2nd ebike - What are my options?

[Jerome Daoust]

I'm considering upgrading my second electric bike from an eZee Quando
2 (I'm upgrading the first for an Optibike):
http://www.ezeebike.com/products_quando.htm

Goals:
1) Go a bit faster (so I don't have to sloww down too much on my
Optibike). The Quando 2 is limited to 16 mph, so there a 4 mph
improvement easily possible since most ebike will do 20 mph (on motor
alone).
2) Keep the transport weight low for the bike rack (battery can be
inside the car) so ideally no more than 50 lbs, which rules out bikes
like the E+ models (65 lb because I don't want to revove the front
wheel to transport it to save the battery pack weight)
3) Ideally designed for a woman (step-through design), but not a
dealbreaker.
4) Not too expensive: Under $3000.

In the eZee range of products, I'm thinking of...
Torq, 20 mph, 21 kg (46 lb): http://www.ezeebike.com/products_torq.htm
Sprint, 20 mph, 23 kg (51 lb): http://www.ezeebike.com/products.htm

I don't know what is an easy to maintain a 20 mph speed with this
model, nor its weight without the battery packs:
Giant Twist Freedom DX W: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/2258/32230/#

Is this one the same thing as an eZee Sprint?
Ecobiike EB 360, 20 mph, 24 kg (52 lb) :
http://www.greenspeed.us/ecobike_electric_bike_eb360.htm
http://www.myebike.com/bikes/EcobikeElegance.html

What else would be an option? A used Optibike 400?

Thank you, riding is more fun with a partner,
Jerome

[thesaxman]

Hi Jerome. I've been running my 800li in Eco mode lately, pulling a
trailer, going 20mph. I'm not sure, but I think it's putting out like
400 watts.

I've been waiting for someone to respond to your inquiry, but no
takers. So at the risk of sounding like a broken record: why not an
Opti 400? The cost? Forget about it. You know your partner is going to
love it. And will be able to climb hills. And the thing will run 25
miles in fast mode, no problem. And it comes with great components.
And you guys will match. And it weighs about 50 pounds.

I think you already spent money on bikes you need to upgrade. Why do
it again? Not a cost effective approach, IMO.
Keith

On Sep 15, 1:39 pm, Jerome Daoust <EyesToThe...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm considering upgrading my second electric bike from an eZee Quando
> 2 (I'm upgrading the first for an Optibike):http://www.ezeebike.com/products_quando.htm
>
> Goals:
> 1) Go a bit faster (so I don't have to sloww down too much on my
> Optibike). The Quando 2 is limited to 16 mph, so there a 4 mph
> improvement easily possible since most ebike will do 20 mph (on motor
> alone).
> 2) Keep the transport weight low for the bike rack (battery can be
> inside the car) so ideally no more than 50 lbs, which rules out bikes
> like the E+ models (65 lb because I don't want to revove the front
> wheel to transport it to save the battery pack weight)
> 3) Ideally designed for a woman (step-through design), but not a
> dealbreaker.
> 4) Not too expensive: Under $3000.
>
> In the eZee range of products, I'm thinking of...
> Torq, 20 mph, 21 kg (46 lb):http://www.ezeebike.com/products_torq.htm
> Sprint, 20 mph, 23 kg (51 lb):http://www.ezeebike.com/products.htm
>
> I don't know what is an easy to maintain a 20 mph speed with this
> model, nor its weight without the battery packs:
> Giant Twist Freedom DX W:http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/2258/32230/#
>
> Is this one the same thing as an eZee Sprint?

> Ecobiike EB 360, 20 mph, 24 kg (52 lb) :http://www.greenspeed.us/ecobike_electric_bike_eb360.htmhttp://www.myebike.com/bikes/EcobikeElegance.html

[thesaxman]

I think the Giant Twist Freedom's advertising from the above link
speaks for itself:
"The new Twist Freedom DX is no orginary bike".

