Prodeco Phantom X first 40 miles

[billsmax]

I'm a newbie to forum and e bikes. Just ordered 2 prodeco stride bikes. Am enjoying reading your comments on the prodeco you folks are riding and don't want to highjack this thread but does anyone have a suggestion for a good hitch rack? I'm looking at the Saris cycle on pro but at $400 that seems pretty steep?

[R.Stevens]

I just received my Phanton X on Wednesday, February 03, 2012. It is replacing a Montague folding Military mountain bike with a 250w DIY front 24v motor and Lithium battery which I've used faithfully for four years. First off, even though I placed my order in early November, and I've complained ever since, it was well worth the wait. It is not only a beautiful bike to look at, but the attention to detail and quality of components it truly amazing.

It arrived ready to ride, right out of the box. Only minor brake and seatpost tweaks and I was ready to go. On Saturday I took it for a 15 mile loop through Willowdale State Forest and Bradley Palmer State Park in Ipswich Massachusetts and it exceeded my expectations. On Sunday I did another 15 miles. Both treks were on double and singletrack trails in the woods, and when I finished I still had plenty of juice remaining in the battery. The 500w rear motor has plenty of torgue especially if you use it only as assist mode on demand.

They only changes I plan to make it to put on some dedicated kevlar knobby dirt tires. The stocks tires are more road than of road tires. Very pleased with everything else. Great product. Couldn't be more pleased.

Bob Stevens

[nyctimd]

"I just received my Phanton X on Wednesday"

Which model year? 2011 or 2012?

How many ah's is your battery rated for?

[R.Stevens]

It's technically a 2011.5 with the older 38.4V 12Ah larger LiFEPO4 battery. Prodeco will upgrade to the X2 battery sometime in April when I will swap out, making it a 2012 X2.

[nyctimd]

Sounds like you did alright.

Do you mind advising your height, & whether you feel comfortable on the bike while riding. I hear it is a very tall bike, but it's hard to know if that is a real concern without knowing the height of the rider.

I ride a 20 mile loop around a saltwater marsh on some modest hills, so I'd be interested if you do longer distances than 15 miles with the 12 ah battery.

I ride in Massachusetts also. About once a month. We have a weekend camp in the Berkshires. The hills are a lot steeper there, but it would be nice to get more than a few miles out of the 12 ah battery nonetheless.

How difficult is it to pedal the bike without any battery augmentation? Just in case the battery runs out of juice before you reach your destination.

Regards.
td

[R.Stevens]

I'm 5'8" weight 195 lbs. The bike is big, but not too big. It's also heavy, but not to heavy, weighting about 55 lbs. I also ride a 26" (19" frame) folding Montague Paratrooper MTB with a 250w DIY front wheel motor. It's not as big as the Phantom, but big enough. I haven't had any problems transitioning from the Montague to the Phantom. I've done four 15 mile weekend loops through Willowdale State forest and Bradley Palmer State Park in Ipswich. At least 50% on tortuous single track trails, the remainder on double track. I've had no problem pedaling in low gear on flat and gradually rising terrain. I try not to use the power assist when not needed. I haven't fully depleted the battery on any of the variable thumb throttle has three LED lights, green on top, yellow in middle, and red at bottom. At full charge and resting, all three LEDs are lighted. When the green light completely shuts off while resting, you're down to about 50%, so time to turn around and return home to recharge.

I did replace the stock road tires for some Kevlar knobby off road tires. Makes a huge difference in the mud.

Bob

[nyctimd]

That helps much.

Thanks,
td

[Frog]

NICE!!! I'm happy for you guys. So do you think with not depleting the battery proper maintenance and care the bike will hold up for years. I still don't understand how the cells in the battery stay level ? I've seen nothing on the website about a BMS I even called Prodeco they seemed to not know what it was then said it did not need one because the battery has a cut off. It's was the big reason I've been looking at other options. I mean how can this battery last years without a BMS? How could one store the bike over winter without disconnecting the BMS wire if not it would drain the battery in no time. I want to buy one but I'm so lost.

[R.Stevens]

Frog,

This is my second ebike. My first was a DIY Montague Paratropper. I installed a 250w 24v Lithium front hub motor called a "Hillropper" manufactured by a U.S. company named CleanRepublic.com. I have it for three years. Their battery recharge capacity is about 500 full charges. I'm on my second battery. That kit cost me $700 plus a second battery ($500.) I love the thing and have many miles on it.

But when I came across the Phantom X2 for $1299, an entire bike with latest battery technolody LiFEPO4, with a battery recharge capacity of 2,000 charges, a 500w 36v rear hub motor, awesome front and rear disk brakes, and a full bumper to bumper warranty of 2 years, and U.S. assembled, it was a no brainer for me.

