Bought my Kepler in 9/2022, runs great!!! I think even today, it's one of the best values for the money. Recently had a flat, I used my 1 ton come along to lift the bike up to work on it.
I've had mine for a week, and have logged over 100 miles. I love this bike, and it's become my daily driver. Hope to park my van most of the week. Thanks for the video!!
I have Kepler from January and had same problem after 110 miles. Waited 4 weeks for new motor. I installed 60 tooth gearing and now I can pedal up to 40 mph. Add.2 extra batteries, goes for ever. Will buy it again.
You will definitely want to get a bike work stand that can hold over 65 pounds if you want to keep riding ebikes. Maintaining them is part of riding. Brakes will go and need to be changed. Other parts will break. Bolts will fall off. Tires will need to get changed. Some of this stuff you will take to a shop, but a $80 or even $150 bike stand soon pays for itself if you can do a few repairs. Building DIY bikes from Facebook marketplace bikes is fun, too. I built 3 so that I can ride with friends and family and they can understand what an ebike really is. Everyone who has rode with me said they wanted one, and can almost justify the $2k to get a good one.
I found that out the hard way. Just putting on my front tire. As my ebike weighs around 140lbs. My front room in my house has pavement floor. Have a 6ft shelf on one side . 6ft step ladder on other side. I span the 2 with a 2x6 . Ratchet strap over it to lift up the e-bike. Works perfect to work on it
I was all set to buy the Aventon Aventure and this may sway me.. I like that I can get it in black & red. Price is fine.. that rear rack looks really beefy.. dope front rack.. That speed was pretty delicious. My scooter does about 40mph but a bike is a bit more practical for what I want to do. I may sell my current bike & scooter to put towards this. It really seems like a solid bike as long as you don't get a lemon motor. I live in NJ but do photoshoots all over Manhattan. Would be nice to have a great commuter bike to get me around all day and back home.
New motor has been a lot better, so hopefully just a bad one from the factory. All these ebikes are super fun and nice being able to take them on sidewalks too where legal. Best of luck with your decision! - Shane
I must have missed you getting this bike! Really cool and I am glad they replaced the motor for you - although a month wait is quite long. That's not an easy route you chose! I know that route! lol. Your face did a great job with the pan at Lovers Leap! How do the bikes do in the rain? Any issues with the motor or circuitry?
Haha, only made it on instagram for one post, so easily missed! :) Yea, not going to lie that was annoying, but at least they stood by their product unlike some other tools I've purchased in the past. At least it wasn't as foggy as the last time you took it haha. Haven't purposely attempted to take it out in the rain, but apparently they are rain resistant whatever that means. I personally don't think electric and water mixes too well, so I will be avoiding it haha. Thanks for watching sir! - Shane
A motorcyle is just as much fun and more, but for recreation mostly. A motorcyle isn't any fun as a daily rider in any extreme climate...cold/hot/rain/snow. A STREET motorcyle requires maintenance, a license, tags/registration, and insurance. The higher speed of a motorcyle is scary in heavy traffic where car drivers aren't paying attention. Also, a motorcyle isn't easily parked/stored inside your house if at all🥺
They sent me a video (not same motor/bike but helpful enough) and recommended tools that I would need in order to do it myself. You would need a tool called the free wheel (I think) that allows you to free it up from the axle. Plenty of other people online that made similar youtube videos that I watched before attempting it. Think it took me about an hour or so of actually working on it. My wife helped me get the wheels back on since I don't own any bike stand to work on it. Other than that, was surprisingly fairly simple. - Shane
You could ditch the headlight and use a bar mounted light that's rechargeable .. Maybe get a bar to mount for extra stuff even. Not sure if couldn't just put on a battery blender with an extension to plug in an XT60 from that milk crate and just mount a battery inside that crate on one side. 👍
I thought about adding an extra battery but would hate to lose the warranty through Ariel Rider. Most people seem to doing well with those battery blenders though so maybe something to do once the warranty runs out lol. Good suggestions - Shane
It might, but after my first motor died I didn't want to take any chances haha. It would also suck that battery's life dry without any pedal input. Thanks for watching - Shane
@@djmcgranary714 he's riding a ebike. You know, a bicycle with pedals that you pedal, it's not a e-scooter with no pedals that you don't pedal. Therefore, his video is legit. He would've never made up that hill on throttle only. These ebikes aren't made to go up mountains like that on throttle only.
