Russ, you say the most significant comment people say is the bike is too big for me. I'm 5'-8," so I purchased a fat tire 20x4 cycle. I'm also 78 years old.
I am 4' 11" and 67 years old with hip problems and it is very hard to get a proper bike for me. Also, they have been so heavy that is not practical. I have bought so many bikes and had to send them back. I am fed up with it. All my life I have rode bikes and I love it, I taught my wife, my kids and now my grandkids to ride. Thanks for the ride and have a merry Christmas and happy and healthy new year!
1. If you have problems mounting and dismounting bikes, get a step-thru model. That means one with no top bar at all. The semi step-thru models are generally useless for stepping through. And make sure that the step-thru area is unimpeded by batteries or by water bottle cages. The area should be completely OPEN. 2. Check the bike's minimum seat height and compare it against your pants inseam length. The larger the difference, the more uncomfortable it will be for you. 3. If possible, test ride a few bikes. (For the purposes of sizing the bike, it does not need to be an e-bike!) Keep track of the details that affect suitable fit: seat height, handlebar height, handelbar distance to seat, type of seat (saddle configuration affects fit & feel experience), and how easily you can mount and how stable you can stand with the bike. After just a few rides, you will develop a good idea of what kind of bike feels right for you. Indeed, for most bikes, all you need to do is to mount the bike to figure out that it is the wrong size for you - you don't need to go so far as a test ride. 4. If possible, test ride a hub-drive e-bike and a mid-drive e-bike (assuming a mid-drive e-bike is within your budget). If possible, test ride a cadence sensor equipped e-bike and a torque-sensor equipped e-bike (assuming a torque-sensor equipped e-bike is within your budget). There are significant differences between how these systems work. You may want to compare and contrast their characteristics. Note: When test riding the bike, do not let the bike shop rep convince you how you "should" ride your bike. Instead, listen to the advice, but ride it the way that you want. It's your bike, it's your body, it's your decision.
I 100% agree with you on wheel size. I've been riding both ebikes and acoustic bikes for years and the industry trend is to outrageous wheel sizes, but a bigger wheel changes the geometry of the bike and effects the ride feel. Huge wheels on a frame for a smaller person will feel more like steering a boat than riding a bike. You also have to consider that a 26 fat wheel will "feel" more like a regular 29er! I've tested lots of bikes, both ebikes and regular, and I've been a commuter cyclist since university, and I genuinely prefer 20 inch fat or 26 slim. I'm 5'8. There's no right or wrong, someone my height may prefer a 26 fat, that's fine. But have an open mind, small wheels are fun too. 😁
Russ I bought a 26” because that’s what you were riding. I have a standing try before you buy invitation if someone wants to they can contact me. Here on cooter ridge we are going to buy the cheapest bike that will give us the biggest bang for our buck and that has mostly been the Magicycle cruiser.
I'm 5'6" (on a good day) and I've had a 20" fat knobby tire folding ebike for 2 years which when I mount it has to be leaned over towards me at almost a 20 degree angle in order for me to get my leg (with a knee problem) over the top tube. My next bike will have a step-thru frame for easier mounting and will have narrower tires and smoother tread for a smoother ride on pavement.
Hi Russ, yep. My first ebike was too big for me. Mainly because I am old. I could not get my leg and foot up over the kind of low bar, and also the seat would not go low enough. I sold it and got a 20” tire step-through bike which I love. Yes, I did lose some money. But my new bike was more powerful and better. The next complaints might be, too heavy and too expensive. My Magnum Premium II was $2049. But I really like it and it was worth it to me. PS It is snowing big flakes here right now. Also have a couple inches on the ground.
Spot on, Russ! Folks, if you're looking to buy your first ebike please keep in mind that a 20" ebike tire is far different than a regular bike 20" tire. Most regular bike 20" tires are 2" thick, whereas an ebike tire is still 20" but generally 4" thick, which adds considerably to the overall height and stance to the bike. It may not seem like much, but the extra inches make a BIG difference when riding. Just keep that in mind when choosing your first ebike, and hopefully you won't have to resell it for one that "fits" you. ...And if you like 'em big, heck, go for the 26"er. I own 3 ebikes (26"X4", 20"X4.25" , and 20"X3" tires) and love them all!! Go figger!! Hope this helps. 🚲 Ride on!!!
That’s definitely a weakness of the direct from manufacturer scheme many of these companies follow. It was nice when you tended to buy your bike in person and could try several to see which you preferred the feel of. I know some of those stores still exist, but at least here, their ebikes are all mid-drive mountain bikes from established bike companies. They are nice, but not really what I’m looking for, and I don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a bike.
Slam Dunk. I am receiving my Ocelot Pro today from FedEx. I have a Cruiser Pro but it is so big I can't get off of it fast in an emergency. But once I am on that bike it is a major force to reckon with. You do an excellent job, Russ. Keep up the good work. Maranatha.
What you get for price was my biggest concern. So far, I'm happy with my Lectric 2.0 . Hey, I heard they're coming out with a sodium ion battery for 2023 . Supposed to charge way faster, and use same manufacturers machinery!
I bought my first and only e-bike at a local bike shop last year so that I could see it, ride it before I buy. Plus I feel comfortable having it serviced there. That does obviously mean my choices were much less, but it is great for me. It is a 27 inch tire commuter style bike. That’s what I wanted.
