If I want to buy and E bike, what brand should I get

Hydraulics assist if you have weak hands. They are easier to lock up than mechanical brakes in that respect, but only if you have some problem in your grip strength.

I would MUCH, MUCH rather have quality mechanical brakes than cheap no-name hydraulic brakes.

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No, it's not categorically false. Real world tests show otherwise. Why do you think premium brakes in both cars and bikes have such a huge price spread if they are all equally effective by virtue of locking the rear wheel? And no it's not simply for heat fade resistance.

It takes longer for a mechanical brake to actuate and ramp up pressure than a near instant hydraulic brake. That makes hydraulic brakes more effective because you hit high pressure sooner. It's also much easier to continue applying that pressure with a hydraulic brake.

Hypothetical and real world are two different things. Stop encouraging people to use less safe mechanical brakes.

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chrispark70@reddit

No, it is categorically false if you have good hand strength.

Cars use disc brakes for cooling and water, but especially cooling. Drum brakes are every bit as good as disc brakes before they heat up. They just cannot get rid of heat in multiple heavy braking situations.

Even if this is true, it is by such a minuscule amount (maybe 10s of milliseconds) that it is totally irrelevant. They make brake cables for rim and mechanical disc brakes that basically entirely removes any play from temp cable/housing stretch.

I do not disagree that hydraulic brakes are easier to pull. But there is major downside to this. It is MUCH easier to accidentally lock the front brake while panic braking.

They are not less safe. Braking technique will have a MUCH larger effect. Learning how to brake properly is an essential cycling skill.

Again, because you did not address it, I would MUCH rather have good quality mechanical disc brakes than cheap no-name (which plague low end e-bikes) hydraulic brakes.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

In the real world, drum brakes perform like crap. And yes, I remember driving vehicles with them. Just like mechanical brakes which require periodic adjustments. Hydraulic brakes are self-adjusting. Another reason why they are safer than mechanical brakes in the real world.

I'll take the hydraullic brakes in my $549 Fold Lite over your "good quality mechanical disc brakes" any day. Have you asked why all crappy Amazon bikes use mechanical brakes and you would be hard pressed to find any on a bike from Specialized, Trek, Giant, Aventon, or Velotric?

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chrispark70@reddit

First, some cars to this day have drum brakes in the rear and most had rear drum brakes as recently as the 90s. Drum brakes required more maintenance, at least until self-adjusters came along. The problem with drums is heat (primarily). Disc brakes solved this with flutes in the discs (well many that need them. A lot of small cars lack this fluting).

Yeah and specialized and trek and giant are thousands of Dollars. Velotric and Aventon are rather low end in comparison. Yes, crap mechanical discs suck too.

Just because bike companies push mostly unnecessary tech doesn't mean it is the best or most appropriate. While you have to occasionally adjust cable brakes, they are much easier to change and set back to open and do not require brake fluid changes and periodic bleeding. Funny because bleeding was solved a long time ago on cars.

The main application that makes sense is mountain biking. Heavy frequent braking is required and hands get fatigued.

Tell me, do you think electric shifting is necessary just because big bike is pushing it?

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

Drum brakes on cars in the US market is a rarity and would never be highlighted by marketing. Purely cost savings.

I would not want electronic shifting that requires separate batteries. If the system ran off the main battery (as some of the newer systems do), I would be open to evaluating it.

The industry has standardized on hydraulic brakes (outside of low budget bikes) because the market vastly prefers them. They weren't duped by marketing.

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chrispark70@reddit

"The industry has standardized on hydraulic brakes (outside of low budget bikes) because the market vastly prefers them"

I don't disagree. People falsely believe they have more stopping power, partly because the levers are easier and partly because they equate them with cars.

There is absolutely nothing unsafe about cable actuated disc brakes.

A lot of new e-bikers really, really underestimate how far a bike can go when slamming on the brakes with any braking system.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

We already disagree on this. No need to rehash it.

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chrispark70@reddit

We don't disagree. A disagreement is a clash of opinions. I like red, you disagree and think blue is much better.

You are factually wrong. This is not a disagreement. It is me trying unsuccessfully to convince you of your wrongness.

According to you, bikes made before 2021(about the time hydraulics became fairly standard) are unsafe.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

Mechanical brakes are unsafe for heavy ebikes.

Even constraining the argument to facts you accept. Not every rider has the grip strength to apply sufficient force.

You also acknowledged that hydraulic brakes apply force near instantly.

