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Light Electric Bike advice please

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  • 21-12-2022 10:03pm
    #1
    work
    Registered Users Posts: 661 ✭✭✭


    Would like to get an electric bike for reasonable distance 20 km each way with some nasty hills. I have tested a few and would think my ideal requirements are:

    1) Light as possible but not foldable as feel horrible (what I tested like GoCycle, no power)

    2) Hybrid type for commutes

    3) Can take a carrier

    4) mid or low crossbar as will share with wife

    5) Mid hub seems to be the best for power.

    6) More upright cycling position for comfort in traffic

    7) Cost not an issue as business will fully cover

    8) Light enough for wife to carry up steps. Already mentioned and below 20KG if possible.

    Some I have seen that look OK include

    1) Orbea Optima 17kg (https://www.greenaer.ie/product/orbea-optima-e50/)

    2) Orbea Vibe H30 Mixte 15 kg but no lights or carrier ( https://www.greenaer.ie/product/orbea-vibe-h30-mixte/ )

    I would really appreciate feedback on what you might think of these and are there any otehr brands. I have shopped around and tried some like cannondale and Giant but they are so so heavy.

    Many thanks



Comments

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    #2
    work
    Registered Users Posts: 661 ✭✭✭work


    I Forgot 9) Should have a location to service in Dublin



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    #3
    densification
    Registered Users Posts: 95 ✭✭densification


    The Specialized Turbo Vado SL Step-through seems to satisfy all of your requirements. It's light, hybrid, comes with lights, rack, mud guards, etc.

    Note the battery is non-removable- same as the orbeas linked. The Specialized is very pricey at €3,900.

    I don't have one- I've a cheaper, heavier ebike which can be stored on the ground floor.



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    #4
    CantGetNoSleep
    Registered Users Posts: 7,251 ✭✭✭CantGetNoSleep


    Have you looked at Cube?



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    #5
    work
    Registered Users Posts: 661 ✭✭✭work


    Thanks , Looks like a nice bike. They don't seem to be in the shops any more. They must just be selling themselves only. I'll go for a test ride.



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    #6
    work
    Registered Users Posts: 661 ✭✭✭work


    Looked at their bikes but nothing obvious and so hard to get weights on most electric bikes.



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    #7
    Ferris
    Registered Users Posts: 2,287 ✭✭✭Ferris


    Not a lightweight but maybe consider Tern cargo bikes for carrying up stairs and storing inside etc. They're not a folder but are a compact frame and they store on their end and have folding pedals etc. I thing that overall size is what makes a bike difficult to store/carry and not the weight but thats up to you and your wife to figure out. Also I'd say the bosch powertrain had a fair bit more punch than the Mahle system and the battery capacity is larger for more range. Reducing battery capacity is an easy way of reducing weight but I'd rather have range tbh. The Tern's aren't cheap however. Also I'd be of the opinion that wired-in lights and mudguards are essentials on a commuting bike for an urban environment.

    Tern HSD P9 (in stock) - Greenaer - eBike Specialists



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    #8
    sumo12
    Registered Users Posts: 585 ✭✭✭sumo12


    I bought a Trek FX+2 electric bike. Great power and really light. Comes with carrier, mudguards, kickstand etc. Has hidden battery too which I liked. Very impressed with it so far



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    #9
    keith_d99
    Registered Users Posts: 1,930 ✭✭✭keith_d99


    I picked up the Orbea Vibe H30 EQ before Christmas. Loving it I must say.

    Weight-wise it is more then fine .... have lifted over gates etc. fairly easily.

    I purposely bought the EQ version for the stock mudguards, carrier extra light and stand.

    I see my model is reduced now .... but they EQ version for the Mid isn't reduced

    https://www.orbea.com/ie-en/ebikes/urban/vibe/cat/vibe-mid-h30-eq-2023


    Any questions at all ... feel free to ask!



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    #10
    work
    Registered Users Posts: 661 ✭✭✭work


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120069532#Comment_120069532

    Hi Keith,

    Thanks for the advice. I recently tried the bike. Orbea Vibe H30 Mixte. I liked it but it couldn't take a rack which is a deal breaker for me and they are not going to sell them anymore which seems they might be troublesome and there may not be the skill to look after. Sadly they will not offer any light hybrid commuter bikes in the future. Best bike so far though



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    #11
    work
    Registered Users Posts: 661 ✭✭✭work


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120025878#Comment_120025878

    Hi Sumo, I might check this out. Where did you buy?

    Thanks.



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    #12
    DaveyDave
    Registered Users Posts: 6,255 ✭✭✭DaveyDave


    My size large Canyon Endurace On is 15.2kg and that's after I upgraded to a lighter saddle, wheels and tyres. That Orbea Optima is probably the lightest you'll get for a bike that includes mudguards, kickstand and a rack without going to a drop bar road bike, which are bikes that wouldn't typically include those things.

    The downside is the rear hub motor isn't great for steep hills.



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    #13
    sumo12
    Registered Users Posts: 585 ✭✭✭sumo12


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120089995#Comment_120089995

    I bought from Steven in Cycle Plus in Greystones - nice guy and good service



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