Thoughts on this deal?
Posted by Ok_Appointment9930@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 65 comments
New to E-bike world. I saw this bike at a local thrift store. They are selling for $1500. Haven’t been able to test it or anything yet but curious what this community thinks. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!
It’s a 2022 model I believe, and it has Bosch motor which seems good.
BikeWalkFinn@reddit
If you're going to spend $1500, why not spend it on a brand new ebike...with a 2-year warranty.
Velotric's new Tempo is only 39 pounds...with the battery.
My wife and I have had and loved their bikes for about two years now. I put over 6300 miles on my Discover 2 in 18 months.
Whatever you do...good luck and hope you find a bike you love!! 😊
https://www.velotricbike.com/products/velotric-tempo-city-ebike?variant=54073883984244
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Peace of mind of warranty is always nice. Definitely something to consider, thank you! I like the look and weight of that bike!
BikeWalkFinn@reddit
It’s an amazing bike…and the company is outstanding!!!
Altruistic-Cress-540@reddit
Well its Bosch mid drive with belt drive thats a plus !! for the drive system its a fair price if the bike doesn't have a ton of miles check the odometer why would someone selling is my concern ?
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
So found out some more information apparently some guy was moving out of country and didn’t want to pay to ship this so he donated it. We get a lot of rich foreign college students in my city. Wondering if it’s one of those cases😆 i will go look at it today and check more details
bobbyboogie@reddit
I bought that model, new, last year.
I like it very much.
If they will let you sync to it with the Bosch app you could get some info on how much it has been used.
Probably a good idea to do that before you buy it as my bike is locked to my phone. You’d want to make sure that it is not locked to someone else’s phone. The thrift store would likely not know how to fix that.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Great. Thank you. What are your pros and cons of the bike so far?
bobbyboogie@reddit
Not too many cons. It is heavy, about 27 kg (60 pounds)
The step through design (which I like) makes it a bit more challenging to transport on a rack.
Pros: It’s comfortable.
All the power that I need.
Nice customization with the Bosch app. I added a riding mode called Eco+ that basically means that the motor kicks in when needed.
The belt drive is clean, quiet, and lower maintenance than a chain.
Bosch is actively updating the firmware and app.
All the components are good quality.
I had no issues with the bike last year.
Kindlabs@reddit
They make step through adapters! We got one from Hollywood racks for my partners Radrunner. But we do have an e-bike rack from Hollywood that supports by the wheels instead of the top tube. I wouldn’t trust it with a top tube rack.
BikeWalkFinn@reddit
The racks from Cravot and Young Electric don't need a step-through adapter and make no frame contact.
Most of their models support 100 pounds per tray, too.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
I appreciate your help. Thank you! Reddit is awesome
Ok-Awareness3794@reddit
Pretty high end. Good fork shocks but no rear suspension
ArmchairPancakeChef@reddit
Does the Sofa come with it?
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
They said only if I can tow it with my bike 😆
Relative-Display-676@reddit
That's a $3k bike.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Where would you buy new batteries at? Are they easy to replace on your own or more complex? Thanks!
Fit-Macaroon5559@reddit
And also check on the cost of a new battery if the old one will not hold a charge as a new battery can be quite pricey!There shouldn’t be an issue with the motor!If bike is still there you can probably charge it up for a good hour and see if it holds a charge!
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Bosch Powertube 500 batteries are about $900 new from most sources. Small detail that many recommending the Bosch ecosystem rarely bother to mention.
Salt_Abbreviations_6@reddit
They rarely mention it because those batteries rarely have and problems, and when they do, Bosch will step in to help if you're at an authorised dealer, if it's out of warranty they take back the old battery and give you a discount on a new one. Have personally done this a couple times as a work at a Bosch licensed dealer
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
If one (not you) is going to assert it's a good deal even with a defective battery, one should know how much a replacement battery costs before making such an assertion. And not assume it will be covered under warranty.
As well as for people who might contemplate buying a spare battery for extended range.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
It's probably a good deal. But not if the battery is no good. Bosch batteries are insanely expensive.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
Rei store sells them, they are plug and play. Chances are that battery is fine. It takes quite an effort to kill a Bosch battery.
Typical-Tune2757@reddit
what 3k your joking right I wouldn't ride that thing to a rock fight
Jeff61059@reddit
Solid brand. Parts and service won’t be a problem.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
In terms of availability you are correct. In terms of pricing, that's debatable. $900 for a Bosch Powertube 500 battery.
Salt_Abbreviations_6@reddit
Only €300 new here with 2 year warranty
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
I don't think OP is in Europe. The prices here are $600+ for shady sources and $900 for trusted sources like REI.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
From local bike shops or online? Or both? Thanks
fractal_disarray@reddit
Negotiate to 1k if it has the keys for the battery and battery charger.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Why not in the rain?
trtsmb@reddit
Ignore the part about the rain. You can ride it in the rain.
