Finally, someone does a review of this bike on a serious climb. Appreciated. I live in Kona on The Big Island of Hawaii and the moment you turn mauka away from the ocean you're climbing. I have some steep climbs on my rides similar to what you show. I probably wouldn't use the power assist on the flat and rolling hills. I currently ride my old heavy Cannondale 6 up those climbs and it weighs 42 lbs with the added junk/racks I have on it. Sometimes I haul camera gear and other essentials to volcanic eruptions on a bike. Bike and hike situations. Then it tops out at around 52 lbs not including my backpack but no serious climbs like where you went. I would probably get their optional suspension seat post. I'm older and my butt and back would appreciate it.
Hello! It sounds like you have a beautiful place to ride around in :). One thing I absolutely love about this bike is the fact that without power, it rides like a regular bike. Lots of e-bikes are heavy and clunky without power. Good call on the suspension seat post. I may have to pick one up myself. The seat is surprisingly comfortable for a stock seat, but it would be nice to have a suspension seat post for the bigger bumps in the road.
I used to love those powerful, fat tire ebikes when I first got into ebiking but ever since I got this Velotric T1ST, I've sold all my other ebikes. Yes, it's weaker and doesn't have a throttle but I enjoy cycling and this ebike feels the closest to that. Instead of the motor kicking on and off and feeling that surge of power, this feels more like I have superhuman legs. I unlocked it so that Turbo will assist up to 25/26mph and if I pedal really hard, I can get it above that. Downhill, I've gotten to 37-38mph and the bike feels extremely stable. Overall, great bike. Yes, it's a bit expensive if all you look at is the motor wattage and lack of suspensions, but the components that they did put into this ebike are a step above bottom tier. For people who don't care for hydraulic brakes or torque sensor, VELOWAVE has something similar on Amazon for just $400. Components are not as good but it weighs 37lbs so it will still satisfy that lightweight ebike category. Also, DO NOT use the included sticky mount. Buy a $15 mount that uses the Garmin mounting option on Amazon instead. The sticky mount is not very sticky and over bad roads it knocked my phone right off.
I've had my T1ST for about a year now and it is a great bike for fun and fitness. It is one of two Velotric bikes ive purchased. I'm currently changing the handle bars, tires and saddle to mtb configuration. The stock tires are stiff, sending bump vibration up to the rider. A bigger tire will help with that, along with a suspension touring saddle. These changes, along with the wider handlebars will bring the T1ST to the "beyond" that Velotric writes about in their promotional material.
Those sound like awesome modifications. I recall seeing some videos of people making similar changes. I definitely like the fitness aspect of this bike. Once it cools down a bit I’m going to make a habit of riding it in the mornings.
This seems like a perfect mix between assist and pedaling. Congrats on your purchase. It's always so fun getting a new bike. I raced the Arizona state mountain bike championship back in the 90s(expert class). South Mountain was my playground,
Thanks! Yah I’m really happy with the bike, especially the weight. I’ve seen some mountain biking videos at South Mountain on TH-cam. Looks intense haha. That’s awesome you got to race mountain bikes there. Do you still ride?
That’s great to hear! I’m really enjoying it as well. Very natural ride feel compared to cadence sensor bikes. Plus it’s a breeze to ride without power.
Tom have you ridden a Aventon Soltera 2? I am wondering how it compares to the bike you are on the T1. I am 68, 230 lbs undertall at 5'10", and ride a non motorized bike now, 70 to 100 miles a week. My personal motor / legs / heart just are not what they used to be, so I am looking for either Soltera or T1, something I can pedal.
Yah it was crazy. Still had a ton of battery remaining which was surprising given how much I used turbo mode on the second half of the climb. I’ll definitely have to do a proper range test to really see what this thing can do. Just worried I’ll have to ride around for four hours in the sun to drain the battery lol.
Hey Tom, Great review. I was deciding on this bike vs a tenways and I think you convinced me this was the way to go, especially at that price point. One question, on riding position, this appears to have a more natural riding position and not hunched over the bike, is that accurate? My solera2 aventon that I had really had me in that uncomfortable position and once I went over 12 miles my elbow starting hurting. Well. my solera 2 just got stolen from my garage so I am in a market for a new ride, and this appears to fit the bill. Thanks for your help, every infomative.
Thank you! So it definitely has a more natural riding position than your typical road bike. This is technically a step through model so it is easier to get on and off. I personally didn’t have any issue with the riding position. You will definitely lean forward, but nowhere near as much as a regular road bike. Sorry to hear about your bike, people are crazy.
STAY AWAY This bike is a nightmare. I'm 6'2" and the largest size is way too small. The app is glitchy and the tech sucks. The bluetooth connection that's required for it to function constantly goes out and the bike seems to lose power all of the time. NOT TO MENTION THEY CHARGE $300 to return the POS.
Are you talking about this model, the T1 ST, or their new model, the T1 ST Plus? I ask because this model has no screen nor does it have app connectivity.
Ugh. It’s that time of year where things are warming up and people are heading outdoors. I’ve seen several bikes and e-scooters go out of stock in the past couple months. Good news is that I’ve seen many come available again within a few weeks.
Finally, someone does a review of this bike on a serious climb. Appreciated.
I live in Kona on The Big Island of Hawaii and the moment you turn mauka away from the ocean you're climbing. I have some steep climbs on my rides similar to what you show. I probably wouldn't use the power assist on the flat and rolling hills. I currently ride my old heavy Cannondale 6 up those climbs and it weighs 42 lbs with the added junk/racks I have on it. Sometimes I haul camera gear and other essentials to volcanic eruptions on a bike. Bike and hike situations. Then it tops out at around 52 lbs not including my backpack but no serious climbs like where you went. I would probably get their optional suspension seat post. I'm older and my butt and back would appreciate it.
