Hi you all, first time poster here. I'm looking into buying my first e-bike real soon, and I've narrowed it down to the Ride1Up Core 5 and Juiced Crosscurrent S. I've read many reviews and I think these two bikes offer the most value for the money. The most important things to me in a e-bike are speed and range. They're both class 3 bikes rated up to 28 mph so that's good.
They Crosscurrent S has better specs. It has a 52V, 15 ah battery. Both bikes have 750 watt motors, but the Crosscurrent S has more torque, 80Nm. The range on this bike is up to 65 miles.
The Ride1Up Core 5 has a battery of 48V, 12.8 ah. The motor puts out 60Nm of torque. However both bikes are class 3 rated up to 28 mph. The Core 5 has a shorter range of 25-45 miles.
Obviously the Crosscurrent S is the better bike, but the Core 5 might be fine for me. I bike for recreation. I live in the Phoenix area and I like to take the trail up to my local park which is 2.5 miles away. I might meander around the park a little, and bike back. Basically 5-6 miles total. I don't see myself ever going more than 8 miles with this e-bike. Well, the Core 5 should handle that with ease right?
Furthermore, there are some things I like better about the Core 5:
The Core 5 is less expensive, $1200 versus $1500.
It uses mechanical disk brakes which I like better. I have hydraulic brakes on my mountain bike, bleeding and refilling the brakes is a pain. I wish I had mechanical disk brakes instead.
The Ride1Up Core 5 has a standard fork which I like better. My Cannondale mountain bike has a suspension fork which is basically a useless spring, no dampening whatsoever.
The Core 5 looks like it has a more relaxed riding position. I'm 5'9, 215lbs (I'm going to lose some weight). My mountain bike has an aggressive riding position, and I feel like my stomach is compressed, making it hard to breath. A slightly more upright position sounds nice!
Although the battery isn't as powerful on the Core 5, replacements are cheaper, $459 for a 14ah versus $799 for the Juiced battery (19.2ah).
And lastly, the Core 5 is 10 lbs lighter than the Crosscurrent S, 49 lbs versus 59 lbs. That's got to help with range and speed I would think.
As you can tell I'm leaning towards the Ride1Up Core 5, but I wanted your all's input. I think they're both established brands that aren't going anywhere. I want to know that I can get replacement parts several years down the road.
Thanks for reading, I'm so excited about getting an e-bike!
Matt
Edit: The Crosscurrent S has a torque sensor for pedal assist, that might be important. I might want to gear down and push a taller gear. The Core 5 has only a cadence sensor, it would just think I'm pedalling slow and not assist me.
They Crosscurrent S has better specs. It has a 52V, 15 ah battery. Both bikes have 750 watt motors, but the Crosscurrent S has more torque, 80Nm. The range on this bike is up to 65 miles.
The Ride1Up Core 5 has a battery of 48V, 12.8 ah. The motor puts out 60Nm of torque. However both bikes are class 3 rated up to 28 mph. The Core 5 has a shorter range of 25-45 miles.
Obviously the Crosscurrent S is the better bike, but the Core 5 might be fine for me. I bike for recreation. I live in the Phoenix area and I like to take the trail up to my local park which is 2.5 miles away. I might meander around the park a little, and bike back. Basically 5-6 miles total. I don't see myself ever going more than 8 miles with this e-bike. Well, the Core 5 should handle that with ease right?
Furthermore, there are some things I like better about the Core 5:
The Core 5 is less expensive, $1200 versus $1500.
It uses mechanical disk brakes which I like better. I have hydraulic brakes on my mountain bike, bleeding and refilling the brakes is a pain. I wish I had mechanical disk brakes instead.
The Ride1Up Core 5 has a standard fork which I like better. My Cannondale mountain bike has a suspension fork which is basically a useless spring, no dampening whatsoever.
The Core 5 looks like it has a more relaxed riding position. I'm 5'9, 215lbs (I'm going to lose some weight). My mountain bike has an aggressive riding position, and I feel like my stomach is compressed, making it hard to breath. A slightly more upright position sounds nice!
Although the battery isn't as powerful on the Core 5, replacements are cheaper, $459 for a 14ah versus $799 for the Juiced battery (19.2ah).
And lastly, the Core 5 is 10 lbs lighter than the Crosscurrent S, 49 lbs versus 59 lbs. That's got to help with range and speed I would think.
As you can tell I'm leaning towards the Ride1Up Core 5, but I wanted your all's input. I think they're both established brands that aren't going anywhere. I want to know that I can get replacement parts several years down the road.
Thanks for reading, I'm so excited about getting an e-bike!
Matt
Edit: The Crosscurrent S has a torque sensor for pedal assist, that might be important. I might want to gear down and push a taller gear. The Core 5 has only a cadence sensor, it would just think I'm pedalling slow and not assist me.