Electric (Assist) Bike Advice Needed

[ORMojo]

Yesterday my father-in-law sent me an unexpected email asking if I had any input on electric (assist) bikes. He obviously knows of my involvement with bikes, but, frankly, I have no expertise regarding e-bikes.

He is in his mid-60s, and is looking for something to ride to trailheads for his multiple-times-per-week hikes. Plus probably some around town riding, although he has said he will keep all of his other current bikes. He mainly wants to conserve energy on the way to/from the hikes, while carrying gear.

He said he has so far looked at the Schwinn Tailwind and Searcher, and the Trek models. He lives in a smaller city, so doesn't have too many options to check out locally, but is willing to buy remotely.

I can certainly - and will - do the research, evaluate components, etc., etc., but I'd also appreciate tapping into any pre-existing knowledge here.

And, in addition to a full e-bike, he is open to a good-quality conversion like the Bionx.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Fixed]

http://www.nycewheels.com/giant-lite-electric-assisted-bike.html
give your dad-n-law a hug :)
cheers
http://www.squidoo.com/electricgirl

[Ken Robb]

Since he has limited access to dealers for these bikes I would really try to buy locally so he can get parts and service.

[ORMojo]

Since he has limited access to dealers for these bikes I would really try to buy locally so he can get parts and service.
Yes, thanks, that is a definite consideration. To clarify - his town only presents limited options, but Portland is only 1.5 hours away, and while he/we haven't made it there yet to research this particular purchase, it is close enough for parts & service.

[BobbyJones]

I'd just like to comment on the above link to NYCE wheels.

They're in my neighborhood and can say they're pretty knowledgeable about what's out there. They're genuine e-bike enthusiasts AND pretty smart as well- unlike an LBS who may have a model or two on hand.

(I'm saving my pennies for one of these (http://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-electric-bike.html) )

They're no strangers to mailorder and shipping product.

[Fixed]

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/feature_tour
i like them
cheers thanks never looked them up before :beer:

[biker72]

I've done some extensive testing on the Trek electric assist bikes. I've done 2 rallies on one.

I could get a minimum of 55 miles on a charge depending on terrain. You can easily adjust the amount of assist. I'm close to 200 pounds so battery life should be longer with lighter riders.

The lithium ion battery is a big plus. Long lasting.

By all means buy from a local dealer if possible. ANY problem with the electronics requires a BioniX supplied program to diagnose. There have been a number of BioniX equipped bikes come to the shop for service. There is a learning curve for the program.

The downside is the weight. The bike I used weighed almost 40 pounds.

Yesterday my father-in-law sent me an unexpected email asking if I had any input on electric (assist) bikes. He obviously knows of my involvement with bikes, but, frankly, I have no expertise regarding e-bikes.

He is in his mid-60s, and is looking for something to ride to trailheads for his multiple-times-per-week hikes. Plus probably some around town riding, although he has said he will keep all of his other current bikes. He mainly wants to conserve energy on the way to/from the hikes, while carrying gear.

He said he has so far looked at the Schwinn Tailwind and Searcher, and the Trek models. He lives in a smaller city, so doesn't have too many options to check out locally, but is willing to buy remotely.

I can certainly - and will - do the research, evaluate components, etc., etc., but I'd also appreciate tapping into any pre-existing knowledge here.

And, in addition to a full e-bike, he is open to a good-quality conversion like the Bionx.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[pdmtong]

This place (http://www.astreetbikenameddesire.com/electric_bikes.html) specializes in city and also carries electric. At least take a look for brand ideas beyond the ususal trek and giant suspects

[BlackTiBob]

I was looking for my wife and tested the Trek E.
It was very integrated. You need to pedal and then control what % of your output will be added in by the electric system. It was very interesting.
You control how much assist and you must pedal too.