Newbie needs help finding a bike

[AngieM]

Don't know if you give this kind of help here, but I'll try. If I give my list of preferences, can someone help me find the right bike? My biggest problem is I need a 15' frame, not larger. I know I won't find all this in one bike, but at least a few of these preferences would be nice:

●―Throttle - NOT a pedal-first throttle, where you have to pedal up to 5mph before it kicks in.
Want to hit the throttle ‘n go AND/OR pedal too, when I want to.

●―15 inch step-thru frame, not larger… my inseam is 27” and I’m 5’1”
●―Less than or not much more than 50 pounds overall weight.
●―Tires, not too fat.
●―Handlebars that aren’t completely straight, just a bit curved.
●―A LifePO4 battery.
●―25 mile range or more.
●―350, 450 or 500 watt motor, rear hub motor
●―short recharge time
●―Battery monitor
●―Front and rear brakes

 

[dogman dan]

Looking for a pre built bike with all that?

What is your budget? The A2B looked good to me, but the tires may be too fat.

Adding a motor kit to a bike you like may be the best bet, if not mechanically inclined try to find a bike shop with Ebike experience, or at least, an open mind.

Ladies mountain bikes have the low step over, and tend to be smaller sizes. They are not ridiculously weak frames like the old ladies beach cruisers were. My wifes chromoly frame Giant feels great to me.

Handlebars cost very little to change. The ones I like with a bit more rise and a bit more backsweep are $10 in steel.

50 pound weight is a toughie, but not if you spend enough in the first place on a really nice really light bike.

Then add a light gearmotor kit, such as the one High Tech Bikes or Amped Bikes is selling. Get a 10 ah lifepo4 battery, and a 5 amp charger for it. Then you have 2 hour recharge. About as fast as it gets without spending a lot,(toshibas) or dealing with lipo. The only problem is again, weight. But a few more pounds of battery will see you 25 mile range with no pedaling.

Monitor the battery with a Cycleanalyst. Great tool. Get the stand alone model if the controller is not ca compatible.


The bike could end up about 20 pounds more weight than original, but most MTB's weigh about 35 pounds. Skinny tires can shave a few pounds off.

Another approach could be a bmx bike, and hubmotor in 20" wheel. Then run higher voltage for more top speed. Mabye heavier than option one, but high perfromance!

 

[Drunkskunk]

Werlcome to the forum. Indeed, this is what we do here, among other things.

If you're looking for a pre-built bike, the options are limited right now. There are unfortunatly very few quality pre-bikes.

A2B makes a good, robust bike that would meet most of your list, except that it has fat tires and a straight handlebar.

Trek makes a few, but I don't know anyone who has tested them yet. The Trek 7200+ WSD is the ladie's version, with a stepthrough frame. I've seen the bike upclose, and found it to be a well put together bike, but I've not had a chance to ride any of the Trek Electrics. The handlebar's are straight, but as with either bike, you could trade those out for a handlebar that better meets your style.

The down side to both of these bikes is the range. With peddling, they should be able to do 25 miles range, but that would be pushing them to the limit. the A2B offers a larger battery that mounts to the rear, and with the Trek, you could buy and carry a second battery on the rear rack.


If you have some mechanical ability, there are more choices in kit form. That way you find the exact bicycle you want, with the right brakes, handlebars, and frame style. or you add or subtract parts as needed to make the exact bike you want, then add the kit to make it an electric bike.

 

[torker]

If we knew your location maybe someone nearby could help out. Unless of course you can do it yourself. Your post made it sound like you wanted pre built and there isn't much avail. One of the flatfoot bikes aka crank forward might be good. Giant Revive I think is the name of one.

 

[dogman dan]

I just saw a new post in the Reviews section, EG milan or something like that. Very good frame for your needs.