Do you ever go to the Richmond area? I live in Chester, VA. I have a Dualtron E scooter and I'm looking for people to do group rides. There's a great trail that goes from Richmond to Williamsburg.
Hey there, super easy to install. There are plugs that come factory with the kepler on either side, just pull those out, then insert the new mirrors. There you just tighten a bolt on the end of the mirror that expands some material inside of the bar itself to hold it into place. Forgive me for not knowing the proper terminology, but if I can do it, anyone can haha. No tweaking needed besides removing those caps that just pop off. Thanks - Shane
If I wanted another ebike with similar specifications, this seems pretty good for my needs. Haven't kept up with all the latest brands out there so it is possible there is a better deal out there or something with better components. Thanks - Shane
I ve had mine for a year and wouldn’t buy again. Yes it’s fast but it’s a tall heavy bike. Get a drop seat if you get one. The company is just ok. Delivery was fine but the bike was doa. Customer service was ok and eventually sent replacement parts. All communication through chat app so it was difficult to have a conversation. The bike tipped over on top of me once when I tried to stop and wheel around on a hill. Think you’ll stick your foot out and stop from tipping over? Think again. The components are all ok. All in all I’d prefer a smaller bike with a 750 watt motor. Safer. I should note that there are numerous places now that will sell replacement batteries. Half what Ariel wanted, if they had them.
Nylon gear motor with almost 1800 watts is not a good combination for longevity. I see the Kepler motors need to be regreased at least evey 1000 miles. Wicked Freedom is about the same price but much more powerful and uses hybrid gears with metal and nylon that can actually take the power. I easily pull over 2400 watts on a hill, Kepler can barely make 1500 watts.
I actually hadn't even attempted climbing the mountain before the motor went out on me. I think I just had a bad motor as it was showing signs of struggle very early on. The new motor just reached over 200 miles with no issues whatsoever. Thanks for watching - Shane
I've built a few DIY bikes and I have a Biketrix, but I've never called service on it in over 1000 miles. Maybe I should ask them for replacement bolts, seeing as the kickstand has lost 3 bolts no matter how hard I tighten them. Rear fender has lost a bolt (a bolt in a stupid place, too) and rattles. IDK if these are big or small issues. I try to look for good bikes to recommend to friends & family and the Ariel Kepler seems the fastest w/ best battery for the price. I'm interested to hear your problems with their service.
Bad Chinese bikes. From Ariel to Rad to Aventon all the same trash. Overpriced. Look cheap at first sight, but are not worth the money. Have to be upgraded for big money, to be good. Issues after issues. Bad customer services, way too slow. Keep customers waiting for weeks and months. Reviews after 100 miles are senseless. If it lasts 70'000 miles without issues, is a good bike. But this will never be the case. E-Bikes like this do not last long are not sustainable. It is the bad Chinese quality. In the USA people could produce high quality e-bike systems, but they get everything from China. It's a shame! Trek bikes for example 1991 "Made in the USA" were very good bicycles and are still running. Hills that are 2,5 % steep, are not really hills. How about 16 or 22 %? Motor failing!
Definitely get what you pay for and there is a reason brands like Trek do cost more. For a person just getting back into riding a bike and not riding it nearly as often as many others that will purchase this bike, it seemed like a good option for me. If it is something you plan to spend a lot of time on, even daily in some cases, I probably would have chosen differently as well. That being said, I've really enjoyed the bike thus far minus the initial motor issue. This was a 9% grade and I don't think I would go up anything steeper than this for as long as I did because it would definitely wear out the motor quickly. Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion, have a good one - Shane
Bought my Kepler in 9/2022, runs great!!! I think even today, it's one of the best values for the money. Recently had a flat, I used my 1 ton come along to lift the bike up to work on it.
I've had mine for a week, and have logged over 100 miles. I love this bike, and it's become my daily driver. Hope to park my van most of the week. Thanks for the video!!
That is so awesome! I work from home, otherwise I'd probably be doing the exact same thing, this is a fun and convenient bike! Have a good one - Shane
Just the fact that it was so many years since riding makes these worth it.
15:45 Careful, I went from commuting via bicycle to motorcycle and it was a night/day difference that I never, ever changed from.
Haha, I bet I would be the same. I do enjoy the bit of exercise that goes along with the ebike especially on trips like this. - Shane
I have Kepler from January and had same problem after 110 miles. Waited 4 weeks for new motor. I installed 60 tooth gearing and now I can pedal up to 40 mph. Add.2 extra batteries, goes for ever. Will buy it again.
