(iZip Zuma) vs (Pedego Cruiser) vs (Prodeco Phantom X)

[mobybike]

Actually your problem is already mentioned in a few blogs. The 2010 female model was found to be too flimsy for heavier (male) riders, the 2011 was built sturdier with more welding spots. The men's style is sturdier and less likely to shake.

Thanks Georgefromvt,
Yes this is correct. I was told that the 2011 frame was sturdier, I knew about the 2010 problem, but as you can see, this 2011 frame still shakes. Does anyone who owns a mens frame on this forum have this problem?

[georgefromvt]

I can't get sweaty so I don't pedal on the way to work, but can on the way home. Arrived home today with the battery meter showing green! No mistake, it was measuring 39.4v after 5.3 miles. I calculated that I've used about 4ah out of 12ah. Using a 2ah charger, it took 2 hours to recharge to full.

This time I pedaled at take off so I could quickly get up to speed, and then again lightly on a few of the hills. Ha! I don't need a horn, I just mash the front brake and the noise is more than loud enough. Other than my complaint about the front brake, this bike is real transportation.

Even more gear this trip, carrying my laptop along with my charger, rain gear, work clothes, my new pressing of Fleetwood Mac Rumors 2x45rpm LP, and bottle of Jim Beam that I picked up at the store along the way.

Here I am, puffing on a cigar, sipping on some whiskey, listening to Fleetwood Mac as I update you about my Zuma. Cheers!

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You might want to ask Tuxman if his Men's style bike shakes. I have an RMARTIN but plan on purchasing a second bike next summer and the IZIP Zuma is top of the list. Does the bike shake at low speeds too, also if you don't mind me asking? How heavy are you? I'm 210, almost the limit for most bikes. Sorry your bike shakes but step thru design "female" bikes are inherently less rigid compared to the male version. I'm lucky, my RMARTIN doesn't shake but I seldom ride over 20 MPH, also the bike is very heavy. While the weight adds strength, it's a hassle carrying up/ down stairs. I live on a second floor apartment and carry it up/ down every evening on my rides.

[mobybike]

You might want to ask Tuxman if his Men's style bike shakes. I have an RMARTIN but plan on purchasing a second bike next summer and the IZIP Zuma is top of the list. Does the bike shake at low speeds too, also if you don't mind me asking? How heavy are you? I'm 210, almost the limit for most bikes. Sorry your bike shakes but step thru design "female" bikes are inherently less rigid compared to the male version. I'm lucky, my RMARTIN doesn't shake but I seldom ride over 20 MPH, also the bike is very heavy. While the weight adds strength, it's a hassle carrying up/ down stairs. I live on a second floor apartment and carry it up/ down every evening on my rides.

I was hoping to get Tuxman to tell us if his bike shakes, this is his thread after all.

This bike starts to shake at about 7-8mph
I am 220 LBS
I didn't buy the bike for myself, we got it for my wife and daughter who are both well within the weight limits soaking wet and carrying bricks on their heads.
They both have problems with this bike and my wife has never been back on it. Both had crashes because of weight placement and PAS engaging when they didn't expect it. I watched my daughter shoot unexpectedly right toward the front of a large truck head on.

The RMARTIN in your picture has the better design for the frame, and shouldn't shake, the battery is between the axles and low.

The Zuma has really good power, and with the small tire on it like in my video, it's even got noticeably more torque. But this Zuma frame design in a step through is not a choice I would recommend to anyone because of the shake and weight placement.

[tuxman]

My cantilever does not shake like Mobybike step through. I also have a milk crate on the back and fill it with all of my gear daily. (laptop, rain gear, lunch, cellphone, wallet and more) without any weight placement issues. I am 200lbs @ 6ft (91kg @ 1.8m)

Very sad to hear the step through model has these issues. I was VERY close to buying one. At least we can warn others.

BIG MEN: Do not buy the 2010 red step through iZip Zuma; buy the sturdier cantilever.

cantilever... strong enough for a man or a large woman

[tuxman]

Universal MTB front fender bolts on to the top of the fork. Used zip ties to attach the side rods to the bottom. Works well.

