainly plenty for conversion, just how much are you willing to experiment with it.

Without looking at how the riding position is while you're on the bike, I can't really tell for sure, but for someone with short torso, your stem height is almost level with your saddle height.. stem length seem also long for short torso; maybe try sitting more upright to help with your lung issue. Single speed operation likely doesn't help the lung issue.

2old

By the way, the bike I listed, 1985 Fuji, is similar to your Trek in vintage (AFAICT). The weight without battery is 37 pounds (frame, fork and headset a somewhat porky eight pounds, motor about ten pounds). I use a small (four pound or larger eight pound) battery, which are removable to reduce the weight if needed. Socal has high taxes, but benefits are smooth roads and bike paths, and the bike rides like a dream.

peppep

Thanks for all the replies!

Leisesturm Tire width makes sense. I could go bigger on a conversion than the current tires. What makes you think the Wing is a death trap? Just sounds too good to be true, or anything specific? Reviews overall are good. There are some low-grade components, but I could slowly upgrade those. Not looking for firey death... or any kind of death, really...

2old The Fuji looks great! Roads are **** here, so I won't have your smooth SoCal rides. For bike weight, I'm pretty strong, and won't have to carry it upstairs every day, mainly for the winter when I won't want to leave it in the garage. So while 40-50lbs would be preferable, up to about 60lbs should be ok. I'll admit that I started looking at ebikesca and got quickly overwhelmed by the options.

kayakindude I'll check out the Trek store and see what they say; there are a couple other shops I'd like to visit too. I'll message you!

cat0020 Budget maybe could be stretched if I wait and save up longer and sell the current bikes (love them, but probably won't ride them much if I get the right ebike). I've never had a more upright bike; interesting point that it could help with breathing. I'll have to try out the theory while test riding.

2old

cat has an excellent point. Keep your shoulders square and you'll have more lung capacity so breathing will be more efficient. "Cruiser" style is excellent for this aspect.

cat0020

Budget doesn't have to be stretched, but just be open-minded about e-bike options that you have not known before.
There are plenty of other options than "regular looking" e-bikes. Depending on your riding needs, physical limitations and how hands-on your are with bicycle mechanics.
I work in NYC, I see cheap e-bikes operated by delivery folks 24/7 in all weather condition and those cheap e-bikes get abused plenty, and there are good reasons why they are so popular among the delivery folks: reliability, carry lots of cargo, cheap initial purchase and likely easy to fix when something goes wrong.
They are not sexy to look at, but they get the job done.

linberl

For a city bike, consider a folding e-bike. Dahon has a couple, and I think Tern does as well (but I don't trust Tern after their frame debacle). https://usa.dahon.com/products/k-one-ebike-hub-drive
Being able to fold and park inside under a desk or table eliminates much of the theft issue. You can also fold and roll in stores. I don't even carry locks on my folders (unless I'm going to a movie theater where they
don't allow them inside). And 20" folders are much more nimble in a city environment and easier to handle between cars and parked cars.

peppep

Thanks, not opposed to a folder, I can see the convenience. I'll look for one to test ride. I guess I'm looking for a sweet spot between a practical city bike and something still fun to ride around, so if the folders are still fun, then why not!

linberl

A quality folder will ride like fun, for sure. Sort of a cross between a bmx and mountain bike/road bike depending on the model. My Bike Friday pakiT is like a 16" wheeled road bike, with terrific acceleration (smaller wheels accelerate faster) and just whips around sp easily!
There are folders with 20" wheels (more common) and you can get road style tires, mountain bike and/or fat tires. If you've any fond memories from when you were a kid riding a bmx, it will bring a huge smile to your face.

kayakindude

I own 6 folders, 2 Dahons, 3 Zizzos, and an incredible Airnimal Chameleon (my main bike and my commuter to Providence). You ever want to test ride one send me a PM. I do agree a folder would make a nice conversion.

cat0020

Interested in folding e-bike?
https://www.bikeforums.net/electric-...cent-hype.html

I've been commuting on folding bikes & folding e-bikes since 2013.
Commute range between 5 and 16 miles, 3-4 times a week.
I take my folding bike onto public transportation such as buses & subway trains.
With a $2k budget, you can likely find a nice commuter folding e-bike these days, just whether there are units in stock from sellers is the main hurdle.

peppep

I do have those memories, and that sounds pretty awesome! Thanks for the info

peppep

Wow, that's so generous; thank you! I'd love to try one and hear more about conversions.

DukeO

Have you checked out M2S bikes. They have some good commuter ebikes in your price range. https://shop.m2sbikes.com/collection...electric-bikes

peppep

Hey everyone! Thanks for the help. I ended up taking the Wing out of the running because of some bad reviews of their service, and Aventon because of weight/heft. I got the opportunity to try out a RadRunner, which reinforced that I didn't want a heavy bike, and also learned that a hub drive is perfectly sufficient for my needs. The Runner was more powerful than I needed. I ended up finding a good deal locally on a Propella and jumped on it. It's perfect! It's a fun, zippy bike that feels like a normal bike to ride around. It's only 37lbs before adding accessories. And even though it's got a low-power motor, it's enough to help me up hills! I'm really enjoying it so far!