Good Video... I just ordered one yesterday!!
You will definitely want to get a bike work stand that can hold over 65 pounds if you want to keep riding ebikes. Maintaining them is part of riding. Brakes will go and need to be changed. Other parts will break. Bolts will fall off. Tires will need to get changed. Some of this stuff you will take to a shop, but a $80 or even $150 bike stand soon pays for itself if you can do a few repairs. Building DIY bikes from Facebook marketplace bikes is fun, too. I built 3 so that I can ride with friends and family and they can understand what an ebike really is. Everyone who has rode with me said they wanted one, and can almost justify the $2k to get a good one.
I found that out the hard way. Just putting on my front tire. As my ebike weighs around 140lbs. My front room in my house has pavement floor. Have a 6ft shelf on one side . 6ft step ladder on other side. I span the 2 with a 2x6 . Ratchet strap over it to lift up the e-bike. Works perfect to work on it
I was all set to buy the Aventon Aventure and this may sway me..
I like that I can get it in black & red.
Price is fine.. that rear rack looks really beefy.. dope front rack..
That speed was pretty delicious.
My scooter does about 40mph but a bike is a bit more practical for what I want to do. I may sell my current bike & scooter to put towards this.
It really seems like a solid bike as long as you don't get a lemon motor.
I live in NJ but do photoshoots all over Manhattan. Would be nice to have a great commuter bike to get me around all day and back home.
New motor has been a lot better, so hopefully just a bad one from the factory. All these ebikes are super fun and nice being able to take them on sidewalks too where legal. Best of luck with your decision! - Shane
I must have missed you getting this bike! Really cool and I am glad they replaced the motor for you - although a month wait is quite long. That's not an easy route you chose! I know that route! lol. Your face did a great job with the pan at Lovers Leap! How do the bikes do in the rain? Any issues with the motor or circuitry?
Haha, only made it on instagram for one post, so easily missed! :) Yea, not going to lie that was annoying, but at least they stood by their product unlike some other tools I've purchased in the past. At least it wasn't as foggy as the last time you took it haha. Haven't purposely attempted to take it out in the rain, but apparently they are rain resistant whatever that means. I personally don't think electric and water mixes too well, so I will be avoiding it haha. Thanks for watching sir! - Shane
D
That desecration of Forest is Very Sad to see!!!
A motorcyle is just as much fun and more, but for recreation mostly. A motorcyle isn't any fun as a daily rider in any extreme climate...cold/hot/rain/snow. A STREET motorcyle requires maintenance, a license, tags/registration, and insurance. The higher speed of a motorcyle is scary in heavy traffic where car drivers aren't paying attention. Also, a motorcyle isn't easily parked/stored inside your house if at all🥺
Where or who's front rack do you have on the front of your E bike. Great content 👌
Hey Tony, Ariel Rider makes the front rack. Appreciate it!
arielrider.com/products/front-rack
Shane
Just wondering how was the support from Ariel Rider installing the motor back on, did you do it yourself
That would be a nightmare for me
They sent me a video (not same motor/bike but helpful enough) and recommended tools that I would need in order to do it myself. You would need a tool called the free wheel (I think) that allows you to free it up from the axle. Plenty of other people online that made similar youtube videos that I watched before attempting it. Think it took me about an hour or so of actually working on it. My wife helped me get the wheels back on since I don't own any bike stand to work on it. Other than that, was surprisingly fairly simple. - Shane
I must have missed it how many miles did it go?
You could ditch the headlight and use a bar mounted light that's rechargeable .. Maybe get a bar to mount for extra stuff even. Not sure if couldn't just put on a battery blender with an extension to plug in an XT60 from that milk crate and just mount a battery inside that crate on one side. 👍
I thought about adding an extra battery but would hate to lose the warranty through Ariel Rider. Most people seem to doing well with those battery blenders though so maybe something to do once the warranty runs out lol. Good suggestions - Shane
@@DnSAdventures I didn't even fill out my warranty when I got mine in Sept.
I went up Lookout Mt in Golden Colorado with my Troxus Ebike. Now Nebraska county roads are steeper! I just rode both in the last week. Lol
Would the bike pull that hill without pedaling?
