michaelm101

Seeking a lightweight carbon-fiber road bike with FLAT bars because I can no longer ride drop bars for long hours.

I also want to be able to get on dirt trails & gravel with confidence and I require rear rack mounts.

I will only be using the motor for climbing,

Thanks for your help!

Rick_D

You're describing a gravel bike and those seem universally to have drop bars; perhaps someone offers a flat bar option? I'd start there. Alternatively, a hardtail mountain e-bike might fit the bill w/o the weight and complexity of full suspension.

Happy hunting!

2old

Start with Urtopia or Tenways, but you may need to change the tires for gravel-type riding.

veganbikes

We used to do flat bar conversions on Specialized Creo's. For boss man we used a collar for rack mounting. I would recommend the Vado SL honestly it is already flat bar and comes with the EQ kit with rack and fenders or you can have someone drill and RivNut the frame (someone who knows what they are doing because it will technically void the warranty) and you can mount a standard rack. I have one and it is a fantastic bike and while not super light is plenty light and really a great ride and if you are a light enough rider you can go for lighter weight wheels and bars and such,

michaelm101

I checked out the Creo and the Vado--

About the Vado, I may have a hard time with spending 4 grand on a metal bike...

I realize that manufacturers of e-bikes don't like to tout the heavier weights, but where on the page does one find the weight of these bikes?

veganbikes

4 grand is pretty standard for a decent long lasting e-bike these days that has good support, a good quality mid-drive motor and quality batteries that are certified by UL or similar organizations. Not sure what frame material has to do with it but if you want a cheap bike you can get a cheap bike easily loads of them and they are 100% initially cheap and that initial price is enticing and if that is the focus you will get that in spades going beyond that I wouldn't peer behind the curtains but in that tiny sliver of time it is the best thing ever. When looking for lightweight reliable stuff that has excellent support or even the higher power but heavier stuff also with excellent support, I am willing to spend a little more initially so I am not putting a bunch of money in long term with less support from the OEM.

Generally you don't find the weights and if you do find weights RUN don't walk to the exit unless they have a picture of a complete bike as you would purchase from a shop on a scale you want to be very skeptical of their weights. Keep in mind they want to sell you something so the lower the weight the better so if they leave out a thing or two or it is a pre-production sample or something like that and the weight is off it will make it more enticing but it won't actually help the weight. Go down to your local Specialized dealer and try out the bikes, that is more important than any stated/claimed weight could ever be.

MarcusT

4 grand for a good quality ebike is a bargain. you're looking for carbon and want to spend less?

2old

OP, you're in socal and the "major's" offerings are within driving distance. Ask them to weigh the bikes, but don't expect anything to be carbon and/or less than 40 pounds for < $4K (probably $6K+). The only route there is a fringe manufacturer. Don't despair, friends/relatives have had excellent success with lesser known companies as well as DIY.

Rick_D

Independent tests generally weigh their subject rigs, e.g., https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buy...c-gravel-bikes

Good ebikes are considerably more than their standard equivalents and $4k CF ebikes seem few and far between, some have components not suitable for long-term parts and maintenance. Mine was $7k, discounted, but does hit the street @ 30#. Drop bars so I didn't bring it into the discussion.

Smaug1

Seems like a Trek FX+ 2 is the closest to what you're asking for:


https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...olorCode=black



I also replied inline below:

I think you could ride drop bars, but they would just have to be higher and further back than is typical, like on a touring bike. "Lightweight" to someone used to unpowered bikes is not going to happen unless you're giving something else up. Most eBikes are in the 60-80 lb. range. Motors are heavy and batteries are heavy. (even lithium)

This is all doable.

Since the weight will likely be more than you're expecting, you may find you want to use the motor more than you thought, for example coming up to speed from a stop.

matchy99

Just pick any bike you like and add a mid-drive kit like this one from CYC Motors:

https://www.electrifybike.com/collections/cyc-motors

I have been using the X1 Stealth for 2+ years on pedal assist only and the mid drive has been flawless (4500+ miles and counting). You can set the amount of assist you need via their App. With my settings, I can get between 24 to 31 miles per charge using a small 52V 10Ah battery (which fits in a saddle bag).

Total weight of mid drive and battery is less than 15 lbs (10 + 5).

late

If you want carbon, expect to pay for it..

If I could get a new bike, this is at the top of my current wish list:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...rCode=bluedark

veganbikes

Threaded steerer and thru-skew no thanks. This is cheaper and better spec'd: https://www.gazellebikes.com/en-us/g...ame=frame-high

Or for the same price (on sale) but way better spec'd and with a belt drive and Enviolo hub so technically almost zero drivetrain maintenance:
https://www.gazellebikes.com/en-us/g...ame=frame-high

2old

Take a look at the Ride 1 UP Factory Tour on YouTube (electrek), then their Racer CF model; gravel or road, <$2300, < 30 pounds.

mackgoo

Talk to the guys at https://www.twohubs.com

He's a great guy and they have a lot going on.

Smaug1

Racer models have drop bars, which he doesn't want.
Roadster models (which you may have been thinking of) have flat bars, but only one speed, which doesn't necessarily fit with his wish to only pedal for climbing. (but maybe so)
https://ride1up.com/product/roadster...avel-roadster/

michaelm101

I wrench on all my bikes, but I don't currently have the patience for the new gear. What's the installation cost?

2old

If you do your own wrenching, a mid-installation will be duck soup IMO. Many (most, all) shops won't do the conversion because liability is a consideration, but there are individuals who advertise the service (or try Bike Craze in Orange).

matchy99

The installation is straight forward and takes between 1 to 2 hrs. These are "install yourself" kits so any proficient bicycle mechanic can install for a fee. Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $100.