Help finding an e-bike
Posted by Apprehensive_Roll963@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 33 comments
I am a 5’0” 50 y.o. woman that is looking into getting an e-bike. I would primarily be using it for short 1-2 night bikepacking trips and some casual day rides. Due to my height, I’m struggling to find a bike that would fit me, isn’t crazy heavy, and would be suitable for bikepacking. I will be the one loading it on and off my bike hitch, so weight, as well, as bike size is important. Ideally, something I can get locally to test ride it first is preferred.
Is there a unicorn out there I’m not aware of?
I’m roughly 90 minutes between Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo for reference for bike shop options.
TYIA!
Apprehensive_Roll963@reddit (OP)
Thank you everyone. I’ve narrowed down my options. When I’m ready to buy, I’ll test ride Tern, Velotric, and Specialized.
watisagoodusername@reddit
If money is no object, I'd probably go with a Specialized Turbo Vado Carbon myself. https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-vado-sl-2-60-eq-carbon/p/4295054
40 lbs. I'm not sure you can find much lighter in a rugged bike outfitted with heavy duty racks and decent range. 520Wh battery should give pretty good range too. My gf and I have pushed our Gazelles with 500Wh Bosch batteries 60+ miles of varied terrain. I'd expect the same with this one
Urtopia makes some nifty-looking carbon e-bikes that are very light, but they don't exactly have the best reputation. I test rode one, and it was a fun ride. Idk if I'd want to depend on it anywhere remote tho
If you want a project, maybe an Aventon Soltera:
https://www.aventon.com/products/soltera-3-ebike
Seems like a nice bike. Starts at 37 lbs, but you'll likely want a rack, fenders, and wider tires (38mm is approaching road-only, you'll probably rather be around 50mm or so for gravel). You could probably do all that and still be under $2k, but likely back to 50 lbs
Apprehensive_Roll963@reddit (OP)
This is great information. I’ll take a look at the Specialized bike. I’ll take a big breath before looking at the price.
esh-pmc@reddit
Nothing against Specialized but as a 61yo woman myself, I'd highly recommend you consider a step-thru design instead.
Apprehensive_Roll963@reddit (OP)
I’m leaning that way esp with being short. I’m not able or willing to spend the money on the expensive Specialized carbon bike.
watisagoodusername@reddit
Yeah, low step frames are pretty great. My latest bike is low step belt drive.
And honestly, any bike with a relatively known brand will likely do you well. People make a big deal, but most of them are actually pretty repairable if you have the right mechanic or don't mind learning/troubleshooting yourself if issues do arise
Really just make sure the ebike you settle on has a decent torque sensor, and it'll just feel like a bike with some tail wind helping you on your way
watisagoodusername@reddit
Yeah, good luck on your search!
The bike I liked to and recommended is chain drive. Solid old-school option. Slightly more efficient, usually slightly lighter. Requires occasional oiling and maintenance
However, I would recommend taking a look at belt drives as well. They are becoming pretty popular. Super reliable, no oiling or waxing. Virtually maintenance free if the tension is set appropriately until you need to replace the belt at 10k miles or so.
Worth the 2-5% performance hit and ~1 lb of added weight to me. Range on your gearing is also usually a bit lower, but that's less of an issue with an electric bike.
However, I'm sure whatever you end up with will carry you wherever you want to go. Hope you're off to some fun adventures soon++
Razrgrrl@reddit
I’m 5ft 1, riding a Tern HSD for commute and short bikepack trips. It folds down pretty small and holds lots of cargo. It’s not light, but it does have a low center of gravity and easy transport options. I can lift it into the back of an SUV.
I’m experimenting with a “solar generator” setup: battery plus portable solar panels for recharging it. Not super efficient, using one battery to charge another. But Bosch batteries are married to their specific charger. I’ll probably also do a small range extender battery. It’s set up really well to carry cargo, while still being really nimble and compact. ;)
brookebikesmke@reddit
I love my Tern (GSD). The NBD has an even lower step and weighs less than the HSD. Less powerful motor, but if OP is already comfortable biking that’s probably not a big issue.
Razrgrrl@reddit
I test rode the NBD as well. They’re such great bikes! I’m in a V hilly place and wanted the most torque possible:)
esh-pmc@reddit
Came here to recommend Tern. I have an HSD but I'd consider it too heavy to load onto a rack by myself. Maybe with a ramp?
I'd suggest trying the NBD or the Quick Haul. I think three models would be great for bike packing.
Razrgrrl@reddit
Yeah it’s heavy for a rack, unless it’s one with a ramp. But I’ve been able to load it into the back of an SUV fairly easily. My old bike, I had to take a wheel off and essentially put my back out to get it in the car ;). So my definition of “easy” is shaded by “used to be impossible!”
