Hello - Just want to say I've read through a lot of threads/topics and sub forums before I decided to ask for help!
Brand new to ebike world, as in looked at my first one 3 days ago. Since then it has been hours of google, youtube and I've lost track of how many e-bike websites I've visited.
The backstory: I'm 51, 5'10 and 200 lbs, active my entire life, pretty good shape, no health/physical restrictions. My wife is similar age, 5'7 and 135, active. While we used to ride frequently, that was years ago and now we have more time to find some new hobbies. We are looking for something that will be easy to adapt to - my wife is a little more apprehensive and really wants to avoid a twist throttle. Our primary riding will be paved bike trails with possible some fire trails every now and then. We are in a rural area and it is hilly - some of them are fairly long/steep grades. In the event we ride farther than battery range, want to be able to have something reasonably manageable for still riding that isn't a tank. If possible, would like to stay under $5k for both bikes.
What I've looked at so far:
- Aventon Level Commuter (for me) and Aventon Pace 500 step through for wife. Watched extensive reviews but not had a ride (having hard time finding one local). My concern about the Pace 500 is lack of front suspension and how comfortable will that be on a long ride?
- Trek Verve 2+ (first ebike I have ever been on). Looking at Trek Verve 3+ as a possible bike for me and maybe something out of the "Electra" line for my wife. Those get pricey fast and not sure our use really justifies spending 6k+.
- RadPower Rover - looks great but has a throttle and its pretty heavy.
There's no perfect answer and I know there's going to be as many recommendations as there are brands, but because I still don't know what I don't know, I'm hoping to get some info/tips on what things to consider (or possibly what to avoid).
Thanks so much, what a cool world/topic this is - fascinating and I had no idea ebikes was such a vast landscape of choices!
Brand new to ebike world, as in looked at my first one 3 days ago. Since then it has been hours of google, youtube and I've lost track of how many e-bike websites I've visited.
The backstory: I'm 51, 5'10 and 200 lbs, active my entire life, pretty good shape, no health/physical restrictions. My wife is similar age, 5'7 and 135, active. While we used to ride frequently, that was years ago and now we have more time to find some new hobbies. We are looking for something that will be easy to adapt to - my wife is a little more apprehensive and really wants to avoid a twist throttle. Our primary riding will be paved bike trails with possible some fire trails every now and then. We are in a rural area and it is hilly - some of them are fairly long/steep grades. In the event we ride farther than battery range, want to be able to have something reasonably manageable for still riding that isn't a tank. If possible, would like to stay under $5k for both bikes.
What I've looked at so far:
- Aventon Level Commuter (for me) and Aventon Pace 500 step through for wife. Watched extensive reviews but not had a ride (having hard time finding one local). My concern about the Pace 500 is lack of front suspension and how comfortable will that be on a long ride?
- Trek Verve 2+ (first ebike I have ever been on). Looking at Trek Verve 3+ as a possible bike for me and maybe something out of the "Electra" line for my wife. Those get pricey fast and not sure our use really justifies spending 6k+.
- RadPower Rover - looks great but has a throttle and its pretty heavy.
There's no perfect answer and I know there's going to be as many recommendations as there are brands, but because I still don't know what I don't know, I'm hoping to get some info/tips on what things to consider (or possibly what to avoid).
Thanks so much, what a cool world/topic this is - fascinating and I had no idea ebikes was such a vast landscape of choices!