Newb Commuter Recommendations
Posted by Alternative_Drag_407@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Looking to make the switch from my minivan to an e-bike as I no longer see a need for 2 vehicles in our household but there's a lot of options so what about your recommendations?
I'm 6'4" and 225 lbs. Mid 30s. Not very active aside from a few hiking camping trips a year but I'm looking for an excuse to get more regularly active by my 40s. My work commute is 13.2 miles, 3 days a week, I miss morning traffic but traffic on the way home is pretty bad (I only work half days onsite). Where I live, it gets up to like 100 degrees F in the summer, dry heat though, when I would be coming home. My bike would be inside at home and right out my window at work so not worried about theft. Regulations are lax so speeds up to 28 mph are fine. Good credit and could comfortably probably afford a loan up to 2k but of course, would prefer cheaper. I would like an option for future add-ons for a carrier if I want to get some groceries or a seat to give my 9 year old child a ride. Thoughts?
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
If commuting in 100 degree weather you want a cadence sensor or a dual mode bike capable of both cadence and torque sensor mode. Adding in the ability to carry 9 year old strongly points to the Ride1Up Vorsa.
The Vorsa has dual sensor capability. It's class 1/2/3 capable (with throttle at 20mph). It even has an unlockable offroad mode for private property. The rear rack is rated for 150lbs and a passenger seat accessory is available for $125. It has one of the most powerful legal hub motors with a 1400W peak. It ranked #1 among commuter bikes tested by Electric Bike Report for hill climbing time.
It has integrated lights, rack, adjustable stem, 100mm travel front fork, ready for commuting. The suggested height range for the step over goes up to 6'4". $1695.
https://ride1up.com/product/vorsa/
Alternative_Drag_407@reddit (OP)
Came back to say I got my Vorsa, have rode it to work and back (26.5 miles) for the past 2 days in 100 degree weather and am loving it. Great recommendation! Still learning how to ride safely with cars on the road but it's great so far! I got a side mirror to help look behind, a helmet because I'm scared ill wreck, some panniers to hold my stuff or groceries, the passenger seat which I finally get to test out tonight. And I'm thinking of getting a rear rack extendor so I don't have to switch out the panniers for the passenger seat, I can just keep them both on. I also have a front basket.
The battery, on cadence mode, has gotten as low as 10% on my ride to or from work (13.2 miles) but normally it's about 30% after that distance. So i charge it at work and when I get home but I've learned I have to wait like 30 minutes after riding before I can charge it, the charger will just bli k green so I'm assuming it's telling me the battery needs to cool a little before a charge.
I have taken it grocery shopping twice, the second time I has too overburden with just a small backpack and my front basket, that's why I got the panniers and wish I would've gotten them originally instead of the front basket. I use the torque mode when grocery shopping or in town, only using the cadence on my commute.
Really fun and love the bike.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Thanks for the update. Glad it is mostly working out. Good to have option between torque and cadence.
That lock almost looks comically thick.
Alternative_Drag_407@reddit (OP)
Hah well, I posted in a local reddit about bike thieves and everyone said I should get a very good lock if I have the nicest on the rack, and where I work, my bike will be the only one on the rack. And probably where I grocery shop too.
Alternative_Drag_407@reddit (OP)
Alternative_Drag_407@reddit (OP)
Oh one complaint was the Abus lock I got it, I can't seem to get it through a wheel and the frame, it's hefty but the bike is heftier. My chain lock comes in the mail tomorrow.
Alternative_Drag_407@reddit (OP)
Hey this one is sounding pretty nice. I did like the look of this companies bikes. Will check this out!
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Based on feedback from someone else of your height, the frame should accommodate you:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/1m7okty/comment/n69b9de/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button