ALLSID@reddit
If you do negotiate like I did with my first marketplace buy, borrow my line about why it’s suggested people lease an EV instead of buying because the warranty- especially for battery and drive train is a gamble. all risk is on you. Worked like a charm for me for a 40% price drop.
thishasntbeeneasy@reddit
Looks to be this model which would have been around $4,500: https://www.cannondale.com/en/bikes/electric/e-urban/mavaro-neo/mavaro-neo-5-low-stepthru-c68023u
So it's a great deal on the bike, though there is the chance that the battery sat and won't give much range anymore. It's a Bosch PowerTube 500 which is about $700, so if you'd buy it at $2,200 than it's still a good deal.
I don't personally think that front suspension is worthwhile, and the belt drive and internal hub makes it fancier but not necessarily any better in function except for avoiding chain lube. Apparently it's a Class 1 (20mph max) that weighs a whopping 64lbs.
So overall I wouldn't really recommend this bike to anyone as there are better deals on much lighter Class 1 options for a similar price. For reference, my less fancy Cdale was $1,400 barely used, and I sold it for $950 with about 2,000 miles on it and some upgrades, and that weighed 37lb.
tuninggamer@reddit
Where I live, the suspension would be essential and I personally much prefer an upright position for a commuting bike. But fair point for looking at options before buying. This specific bike seems like a steal though
Gogogafilla@reddit
I had a Mavaro for a while and loved it. It was heavy, but the power was good, lasting me a couple days of 18 miles round trip per day, and the suspension really helped on bumpy streets. I commute to work in a large urban area and used bike lanes and trails through a park, so I appreciated the upright position. I loved the ride.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the information! What would you recommend for the $1500 range. I know there’s probably a lot of differences in styles and such but something comfortable easy to ride to work 6 mile round trip.
echocall2@reddit
https://www.velotricbike.com/products/velotric-breeze-1
thishasntbeeneasy@reddit
6 miles round trip would mean a Class 1 makes a lot of sense. I'd aim for flat bar, low weight, no suspension if this is just a commuter. Here are some suggestions in that price range new, but if you can find one used it might be half of that.
https://www.rei.com/product/252487/cannondale-adventure-neo-allroad-eq-electric-bike
https://konaworld.com/products/dew-hd
https://ride1up.com/product/roadster-v3
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much!!
James-B0ndage@reddit
I would ask to test it first.
HyperTeacherLady@reddit
Judging by your share, this looks like a really solid deal. Hopefully it lives up to your expectations in actual daily use.
blazingstorm7892@reddit
If it’s really the Cannondale Mavaro Neo 3 / similar Bosch mid-drive setup, new price is around the $3,000–$4,000 range depending on spec, so $1,500 can be a solid deal on paper.
ntech620@reddit
Price it compared to new. Prices for new have been crashing lately. So you might find a new similar one with a warranty that's a better deal.
Equal_Variation_8607@reddit
A Mavaro 3 new is around that \~$3k range depending on region/sales, so 50% off sounds good on paper.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Mavaro 5 Low StepThru this seems to be the model. Think it sells for 3k new
yangbanger@reddit
https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/electric/e-urban/mavaro-neo/mavaro-neo-3-low-stepthru
tuninggamer@reddit
It’s a Mavaro 3 here in Canada
glo363@reddit
Only if they toss in this toss in this strange painting behind it.
New_Army_1553@reddit
Why are you still looking at it? It might be gone. I think that’s a good deal. That bike is worth almost 5K
EngineeringSuccessYT@reddit
Your money would be much better spent on a Ride1Up roadster.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
A NEW Ride1up Prodigy V2 for $1795 would be a compelling alternative.
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
These are nice looking bikes! What do you value with the prodigy v2 compared to the roadster
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
The Prodigy is a mid-drive motor like the Cannondale. The Roadster is a great lightweight bike but is a hub drive. That's not necessarily bad.
The Prodigy comes standard with better suspension. It's a heavier bike with a stronger motor and bigger battery. In terms of design it's a much closer match to the bike you are looking at.
Dark_Zer0@reddit
Seems to be this 3k bike.
https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/electric/e-urban/mavaro-neo/mavaro-neo-3-low-stepthru
arthurF15T@reddit
I would have negotiated still 😬
SwollenMexican@reddit
Ask if they have a charger for it and see if you can turn it on
thishasntbeeneasy@reddit
The white box on the rear rack says charger on it.
SwollenMexican@reddit
Turn it on... you got this..
ElectroNight@reddit
Lol fresh comment spice
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Haha I will go back tomorrow and test it out. I was on a time crunch but was intrigued
SwollenMexican@reddit
Wish I could find things like these at my spots lol I find weird chinese named bikes lol
Significant-Pen-6049@reddit
No warranty at all so idk if good deal
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
Good point. The warranty always feels better. But same thing if I buy used from Facebook marketplace or second hand from someone
Notice-Horror@reddit
Erm 2022, what’s the manufacture date? If it’s just been sitting the battery could be toast
Ok_Appointment9930@reddit (OP)
I could be wrong with the date. I thought I saw 2022. Bike looks brand new so imagine it’s just been sitting if that’s the case