Little Old Lady seeks ebike

[LOLbiker]

What are your ebike recommendations for an experienced senior (70+) rider? For years, I rode a Trek 7300 analog bike. Fun, but the flat handlebars put pressure on my right hand, causing numbness. (Did the max in handlebar adjustments.)

An ebike will help me get back in the saddle after a few years off, but I'm torn between Trek's Duo Sports or FX2 models, which weigh around 40 pounds, and something like the Verve #2, which comes in at over 50 lbs. The upright riding position on the Verve is more comfortable, but the bike feels a bit clunky. With the lighter bikes, I can pedal without assist on flat trails and add a range extender if necessary for longer rides in hilly Colorado. I can store an ebike in our garage and get a rack with a ramp for transport so won't be lugging it up stairs. On the other hand, a Verve may be just what's needed at my age.

How does bike weight factor into the purchase for you?

 

[cash70]

For us we considered the weight mainly for loading into a bike carrier. But once we found one with a ramp, that was no longer a concern. As long as the bike carrier could handle 2 bikes and had a ramp, we were good.

 

[packitin]

Well, LOLbiker, I'm in the same state as you, except I'm not experienced like you are and I'm in the (80+) group. So, I decided that I'm either going to quit riding altogether or look at ebikes. (I've never one)

So I began to think of all the features I should look at: lightweight- under 50 lbs, removable battery (so I can remove it to allow lighter carrying on my car rack), throttle (so I can keep up with the youngsters of age 50, 60 or 70's on the hills), front suspension, step through, flat bars, comfortable seat, and priced under $2000, if possible.

The Aventon Soltera 2 almost fit, but didn't have a suspension, so then I Iooked at some like the Cannondale adventure neo allroad eq, for $1825.
Does anyone here have a Cannondale? Are they good ebikes? (I hope to ride, if God is merciful, until I reach 90)
Thanks,
Packitin

 

[popekr]

I have the Trek fx+2 It's in the picture of my profile. I think that's what it's called. It's about 38lbs. And only 10lbs over my traditional Trek. It's a pedal assist, no throttle. I love it. I got it mainly because the hills are starting to be tiring. I can still do them but It takes its toll on my body. I have been riding a traditional bike for about 5 years now. A Trek and then progressed to this one. Pro's.... I can get it on my bike rack nearly the same as my old one, It is easy to use without the assist so I can get the exercise I need. It has three assists modes and I generally for now only have to use the low setting and it gives good boost but I still feel as if I get some exercise because I'm still huffing and puffing now and then. So I know I am still working. I can attach my grand daughters wagon and cart her around and the assist really helps, she's 30 lbs. It's a close as I can get to a traditional bike with a bit of assistance as I need it. You should try one out.

Edited to add I also raised the handle bars a bit so it was more comfortable and I wasn't leaning over quite as much.

 

[packitin]

Thanks for that information. That looks like a great bike, and one to consider, but the thing is, I must have a front suspension! I ride 99% on the greenways, and sometimes they are fairly new, so the pavement is "how shall I say", too thin! By that I mean we have many "burrowing animals" that leave ruts that can be dangerous. I had a bad wreck a few years ago, (at age 75) and wound up in the ER for a day and half (that's a story for another day)

Also, I must have a throttle!. Last year, an older lady was discovered lying on the greenway, when found, 911 was called and she was in the hospital for several days. According to our hometown paper, " the elderly woman was attacked on the morning of July 2 and suffered numerous facial injuries. Investigators report some of the victim’s teeth were missing. Police say the victim was found in a ravine and crews had to clear the brush to pull her to safety." Due to the severity of her head injuries, she remembered nothing about her attacker, so the case is unsolved.
.
So, with a throttle, if I see a dangerous looking ruffian lurking around, I can hit the throttle and take off escaping from the hoodlum. Since I'm at the mid-80's range, I figure that's the only way I can stay safe.

Let's face it. The way our country is going, its not very safe to be out and around anymore. Just the other day, the Gaudreau brothers were killed while riding a bike, and they think the driver of the car was drunk.

So, as far as the ebike I'm considering, it seems for now that the Yamaha Crosscore Rc E Bike has the features I want.

Blessings,
packitin