Been There ! Done That !!!! I'm 77, 5' 4", 27" inseam. Try stopping at an intersection hop off the seat and hold up a 90#+ ebike. NOT FUN ! So ... I'm selling the XXXX and bought an Ocelot Pro.
I have the rip racer and the only thing I would change is to have full suspension and able to go over 28 mph if it was able to go 35 it would be perfect… I love 20” tires
I bought the Magicycle Ocelot because I am short. When it arrived, I was amazed at how big it really is. It's big, but perfect! Thank you for the advice on the height thing
I was sitting here watching your video and and was like Yes, Yes, Yes!!!! I am 5’1” and 68 yrs old, the Pedego 24” is almost too big for me. So my first opportunity I’m going to get the Magicycle Ocelot Pro
4:45 time mark _ Impact of bike style. I think you make an great point here. Consumer impressions about fit and feel are greatly impacted by style. Your detailed examination of the Magicycle Ocelot Pro is on point. I'd posit that the Ocelot's power plant also positively contributes to the impression that it is not a kid's bike. 6:40 time mark _ Manufacturers' recommended height guidelines for riders. Prospective buyers should understand that manufacturers' height recommendations are based on two different factors. 1. Stand-over height. At a minimum, riders should be able to dismount their bike and stand at a stop without too much discomfort. The top bar of the bike sets this basic limit. (More on stand-over height, below.) 2. Recommended set-up. Over and above simply being able to stand over the bike, the recommended rider height is based on the proper leg range of motion which - in turn - depends on the relative spacing of the saddle and the pedals (and to a lesser extent, the location of the handlebar). The recommended set-up was based on studies of leg range of motion versus long-term injuries on regular bikes. In the absence of any similar studies for e-bikes, the recommended set-up for e-bikes is assumed to be the same as that for regular bikes. (There are problems with this assumption, but I'll defer arguing that point for the time being.) The recommended set-up invariably requires the rider to dismount when coming to a stop. For people who prefer to remain on the saddle at a stop, this means that the manufacturer's recommended rider height won't work for them. If the manufacturer's recommended minimum rider height is 5'6", the rider has to be at least 5'8" or 5'9" tall in order to account for this preference (depending on the bike's specific configuration). 9:45 time mark: Suggested minimum rider height for a 26" bike. I'm only 5'6", but I'd say your estimate of a minimum rider height of 5'10" is spot on for 26" bikes. Of course, that rule-of-thumb just applies to the average rider on an average bike. Individual bike configurations may differ slightly. Individual rider inseam lengths may vary slightly. 10:10 time mark: Stand-over height. Agreed. I have found stand-over height information provided by manufacturers is sometimes unreliable (for the reasons that you explain). 15:33 time mark: Try before you buy. I've been on a couple of Facebook e-bike groups where the mantra is that you should always test ride a bike before buying it. Never, ever buy a bike without test riding it first. You're a damn fool and deserve whatever comes if you fail to follow this advice. I get the strong impression that while they are sincere in their messaging, that their bias is from owning $4K to $7K e-bikes. While I agree with the idea that test riding a bike before purchasing it is a good idea, I can't go along with the notion that everyone that buys a bike without testing riding it first is a damn fool. I agree with your more pragmatic view. In the under $2K market, dominated by online companies, there are few opportunities to test ride an e-bike before buying.
I don't consider these online Chinese-built bikes cheap bikes. Less expensive, but not cheap. If you want to see a cheap bike go to Walmart. I tend to stick with name-brand/more expensive bikes, but I'd have no problem owning one of these online ebikes. I'm just trying to decide which one. Right now the Magicycle Cruiser Pro and the Bolton Blackbird are at the top of my list.
I've got the MC Cruiser, and at 6' it is a big bike. Russ is right, the blackbirds is even bigger. Unless you're 6'+ , I would stick with Magicycle. A great bike you won't regret owning!! 👍👍
@@gruvmaster08 I'm 6' tall, so not worried about bike size. I don't like the smaller battery the Blackbird has. I'll be surprised if the new Area 13 Blackbirds don't have a bigger amp-hour battery.
Oh, and I just crack up every time you say you're going to "Skokie Lagoon" and "Bussy Woods"! I just think the names are funny (mainly 'cuz I used to think you were saying "Fussy Woods", LOL.) 😂
The ride experienced with my Aventon was a disappointment because of the surging feel pedaling the hub motor. I sold it and got a Bosch powered mid drive bike and loved the natural bike sensation with the smooth assist provided by the motor. I can scale any hills with ease and get 50+ mile range on level 2 or three.
I actually rode an Area 13 Blackbird Step Through at the Area 13 shop. I hadn't ridden any bike for years although I was an avid cyclist many years past. The Blackbird Step Through still was too big for me to be comfortable on the Area 13 test trail. That made me start looking at 20" ebikes. I've ridden my brother-in-law's Lectric 2.0 and the size was good but it's pretty under powered. We still haven't made our purchase yet but we're probably going with the Majicycle Ocelot Pro though I have just become aware of the Cyrusher Ovia with full suspension but much less torque. I would love to see a head-to-head hill climb between the Ocelot Pro and the Ovia. If the Ovia was even close to the Ocelot Pro, I would go with the full suspension Ovia and gladly pay the premium.