Why don't you ride with rim brakes since you seem to think none of the new braking technologies are more than a scam.

A disagreement on the facts is indeed a disagreement. You are insufferable.

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CommercialSignal7301@reddit

The are more geared towards moped riders than cyclists. The lack of an adjustable saddle makes pedaling less efficient.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

What does that have to do with mechanical brakes?

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CommercialSignal7301@reddit

Just another consideration about the bike

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

i bought 3 from TST through tiktok shop with 0 issues. You sure have a strong opinion without purchasing anything.

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thephotoman@reddit

That you bought three similar bikes is concerning.

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

i liked how you ignored the part where I didn't get scammed from the TikTok shop.

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rshetts1@reddit

If you can up your budget to $1500, you will see a huge leap in quality. There are several well regarded e bike companies that have really nice bikes in the $1500 range and often their sales can get you an even better bike for the money.

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chrispark70@reddit

I disagree. You don't see a huge leap in quality, you see customization. They don't make the bikes or design them, they just (have the factory) modify the standard build. You need to get well over 2000, more like 3000 to get good quality bikes with great components, wheels and support by a large manufacturer that makes good bikes.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

The difference in quality between $750 and $1500 is far more substantial than the increase in quality between $1500 and $3000.

Not everyone needs a $3k bike.

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chrispark70@reddit

I've had 2 e-bikes so far, one was 260usd delivered, it got stolen and I bought a replacement for 315 shipped to my door. I know not everyone needs an expensive bike or cannot afford an expensive bike.

Here's the first one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUY8IYbjIUE

It's just you don't get a big boost in quality when you increase the price to 1500. There are a lot of cheaply made bikes in this price range. You have to be selective and wait for the right deal. I looked at e-bikes (casually) for years before I finally pulled the trigger on the 260usd Flare. It was a great bike. I wish it hadn't got stolen.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

Flat out wrong. You can get a Velotric Tempo or Ride1up Vorsa Lite for $1500. Leagues better than the $750 bikes sold by Walmart and Amazon. Yeah the drivetrains are basic, but for most they are adequate.

I bought a new Aventon Ramblas for $1349 from Upway which is decisively better than the Trek Powerfly or Trek Marlin+ 6 selling for $4k.

A $5k Gazelle will have very little to offer over a $2500 Velotric Discover M, and may well use inferior components.

Yes, in general, you can get better quality when you spend over $2k but you quickly hit diminishing returns. Particularly for those who see bikes as transportation more than recreation.

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chrispark70@reddit

Most of the bikes I've seen in this range are upscale walmart tier bikes with an electric drive. Entry level components throughout, though with customization. Some of these bikes do bring an increased level of serviceability and after sale support. That ain't nothing, but it isn't a higher level bike or, at minimum, is not a L.B.S. grade bike.

One of the biggest area of cost cutting is simply a mystery with no easy way to verify and that's the battery. Trek is never going to sell you a random battery. Far too many assets within the jurisdiction of American courts. The same is true with other long established western bike makers. Most of the bike makers in the 1500 Dollar range are companies with no assets and no long term presence in the US market. They can just shut down shop, declare bankruptcy and rebrand.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

I used Velotric as an example. Something like 1200 dealers. It is growing rapidly and has a reputation to protect. It's not a fly by night company. To claim it is barely better than a Walmart bike is arrogance or ignorance, you choose.

It's batteries are UL certified. Not "random". Trek dealers will sell you a garbage bike over MSRP that falls apart without applying extra Loctite. Your binary model of LBS purchases good, DTC bad is naive at best.

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Dapper_Challenge2179@reddit

Go with Velotric, they have ones that are slightly higher but there are discount codes and sales. You won't regret it though they are great build quality, 2 year warranty, Samsung or LG ul rated batteries and great customer service.

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michaelhannigan2@reddit

Aventon.

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Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit

Your budget is too low for something new and with good quality... The best for you is some used good brand,guys will help you with this... Or you can build your bike, YouTube is full of videos...👍

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MEE97B@reddit

Might be worth checking out some used options too,

I got a used 2019 Giant Fathom E+ for $1000 (600usd) and it's been absolutely fantastic. Mid drive, mainly used for commutes so still in pretty good shape, I ride it every day it's not raining and thoroughly enjoy it.

I definitely wouldn't have found a mid drive bike for anything close to that new.