Keith

On Sep 15, 1:39 pm, Jerome Daoust <EyesToThe...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm considering upgrading my second electric bike from an eZee Quando
> 2 (I'm upgrading the first for an Optibike):http://www.ezeebike.com/products_quando.htm
>
> Goals:
> 1) Go a bit faster (so I don't have to sloww down too much on my
> Optibike). The Quando 2 is limited to 16 mph, so there a 4 mph
> improvement easily possible since most ebike will do 20 mph (on motor
> alone).
> 2) Keep the transport weight low for the bike rack (battery can be
> inside the car) so ideally no more than 50 lbs, which rules out bikes
> like the E+ models (65 lb because I don't want to revove the front
> wheel to transport it to save the battery pack weight)
> 3) Ideally designed for a woman (step-through design), but not a
> dealbreaker.
> 4) Not too expensive: Under $3000.
>
> In the eZee range of products, I'm thinking of...
> Torq, 20 mph, 21 kg (46 lb):http://www.ezeebike.com/products_torq.htm
> Sprint, 20 mph, 23 kg (51 lb):http://www.ezeebike.com/products.htm
>
> I don't know what is an easy to maintain a 20 mph speed with this
> model, nor its weight without the battery packs:
> Giant Twist Freedom DX W:http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/2258/32230/#
>
> Is this one the same thing as an eZee Sprint?

> Ecobiike EB 360, 20 mph, 24 kg (52 lb) :http://www.greenspeed.us/ecobike_electric_bike_eb360.htmhttp://www.myebike.com/bikes/EcobikeElegance.html

[MilkDud]

Hey Jerome

I currently have a Giaant Freedom Twist... a nice bike, but it does
shut off the motor at 15 mph. No way to change out the gearing (that
I know of) to eek out more speed.

Also, the rear internal gearing hub is nice in being able to change
gears at a dead stop... but the wire connectors are a bear to work
with... I went to 2 bike shops when I couldn't put the wheel back on
the bike before I finally had to drive it 30 miles to a GIANT dealer.
At least they showed me how to make the attachement.

At this time I have 1200 miles on this bike (not bad for 3 months),
and I will continue to ride it until next summer, when I will likely
get an Opti and give this one to my wife.

Good Luck

Chris

> > Ecobiike EB 360, 20 mph, 24 kg (52 lb) :http://www.greenspeed.us/ecobike_electric_bike_eb360.htmhttp://www.my...

>
> > What else would be an option? A used Optibike 400?
>
> > Thank you, riding is more fun with a partner,

> >    Jerome- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[hillclimber]

Look into Hi-Power Cycles.
http://www.hi-powercycles.com

very nice looking custom light bikes.

it will be my next after my M-750x.

[Jerome Daoust]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

Since the Giant Twist Freedom DX is limited to 15 mph, it provides no
significant advantage over my current companion bike, so i will
eliminate that option.

I though about an Optibike 400, thinking it may be light enough
(lighter than a 57 lb 800Li), a little pricey for what I wanted but
not a dealbreaker. But what made me avoid it as an option is the low
range:
http://www.optibike.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid=133
It has half the range of an 800 Li, or apparently no better than my
current eZee Quando 2's (I easily do 25 miles with very little pedal
assist). Or is that comparison table out-of-date? I will verify with
Optibike.

Jerome

On Sep 16, 10:09 am, MilkDud <dudley...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Keith Felch]

Jerome,
With the 13 amp hours on board and a 150 lb rider, the 400 will do 30-35
miles with moderate pedaling, no problem. This from my wife's experience on
her 600.
Keith

[OptOut]

Jerome,
I would think you could get a better battery option (ie Li) in the
Optibike if the standard is low range.

Best,
Joe (mobile)

On Sep 16, 2008, at 3:48 PM, Jerome Daoust <EyesTo...@gmail.com>
wrote:

[Jerome Daoust]

On Sep 16, 1:10 pm, Jerome Daoust <EyesToThe...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for the suggestion on Hi-Power Cycles:http://www.hi-powercycles.com
> I had that link but was shy to consider that as an option since I have
> not seen much discussion/interest about them.

