mcjun5
Friends, cheap e-bike enthusiasts, business owners & philanthropists, I bring you an excellent deal if you were looking for a present, business tax deduction, or new commuter E-Bike. I've owned this bike for nearly 2 years & just ordered 2 more for wife & best friend.
My original post/purchase: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/733126
The mountain bike variant 'Benelli Mantus' is also on sale, with 5% discount code for $1,424.05 (https://www.mobileciti.com.au/benelli-mantus-electric-mounta…)
Usual online price for either of them is between $2.2-$2.9k.
My notes from previous post below, with additions at the very bottom of what I recommend you upgrade/swap out having now had it for 2yrs.
I spent a long time researching for a budget (but still good quality) e-bike, and I can say after riding this around for 2 years it has been an excellent purchase (I was really afraid would have buyers remorse after purchasing an E-bike and getting a lemon, tho see notes at very bottom for the full picture.)
Key pros I like about the bike in no particular order:
1. Mid-drive motor (Better performance, control and lifetime on parts instead of rear wheel/hub drive. Also, don't need a special wheel, and all my online research said hub drive motors crap out 90% more often then mid-drive.)
2. Battery built into the frame (i really didnt want a bike with a battery sticking out for both looks, aerodynamics and theft protection. This one is inside the frame with a key to release. You can charge it by plugging it straight into bike frame, or take battery out and charge that way)
3. Disc brakes, with hydraulic fluid for better braking
4. Normal handle bars so I dont have to hunch over (the road bike handles are just less comfortable. Yes, less aerodynamic but so much more comfortable and that's what the battery/motor is for)
5. Front and rear mudguards included (so dont get wet spray on my back or shorts.)
6. Front & rear lights included, built-in and powered by main battery (so I no longer need to worry about lights getting stolen, or taking off to recharge, or forgetting to put back on & then cycling in the dark, such a convenience!)
7. Hybrid build (includes suspension for a comfier ride and not exclusively limited to road surfaces)
8. Thick tires (over a road bike anyway, so I can use on grass, dirt, loose surfaces and not just limited on roads, not that it's an off road bike. Also safer as more contact with ground.)
9. Rear tray included (for whatever exta things you want to take. Though I'm looking at swapping this to a rear seat for small people)
10. Kickstand included, just a nice convenience
11. Range - easily get 80-90km on assist level 1. Though on my actual full assist for max speed daily commute I get 45km, which is really impressive given the speed/level of assist.
12. By changing some settings in the console, motor cut-off speed can be altered from 25km/h to 40km/h (for use only on private property of course)
Cons:
1. Heavy, to be expected for a budget version with all these features. Having lighter components and frame is what starts to increase the price.
2. Off brand motor (i.e. not a bafang) so can't speak to how long it'll last but comes with 12 mo warranty. Will post update if motor ever craps out, but it's a mid-drive instead of hub so I expect some decent mileage.
After owning for 2 years I can recommend swapping the following:
1. Brakes - to basic Shimano as the current ones suck/get loose too often. (Can delay it until your first big service)
2. Chain ring - to any ring that has narrow wide teeth to improve grip on the chain/stop chain skipping.
3. Chain - the one supplied will last 3-6months, but is crap so just get a new one for $40-50 when get a service.
4. General note - sometimes the on button doesn't work & you need to turn it on by pressing the on button on the battery itself (means taking the water protection cover off). I assume it's a wiring issue/something to do with cheap build. But I mean, for this price that's not a big issue for me, and if it really bothers someone a bike shop may be able to fix for a fee. Hopefully mine is the exception & it doesn't happen with yours.
Aside from these pointers it is an excellent bike (hence buying 2 more for the wife & best friend). Hope this saves others about 10-20 hours of online research and indecision
Just a warning these I believe are 1-size only and are pretty big. The standover height means you need to be pretty tall