Flabby dude with a short-ish commute - what specs should I look for?
Posted by UnhappyLetter3063@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 18 comments
Hullo - here is what I'm attempting to work with:
- 6'3" & I'm 280lbs
- my commute is 11km / 7 miles each way in the city & is overwhelmingly flat (there's one overpass)
- price is a factor, especially since I'm not 100% this is for me & I'm guessing biking won't be a viable option in the winter
- I'm in Ontario, so it looks like I'm limited to class 1 / class 2, with a max 500W motor
I am seeing things that look to be in my price range that have 350W motors / 36V 10.4Ah (375Wh) batteries. What are the odds that this is going to be unfun to make use of?
Weak-Conversation753@reddit
I ride in Toronto, and am the same stature as you, roughly speaking.
If you are in Toronto, you can test out my eBike and compare notes.
UnhappyLetter3063@reddit (OP)
Very kind of you, but I’m not in the area. Thanks for the offer tho - really very nice of you 🙂
Weak-Conversation753@reddit
No problem.
There is a bike show in october in Toronto, the end of season sale. It's a good place to pick up warm commuter clothing. I recommend a gaiter, a helmet liner, some gloves and a nice base layer.
UnhappyLetter3063@reddit (OP)
Thank you for this info! I’ll look into it. A former coworker of mine that biked year round used to say “there is no cold, there is only underdressed” 😉
arenablanca@reddit
Your best bet is a test ride at a local shop. If you’re ordering online for shipping make sure they have a very easy return policy? Maybe just check out what local shops have for test rides to give you a starting point of what to look for.
Since it’s mostly flat I think a 350W motor should at least make it easier than a regular bicycle. If you could find a 350W mid drive it would work better. Since you mentioned budget being an important consideration I’m guessing the ebike you found is a 350W rear hub motor. Mid drives can often provide more torque with smaller wattage motors (check the specs for torque in Nm for any bike you’re considering).
You didn’t mention a budget but BikTrix is having a 2for1 sale (if you know anyone else looking). Their motor wattages are all over the map though, many being not road legal.
JG-at-Prime@reddit
I think you will enjoy it quite a bit. Most likely year around.
Since you are limited to 500w I would recommend getting a mid-drive. You may also want to consider getting a cargo bike. They are engineered to handle heavy loads. The mid-drive motor will allow you to take advantage of the bikes gears.
You can set the maximum speed at whatever you want and comply with Class II rules.
Look for stuff like:
HAOQI Antelope Cargo Electric Bike (UL Certified)
https://haoqiebike.com/products/haoqi-electric-utility-cargo-bike
Whatever you end up with you’ll want to add tube liners and tube sealant. They will drastically cut down on the number of flat tires you get.
No-Ingenuity6055@reddit
The bare minimum I would recommend for you to have fun and commute with is the Segway f3 pro. I have the G3 Max at 325lbs and I am very happy with it, it even rips me up hills without issue assuming the motor/battery isn't already at like 45c.
UnhappyLetter3063@reddit (OP)
I’ve not really looked at scooters, although that would make hopping on transit for a bit much easier …
No-Ingenuity6055@reddit
I recommend it. They are extremely fun and way more portable than any bike
Superb_Raccoon@reddit
Imperial units, so assuming US.
Go to REI and try a few, see what you like.
UnhappyLetter3063@reddit (OP)
Sorry - I’m old enough that metric is still weird for height / weight measurements when humans are involved. Plus I’m guessing most people on Reddit are in the US. But thanks regardless for the tips 🙂
F1890@reddit
Maybe it was an edit, but OP specifies being in Ontario, which is Canada.
Superb_Raccoon@reddit
Ontario is in California too.
UnhappyLetter3063@reddit (OP)
Sorry, yes. Forgot about that. I’m in Canada.
FknMods@reddit
Make sure you're bike is correct size, the most upright you are the more comfortable youll be.
Get a 29er, front rear suspension,set up the suspension really soft with slow recoil so its most comfortable, get the correct seat for you for comfortable, adjust that as well. Get a good light just in case. Try to get a bike that comes with a dropper post toom.
I have a giant stance e+1, I weigh 286 and I love it. It's a 2023 bike. 75 nm and 650watt batt. I'm using it in steep mountain bike trails to lose weight. It's amazing.
For you I'd suggest looking for a commuter bike where comfort is #1 concern and batt life is 2nd
CrashTestPhoto@reddit
Winter shouldn't be too much of a concern.
I live in Berlin, Germany and we're on the same latitude as Alberta.
I ride my bike every day of the year.
My advice would be to go for something with wider tyres, so you can air them down for more grip in the icy conditions during winter.
I don't know what your budget is, but aim for something with a 48v+ battery if you're going to have a 500w battery. More volts means less amps drawn and so better battery life. I would also aim to get a battery with around 1kw.
Fiido sell their T2 for around CA$2.5k. I have one myself and it's been pretty good to me so far. Just be prepared to swap out the brake pads pretty soon after purchase because the stock ones are utter garbage.
Significant-Pen-6049@reddit
You’ll have fun
guitars_and_trains@reddit
I often ride my 20" fat tire on snowy days.