I started a separate discussion about that company's reputation:
http://groups.google.com/group/Tidalforce/browse_thread/thread/928b8e9428fa5287
Otherwise this product seems like a fit:
http://www.hi-powercycles.com/product.sc?categoryId=3&productId=7
Even with the most expensive battery pack it would only be $2600.

[Jerome Daoust]

A possible solution to lowering the transport weight of an Optibike:
http://groups.google.com/group/Tidalforce/browse_thread/thread/64694769d1438e7d

[Jerome Daoust]

About the Optibike 400, I just got off the phone with Craig and he
says the 400 and 800 have the same run time, but different speeds, so
the 400 does have less range.

Chris (production guy at Optibike) said the 400's weight is the same
or more (max of 5 lb more) than an 800 Li (55-57 lb) which uses more
lightweight parts. For the 400, there is a choice of NiMH or Li
batteries.

[Bike_on]

J-

Why not an E+? It is around 4k, it can keep up to 25-30mph, silent,
don't have to shift, a different feel than the Opti.

You would be the first on this forum to have two new models. (Johnhas
a 600T and TF)

Dan

[Jerome Daoust]

I emailed with Chris at Hi-Powered Cycles ( http://www.hi-powercycles.com
) and he recommends this setup...

Schwinn Midtown bike with our new 600 watt BMC geared motors that are
coming out shortly.
Depending on the range, we would recommend the 37v lithium battery
system since it only weighs about 4 pounds.
We do offer custom torque arms, but the motors already come with
torque washers and are 100% capable of handling a low voltage/low amp
application such as this.
We will also be offering a new 36-48v 30 amp controller that will only
be a small increase in price.
About 44.8 lbs total weight without the batteries for the midtown.

[Jerome Daoust]

I'm avoiding an E+ because of its weight (65 lb) which cannot be
reduced significantly for transport. I could remove the front wheel
that contains the batteries, but I would need to put a temporary wheel
so it is held properly by my bike carrier, so the transport weight
would still be around 55 lb, which I just to be too much for my
carrier that I do not want to overstress.

I just got off the phone with Chris Hunt of Hi-Powered Cycles. Nice
guy and he is based in Southern California (convenient for me). I like
the fact that the battery can be easily removed and then the transport
weight is down to about 44 lb for a bike with full suspension. Lots of
battery options to fit one's desired range. And the whole package is
well priced. The only issue is that it is a young company.

Thanks for all the suggestions. At this point I will keep 3 ebikes: My
soon-to-arrive 800Li, and my 2 eZee Quandos. When I go riding, the
person on the Quando will bring both battery sets (the extra strapped
onto the rack) so their range will be similar to my Optibike. Time
will tell if I get too annoyed by slowing down on my Optibike.

Question: Who owns the most ebike out there? I will start the bid by
saying 3.

Jerome

> > batteries.- Hide quoted text -

[Jerome Daoust]

Jerome Daoust wrote:
> I'm avoiding an E+ because of its weight (65 lb) which cannot be
> reduced significantly for transport. I could remove the front wheel
> that contains the batteries, but I would need to put a temporary wheel
> so it is held properly by my bike carrier, so the transport weight
> would still be around 55 lb, which I just to be too much for my
> carrier that I do not want to overstress.

Also, the E+ has range issues:
http://groups.google.com/group/Tidalforce/browse_thread/thread/e436f759e0ca6332#
I would definetly need to add an external battery in any hope of
having someone follow me on my Optibike. So more weight again, getting
close to 80 lb !

[remf]

Jerome, I've seen these bikes locally & seem to be good value &
lightweight.

I like the 67V X-treme - 38 MPH top speed! It has disc brakes, I
hope???

- 28 mile range

Price: $2,675.00

rem

On Sep 18, 4:50 am, Jerome Daoust <EyesToThe...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I emailed with Chris at Hi-Powered Cycles (http://www.hi-powercycles.com