Bob

[R.Stevens]

I took my new Phantom X it out yesterday (Monday) with the new Kevlar knobbies and did 9.5miles of tortuous singletrack trails through Willowdale State forest and it performed very well. The combination of peddling in low and the 500w assist on demand rear motor took me over and through 99% of the terrain. I only had to dismount on a couple of occasions..............the thing's a beast ! Also hooked up a trailer hitch and Sportrack two bike system. Took my son and my older Montague paratrooper with 250w Hilltopper front wheel motor along and it was terrific. I won the 9.5 mile singletrack race on my Phantom X.
about a minute ago · Like

[driftway]

I hope they know you are electric when you won the singletrack!

thanks for the review. What kind of kevlar knobbies did you get? Is the ride on paved as soft as stock tires?

thanks!

[R.Stevens]

Just did another 12 miles off road loop through Bradley Palmer State Park, Appleton Grassfields, and Pingree reservation, all in S. Hamilton, MA. The Phantom X performed flawlessly. Did another ten yesterday, all on singletrack. Only had to dismount two or three times, fallen trees, big rocks, etc. I'm still peddling hard in first but the duration of my rides has increased tremendously. I can really cover some serious territory. I never want to just push the accelerator without peddling. I still desire the cardiovascular workout, it's just much more enjoyable. Great bike.

Bob

[kaysellters]

We should probably open up a "My Prodeco Phantom X just stopped running" column too ---
I'm just going to go out on a limb and say these bikes will not last.

Disclaimer: Owned and sold two prodeco bikes (both stopped running), have not owned the Phantom X.

Don't hate. just an opinion.

[Racer_X]

kaysellters, can you tell us what model you had?

Owned and sold two prodeco bikes (both stopped running)

[R.Stevens]

kayselters,

Was it the motor, controller, or battery that was the problem ? When the problem was first noticed was the bike within its two year warranty period, and if so, did the company stand by you ?

I'd appreciate the your answer since I've only been riding for about three weeks.

Thanks

Robert

[Frog]

Please correct me if I'm wrong kayselters and I'm not tryin to hate on you but this your first post in a Prodeco thread. I find it hard to believe that you never said one word about these bikes until now. I see you own a 4K E+ once more I find it hard to believe you would buy any Prodeco bike. Then you tell us you has two stop running but say nothing about the warranty. Now I'm buying one of these bikes because I know nothing about ebikes but you seem to know a bit about this hobby but say nothing about fixing your bikes:? Who's at fault here Prodeco Please tell us how

[kaysellters]

Ok Im pretty annoyed because I just spent an hour typing up the response, only to have the window close and lose everything..
Im too annoyed to reptype everything. Let me summarize.

First, you can find it hard to believe or not, but I own an E+ and (two) ProDeco's (1 functioning) so guests can ride at my summer house and go on short commutes with the bikes to stores or whatever. I ride the E+ -- I wanted a real E-bike that would last -- and I unfortunately lack the skills to build one .... The Prodecos are pretty rider friendly --- good for my mom to the younger cousins, so I've had them for ease of access and price point. They are a deal..and it is hard to see how they are making a profit. But that is neither here nor there. As for my bikes, a disclaimer, I'm not getting into a war of ownership and why I havent posted before etc. I haven't posted before about Prodeco's because they have never ever ever blown my away. They are functional, like my vacuum, but not the kind of E-bike experience you get with some of the bikes people build here or the E+ for that matter. If you dont believe me, or trust my review, ignore me. I could care less.

Bike one (Storm) (250W) - complete motor failure after 6-7 months riding (approx 350 miles) (began with occasional noise that came back intermittently, then changed to noise only during accelleration then motor stopped working one day while traversing hill). As for Prodecos answer, this happened over the summer, I have the bike at my summer house and while I have contacted ProDeco, it took them a while to agree to pay for shipping (because apparently I should have called the first time I heared any noise whatsoever). (I didn't agree, considering bikes make all sorts of noises and this wasnt consistent by any means).... I have not shipped the bike yet, I may or may not do it this summer. The bike isnt veyr powerful and I'm thinking of replacing it ----

Bike two (Mariner S) (200W) - no motor problems as of yet--- build quality laughable. (Disclaimer: Prodeco also offered %10 off because I was a previous owner and bitched so much about the storm) ---- 205LB rider (friend) - dismantled the seat lock mechanism by just riding .... and the wheel rim (although it is listed as triple-wall etc) has begun to show a wobble. I am replacing some of these parts and expect it to ride well with a real rim. I have not heard any of the motor noises that killed the storm yet, but this bike doesnt even have 200 miles on it yet. So far, mediocre build quality but a nice ride for what it is, short stop errands and get around town bike.


Ultimately, I won't even compare the E+ and the Proteco. They arent in the same class, neither in price, nor quality and build. The E+ is one of my favorite ebikes I have ever ridden, although if I could afford it I would be riding a stealth bomber. However, I will say that the Prodeco is a bargain, and if you take care of your bike and replace some individual parts, you very well may have a bike that will last you. Unfortunately, with my first two bikes, I have had some negative experiences. To be fair, I still bought two of these bikes because they are great for guests and the price is great --- also, owning one crappy product doesnt mean the company can't improve. I test drove the Mariner at a local store and I liked it enough to give it another try.

I'll keep y'all posted.