[tuxman]

Vibration is from the road in this video. Camera mounted to frame.

[alins]

Women's iZip Zuma on sale (today only) at cowboom.com (BestBuy's Outlet) for $869.99 + $5.00 shipping:
http://www.cowboom.com/deal-of-the-day.cfm

[Gordo]

Glad you like it. So far I've put over 500 miles on mine and the brakes have settled down. The brakes are still noisy, but will stop on a dime even when wet.

Take the pads out and file a 45* angle on the leading edges of the pads. Try an 1/8" wide area first and increase it if needed. We used this procedure on everything from trucks to metallic race car pads to motorcycle and go-carts. Now most pads come with an angle on the leading edge from the manufacturers.

[tuxman]

Looks like they fixed the issue with the brakes by going with Avid BB5 and the issue with the fork by going with a curved style. Looks nice too.

[tuxman]

Since I've logged well over 1,000 miles I felt it was time to replace the brake pads. Keeping the cost per mile as low as possible, I went with aftermarket pads rather than replacing them with Avid BB5.

4 pair Semi-Metallic pads from discobrakes.com was $23.99

No squeaks, no shutter, no noise. Very smooth. The Tektro brakes them self are fine brakes; it was the oem pads giving me issues all along.

Wish I would have changed out the pads much sooner!

[nuevomexicano]

Looks like they fixed the issue with the brakes by going with Avid BB5 and the issue with the fork by going with a curved style. Looks nice too.

So they removed the front shock, didn't include a seat post suspension like the older models, and raised the price $500. It doesn't look nice enough to justify the difference. I'm glad I bought one for my dad before the change. He's been happy with it and if the brakes eventually need upgrading, it won't cost anywhere near $500.

[tuxman]

I'm glad I bought one for my dad before the change. He's been happy with it ...

Good to hear!

[Levy]

Thank you for the quick reply.

The Zuma is geared while the Cruiser and Phantom are non-geared.

From what I've read geared hub motors have more torque but are prone to wear and make more noise. Where direct drive hub motors need higher amperage for similar torque with out wear and make less noise. There is a trade off.

I need to find out the max torque and amp ratings for these ebikes.

The Phantom X has gears...it is a 7 speed

[nuevomexicano]

Thank you for the quick reply.

The Zuma is geared while the Cruiser and Phantom are non-geared.

From what I've read geared hub motors have more torque but are prone to wear and make more noise. Where direct drive hub motors need higher amperage for similar torque with out wear and make less noise. There is a trade off.

I need to find out the max torque and amp ratings for these ebikes.

The Phantom X has gears...it is a 7 speed

Yes, the bike has 7 gears. But that's entirely different from a "geared motor'. The Phantom X has a gearless, direct drive, hub motor.

[tuxman]

Hello,

I am writing to inform you that we will be starting production on the Phantom X next week and bikes should be shipping 7-10 days after production has begun. You are receiving this email because you were put on our waiting list. We need to make sure that you are still interested in purchasing one of our Phantom X models. If you are still interested, please email us back, by no later than Monday October 17, and let us know what would be the best phone number and time to reach you at to get the shipping information as well as payment information from you. If you would not like to purchase the bike, please email us back and just let us know that you are no longer interested in the bike so you can be taken off the waiting list.



Should you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you and have a great day



Karen Sweeting

Email: Karen@prodecotech.com

Phone: 800.943.6190

prodeco

www.prodecotech.com

[Jason27]

Thanks for the advertisement !

[tuxman]

A month ago I slammed into a speed bump that had been paved over with black top at 25mph. It hurt like hell and I felt it for the next few days. Lucky for me I didn't lay the bike down. I did however end up damaging the Bafang BPM2 motor. Since I don't have the special tool to open it up, I can only guess that I bent the axle or broke a gear. All the halls check out. Motor works when unloaded at full speed. The local Currie dealer was very helpful even though I didn't buy my bike from him. The warranty service would cover the motor repair, but during the turnaround time, it cost me $150 a week for a taxi. It was cheaper for me to buy another motor since I can have it in days.

