Hello everyone! Happy to find this forum!
I live in Wash. state, near Seattle. So moderate clime, but wet. And we recently moved, and now live a the top of a big hill. So looking for a good hill climber - never thought about electric until now, but this hill is too tall to climb on a regular basis without help.
So here's what I'd say my priorities are:
* decent climbing assist (but willing to put out some effort, not looking for a moped)
* waterproof/works well in rain
* bike that feels like a bike (good handling, not tremendously bulky/heavy)
* rides well without power
* can offroad on dirt/gravel trails when required
* reliability
* price
here's what's not so important:
* long range (will be mostly using this for around-town)
* high speed on flat
What would you guys recommend?
There aren't a ton of stores that carry electric where I live. I did try a '09 Giant Twist Freedom at a local shop, and was v. impressed w/ the smooth power assist system. But the bike itself was a bit of a clunker, couldn't really imagine riding it far with the power turned off, even on flat. And they only had 2 biks, and have since sold them. (Seems there's a delay w/ local shops getting the 2010 Giant models?)
I've heard great things about Bionx, and love the idea of being able to transform a bike between electric and human-powered. But their motors are pretty expensive!
Thanks y'all!
I live in Wash. state, near Seattle. So moderate clime, but wet. And we recently moved, and now live a the top of a big hill. So looking for a good hill climber - never thought about electric until now, but this hill is too tall to climb on a regular basis without help.
So here's what I'd say my priorities are:
* decent climbing assist (but willing to put out some effort, not looking for a moped)
* waterproof/works well in rain
* bike that feels like a bike (good handling, not tremendously bulky/heavy)
* rides well without power
* can offroad on dirt/gravel trails when required
* reliability
* price
here's what's not so important:
* long range (will be mostly using this for around-town)
* high speed on flat
What would you guys recommend?
There aren't a ton of stores that carry electric where I live. I did try a '09 Giant Twist Freedom at a local shop, and was v. impressed w/ the smooth power assist system. But the bike itself was a bit of a clunker, couldn't really imagine riding it far with the power turned off, even on flat. And they only had 2 biks, and have since sold them. (Seems there's a delay w/ local shops getting the 2010 Giant models?)
I've heard great things about Bionx, and love the idea of being able to transform a bike between electric and human-powered. But their motors are pretty expensive!
Thanks y'all!