The old phrase, try it before you buy it is still relevant if you're unsure. Local bicycle shops that sell ebikes will let you try them. They'll offer advice on fit and offer support after you buy it, too. The bike may cost more than buying online, but it's an expensive purchase. Would you buy a car without a test ride?
Aventon Aventure specs for size is Medium 5'7" - 5'11" & Large 5'11" - 6'4"; So narrower range than many. I'm 5'11" with 33.5 inch inseams so with that inseam you would expect me to be taller so I thought I should go with the Large frame. However, I went with the medium frame because I thought I knew more people in the medium range than the large range and if I decided to sell my ebike there would be a bigger market for the medium frame. So my maleness was telling me the male mantra, bigger and more power is better, but my logic was telling me to go with the medium. Logic won out this time. I believe the medium was the right decision, but can't know for sure unless I buy the larger frame and see how that works.
My impression is that a larger wheel has a larger contact area with the road and rolls over rough surfaces more easily. This is why I prefer the largest I can comfortably ride. Tire armor should enable tight inflation without making it massively prone to punctures so roll resistance can be minimized without _that_ compromise.
Hi Russ, The number one complaint in my neck of the woods stems from price. Also, in our age group (80+), and considering the hilly terrain, our peers would prefer an e-trike. Yes. An e-trike for balance that costs less than $2K.
I went with the Ocelot Pro with the 20" wheels and so glad I did. I am 5'11" with a 34" inseam. My wife more ike 5'2" and she loves her OP as well. Easy to get on/off and a blast to ride, but it is heavy. So far only positive comments as I pass people but it's been too cold since we just got our OPs so limited use so far. I also ride a motorcycle and it has 18" wheels! But it looks quite a bit taller even with the smaller wheels. Haven't decided yet which I like to ride more :)
You are so right. My 1st ebike was an ecotric. It was to big for me, had to give it to my 14yr old niece who is taller than me. My lectric 2.0 stepthru fits perfect 👌. I would like the weight like 10lbs less but I love the bike. Have a great holiday Russ!
Absolutely on Point! I know the TH-camr and video you are talking about. You are exactly correct. He knows the bikes and to line them up saying what he said is bologna. this video is great Russ. truly great. P.S. We are almost exactly the same size and I love 20" bikes. they are FUN FUN FUN!
I have a 26" and had to extend the seat up almost to the limit to feel comfortable. I'm 6'2" and I like too just get my foot just on the ground when I'm stopped.
Height is misleading, inseam is what’s important. You and I have the same inseam but I’m 5’4”. My commuter e-bike is a 700C (27.5”) wheel. But it’s a step through so it’s no problem to mount and dismount. But if it were a step over It’d be “too big for me”.
If they call me a cheater, they better call every person driving a car a cheater too, Because I’m using it for transportation. I’m 5’10” and my inseam is 30.5 , just like you Russ lol. I prefer a big bike.
My biggest complaint WAS the limited range and lack of quality components. So I upgraded to the better quality Magicycle Cruiser Pro with superior range. It's a huge ebike and you will need to be at least 5'9" tall with a 30" inseam such as myself. If you're shorter than that, then 26" ebikes are just too big. The 20" MC Ocelot Pro is sleek and the perfect sized ebike for most anyone including me. Mrs.K is 5'4" and wants one for herself. I see you're getting a huge cold front for the coming days so be safe, be warm and have a great holiday weekend Russ!🎄
Frame size is likely a more important part of the equation. That and geometry / design of the bike. I’m 5’5” and have a 28” wheel size ebike, a mid-step and it’s sized very well for me. It is really hard to compare the sizes of bikes. This is why I think it’s imperative to try out a model before buying it. That’s often hard to do with online only bikes. I got a bike with a smaller frame (spec says 46cm size) and swept back handlebars and I rode it before buying it.
I'm 5-5 / 5-6, and after looking at bike geometry, and weight capacity, I went with a 20x4 inch fat tire folding e-bike. It's almost too large for me, so I have to lean it when I single-foot straddle. Speaking of bike sizes, once I fold the handlebar down, it will just fit into the metro bike locker I lease at my "home" L.A. Metro station. They are deceptively large, but I knew that walking in after seeing a few videos that did side-by-side comparisons with different e-bike types to regular bike types.
I have a 20" fat tire, dual battery, step thru, folding bike. I'm 5'4" & have trouble stepping through, so I still swing my leg over the back. And have a reoccurring lovely knee bruise to show for it. 😉 I've yet to be able to fold it up! I'm not strong enough. My thoughts were that I could take both batteries off so I can lift it into my van. Jokes on me! I'll keep trying.🥵 66 pounds of bike for a 5'4" woman can be a challenge. I have learned to use the walking feature to get it up a ramp & use brakes taking it back down a ramp (which is a piece of board) so I can get it back inside of a storage shed which is raised above ground. Maybe I'll develop Hercules arms!! 💪😂
I haven't bought a E-Bike yet. But after watching this video and after the brands I tried. A step through was my choice only nearly dismounting off a Trek straight bar. My major concern is buying a bike and not being able to get service.
