One lingering question I have - is it a pain in the butt managing shifting, pedaling and throttle with the Shimano? From what I understand the Enviolo is more like an automatic transmission when riding.
Again this is my first ebike so I’m quite ignorant.
Enviolo is easier to manage, but the Shimano isn't difficult. The Shimano can't/shouldn't be shifted under full load, the Enviolo can be safely. Shimano is slightly more efficient, in terms of how much energy is lost in the transmission.
Looking to purchase my first e-bike. I can land a Priority Current Plus for around $2,200 which appears to be a good deal. Here are my questions:
1) Would this make a solid reliable first e-bike? I would like something that just works and needs little fuss from me.
Yes, it's a much better bike that most people start with. I have a Priority Apollo 11 gravel bike and the belt drive has been just wonderful. So nice to just hose it off when it's dirty and not worry about re-lubing it.
2) Which “style” should I get? I have the choice between Shimano or Enviolo.
I'd probably spring for the Enviolo. Seems to be more durable of a design, since there's no gear shear when shifting under load.
3) I’m in the Twin Cities MN area - will I struggle to find people to work on this bike/motor?
Maybe. In my experience, local bike shops will work on the mechanical aspects of the bike at their standard rate, but won't want to be bothered with electronics. On the other hand, Priority is very good to work with.
I had a guy recommend I go with the small despite me meeting the measurements for medium since I fall somewhat in the middle. I’m on the high end of small and the low end of medium. His thought process was that it is a bit easier to make the small size accommodate a bigger body than vice versa.
I’m 5’7, 29 inch inseam, and 65-66 inch wing span.
Any thoughts to his advice. According to the website it appears I fit both with them recommending a medium. If my inseam were 28.5” they’d recommend a small.
I would go by whether you would prefer a more upright or more forward seating position, as the medium is going to have a longer top tube, leading to a longer reach. Also, double-check the stand-over height; you don't want to get the medium then find it hits you in the beans when you straddle it at lights.
If you get the small and need to make it a bit bigger, you can get a longer stem or set-back seat mount, but making a larger bike smaller is a lot more difficult. Shorter stem leads to more fidgety steering and there are no "set-forward" seat posts that I know of.
. Let us know what you decide and how you like it.