Classic-Ad4224@reddit
I love my surly Skid Loader. Put the corner bar on it and it’s a hauling beast! It’s great!
Razrgrrl@reddit
I came very close to going for one, seems like such a solid choice. ;)
Glass_Armadillo_9544@reddit
I think this might do you only 34kg and has a 1300Wh battery so plenty of range
https://ridebonnell.com/en-au/products/bonnell-775-mx?variant=50206706368828
Apprehensive_Roll963@reddit (OP)
The smallest frame is medium. I’m going to assume that is too big for my 5’0” body.
CautiousPerspective@reddit
Depending on your budget I love my Specialized Turbo Tero. I’m 5’4 and also in my 50s. The drop seat has been a game changer for me. It’s a mountain bike/commuter style. It’s referred as the SUV of bikes. It has a back rack for panniers. I ride all over, bike trails and within my city. The drop seat is phenomenal when coming up to a light or stop, I lower it so I can be flat footed. Then raise the seat when I take off. It’s also full suspension so it’s a nice cushy ride too.
I’m not super strong but can definitely handle loading the bike myself onto the car rack. I’m single so it’s all me. It’s about 55 lbs. The key to loading is, load the front of the bike first. I grab the handlebars and place the front tire on the rack. Then grab the backend and place in the rack. It divides the weight. I can load my bike within minutes. My bike rack came with a ramp. It’s nice but honestly I can just load it myself faster than pulling the ramp out.
Sadly Specialized has decided to discontinue this bike. They are still out there though. I think because it’s a bit of a niche bike. It’s not a true mountain bike and not a true commuter. I think that makes it perfect for my needs. I can go off road no problem and ride paved with no issues. They run about 2900 right now due to the sale.
Zentransit@reddit
If I were you, I'd checkout a nearby REI for advice.
You can try out a few bikes and see what weights you might be able to handle even if you don't pull the trigger.
If money is no object then you can't go wrong with TERN! 😊
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
Take a look on Engwe models,if You don't like fat tyres bike, You have nothing to loose...👍
The_Mighty_Glopman@reddit
I just bought a Velotric Tempo and I am planning to do the same thing. Right now I am building up my endurance and assembling my gear. The Tempo is very light and can be pedaled with the power off similar to a regular bike. By using the power judiciously my distance is estimated to be close to 70 miles. Obviously, that would go down if I used more pedal assist. The advertised weight is 39lb and the minimum height for the mid step regular size is 4 ft 10 in.
furlintdust@reddit
I have the smaller step thru Tempo. Just know if you put a suspension seat post on it the seat may not go low enough for you. I’m 5’3” and it’s close. And with the step thru anything you put on the top tube will hit your legs while riding or your feet when steering in. I have my water bottle there and I just deal with it.
PenaltyUnable2012@reddit
20 inch foldable step through, nuff said
BodSmith54321@reddit
Turbo Como
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-como-40-igh/p/4277418
mataliandy@reddit
As a short woman I'd suggest looking at the Trek FX+ mid-step. It comes in some very small frame sizes, and comes with rack and fenders, plus it's under 50 lbs. It's assist only - no throttle. It's class 3, though, so you'd need to verify local regulations.
UT07@reddit
Specialized Creo 2
rugunnastaylow@reddit
Engwe x24
Own_Experience_8229@reddit
Salsa usually has good bikepacking options but I’m not sure how much cargo the e-bikes can carry.
https://www.salsacycles.com/collections/ebikes
RichGuarantee7482@reddit
Well it depends on your budget but the TST R7 is great for shorter riders: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9NgLxf49pAS-BaiZf/
RichGuarantee7482@reddit
But if your budget is a bit higher, you can do Lectric XP Lite2.0 with the bigger battery or the XP4 with the bigger battery. Both will be great bikes even if they are bit pricier.
kevendo@reddit
Some options for lighter bikes with smaller frame options that can still carry gear.
JonboatJohn@reddit
E-bikes are super heavy. Like 50-60lbs+. Idk about lifting them. Backpacking? Like camping??? Off-road?
Apprehensive_Roll963@reddit (OP)
Btw, I am trying to stay around the 50# weight with the understanding I may have to go up to 60#. But that would be my extreme limit.
Apprehensive_Roll963@reddit (OP)
Yes. Bikepacking. Backpacking with a bike. I have been backpacking for many years so that isn’t a concern. It would be on rails to trails type situations with gravel being the likely most adventurous option. No mountain bike type scenarios.