Prodeco Tech- Phantom X ebike

[rzannotti]

Hello everyone, newbie here! I've been reading through the site for days now. This bike is being shipped to me soon and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me wether this setup looks to be decent for quality and for speed/torque. With it being limited to <20mph here in the U.S., I have a feeling that I eventually need to bypass this limit somehow! Check out their website and the specs on the bike......www.prodecotech.com .......then let me know what you think and what I should be researching for potential upgrade components.
Thanks folks

 

[USAEBIKECO]

From my point of view the bikes look very nice. Price looks good too. Was shipping included? Im just wondering if they will be able to help you if your breaks down or has problems. All electric bikes sooner or later have problems, and you cant just take it to your local bike shop for repairs. What kind of warranty is there?


Let us know how things go riding it.

 

[rzannotti]

There is a 2 year warranty front-to-back (bike, motor, battery, controller, etc)...pretty reassuring. Actually I had first bought a smaller bike from Prodeco Tech (20" wheels) but it wasn't enough power for me, 200W geared/brushless, 24V10ah LifePO4 battery. The quality was very good and everything was well engineered. They are more than accomodating as they are taking the bike back in a swap towards the Phantom X. I highly recommend the company, they actually provide REAL customer-oriented service. They already have a network of dealers in the U.S, many being regular bike stores. Hopefully the ebike will catch on here in the states.

So, anyone know anything about these bikes, or own one? What brand motor, controller, battery?

Will 36V 500watt motor be swift with a 36V12ah LifePO4 battery? I think the bike is 50lbs, I weigh 175lbs.

Thanks

 

[Lessss]

Can't comment due to phantom pricing.

 

[LI-ghtcycle]

Phantom X is $1099.

Seems like a decent product, I am curious to hear how it performs, is the motor made in the USA too? From the company's mission statement, it would appear it is, and if so, one of the best yet especially for the total price. Good idea making the frames folding, cuts down on shipping considerably.

Really light weight too, at 54 lbs, not bad at all for a DD hub motor. Let us know if you see any info on the individual components (motor, controller, throttle, etc.) if you can tell us if you see anything indicating who made them.

I want to believe that everything is manufactured here in the USA, but especially at those prices, I fear more of it is assembled rather than manufactured here in the US, I'd love to be proven wrong however!

 

[kriskros]

i have a norco mtb ]chromoly frame] with a Ping 36v,12amp battery,bafang ,geared front mount motorand infineon 36v25amp controller with a cycle analyst..... best speed on the flat,,30kph.. bike wt43lbs,me 155lbs... i doubt if you can get more speed trhan that with that battery setup

 

[rzannotti]

kriskros: have you considered any upgrades to your bike? What would I need to really get an ebike to move quick?, not necessarily off the line, but so it can surely power itself around town without pedalling (on those rides to work when it's 95F outside with high humidity and I don't feel like showing up sweaty and musty!)

 

[MadRhino]

It's a nice folder, that has a fair kit of components for street use, but seriously underpowered IMO. You'd need more batteries, and another controller, to improve it's performance and range.

First thing to do, is to find the Amp limit of the motor. The size of the phase wire is a good indication, as how much power that can be fed to it. Since it is a direct drive motor, you can play with speed as you want, by feeding higher voltage. The torque can be improved by raising the Amp, but not past the point where it will become too hot. If you can find the model and manufacturer of the motor, most of them are documented here already.

With a programmable controller, and some more batteries, you'll be able to optimize the performance of your bike. You could have saved money by building yourself, but since you already ordered this one, I guess that you might want to spend more to make it meet your needs.

 

[rzannotti]

I figure this is a good platform to work from. I think it's a real clean looking ebike. Now with upgrades, it can be clean and power me around town. The bike was cheaper than some of the more expensive ready-to-ride models. Where do you guys shop for programmable controllers and larger batteries?

 

[oldpiper]

I figure this is a good platform to work from. I think it's a real clean looking ebike. Now with upgrades, it can be clean and power me around town. The bike was cheaper than some of the better ready-to-ride models. Where do you guys shop for programmable controllers and larger batteries?

Right here.

OK, sometimes the Online Market section near the bottom of the main page, otherwise to dealers where advice in forum threads asking about specific stuff send you. The folks here are the best informed and most helpful people anywhere. If anyone has something good, you'll know. If anyone has something bad, you'll know. And, if you're wrong about something, you'll know, but courteously (unless you're obviously intentionally trying to pass off some junk as good stuff - they'll know), they'll teach you what's right and answer your questions until you're satisfied. Just remember, if you ask a dozen people what's the Best of any particular category, you'll get at least 13 definitive answers.

Cameron

 

[MadRhino]

Where do you guys shop for programmable controllers and larger batteries?

