Its good to see a review from a bigger guy. I am 6' 250ish and wanted to know how a 500w would perform for a bigger guy. Most of the other reviews are by athletic guys under 200. I like the smaller width tire commuter bikes just for the bulk and nibleness as I wouldn't really use the offroad. You can currently get this one for $1299 and there are a number of similar competitors now around that same price with the torque sensor. Thanks.
Tim, you may be surprised, as even us big fellows can get very good range from these bikes. Ok, yes, it's always the lowest assist mode and pedaling required. For example, I have a Specialized Como 5.0 IGH which is rated for UP TO 62 miles on a charge (which is a mid-drive and torque sensor) I'm around 6' and about 305 lbs and have a ride of 51.1 miles (according to Starva) with 20% battery left. With that said, the one thing I notice that affects us BIG GUYS is wind. When gusts are 20 mph+ immediately drop 10-15 off the range if you ride into the wind a bit. As always, fan of your tips.
I didn’t mean to infer that you couldn’t get good mileage. I was just pointing out that it is unlikely I would get to the max range indicated by the manufacturer. I do tend to ride at around PAS 3 on most bikes (15-18mph) and even if I slow down to PAS 2 to extend range, I will still typically fall short of the max range. Thanks for the comment!
Thx for reaching out. Yes, I absolutely plan to keep putting out videos. I live in Michigan, so I do take time off during the cold months. I just got my wife’s bike down and started setting it up for the upcoming season. once we start riding consistently, then videos start to follow. Have a great summer!
honestly, I much prefer a cadence sensor. I can see where torque sensors have their place, yet I think cadence would provide the more benefits for most riders. add on that cadence sensors are normally less expensive and they win in my book.
Normally less expensive, yes. But in this case and even another fat tire bike I found, you can get into one for under $2k. At the end of the day it just depends on what you want from your bike/ride. I enjoy my cadence bikes as well, it’s just the ride with that sensor is so different and enjoyable. Either way, enjoy your ride!
I went down to the shed and took a look at the pro. The calipers are un-branded. So I took a pic and searched online for that shape and style of hydraulic caliper. The nearest one I identified is the Tektro HD-M285. I hope this helps.
I personally had no issues. It is a 500w motor, and while this won’t give you the same torque as a larger 750w motor, it does give you considerable help while climbing hills. As always speed up a little when heading up to a hill and you should cruise right up.
With either sensor it is still a 500w motor. You will have to pedal up hills. If you’re looking for a bike that can just motor up a hill, then consider a 52v bike with a 750w motor. Something like a Magicycle Ocelot pro. That will give you the most power.
Its good to see a review from a bigger guy. I am 6' 250ish and wanted to know how a 500w would perform for a bigger guy. Most of the other reviews are by athletic guys under 200. I like the smaller width tire commuter bikes just for the bulk and nibleness as I wouldn't really use the offroad. You can currently get this one for $1299 and there are a number of similar competitors now around that same price with the torque sensor. Thanks.
I was impressed with the power this bike delivered, and the torque sensor gave me a great balance between my human input vs the motor.
Tim, you may be surprised, as even us big fellows can get very good range from these bikes. Ok, yes, it's always the lowest assist mode and pedaling required.
For example, I have a Specialized Como 5.0 IGH which is rated for UP TO 62 miles on a charge (which is a mid-drive and torque sensor)
I'm around 6' and about 305 lbs and have a ride of 51.1 miles (according to Starva) with 20% battery left.
With that said, the one thing I notice that affects us BIG GUYS is wind. When gusts are 20 mph+ immediately drop 10-15 off the range if you ride into the wind a bit.
As always, fan of your tips.
I didn’t mean to infer that you couldn’t get good mileage. I was just pointing out that it is unlikely I would get to the max range indicated by the manufacturer. I do tend to ride at around PAS 3 on most bikes (15-18mph) and even if I slow down to PAS 2 to extend range, I will still typically fall short of the max range. Thanks for the comment!
Haven't seen any new videos lately hope all are well look forward to the next one
Thx for reaching out. Yes, I absolutely plan to keep putting out videos. I live in Michigan, so I do take time off during the cold months. I just got my wife’s bike down and started setting it up for the upcoming season. once we start riding consistently, then videos start to follow.
Have a great summer!
Bree at Vanpowers confirmed with me by email that only the Ultra comes with Tektro brakes and the others come with a generic brand called Zstar.
Good info!
honestly, I much prefer a cadence sensor. I can see where torque sensors have their place, yet I think cadence would provide the more benefits for most riders. add on that cadence sensors are normally less expensive and they win in my book.
Normally less expensive, yes. But in this case and even another fat tire bike I found, you can get into one for under $2k. At the end of the day it just depends on what you want from your bike/ride. I enjoy my cadence bikes as well, it’s just the ride with that sensor is so different and enjoyable.
Either way, enjoy your ride!
What brand hydraulic brakes come the pro?
I went down to the shed and took a look at the pro. The calipers are un-branded. So I took a pic and searched online for that shape and style of hydraulic caliper. The nearest one I identified is the Tektro HD-M285. I hope this helps.
How does it do on hills?
I personally had no issues. It is a 500w motor, and while this won’t give you the same torque as a larger 750w motor, it does give you considerable help while climbing hills. As always speed up a little when heading up to a hill and you should cruise right up.
@@TinkeringTurtleAs opposed to a cadence sensor, how does this do going up hills? My wife has a bad knee.
With either sensor it is still a 500w motor. You will have to pedal up hills.
If you’re looking for a bike that can just motor up a hill, then consider a 52v bike with a 750w motor. Something like a Magicycle Ocelot pro. That will give you the most power.
@@TinkeringTurtle I was under the impression that the paint jobs on these bikes are supposed to be high gloss. Is that not the case?
High gloss? I would say no. It’s not a matte finish either, more of a semi gloss.