I have a Specialized mountain bike and an older Trek mountain bike as well since I have an electric a Bakcou mule I found that I ride the older bikes more now I’m thinking of converting one of them to Electric as well, with a ad on motor and battery
I'd look for an aftermarket battery if you can't get a higher cap one from the brand. There are companies that primarily make custom battery packs. Some bike shops, and ebike resellers mention them.
I`m 73 and have a 30" inseam. My bike is a Rip Current S step thru, which I truly enjoy. If I was to buy again, the Ocelot Pro would get some serious consideration. As is, I am very satisfied with my bike. As for the naysayers...screw em. I have a stent, six point nerve ablation, double open hernia surgery, and now cancer, all this year. I don`t have the time or the patience for their bs.
I bought the Juiced Scorpion 20” bike for my wife and she hated it. Not because of size but weight. She fell over several times and was not happy with me so I sold it to a guy friend of mine. I then bought the Biktrix Stunner X, 24”x3” mid drive for her. This bike has plenty of power and is 40lbs less than her prior bike. I even can ride it and I’m 6-3”. She loves this bike and I have got my ass out of the dog house. 😅
Merry Christmas Russ. I enjoy all your posts . I’m a 77 yr old school bus driver what would you suggest to buy , my boss said I could bring a bike on my bus charters. Needs to be light , needs to fold . Very boring sitting on bus 8 to 12 hrs when I could be riding in different areas.
Merry Christmas! The biggest issue here would be how light? Most Ebikes are rather heavy, even folding Ebikes. Check out the Magicycle Jaguarundi. It is a step thru design that folds. It is lighter than my other Ebikes but it still has a bit of weight. My lightest bike is the Magicycle Commuter ebike but it doesn’t fold and has no throttle. It is around 43 lbs.
Doing a preorder to save $200, 4 months later it’s $200 less than the preorder price. Price change in 4 months. Retail $1900, preorder $1700, November price 1500. Still like the bike.
If the commuter bike has bottle mount screws. You can easily add a 14ah battery. There must be some way to wire it in. That along with the built in battery would probably get you 60 miles of range.
Controller is in the downtube. I won’t mess with it. I would rather they make a version with a higher capacity battery and make the downtube slightly larger to accommodate it. Wishful thinking. 😊
Ariel Rider Kepler - an awesome powerful bike and a $2k loss for me. The step through is NOT. You have to be at least 5'6-1/2", again, at least! If you live in a hilly area, don't get the RAD 6 Plus - it's a dog. So about to sell this one at a great loss as well. Also, since the controller and battery are in the frame, no chance of up-grading. Now looking into the Juiced Rip Current S step through. Being short, and living in a very hilly area, is proving to be expensive lessons.
No doubt the size of the bike is the biggest complaint; not just the height of the bike but the weight. People see all these fat tire bikes and think how cool it would be to have one those bikes. They don't realize they weigh 75lbs. I'm so glad my local bike shop talked me out of the Aventure and steered me towards the Pace 500.
In regards to one of your comments about quality, I had a concern about my Ocelot Pro! So I asked a question on Facebook Magicycle page and one fellow answered back and made the comment “If you buy junk you get junk! If that’s the way he feels, why is he even on the site?
Great video Russ! I own a Cyrusher Kommoda 20 inch fat tire bike. I have a u tube channel (Senior Ministry E Bike Nation) I have over 121K views on that video. I love your channel and your videos!
Hey Russ, a 20 inch bike can still be a big bike, and there’s nothing wrong with a step through and or 20 in bike. Step throughs can really make your ride enjoyable and safe. With a 60 or 70 lb bike having a step through can make a difference. What’s your take of the new Magicycle Deer and staying on topic what size do you think it will be
Have a good prospective ending of the year 2022 coming up, what a beautiful baby I've got she is so sweet and pretty I can't leave her alone for a moment she gives me satisfaction in all area I love her. I love, love, love, love, my rad plus 6.
We bought a magicycle bike last year and just had our first issue. We still had a warranty and they responded about sending the parts. It’s been a month. Have you had issues with them?
My two biggest complaints after getting my ebike were range and guilt. I always want more range, no matter how much I have. I ride a LOT of miles, long distances, and every day. I'm usually around 5,000 miles each year. Guilt because I also still ride regular bikes and I know I'm not getting the same exercise/fitness from my ebike.
Hi Russ. As I stated in an earlier message, I am waiting for ebike #5. I am 5'3" and #1 is a 20" fat tire, step-through but, it's super heavy. It's only 30 lbs lighter than I am. I live in an apartment building with a very high flight of stairs so, it was a nightmare schlepping it up and down these stairs. I left it untouched for over a year because of this and ordered #2, that's a much lighter ebike, made of Magnesium alloy with 16" tires. Even though this ebike is much lighter, it's still not a breeze to lug up and down the stairs. This past year, I rented a storage space nearby and it was the best thing I ever did. So, after buying a few ebikes, I've got a list of requirements before buying. 1) It must be with between 16" to 20" tires. If it's a 20" tire, it must be a step-through. 2) I don't like where the battery is in plain sight unless, it's a dual battery. 3) It must have fenders and a rear rack. 4) Must be a certain color ( No black, green, yellow, orange, grey, pink) and NO logos. 5) All this with a minimum of 400W- 500W motor. I notice that it is rare to find a smaller tire ebike with more than 250W to 350W motor, but they do exist if you search. Presently, I have my eye on #6 that will be a 16" fat tire with 600W motor. 🤭 I want to also add that I buy a 2nd battery for all my ebikes so, there is never an issue for me to go long distance. However, I do look for ebikes that give at least a 48V 10ah to 15ah minimum on the battery it comes with. I also do modifications on them all, like changing seats, adding a suspension post where needed, adding one or 2 handlebar extensions so that I can have more real estate to add the extra light, alarm, blinker remote, a particular colored bell, phone holder, etc.
