Do not buy HONBIKE bikes!
Posted by Kinderfeld88@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 16 comments
For those who are looking to buy an ebike, do not purchase a honbike, not just a particular honbike but any model for that matter. I recently purchased one 2nd hand which had only done 300kms so it was practically brand new and still have 1.5 years left on the manufacturers warranty.
The bike has an issue where it won't start and I've tried the basic troubleshooting methods to try get it to work. So that left me with the option of getting in touch with customer support from Honbike. It's been a week since I've contacted them and given them all the details that they need with no response. I've sent them about 5 emails I think, still nothing. Unfortunately the place where the previous buyer purchased the bike has closed down so I cant even take it back to them, now I'm stuck with a bricked bike. I've posted the issue with the bike to this sub so if you're interested, go and have a look at my previous post. It's a shame because the build quality is pretty good and I really enjoyed riding the bike for the few weeks that I had it working, but the way the company is operating and the lack of after care for customers is pretty shitty. When I was frustrated setting it up I couldn't figure out how to connect it to the app so I emailes support for help and they got back to me the next day, but now that it's a warranty issue....radio silence.
So yeah, do yourselves a favour and stay away from honbikes. Spread the info where you can and perhaps save someone else from making a bad purchase.
GrumpyOik@reddit
I think we might be a bit harsh on OP here. These aren't some $600 Amazon bike, they are the equivalent of $2300 in the UK for a new one (I see around $2000 listed in the US). Personally, I dislike the design, but it doesn't scream "Dropshipped Chinese" to me.
Kinderfeld88@reddit (OP)
Thanks, not sure why I'm getting downvoted, not that I care but just seems odd. Bought a bike that seemed legit. Came here for help and some warning to people that are looking to buy these bikes.
stormdelta@reddit
Probably because the name sounds like no-name dropshipped junk bikes that we're constantly having to warn people about.
I looked it up though, and yeah what you got is something different. Someone who knows more about bikes could still have told you this design was bad, but it's bad in a way that a layperson could honestly mistake for being fine so I understand how you got tricked.
stormdelta@reddit
The design is still obviously bad to someone who knows much about bikes, but I agree it's a design that could easily trip someone up who doesn't, and it doesn't look anything like the cheap dropshipped junk people usually rag on (for good reason) here.
hike2climb@reddit
It’s almost like every day there is a post in here telling people not to buy garbage DTC bikes. And people keep doing it. You can’t talk anyone out of the ‘deal’ they got on Amazon.
SoNerdy@reddit
Ran into the same issue when I worked at a bike shop with regular bikes
“Why should I spend this much when I could just get a bike from wal-mart? Those are so much cheaper!”
OkFortune7651@reddit
I hear this every day. They seem to believe our 5 yr warranty and the 5 yr "warranty" from their $600 china bike is the same, when we are a brick & mortar shop, while china doesn't have to pick up the phone once the bike leaves their warehouse.
Kinderfeld88@reddit (OP)
What shits me is that I spent a fair amount of time doing my research and found that this bike had pretty good reviews everywhere. Didn't come across anything that said stay away from the company etc. Seeming that it has a current warranty, it felt like a safe purchase for me. The previous owner has been pretty helpful since the fault too, they have no obligation to respond really so I don't think they're being disingenuous.
Lar1ssaa@reddit
What do you mean there’s so many posts saying don’t buy stuff from Chinese companies directly as they have no obligation and no legal repercussion for completely ignoring their customers and doing quality control.
Kinderfeld88@reddit (OP)
I was under the impression that it's a Dutch company who manufactures the bikes there. Their website has the address that shows they're located in Amsterdam. Like I said, they did email back the first time when I had troubles connecting the bike to the phone app. Just not now since I have a warranty issue.
Lar1ssaa@reddit
They seem to be Hongji Bike which is Chinese/Japanese but this is just a general rule about not well known/good reputation DTC brands. I guess there are some good ones that are quite popular and been around with a proven track record like ride1up, superhuman, and lectric etc
hike2climb@reddit
All the reviews on these DTC brands are positive because they’re all fake
Bikermec@reddit
Was going to ask what's wrong with it so maybe we can help...then went to check out the bike and there is absolutely nothing right with that bike. From frame to wheels it's one of those designs that just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Good luck!
Kinderfeld88@reddit (OP)
Yeah hard lesson learnt, it's my first bike in about 20 years so it's been a bit overwhelming trying to find one. I was partially sold on the valid warranty so thought I'd be safe. Thank you.
chainey44@reddit
Can’t say I’d consider buying such dodgy tat to begin with tbf.
gg06civicsi@reddit
Yeah it’s a risk for all DTC centric brands. Even brands that are tied to many bike shops are experiencing parts shortages. It’s just a tough time for anyone with problems.