Going on 6 months at 50+ miles a week; bike is holding up great. I would much rather ride my Zuma than take a taxi, even in the rain. Found it hard to hold the twist throttle with winter gloves on. Would like to get a thumb style throttle but for now I've wrapped rubber bands around it for better grip.

Replaced the Bafang BPM2 motor with a 350w mini geared. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=33763 The mini is a good match with the stock Zuma controller 36v@25a=900w and stock 14T-34T freewheel. Very fun, light weight but just not as powerful.

Came to the conclusion that the BPM2 is a great motor and very powerful. It's rated for 48v, however Currie only offers this bike at 36v. This motor would really shine at 48v.

[Art Vandelay]

It was after reading this very informative thread, I was in a similar position to Tuxman. I wanted a commute bike, pre-built, 15 miles round trip to work, steep hill at work end...etc. I went out and test rode an E+ Bike, with the battery in the front hub, rear direct hub drive...Nice bike, but NiMh batteries...and at $2400.... a front wheel that would have to be replaced when the batteries need to be replaced...and the dealer told me that I could only buy what he had, since the factory was not going to make these bikes anymore, and focus on custom builds....
http://epluselectricbike.com/


So I liked the bikes that Tuxman had looked at, and after spending some time reviewing the Zuma, I had decided on that one, only to find out, it was out of stock! and the price had jumped up a bit...Now 1999....

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The only thing holding me off from Tuxman's number 1 pick, the Prodeco Phantom X was availability, especially after reading about all the delays...but I had now picked this bike:
http://www.prodecotech.com/prodeco_008.htm



So I picked up the phone and called Prodeco. Spoke to Steve. Got all my answers right away. Then he checked on availability, and found a dealer in Texas with one of the newer builds (almost a version X2, has the 36V LiFe4's 12Ah long pack), and I paid $1099 plus $97 for bikeflights.com through Fedex. And 3 days later, I had a Phantom X in my garage....

[Art Vandelay]

So, the box was a bit banged up, but nothing damaged due to excellent packing....

[Brentis]

Nice reviewing Art.
Looks to be well packed.
Lots of pics please.

[Art Vandelay]

Neatly packed boxes inside:

Battery very well protected:

Manual, tools, charger etc....

And 15 mins later......

[Racer_X]

Thanks for the pics, looks good. I think it was a good improvement to put those battery support bars.
I think the older version of Phantom X did not come with those support beams.

[Art Vandelay]

So, I added a couple of things right away....

Must have a Cycle Analyst, great product!
http://www.ebikes.ca/drainbrain.shtml

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Fenders from Topeak:
http://www.topeak.com/products/Fenders/DeFenderFX
Mirror:
http://www.rei.com/product/723518/mirry ... ike-mirror

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Longer seat post (I'm 6'4")....and new seat (nothing wrong with the seat that comes with the bike, just personal preference...

[Brentis]

More C.A. shots.
Does the folding bike frame, feel as solid as a simple triangle framed Mountain bike?
Whats the top speed & avg?

Keep up the great work.

[Art Vandelay]

Thanks for the pics, looks good. I think it was a good improvement to put those battery support bars.
I think the older version of Phantom X did not come with those support beams.

Yes, the beams support the battery, but one problem, the welds on the rack can pop on bumps.....like this....

But, and easy fix at Home Depot....Steel wire organizers with rubber inserts....strong and more flexible than a weld at that spot....Too much stress from the long battery...but should be fine now...I highly recommend this addition to anyone with the long battery....

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The only other problem I had was the seat was at an angle, was not the seat rails, but was the way the top mount on the post was pinned in crooked, but I needed to replace the post with a longer one anyway....(even though Prodeco sent me a new seat! nice service)....

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So the new post (taller) and seat are great:

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