It might, but after my first motor died I didn't want to take any chances haha. It would also suck that battery's life dry without any pedal input. Thanks for watching - Shane
Wrong this is a test video. So test, no pedal or remove this defective video. Please
@@djmcgranary714 he's riding a ebike. You know, a bicycle with pedals that you pedal, it's not a e-scooter with no pedals that you don't pedal. Therefore, his video is legit. He would've never made up that hill on throttle only. These ebikes aren't made to go up mountains like that on throttle only.
Do you ever go to the Richmond area? I live in Chester, VA. I have a Dualtron E scooter and I'm looking for people to do group rides. There's a great trail that goes from Richmond to Williamsburg.
That would be cool to check out some time! Not sure we will make it out there anytime soon but will let you know! - Shane
@@DnSAdventuresI’m in Roanoke. Where were you riding in the vid?
are those mirrors easy to intall on the kepler? did you have to tweak the handles in any way? thanks
Hey there, super easy to install. There are plugs that come factory with the kepler on either side, just pull those out, then insert the new mirrors. There you just tighten a bolt on the end of the mirror that expands some material inside of the bar itself to hold it into place. Forgive me for not knowing the proper terminology, but if I can do it, anyone can haha. No tweaking needed besides removing those caps that just pop off. Thanks - Shane
How many teeth is the freewheel, 11-34?
Would you buy again?
If I wanted another ebike with similar specifications, this seems pretty good for my needs. Haven't kept up with all the latest brands out there so it is possible there is a better deal out there or something with better components. Thanks - Shane
I ve had mine for a year and wouldn’t buy again. Yes it’s fast but it’s a tall heavy bike. Get a drop seat if you get one.
The company is just ok. Delivery was fine but the bike was doa. Customer service was ok and eventually sent replacement parts.
All communication through chat app so it was difficult to have a conversation. The bike tipped over on top of me once when I tried to stop and wheel around on a hill. Think you’ll stick your foot out and stop from tipping over? Think again. The components are all ok.
All in all I’d prefer a smaller bike with a 750 watt motor. Safer.
I should note that there are numerous places now that will sell replacement batteries. Half what Ariel wanted, if they had them.
Nylon gear motor with almost 1800 watts is not a good combination for longevity. I see the Kepler motors need to be regreased at least evey 1000 miles. Wicked Freedom is about the same price but much more powerful and uses hybrid gears with metal and nylon that can actually take the power. I easily pull over 2400 watts on a hill, Kepler can barely make 1500 watts.
These Bikes are not built to climb mountains. Your lucky they stood behind it.
I actually hadn't even attempted climbing the mountain before the motor went out on me. I think I just had a bad motor as it was showing signs of struggle very early on. The new motor just reached over 200 miles with no issues whatsoever. Thanks for watching - Shane
Get some EARS????
Wtf does that mean?
Ariel rider Customer service is the worst. I will never buy one again
I've built a few DIY bikes and I have a Biketrix, but I've never called service on it in over 1000 miles. Maybe I should ask them for replacement bolts, seeing as the kickstand has lost 3 bolts no matter how hard I tighten them. Rear fender has lost a bolt (a bolt in a stupid place, too) and rattles. IDK if these are big or small issues. I try to look for good bikes to recommend to friends & family and the Ariel Kepler seems the fastest w/ best battery for the price. I'm interested to hear your problems with their service.
Bad Chinese bikes. From Ariel to Rad to Aventon all the same trash. Overpriced. Look cheap at first sight, but are not worth the money. Have to be upgraded for big money, to be good. Issues after issues. Bad customer services, way too slow. Keep customers waiting for weeks and months. Reviews after 100 miles are senseless. If it lasts 70'000 miles without issues, is a good bike. But this will never be the case. E-Bikes like this do not last long are not sustainable. It is the bad Chinese quality. In the USA people could produce high quality e-bike systems, but they get everything from China. It's a shame! Trek bikes for example 1991 "Made in the USA" were very good bicycles and are still running.
Hills that are 2,5 % steep, are not really hills. How about 16 or 22 %? Motor failing!
Definitely get what you pay for and there is a reason brands like Trek do cost more. For a person just getting back into riding a bike and not riding it nearly as often as many others that will purchase this bike, it seemed like a good option for me. If it is something you plan to spend a lot of time on, even daily in some cases, I probably would have chosen differently as well. That being said, I've really enjoyed the bike thus far minus the initial motor issue. This was a 9% grade and I don't think I would go up anything steeper than this for as long as I did because it would definitely wear out the motor quickly. Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion, have a good one - Shane