As long as inexpensive isn't coincident with "badly engineered batteries" assembled by "minimum wage terrorists" Fly by night manufacturers jumping in for a quick buck could derail the entire industry
I'm a hunter and I KNOW ALOT OF HUNTERS AND THE E-BIKE RAD I HAVE TURNED ALOT of family n friends onto buying the rads for hunting because of price point over the hunting specific, quest cat , Rambo , etc but I would like to see rad add more hunting specific colors as vamos , green , I seen 1 green why not offer that in the OTHER MODELS ??
![[Gegagedigedagedago] NEW Help Gegagedigedagedago Nugget escape from Nikocado Avocado Challenge](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hJWnwRC2Fz8/mqdefault.jpg)
Russ, you say the most significant comment people say is the bike is too big for me. I'm 5'-8," so I purchased a fat tire 20x4 cycle. I'm also 78 years old.
I am 4' 11" and 67 years old with hip problems and it is very hard to get a proper bike for me. Also, they have been so heavy that is not practical. I have bought so many bikes and had to send them back. I am fed up with it. All my life I have rode bikes and I love it, I taught my wife, my kids and now my grandkids to ride. Thanks for the ride and have a merry Christmas and happy and healthy new year!
1. If you have problems mounting and dismounting bikes, get a step-thru model. That means one with no top bar at all. The semi step-thru models are generally useless for stepping through. And make sure that the step-thru area is unimpeded by batteries or by water bottle cages. The area should be completely OPEN.
2. Check the bike's minimum seat height and compare it against your pants inseam length. The larger the difference, the more uncomfortable it will be for you.
3. If possible, test ride a few bikes. (For the purposes of sizing the bike, it does not need to be an e-bike!) Keep track of the details that affect suitable fit: seat height, handlebar height, handelbar distance to seat, type of seat (saddle configuration affects fit & feel experience), and how easily you can mount and how stable you can stand with the bike. After just a few rides, you will develop a good idea of what kind of bike feels right for you. Indeed, for most bikes, all you need to do is to mount the bike to figure out that it is the wrong size for you - you don't need to go so far as a test ride.
4. If possible, test ride a hub-drive e-bike and a mid-drive e-bike (assuming a mid-drive e-bike is within your budget). If possible, test ride a cadence sensor equipped e-bike and a torque-sensor equipped e-bike (assuming a torque-sensor equipped e-bike is within your budget). There are significant differences between how these systems work. You may want to compare and contrast their characteristics.
Note: When test riding the bike, do not let the bike shop rep convince you how you "should" ride your bike. Instead, listen to the advice, but ride it the way that you want. It's your bike, it's your body, it's your decision.
I 100% agree with you on wheel size.
I've been riding both ebikes and acoustic bikes for years and the industry trend is to outrageous wheel sizes, but a bigger wheel changes the geometry of the bike and effects the ride feel. Huge wheels on a frame for a smaller person will feel more like steering a boat than riding a bike.
You also have to consider that a 26 fat wheel will "feel" more like a regular 29er!
I've tested lots of bikes, both ebikes and regular, and I've been a commuter cyclist since university, and I genuinely prefer 20 inch fat or 26 slim. I'm 5'8.
There's no right or wrong, someone my height may prefer a 26 fat, that's fine. But have an open mind, small wheels are fun too. 😁
Russ I bought a 26” because that’s what you were riding. I have a standing try before you buy invitation if someone wants to they can contact me. Here on cooter ridge we are going to buy the cheapest bike that will give us the biggest bang for our buck and that has mostly been the Magicycle cruiser.
If I could change my bike, I would get a step thru, 26 in wheel and pick a brand that offers a smaller sized frame. 26 in gives you a better ride.
I'm 5'6" (on a good day) and I've had a 20" fat knobby tire folding ebike for 2 years which when I mount it has to be leaned over towards me at almost a 20 degree angle in order for me to get my leg (with a knee problem) over the top tube. My next bike will have a step-thru frame for easier mounting and will have narrower tires and smoother tread for a smoother ride on pavement.
Hi Russ, yep. My first ebike was too big for me. Mainly because I am old. I could not get my leg and foot up over the kind of low bar, and also the seat would not go low enough. I sold it and got a 20” tire step-through bike which I love. Yes, I did lose some money. But my new bike was more powerful and better. The next complaints might be, too heavy and too expensive. My Magnum Premium II was $2049. But I really like it and it was worth it to me. PS It is snowing big flakes here right now. Also have a couple inches on the ground.
Spot on, Russ! Folks, if you're looking to buy your first ebike please keep in mind that a 20" ebike tire is far different than a regular bike 20" tire.
Most regular bike 20" tires are 2" thick, whereas an ebike tire is still 20" but generally 4" thick, which adds considerably to the overall height and stance to the bike. It may not seem like much, but the extra inches make a BIG difference when riding.