[motorino magnet]

Ok Im pretty annoyed because I just spent an hour typing up the response, only to have the window close and lose everything..
Im too annoyed to reptype everything. Let me summarize.

First, you can find it hard to believe or not, but I own an E+ and (two) ProDeco's (1 functioning) so guests can ride at my summer house and go on short commutes with the bikes to stores or whatever. I ride the E+ -- I wanted a real E-bike that would last -- and I unfortunately lack the skills to build one .... The Prodecos are pretty rider friendly --- good for my mom to the younger cousins, so I've had them for ease of access and price point. They are a deal..and it is hard to see how they are making a profit. But that is neither here nor there. As for my bikes, a disclaimer, I'm not getting into a war of ownership and why I havent posted before etc. I haven't posted before about Prodeco's because they have never ever ever blown my away. They are functional, like my vacuum, but not the kind of E-bike experience you get with some of the bikes people build here or the E+ for that matter. If you dont believe me, or trust my review, ignore me. I could care less.

Bike one (Storm) (250W) - complete motor failure after 6-7 months riding (approx 350 miles) (began with occasional noise that came back intermittently, then changed to noise only during accelleration then motor stopped working one day while traversing hill). As for Prodecos answer, this happened over the summer, I have the bike at my summer house and while I have contacted ProDeco, it took them a while to agree to pay for shipping (because apparently I should have called the first time I heared any noise whatsoever). (I didn't agree, considering bikes make all sorts of noises and this wasnt consistent by any means).... I have not shipped the bike yet, I may or may not do it this summer. The bike isnt veyr powerful and I'm thinking of replacing it ----

Bike two (Mariner S) (200W) - no motor problems as of yet--- build quality laughable. (Disclaimer: Prodeco also offered %10 off because I was a previous owner and bitched so much about the storm) ---- 205LB rider (friend) - dismantled the seat lock mechanism by just riding .... and the wheel rim (although it is listed as triple-wall etc) has begun to show a wobble. I am replacing some of these parts and expect it to ride well with a real rim. I have not heard any of the motor noises that killed the storm yet, but this bike doesnt even have 200 miles on it yet. So far, mediocre build quality but a nice ride for what it is, short stop errands and get around town bike.


Ultimately, I won't even compare the E+ and the Proteco. They arent in the same class, neither in price, nor quality and build. The E+ is one of my favorite ebikes I have ever ridden, although if I could afford it I would be riding a stealth bomber. However, I will say that the Prodeco is a bargain, and if you take care of your bike and replace some individual parts, you very well may have a bike that will last you. Unfortunately, with my first two bikes, I have had some negative experiences. To be fair, I still bought two of these bikes because they are great for guests and the price is great --- also, owning one crappy product doesnt mean the company can't improve. I test drove the Mariner at a local store and I liked it enough to give it another try.

I'll keep y'all posted.

we are talking about Prodeco Phantom X....

how old are yours?

mybe they didnt work out well for the same reason your window closed on ya


you sound like one of the 1%...


summer house?

how much was your e+ ?

[Frog]

kayselters Thanks for your Prodeco reviews also Thanks for your environment work and efforts. I spend my days reading about water, trees and energy all because I want to help save frogs, amphibians. I'm sure you know about this but frogs are on the decline big time Up to 200 species have completely disappeared since 1980, and this is NOT normal: amphibians naturally go extinct at a rate of only about one species every 250 years. Dr. Kerry Kriger and Save the Frogs is America's first and only public charity dedicated to protecting the world’s amphibians. It's slow but it's working I see little kids he is teaching that know way more about this then me or quite possible anyone on this these forums. Anyways it's my duty to spread the word.

[bigmoose]

Before this thread gets tooooooo far off topic, I am going to clean it up a bit, and try to move a few posts to the Biker bar... where the politics and ad hominum discussions can continue... I'll likely mess up on that transfer however, as I have never successfully done it, and loose a few posts ... enjoy!

[Joseph C.]

you sound like one of the 1%...

summer house?

Is having money now a crime?

[kaysellters]

Big moose - i was responding to a question asked here -- i provided my honest response -- and MAgneto decided that he was unhappy with it -- so he said some things, i said some things, and here we are...onto the phantom.

but nice attempt at making me look like Dr. EVIL

[bigmoose]

Kay, raaatttss. I thought I had cut and pasted part of your technical review back into this post. I again messed up...

I wanted to move all the other "stuff" to the bikers bar. I edited the above quote to remove the "stuff" and cleaned up a bit more of the thread. When I re read it this morning, I was like "why did I post that back in?..." That was not the intent.

Thanks for catching this!

[kaysellters]

HAHA its alright. No offense here.

Back to the business of bikes...

[miro13car]

keyselter.

Great review.
Is your Prodeco completely silent or it whine do other noises?
I was trying to identify source for Prodeco motors but never got any answer.
How smooth is it comparing with Eplus?
Also how modulated is Prodeco throttle comparing with Eplus ??
As linear as Eplus or rather on-off type?
Thank you for your review also
T