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Wen2Go@reddit

buy this for the display

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Ranccor@reddit

Whatever brand you can buy in your local bike shop and walk out with they they will guarantee and service. Buying a “cheap” bike off the internet will cost you way more.

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Physical_Click9769@reddit

Tst R9 single battery is $750 out the door on amazon, its a great bike. The ebike elisits douchbags will hate on it here but its a solid budget bike. Its got mechanical brakes but as long as ur not riding like an idiot you'll be fine.

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lNuggyl@reddit

Me and my gf just bought tst ebikes. I got the r9 dual battery, thing last forevermore! It does so good in grass, mud and gravel because it has the fat tires and dual suspension. Also goes 28mph unlocked. Its a moped style bike but I like that look.

My gf got the dreamer with fat tires, hers is a bit more normal looking. She got the step through and hers also goes 28 unlocked. It also shreds easily when offroad. Her only complaint is the seat has no suspension and is a bit stiff so youll need to pickup a seat cushion.

Both of ours costed 1000$ or a little more. If you get the r9 single battery its a little under 1000$

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Physical_Click9769@reddit

R9 is awesome, I just got the single battery for $750 out the door. Only 55 miles so far but I love it, really zippy. Not really a peddling bike for me but I will going uphill and in short bursts its fine.

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Ok_Motor4106@reddit

Around $1k? It’s tough. You’re mostly looking at the used market for brands like Ride1Up or Aventon.

If you have to buy new, Fiido is basically the only high-value option, but keep in mind that at this price, their products are bound to have problems. It’s not perfect, so just use this as a reference.

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digitalboom@reddit

Hi keep k6 model is good barebones and has great range. Found under a grand with great range and decent suspension for both streets and dirt.

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chrispark70@reddit

If all you have is 1000 USD, temper your expectations.

I've owned 2 e-bikes this far. My first one was a Vitesse Flare. Great bike but it got stolen. 260usd delivered. I had it for 8 months and I didn't have any problems at all with it.

Second bike is slightly downscale of the Flare, the Vitesse Signal which I paid 315 delivered. I've had the Signal since August, I've put 1200 miles on it. The worst problem I had is a broken spoke which it is in the shop for right now. The broken spoke was my fault.

But I went into these bikes with tempered expectations. They were marked down so much because they were new old stock. They have small batteries and 250 watt motors with a torque sensor. Both are regular bicycles. No stupid fat tires. No non adjustable seat They don't even look like e-bikes. No visible battery (battery is inside the tubes of the bike). 700c rims. Small inexpensive head unit (lcd-7) and both are class 1. Both were set for 25kph max speed, but I was able to change them to 30.

I'm very happy with the new one and I was even happier with the old one. But my expectations were not of buying an electric motorcycle. It was buying an e-bicycle.+

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Relative-Display-676@reddit

rei Co-OP cycles cty

[Scott sub active eride](https://share.google/hCo8po9uF7eVWIEa8

Cannondale treadwell neo

diamondback union

momentum voya

Liv rove

See which one fits your height best.

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

Lectric Xpress 500 or used

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thephotoman@reddit

In the $1000 range, your pickings are a bit slimmer, as you’re at the bottom of the range where you can get a user-serviceable bike and a decent battery. I recommend browsing Upway and finding something used.

That said, a lot of people seem to tolerate Letric in that price range. Ride1Up also has a folding bike in that range. But I’d genuinely look at used bikes on Upway first, as folding bikes bring compromises.

If you can find something by the legacy brands (Cannondale, Specialized, Trek) or by the well-regarded electric brands (Ride1Up, Aventon, Velotric, to a lesser extent Lectric), that would be best. This should be doable used, but new, most of these bikes are out of your range.

Things to keep in mind:

Don’t get too lost in stats. Hub drive motors tend to be bigger and more powerful (the ability to accelerate once moving). That’s great if you live in a flat place, and basically a requirement for cargo bikes and throttles. That said, you get more torque (the ability to get the wheel turning) from mid-drives that tend to crank lower power ratings. If you need to climb hills, mid drive is king.
Do worry about geometry. I have two ebikes. I’ve spent more time on the one with actual bike geometry since I’ve bought it. This means I can get full leg extension, which gives me more pedal power. This also makes it more fun to ride.
If you need transportation and price is a concern, do consider electric scooters in addition to ebikes. They don’t have the activity benefits, but they can be convenient in ways that ebikes aren’t, particularly on the wallet. You will have more and better options in that market.