Just keep that in mind when choosing your first ebike, and hopefully you won't have to resell it for one that "fits" you. ...And if you like 'em big, heck, go for the 26"er.
I own 3 ebikes (26"X4", 20"X4.25" , and 20"X3" tires) and love them all!! Go figger!!
Hope this helps. 🚲 Ride on!!!
I have a Aventon Sinch and I cant think of anything I dont like about it. I am 5'11 200lbs
That’s definitely a weakness of the direct from manufacturer scheme many of these companies follow. It was nice when you tended to buy your bike in person and could try several to see which you preferred the feel of. I know some of those stores still exist, but at least here, their ebikes are all mid-drive mountain bikes from established bike companies. They are nice, but not really what I’m looking for, and I don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a bike.
Slam Dunk. I am receiving my Ocelot Pro today from FedEx. I have a Cruiser Pro but it is so big I can't get off of it fast in an emergency. But once I am on that bike it is a major force to reckon with. You do an excellent job, Russ. Keep up the good work. Maranatha.
Merry Christmas!
@@RussIsRight To you as well my friend.
I'm 62 at just over 6ft tall and ride a 20 inch fat tyre folding ebike, I find it a fantastic bike for me.
What you get for price was my biggest concern. So far, I'm happy with my Lectric 2.0 . Hey, I heard they're coming out with a sodium ion battery for 2023 . Supposed to charge way faster, and use same manufacturers machinery!
I bought my first and only e-bike at a local bike shop last year so that I could see it, ride it before I buy. Plus I feel comfortable having it serviced there. That does obviously mean my choices were much less, but it is great for me. It is a 27 inch tire commuter style bike. That’s what I wanted.
Been There ! Done That !!!! I'm 77, 5' 4", 27" inseam. Try stopping at an intersection hop off the seat and hold up a 90#+ ebike. NOT FUN ! So ... I'm selling the XXXX and bought an Ocelot Pro.
Russ I have have no problem with a 26"WHEELs fat tire I gone off foot over but give me leg through any time I'll send the pictures to you
I have the rip racer and the only thing I would change is to have full suspension and able to go over 28 mph if it was able to go 35 it would be perfect… I love 20” tires
I bought the Magicycle Ocelot because I am short. When it arrived, I was amazed at how big it really is. It's big, but perfect! Thank you for the advice on the height thing
Besides the price the worst by far is their weight, hard to "take" anywhere.
I was sitting here watching your video and and was like Yes, Yes, Yes!!!! I am 5’1” and 68 yrs old, the Pedego 24” is almost too big for me. So my first opportunity I’m going to get the Magicycle Ocelot Pro
I thought I'd want a larger wheel but my budget was limited so I bought a Lectric 2.0. I'm now glad that I went with a 20" wheel.
4:45 time mark _ Impact of bike style.
I think you make an great point here. Consumer impressions about fit and feel are greatly impacted by style. Your detailed examination of the Magicycle Ocelot Pro is on point. I'd posit that the Ocelot's power plant also positively contributes to the impression that it is not a kid's bike.
6:40 time mark _ Manufacturers' recommended height guidelines for riders.
Prospective buyers should understand that manufacturers' height recommendations are based on two different factors.
1. Stand-over height. At a minimum, riders should be able to dismount their bike and stand at a stop without too much discomfort. The top bar of the bike sets this basic limit. (More on stand-over height, below.)
2. Recommended set-up. Over and above simply being able to stand over the bike, the recommended rider height is based on the proper leg range of motion which - in turn - depends on the relative spacing of the saddle and the pedals (and to a lesser extent, the location of the handlebar). The recommended set-up was based on studies of leg range of motion versus long-term injuries on regular bikes. In the absence of any similar studies for e-bikes, the recommended set-up for e-bikes is assumed to be the same as that for regular bikes. (There are problems with this assumption, but I'll defer arguing that point for the time being.)
The recommended set-up invariably requires the rider to dismount when coming to a stop. For people who prefer to remain on the saddle at a stop, this means that the manufacturer's recommended rider height won't work for them. If the manufacturer's recommended minimum rider height is 5'6", the rider has to be at least 5'8" or 5'9" tall in order to account for this preference (depending on the bike's specific configuration).
9:45 time mark: Suggested minimum rider height for a 26" bike.
I'm only 5'6", but I'd say your estimate of a minimum rider height of 5'10" is spot on for 26" bikes. Of course, that rule-of-thumb just applies to the average rider on an average bike. Individual bike configurations may differ slightly. Individual rider inseam lengths may vary slightly.
10:10 time mark: Stand-over height.
Agreed. I have found stand-over height information provided by manufacturers is sometimes unreliable (for the reasons that you explain).
15:33 time mark: Try before you buy.
I've been on a couple of Facebook e-bike groups where the mantra is that you should always test ride a bike before buying it. Never, ever buy a bike without test riding it first. You're a damn fool and deserve whatever comes if you fail to follow this advice. I get the strong impression that while they are sincere in their messaging, that their bias is from owning $4K to $7K e-bikes. While I agree with the idea that test riding a bike before purchasing it is a good idea, I can't go along with the notion that everyone that buys a bike without testing riding it first is a damn fool.
