Reply to Electric Bikes

There are several types of E-bikes and now a whole bunch of manufacturers....it doesn't seem to just be Specialized and Trek on the E-bike scene.

To help some of us that may be in the market:

Do you ride an E-bike?

Which type did you buy and why?

Is it suited well for the Katy / rail trails?

Are you happy with it....would you buy it again or another type/brand?

What are the pros and cons of the E-bike you ride?

What features would you like to see on an E-bike?

What features are not worth the $$?

After much research into the subject, I bought the Xpedition by Lectric with dual batteries.
Pros:
1) Dual battery makes for extended range (I’ve ridden from my home to Hartsburg and back on my test run, 44 miles plus a steep climb on a private gravel road back to my house). Had 50% battery left.
2) Lots of options available, I bought the panniers and running board supports because I wanted to make runs into Jefferson City for supplies etc.
3) Comes with hydraulic disk brakes, nice for when I go down that steep gravel road to the Katy.
4) Good responsive service, after I purchased they had a special with free options. They sent them to me when I asked about them without any hassles.
5) Excellant manual on how to easily set up power to meet your needs.
6) Even has cruise control.
7) Nice motor cycle type kickstand, holds the bike up without any fear it would tip over.

Cons:
1) It came with cheap thin slime filled tubes. When I aired them up one popped. The rim had a burr inside where the rim was pressed together. I filed the burr down and replaced both tubes with a better quality tubes from a local bike shop.
2) Wish it came with quick release axels, or at least used the same nuts on front and back wheels.
3) Wish the dual battery bike came with two chargers. I ended up buying another charger so I could cut the charge time in half.

The option I chose was to convert a hybrid Giant Sedona 26" to a mid-drive electric. I chose a large battery in a back rack instead of the down tube. Water cages are more important in my case. I have a 750 watt motor. Loaded, peddling and use usually no more than 2 boost I have gone 75 miles and still have enough battery left. (Rail trails) I upgraded the tires, chain and a few other things for touring. Bought the bike on marketplace for $100. (stole it) and the kit was $1200. A factory e bike would be well over a thousand dollars more after setting it up. Standard tires, brakes, components if I have a mechanical breakdown. Fits standard bike racks a big plus. I converted the bike in 4 hours and I am not a bike mechanic by any means. Pushing 600 miles so far. And I can disconnect the throttle on trails like the C&O that don't allow them. This set up work for me.

Jon

Was the kit a Giant kit or by someone else?

Bafang fit mid drive. Fits multiple brands of bikes. Just have to check how wide your crank tube is. YouTube Bafang mid drive installation. A guy named Johnny Nerd Out has great videos.