Most who build for performance buy Lipo bricks from Hobby King. Some use Lifepo4 from Ping, and some build their own battery packs from individual cells (sometimes recycled from cordless tool power packs).

Controllers are mostly from Edward Lyen (here in the sales section), cause he offers a wide variety of programmable controlleres and is very helpfull at fulfilling your specific needs. Others sometimes do mod their controllers, or use performance stock controllers that suit their build.

 

[madfolder]

I am with the company, so please feel free to ping me. I have been in the industry for 30 years, ahd my own shop for 25, and yes sold e-bikes back in the day when lead acid ruled. Here is what I can say about the product, it was methodically designed from over 10,000 consumer surveys at events. The technology was either developed specifically for the company, or they puchased the best components to build the bikes here in the US. They have all the parts IN STOCK, right down to the smallest parts, and they will bend over bakcwards to insure a great experience.

Building a dealer network is happening, but is slow going. Shops have been buned too many times on the promise of delivery and support and this has slowed the inevitable traction that e-bikes are having in the market place. Some specialty shops have opened but be sure they are solvent too. My recommendation is to go to a shop you like and let them know that e-bikes can no longer be ignored.

The data is clear on the growth and utility, and as many of you already recognize they are fantastic for all levels of use.

The Phantom will be out in March, but now with an extended life battery and ONE HOUR charger! Weight jumps a little to 58lbs, but the range just about doubles.

A new step through bike called the Stride will be entering the market in April, also with an extended life battery, and a 250 watt front motor. It is gorgeous, and will be available for both folding and none folding.

Any inquiries, send them along and I will try to timely answer them.

 

[BB2]

This bike does look great on paper! Would like to see a Phantom X, or at least one of the other bikes that Prodeco makes. I have been searching all over to find something, anything, from people who have one or even a dealer in southern California and no one seems to be there. Even calling the company I seem to get more of a run around than answers. Is there anyone that knows where I can actually see one of the Prodeco bikes in person instead of just pictures? They say they have been producing bikes for 4 years, why don't I see any reviews form people that have them? If anywhere in the world there would be a review it would be on this form, there seems to be just about anything and everything thats out there has been posted here.

 

[PHC]

I am also very interested in the Prodeco phantom-X and would love to see an independent review. It looks like a great value and exactly what I have been looking for in every way. I would also like to see an extended range battery or an option to order a second battery. I see 2 dealers listed when I do a google search and they are both taking orders. I would gladly pre-order and post an Independent review here and on youtube if I could get one early for evaluation.

 

[SoSauty]

At 200 or 250W, I think they are being honest with the 17mph claim. Looks neat, they'll fill a niche for the affordable commuter e-bike. And they won't give e-bikes a bad name. For performance, look to the Bionx 250PL. Can't be a hill climber, but DD has good torque at slower speeds, around 10mph, and if one catches a low gear, human pedal performance would be a significant contribution. You could pedal it up modest hills. Also bet you can easy pedal 2mph on top of their 16-17mph claims. Gotta wonder how much is made in USA? If so, the quality might be higher, but think they're probably just assembled in FL.

Interesting on their site, looks as though 2008 e-bike law has been clarified so that motored speed is set for 20mph; old law had some mush about motor can't assist above 20mph. So, a motor geared/wound for hi-speed with only torque for 18-20mph, could hit 23+mph with modest pedalling, still be legal, and much more useful (IMO) With today's PC (awck), surprised their video showed folks without helmets.

The batt box got my attention. Would buy 2 of those today if I knew where.

 

[rizjag]

all I can say is I have tried to contact this company twice by email and have never received a response to my questions...they claim they will have better batteries out for the Storm in "early summer' ( whatever that means) and a previous post from someone who works for the company says they will have a new battery for the Phantom in March. Don't see it anywhere...kind of makes me nervous about buying a bike from them. The lack of response to inquiries and vague claims of improvements don't bode well. I really like the bikes but I know that it is not uncommon that a few problems may develop. Their lack of a response to me really makes me wonder.

 

[Uncle Ron]

I figure this is a good platform to work from. I think it's a real clean looking ebike. Now with upgrades, it can be clean and power me around town. The bike was cheaper than some of the more expensive ready-to-ride models. Where do you guys shop for programmable controllers and larger batteries?

rzannotti,

Here's the deal. If you start screwing with the bike, it's a certainty that your warranty goes out the window. No company warrants a bike that you have moded. 2 years from shipping is another story, so don't follow any moding advice unless you want to be on your own.

When this company's products started being talked about here several month's ago, I was pretty amazed at their price points, particularly this model, and even more amazed at the warranty length. The length of warranty, if they aren't fly by night, seems to indicate decent componentry, so very many of us here will be interested in hearing about your experiences with it over time as a stock item, as long as you keep it stock. If you chose to mod, then of course you'll get all the help you need.