I agree with your more pragmatic view. In the under $2K market, dominated by online companies, there are few opportunities to test ride an e-bike before buying.
Every bike I owned, since adulthood, was 26". That's how I know I'm comfortable with that size.
I don't consider these online Chinese-built bikes cheap bikes. Less expensive, but not cheap. If you want to see a cheap bike go to Walmart. I tend to stick with name-brand/more expensive bikes, but I'd have no problem owning one of these online ebikes. I'm just trying to decide which one. Right now the Magicycle Cruiser Pro and the Bolton Blackbird are at the top of my list.
I've got the MC Cruiser, and at 6' it is a big bike. Russ is right, the blackbirds is even bigger.
Unless you're 6'+ , I would stick with Magicycle. A great bike you won't regret owning!!
👍👍
@@gruvmaster08 I'm 6' tall, so not worried about bike size. I don't like the smaller battery the Blackbird has. I'll be surprised if the new Area 13 Blackbirds don't have a bigger amp-hour battery.
Many bikes are moving to 20 ah batteries today.
Oh, and I just crack up every time you say you're going to "Skokie Lagoon" and "Bussy Woods"! I just think the names are funny (mainly 'cuz I used to think you were saying "Fussy Woods", LOL.)
😂
🤣
The ride experienced with my Aventon was a disappointment because of the surging feel pedaling the hub motor. I sold it and got a Bosch powered mid drive bike and loved the natural bike sensation with the smooth assist provided by the motor. I can scale any hills with ease and get 50+ mile range on level 2 or three.
I actually rode an Area 13 Blackbird Step Through at the Area 13 shop. I hadn't ridden any bike for years although I was an avid cyclist many years past. The Blackbird Step Through still was too big for me to be comfortable on the Area 13 test trail. That made me start looking at 20" ebikes. I've ridden my brother-in-law's Lectric 2.0 and the size was good but it's pretty under powered. We still haven't made our purchase yet but we're probably going with the Majicycle Ocelot Pro though I have just become aware of the Cyrusher Ovia with full suspension but much less torque. I would love to see a head-to-head hill climb between the Ocelot Pro and the Ovia. If the Ovia was even close to the Ocelot Pro, I would go with the full suspension Ovia and gladly pay the premium.
The old phrase, try it before you buy it is still relevant if you're unsure. Local bicycle shops that sell ebikes will let you try them. They'll offer advice on fit and offer support after you buy it, too. The bike may cost more than buying online, but it's an expensive purchase. Would you buy a car without a test ride?
I’m 5’8 and weigh 170. I bought an Aventon Sinch with a 20 inch wheel. I love it
Agreed its all about inseam for sure! Another complaint is often weight but they usually go hand in hand.
Aventon Aventure specs for size is Medium 5'7" - 5'11" & Large 5'11" - 6'4"; So narrower range than many. I'm 5'11" with 33.5 inch inseams so with that inseam you would expect me to be taller so I thought I should go with the Large frame. However, I went with the medium frame because I thought I knew more people in the medium range than the large range and if I decided to sell my ebike there would be a bigger market for the medium frame.
So my maleness was telling me the male mantra, bigger and more power is better, but my logic was telling me to go with the medium. Logic won out this time. I believe the medium was the right decision, but can't know for sure unless I buy the larger frame and see how that works.
My impression is that a larger wheel has a larger contact area with the road and rolls over rough surfaces more easily. This is why I prefer the largest I can comfortably ride. Tire armor should enable tight inflation without making it massively prone to punctures so roll resistance can be minimized without _that_ compromise.
Hi Russ, The number one complaint in my neck of the woods stems from price. Also, in our age group (80+), and considering the hilly terrain, our peers would prefer an e-trike. Yes. An e-trike for balance that costs less than $2K.
I went with the Ocelot Pro with the 20" wheels and so glad I did. I am 5'11" with a 34" inseam. My wife more ike 5'2" and she loves her OP as well. Easy to get on/off and a blast to ride, but it is heavy. So far only positive comments as I pass people but it's been too cold since we just got our OPs so limited use so far. I also ride a motorcycle and it has 18" wheels! But it looks quite a bit taller even with the smaller wheels. Haven't decided yet which I like to ride more :)
You are so right. My 1st ebike was an ecotric. It was to big for me, had to give it to my 14yr old niece who is taller than me. My lectric 2.0 stepthru fits perfect 👌. I would like the weight like 10lbs less but I love the bike. Have a great holiday Russ!
Happy Holidays to you too!
Absolutely on Point! I know the TH-camr and video you are talking about. You are exactly correct. He knows the bikes and to line them up saying what he said is bologna. this video is great Russ. truly great. P.S. We are almost exactly the same size and I love 20" bikes. they are FUN FUN FUN!
😉
20” wheels are better stay truer less mass for quick pick up👍☮️
I have a 26" and had to extend the seat up almost to the limit to feel comfortable. I'm 6'2" and I like too just get my foot just on the ground when I'm stopped.
Height is misleading, inseam is what’s important. You and I have the same inseam but I’m 5’4”. My commuter e-bike is a 700C (27.5”) wheel. But it’s a step through so it’s no problem to mount and dismount. But if it were a step over It’d be “too big for me”.
its always the weight! I own a Nireeka Homie,19 inch frame, and its not bad weight, with Batt 55 lbs, but wish it was 10 lbs lighter
If they call me a cheater, they better call every person driving a car a cheater too, Because I’m using it for transportation. I’m 5’10” and my inseam is 30.5 , just like you Russ lol. I prefer a big bike.
