Entry Commuter Ebike

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  Aleigh123 on 28/11/2024 - 13:44

  I reckon you should go in person and try them out. Also, what kind of route will you be taking? Is it hilly? If so, I wouldn't recommend the Brunswick. Not a lot of gears so the uphills will almost certainly be quite rough.

  • 

    bargaino on 28/11/2024 - 13:48

    Probably OK for most urban rides. Melbourne is not like Hobart. I'd give that a test ride.
    It has 3 gears. But how much torque? Hub drives can cope with steep hills and only have one gear.

    swimming pool (5km)

    Why electric for such a short distance? If you have health issues it may be worth mentioning, for best advice.

    • 

      sirspiff on 28/11/2024 - 15:40

      Pardon me. I've been looking at the routes on Gmaps and I must have chosen a car route. This is what Gmaps tells me for a bike route.
      24min (7.0km)
      33% shared paths, 5% separate cycle lanes, 4% marked cycle lanes, 53% minor roads, 3% major roads, 3% pedestrian paths
      Steep hill ↑ 38m ↓99m
      Looking at the chart against the map, it seems the biggest dip (going there) and rise (coming home) is over a 1.5km stretch.
      I've never travelled that route so can't tell for certain but google says a steep slope is about 7%-15%. The Brunswick lists 60Nm torque.

      Not major health issues. Just generally unfit and looking to get fitter. Swimming because it's less impact on joints.

      • 

        bargaino on 28/11/2024 - 16:00

        That counts as hills :)
        I'd suggest taking the Brunswick for a test ride, including a climb. It is a very good price for the specs listed, and looks suitable.

        • 

          sirspiff on 28/11/2024 - 16:08

          @bargaino: Thanks. I'll pay them a visit.
          How does the Brunswick compare with that eTourer linked above? I can see the eTourer as a higher Nm. It's also a mid-drive. It's a chain vs Brunswick's belt drive.
          What else should I be comparing?

          I've heard good things about 99 so I assume any aftersales service or parts or warranty is less of a concern. They also have a physical store not too far from me.

          • 

            bargaino on 28/11/2024 - 19:06

            +1

            @sirspiff: Very different bikes. The eTourer is heavier, more of an off-roader. Big gear range, more torque. A better motor, but only a better bike if that is what you want. Try them. Oh, eTourer is online only. Yes, a brick and mortar store is a real advantage.

    • 

      sumyungguy on 28/11/2024 - 16:03

      Not strictly correct… I have a rear hub motor with an 8-speed cassette

      • 

        bargaino on 28/11/2024 - 19:04

        But the motor does not use the gears, they are just for pedalling.

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          sumyungguy on 28/11/2024 - 19:08

          @bargaino: Motor works in parallel with the drivetrain via torque sensor in the bottom bracket.

          • 

            bargaino on 28/11/2024 - 19:11

            @sumyungguy: Nice, not many rear-hub motors use a torque sensor.
            But it still is not driving trough your gears like a mid-drive does. pros and cons for that.

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  sumyungguy on 28/11/2024 - 14:32

  I used to commute 45km round trip needing to re-charge for the return leg. If there was a headwind my battery didn't last 22.5km so you'll need a long range bike for that 2 x 40km assignment. Lekker does 70km and 100km batteries.

  • 

    sirspiff on 28/11/2024 - 15:46

    Thank you. These look the bees knees! Also about 2-2.5x outside my budget.
    Are second hand Lekker's worth looking at?

    • 

      sumyungguy on 28/11/2024 - 15:53

      I haven't seen any pre-owned ones around but with they appear to have good service support. Are you seriously considering the 80km round trip commute?

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        sirspiff on 28/11/2024 - 16:04

        I'm seeing them on FB marketplace from $500 up to < $1000 in various ranges (saw one for 4000km on the odometer, I'm guessing that impacts battery life?).
        I might try it once or twice to see. My workplace has end of trip facilities and secure bike storage. Not sure about charging.

        I've been trying to research what the common and furthest distance people cycle for work, and I feel like at 40km one way and approx 1.5 hrs (which isn't much more than taking the tram) is about as far as most will travel - too far for some. It costs over $10 a day riding the tram. In any case, the short trips are my priority at the moment.

        • 

          RockyRaccoon on 28/11/2024 - 22:14

          +1

          @sirspiff: Distance is a factor of how much you use the motor. I have a mid drive Valk which yesterday I rode 32Km and it says it should go 40Km. The battery showed more than half full. I didnt recharge and did 15km today, and its still showing green charge (not in red). I am guessing I get the extra distance as I turn off the motor on the flat sections.