 

[Uncle Ron]

rizjag,

I'm not saying that this is the case, but you could be misinterpreting their flimsy response. Sounding almost too good to be true, they could be inundated with e-mail, and have to give start-up resources to actual customers and ignore the curious for a time. Even the best of vendors identified on ES have trouble meeting their projected delivery dates for new products because of the months long supply chain. However, this does seem to indicate that Prodeco Tech is probably stretching their made in the USA claim more than a little. Made in the USA probably applies to the frames only at their price points, but that's not entirely shabby.

all I can say is I have tried to contact this company twice by email and have never received a response to my questions...they claim they will have better batteries out for the Storm in "early summer' ( whatever that means) and a previous post from someone who works for the company says they will have a new battery for the Phantom in March. Don't see it anywhere...kind of makes me nervous about buying a bike from them. The lack of response to inquiries and vague claims of improvements don't bode well. I really like the bikes but I know that it is not uncommon that a few problems may develop. Their lack of a response to me really makes me wonder.

 

[mikefish]

So, I was wondering if you ever got your bike?

Or has anyone else heard new info on these bikes?

I am very close to buying one, but I have a few questions first. I would love to talk to someone that owns one, or has at least ridden one.

 

[RickMt]

I looked at and test drove a Prodeco Storm earlier today at a local bike shop in Connecticut. The ride was only for about 5 minutes back and forth in a parking lot that was flat but some rougher pavement breaks. Handled nice, shifted nice, and seemed to have good power. On the strength of that I ordered a Phantom X as they expect to get a some of those in about 3 weeks. This bike shop had numerous makes and models of electric as well as non electric bikes.

Other then reading I do not have experience with electric bikes. It seemed extremely well made with nice quality components as far as I could tell. The Phantom I believe is a couple of pounds heavier at 58 lbs.

The bike shop owner was very high on the Prodeco company.

I plan to use the bike where I currently use my hybrid bike - on some significant road grades and do some light trail riding with it but some of the trials are in the mountains of New Hampshire so hilly. The phantom motor is in the rear which I thought may be better on a trail and on steeper hills then their other models. Also, the extra battery power should help.

 

[madfolder]

The company is experiencing grwoing pains, and have now sought the expertice of a management company to provide what they recognize are holes in the support and phone coverage.
I have departed the company for a stellar opportunity in the industry, but have 2 almost new Prodeco Mariner S bikes. The batteries have only been charged 3-4 times each, and have less than a coouple of miles on them. I am looking for $690 plus shipping each. If you are interested, contact me directly.

 

[VeloV]

I saw them at Interbike and they looked like a nice, clean build. Very High-End booth as I recall, flashy even.
Didn't ride them there though.
Good, intelligent, basic tech. information in their dealer book/catalog inspired confidence as well.
I'll be receiving some select models for the shop in about a month, and will review when we get some.
We're in Northern California.

Cheers
VeloV

 

[Racer_X]

VeloV, looking forward to your review.

 

[baltiace1]

I got finally got my bike on Friday! I'm pretty happy with it minus a few issues. I came with a thumb throttle with cruiser and handle shifter...I think I actually like this change. Others not so much.

Minor issues:
Disc brakes need adjustment being too soft...kind of expected this.
Seat isn't as pictured. Its okay, just not the vented red stitched one shown on Prodeco's site. Does have a suspension which is nice.
No Phantom X manual (to be shipped later). They gave me the Storm manual which helps for some things (not battery).
Battery and controller isn't as pictured. Battery is about 5" longer than shown (goes a few inches pass rear wheel). Controller is taller and maybe a bit longer.

**EDIT**
Tip: Lube the rack before putting the battery on. Can't hurt, I didn't...and wish I did. I had problems getting the battery off but finally came off when I realized "LOCK" is position for sliding battery off. "ON/OFF" actually lock battery in place. The controller's cantilevered mount seems to bent the rack...I think I'll just put a block to aid in support.


Okay now the good things:
Nice bike quality. Welds and paint and generally everything is well done and looks strong. They even added frame supports to the seat rack..maybe they were worried about the battery weight. My first ebike, really felt like a bike, not difficult to pedal without motor which is good. I'm won't be taking big hills without battery though.

Can't wait to test some steep hills. Its didn't have a problem with the ~3-4% grade hills in my neighborhood. On my way to work there's some 15% grade hills that it would be nice if I didn't have to avoid.

Other note, this is a big bike. My wife who is 5'3 couldn't touch the ground. Though its prefect for me at 5'10". Its probably the equivalent of most 18-19" frame MTBs.

 

[erexa]

guys anybody knows local (non online) dealers. I am located in Canada, can commute to Buffalo NY and buy there. Just please let me know if anyone knows a local dealer in Buffalo Ny area