Hello! It sounds like you have a beautiful place to ride around in :). One thing I absolutely love about this bike is the fact that without power, it rides like a regular bike. Lots of e-bikes are heavy and clunky without power.
Good call on the suspension seat post. I may have to pick one up myself. The seat is surprisingly comfortable for a stock seat, but it would be nice to have a suspension seat post for the bigger bumps in the road.
@@tomsgadgetgarage Yep, riding like a regular bike without power. Like others, I only want a little assist when needed.
I used to love those powerful, fat tire ebikes when I first got into ebiking but ever since I got this Velotric T1ST, I've sold all my other ebikes. Yes, it's weaker and doesn't have a throttle but I enjoy cycling and this ebike feels the closest to that. Instead of the motor kicking on and off and feeling that surge of power, this feels more like I have superhuman legs. I unlocked it so that Turbo will assist up to 25/26mph and if I pedal really hard, I can get it above that. Downhill, I've gotten to 37-38mph and the bike feels extremely stable. Overall, great bike. Yes, it's a bit expensive if all you look at is the motor wattage and lack of suspensions, but the components that they did put into this ebike are a step above bottom tier. For people who don't care for hydraulic brakes or torque sensor, VELOWAVE has something similar on Amazon for just $400. Components are not as good but it weighs 37lbs so it will still satisfy that lightweight ebike category. Also, DO NOT use the included sticky mount. Buy a $15 mount that uses the Garmin mounting option on Amazon instead. The sticky mount is not very sticky and over bad roads it knocked my phone right off.
Couldn’t agree with you more. I’m loving mine. The motor operation is so smooth and the riding experience very natural. No motor surges here haha.
I've had my T1ST for about a year now and it is a great bike for fun and fitness. It is one of two Velotric bikes ive purchased. I'm currently changing the handle bars, tires and saddle to mtb configuration. The stock tires are stiff, sending bump vibration up to the rider. A bigger tire will help with that, along with a suspension touring saddle. These changes, along with the wider handlebars will bring the T1ST to the "beyond" that Velotric writes about in their promotional material.
Those sound like awesome modifications. I recall seeing some videos of people making similar changes. I definitely like the fitness aspect of this bike. Once it cools down a bit I’m going to make a habit of riding it in the mornings.
This seems like a perfect mix between assist and pedaling. Congrats on your purchase. It's always so fun getting a new bike. I raced the Arizona state mountain bike championship back in the 90s(expert class). South Mountain was my playground,
Thanks! Yah I’m really happy with the bike, especially the weight. I’ve seen some mountain biking videos at South Mountain on TH-cam. Looks intense haha. That’s awesome you got to race mountain bikes there. Do you still ride?
@@tomsgadgetgarage Retired from racing in 2001. I mostly ride my Ninebot. :) When II was there they didn't race at South Mountain.
Had mine for a few months now. Absolutely love it. Exactly as advertised and just what I wanted
That’s great to hear! I’m really enjoying it as well. Very natural ride feel compared to cadence sensor bikes. Plus it’s a breeze to ride without power.
My wife and I got two of them. They are fantastic bikes
That’s awesome 😎. I love the bike, especially since it’s super lightweight for an e-bike.
Excellent video. u did a good job Bro. happy biking from Toronto Canada.
Thank you! 😊
Tom have you ridden a Aventon Soltera 2?
I am wondering how it compares to the bike you are on the T1.
I am 68, 230 lbs undertall at 5'10", and ride a non motorized bike now, 70 to 100 miles a week. My personal motor / legs / heart just are not what they used to be, so I am looking for either Soltera or T1, something I can pedal.
Great video as always! Thank you
Thank you!
Did you say that you got four out of four bars left over from riding up that mountain? I am impressed.
Yah it was crazy. Still had a ton of battery remaining which was surprising given how much I used turbo mode on the second half of the climb. I’ll definitely have to do a proper range test to really see what this thing can do. Just worried I’ll have to ride around for four hours in the sun to drain the battery lol.
Hey Tom, Great review. I was deciding on this bike vs a tenways and I think you convinced me this was the way to go, especially at that price point. One question, on riding position, this appears to have a more natural riding position and not hunched over the bike, is that accurate? My solera2 aventon that I had really had me in that uncomfortable position and once I went over 12 miles my elbow starting hurting. Well. my solera 2 just got stolen from my garage so I am in a market for a new ride, and this appears to fit the bill. Thanks for your help, every infomative.
Thank you! So it definitely has a more natural riding position than your typical road bike. This is technically a step through model so it is easier to get on and off. I personally didn’t have any issue with the riding position. You will definitely lean forward, but nowhere near as much as a regular road bike. Sorry to hear about your bike, people are crazy.
I want one but it's not available in Canada meh! Excellent video though, thanks.
So cool 😎
What phone holder is that?
Hey! Just added it to the description. It’s this one here amzn.to/3yAxbUE. So far it has held up great. Use it with my iPhone 13 Pro.
@@tomsgadgetgarage thanks!
More like 39 pounds. In medium.
36lbs...
STAY AWAY
This bike is a nightmare. I'm 6'2" and the largest size is way too small.
The app is glitchy and the tech sucks. The bluetooth connection that's required for it to function constantly goes out and the bike seems to lose power all of the time. NOT TO MENTION THEY CHARGE $300 to return the POS.
Are you talking about this model, the T1 ST, or their new model, the T1 ST Plus? I ask because this model has no screen nor does it have app connectivity.
Out of stock..
Ugh. It’s that time of year where things are warming up and people are heading outdoors. I’ve seen several bikes and e-scooters go out of stock in the past couple months. Good news is that I’ve seen many come available again within a few weeks.
Then new versions are back in stock
@@xDarthRio - thanks, might get me one!?