The bikes arrived in 4 days from order. The packaging was thorough and there was no damage when I unpacked them. Assembly was easy, it took longer to unbox. The brakes did need to be loosened from their mounting and re/aligned to stop them from dragging. The shifting was spot/on and needed no adjusting. The construction appeared good and the parts were OK, no premium parts but everything worked well together. Overall for 999 these bikes were exactly what we wanted. I did have a question for CS and they responded quickly with my answers.
We have used them about 60 miles in the first week with no issues. The seats are OK, but only for an hour or two. I found that there is a bit more drag than standard bikes and generally the motor makes up for this with minimal assistance. They do shine on the inclines, you can provide a moderate amount of force and the motor will do the rest. Or you can just go full motor. Full motor will definitely use battery reserves than providing pedal power. We took a ride along Lake Mead which was not level at all. As the temps rose, we pedaled less and after 20 miles, the batteries were around half on the battery gauge. Another ride on the level and after about 15 miles both still read full charge. We are not speedsters and pedaled between 9/12 mph which kept the motors offering only minimal assistance on all but long moderate inclines. The assistance levels can be optimized for your personal riding style.
These are replacing a pair of 200 Walmart bikes. They were standard pedal bikes, no suspension, narrow tires. These bikes do ride much better with the wide tires, fork springs and seat spring. The wider tires also make for a more stable and softer ride on gravel trails. This style of bike provides us the ability to ride on more than just pavement. It is a bit different seating position, there is less room between handlebars, seat and pedals. This creates a bit more upright seating position. We found it comfortable.
These ebikes are not for everyone, they are basic components with a few options like lights, fenders and rack. They are Class 2 and average 20 mph, I havent found any settings to increase the speed, and given the bike design wouldnt recommend it. After weeks of research, I came to the conclusion that ebikes in this price range are all using the same general quality level of Chinese made components, the biggest difference is in frame, tire type and wheel size. They are trade offs of battery capacity, motor capacity, style frame and components. For us this combo of motor, battery, folding frame and components worked best.
We wanted folding bikes as we travel in a Ram pickup with a cap, behind our motorhome. We didnt want them on a hitch rack given their cost and keeping them from the elements. They are bulky and awkward. I have a velcro strap to keep them together when lifting and generally remove the seat and battery to lessen the overall weight with lifting. These are not sleek, street bikes with magnesium frames. They weigh about 70 lbs with all the components and the added mirror, bag and phone holder.
One comment on sizing, my wife is 54 and can just stand so I would not recommend for anyone shorter. If you think there is an issue lifting over the bar, you may want a walk/thru frame. I am 511 and I would not recommend for anyone over 60 tall. I can not quite extend my legs with the seat fully lifted. There is a hinge on the seat pole and I havent for a taller one with the hinge. If no hinge, you have to remove the seat to remove the battery.
Good Value
The bikes arrived in 4 days from order. The packaging was thorough and there was no damage when I unpacked them. Assembly was easy, it took longer to unbox. The brakes did need to be loosened from their mounting and re/aligned to stop them from dragging. The shifting was spot/on and needed no adjusting. The construction appeared good and the parts were OK, no premium parts but everything worked well together. Overall for 999 these bikes were exactly what we wanted. I did have a question for CS and they responded quickly with my answers. We have used them about 60 miles in the first week with no issues. The seats are OK, but only for an hour or two. I found that there is a bit more drag than standard bikes and generally the motor makes up for this with minimal assistance. They do shine on the inclines, you can provide a moderate amount of force and the motor will do the rest. Or you can just go full motor. Full motor will definitely use battery reserves than providing pedal power. We took a ride along Lake Mead which was not level at all. As the temps rose, we pedaled less and after 20 miles, the batteries were around half on the battery gauge. Another ride on the level and after about 15 miles both still read full charge. We are not speedsters and pedaled between 9/12 mph which kept the motors offering only minimal assistance on all but long moderate inclines. The assistance levels can be optimized for your personal riding style. These are replacing a pair of 200 Walmart bikes. They were standard pedal bikes, no suspension, narrow tires. These bikes do ride much better with the wide tires, fork springs and seat spring. The wider tires also make for a more stable and softer ride on gravel trails. This style of bike provides us the ability to ride on more than just pavement. It is a bit different seating position, there is less room between handlebars, seat and pedals. This creates a bit more upright seating position. We found it comfortable. These ebikes are not for everyone, they are basic components with a few options like lights, fenders and rack. They are Class 2 and average 20 mph, I havent found any settings to increase the speed, and given the bike design wouldnt recommend it. After weeks of research, I came to the conclusion that ebikes in this price range are all using the same general quality level of Chinese made components, the biggest difference is in frame, tire type and wheel size. They are trade offs of battery capacity, motor capacity, style frame and components. For us this combo of motor, battery, folding frame and components worked best. We wanted folding bikes as we travel in a Ram pickup with a cap, behind our motorhome. We didnt want them on a hitch rack given their cost and keeping them from the elements. They are bulky and awkward. I have a velcro strap to keep them together when lifting and generally remove the seat and battery to lessen the overall weight with lifting. These are not sleek, street bikes with magnesium frames. They weigh about 70 lbs with all the components and the added mirror, bag and phone holder. One comment on sizing, my wife is 54 and can just stand so I would not recommend for anyone shorter. If you think there is an issue lifting over the bar, you may want a walk/thru frame. I am 511 and I would not recommend for anyone over 60 tall. I can not quite extend my legs with the seat fully lifted. There is a hinge on the seat pole and I havent for a taller one with the hinge. If no hinge, you have to remove the seat to remove the battery.