          A mid drive works thru the pedals and then thru the gears. Has advantage of leveraging the gear benefit, the disadvantage is you need to pedal with it to get it going, where a rear drive can be made to bypass the pedalling, or at least you can pedal slightly and the power can be cranked up. So you can do the max 25KPH with hardly any pedalling. But that then uses your battery more .

          Personally I avoided the Lekker after a friends caught fire and burnt his garage down. FBrigade said it was battery that exploded.

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  sirspiff on 29/11/2024 - 15:03

  As I'm coming into the cycling world new, can I please get some additional recommendations?

  1. What other cycling or ebike forums should I have in my shortcuts? I'm in Melbourne if that makes a difference.

  2. What stores (physical or online) for accessories and service?

  3. Do you buy insurance for your bikes? I was told by a colleague to watch out as many bikes get stolen these days.

  The last time I owned a bike, I was a kid and bikes were cheap and really didn't need much servicing. I'm reading that these days, ebikes have a service schedule much like a car would.

  • 

    RockyRaccoon on 01/12/2024 - 07:59

    If you are new to cycling here is my thoughts based on my experience and the friends I ride with. Also based on obviously a bargain mentality.

    Get a cheap bike and ride on days off locally (best on tracks if they are nearby) to become bike accustomed. My first re bicycling was with an Aldi bike. I rode it on and off for a year then got into a regular ride weekly with some friends. It lasted without any maintenance for 3-4 years (Flat tyres excepted). Keep in mind your bike as a kid was probably basic with unsophicated kit, so likely to stand up to wear. Probably heavier as well.

    Too many I know (inc the missus) have bought bikes and then dont continue. Reasons vary from other interests, to flat out not liking it. Excepting bikes that are stolen and sold, many ads on facebook are riden once etc… Another reason to avoid too many accessories. Basics are Helmet - Aldi Kmart $20 -30. Front and rear light Kmart $20ish for both, BELL - ring when coming up on pedestrians, so they are less likely to step into your path.

    With that then also dont go too fancy with suspension, gear numbers etc again until you understand what and how you use it. You can spend a lot on wrong kit other might like but you dont ever use. I have bags etc used once…. Clothing should wait until you have decided you like riding.

    Size will also determine whats the right bike. Again having a basic beginners bike will help you understand that. Use size guides on internet to make the first buy fit you. If you want to be a real scrooge, make a visit to a bike store and see what sizes they recommend.

    Like everything if you want a bargain, you need to do the research that experts charge for. Do some google search for bike groups near where you live. (Im far further north than Melb) plus search for bike youtube videos and websites for advice on buying first bike. I did it and there are plenty.

    Having mastered and liking the basics of a bike, inc experiencing flat tyres rain and motorists, spending money on an ebike adventure can begin with a better understanding of what you will enjoy.

    Happy adventuring.

    • 

      sirspiff on 01/12/2024 - 09:36

      +1

      Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. I've been able to find some reddit community groups like r/ebike, r/aus bike and r/bikecommuting. I also found bicycles.net.au.

      If there are any others, please let me know.

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  sirspiff on 03/12/2024 - 10:31

  I purchased the Velectrix Brunswick. The frame sizes didn't seem much different. Online, I would seem a fit for an L, even M. The shop I went to had all sizes, so I found myself most comfortable with an S.

  I didn't get to test ride it on any hills because there weren't any near the shop, but took it home and had a quick ride around the streets (not on the route I want to get it on) and was quite pleased with the build quality and the gearing. The assist was quite seamless and at times I wasn't sure if I was being assisted or not - I was. The most obvious was either putting it at assist 5 or when trying to pedal from standstill up a slope (front garden).

  Even though I read it, I was still surprised there are only 3 gears. I guess it's to simplify things.

  Additional costs do add up once you get into it, so getting into cycling or commuting via bike is not just the bike cost. I've held back on getting anything else, but have splurge out for locks, a puncture repair kit and bags. Already have a helmet and gloves luckily. Also learning that these ebikes have similar service schedules to cars. Going to have to pick up some self-service skills.

  Thanks for all the input and advice from people on this thread.

  • 

    MBix on 23/12/2024 - 13:43

    Hey mate, how's things going a few weeks on? I've been looking at picking up one of 99Bikes entry levels for similar use to you. When you say extra costs like a bag what do you mean? Storage?

    Any advice you can give to someone who someone who is in your position from a month back would be fantastic :)