My biggest complaint WAS the limited range and lack of quality components. So I upgraded to the better quality Magicycle Cruiser Pro with superior range. It's a huge ebike and you will need to be at least 5'9" tall with a 30" inseam such as myself. If you're shorter than that, then 26" ebikes are just too big. The 20" MC Ocelot Pro is sleek and the perfect sized ebike for most anyone including me. Mrs.K is 5'4" and wants one for herself. I see you're getting a huge cold front for the coming days so be safe, be warm and have a great holiday weekend Russ!🎄
Currently -2 degrees right now. Tomorrow morning when I go out to use my snowblower, it will be around -4 BEFORE the effects of wind chill. 😳
@@RussIsRight Yikes that is cold!🥶🥶🥶Be careful to NOT over do it in the brutal elements. I can't imagine being out in that kind of weather. Stay safe!
Good thing I have a huge snowblower that is self propelled. Just got to bundle up. Usually takes me around 20 mins to do the driveway and sidewalks.
I have an Aventon pace 500 step over and it fits Me perfect. I’m 5’9”
Frame size is likely a more important part of the equation. That and geometry / design of the bike. I’m 5’5” and have a 28” wheel size ebike, a mid-step and it’s sized very well for me.
It is really hard to compare the sizes of bikes. This is why I think it’s imperative to try out a model before buying it. That’s often hard to do with online only bikes. I got a bike with a smaller frame (spec says 46cm size) and swept back handlebars and I rode it before buying it.
I'm 5-5 / 5-6, and after looking at bike geometry, and weight capacity, I went with a 20x4 inch fat tire folding e-bike. It's almost too large for me, so I have to lean it when I single-foot straddle.
Speaking of bike sizes, once I fold the handlebar down, it will just fit into the metro bike locker I lease at my "home" L.A. Metro station. They are deceptively large, but I knew that walking in after seeing a few videos that did side-by-side comparisons with different e-bike types to regular bike types.
# 1 complaint might be the prices.
That Ocelot Pro looks like a nice compromise. It's probably the best looking bike out of the bunch.
I have a 20" fat tire, dual battery, step thru, folding bike. I'm 5'4" & have trouble stepping through, so I still swing my leg over the back. And have a reoccurring lovely knee bruise to show for it. 😉
I've yet to be able to fold it up! I'm not strong enough. My thoughts were that I could take both batteries off so I can lift it into my van.
Jokes on me! I'll keep trying.🥵
66 pounds of bike for a 5'4" woman can be a challenge.
I have learned to use the walking feature to get it up a ramp & use brakes taking it back down a ramp (which is a piece of board) so I can get it back inside of a storage shed which is raised above ground.
Maybe I'll develop Hercules arms!! 💪😂
I haven't bought a E-Bike yet. But after watching this video and after the brands I tried. A step through was my choice only nearly dismounting off a Trek straight bar. My major concern is buying a bike and not being able to get service.
I have said before that those who can fix bikes will have good business if they started up a service. 😊
I have a Specialized mountain bike and an older Trek mountain bike as well since I have an electric a Bakcou mule I found that I ride the older bikes more now I’m thinking of converting one of them to Electric as well, with a ad on motor and battery
I'd look for an aftermarket battery if you can't get a higher cap one from the brand. There are companies that primarily make custom battery packs. Some bike shops, and ebike resellers mention them.
I`m 73 and have a 30" inseam. My bike is a Rip Current S step thru, which I truly enjoy. If I was to buy again, the Ocelot Pro would get some serious consideration. As is, I am very satisfied with my bike. As for the naysayers...screw em. I have a stent, six point nerve ablation, double open hernia surgery, and now cancer, all this year. I don`t have the time or the patience for their bs.
Have a Merry Christmas!!!
I have NO Conplaints!
I LOVE My RadRover 5 Step~Thru!
And my wife Loves her Evelo Compass Trike!
Merry Christmas’
I bought the Juiced Scorpion 20” bike for my wife and she hated it. Not because of size but weight. She fell over several times and was not happy with me so I sold it to a guy friend of mine. I then bought the Biktrix Stunner X, 24”x3” mid drive for her. This bike has plenty of power and is 40lbs less than her prior bike. I even can ride it and I’m 6-3”. She loves this bike and I have got my ass out of the dog house. 😅
Merry Christmas Russ. I enjoy all your posts . I’m a 77 yr old school bus driver what would you suggest to buy , my boss said I could bring a bike on my bus charters. Needs to be light , needs to fold . Very boring sitting on bus 8 to 12 hrs when I could be riding in different areas.
Merry Christmas! The biggest issue here would be how light? Most Ebikes are rather heavy, even folding Ebikes. Check out the Magicycle Jaguarundi. It is a step thru design that folds. It is lighter than my other Ebikes but it still has a bit of weight. My lightest bike is the Magicycle Commuter ebike but it doesn’t fold and has no throttle. It is around 43 lbs.
Rad Rover 6 Plus baby...all the way...and its a step thru....Im 6'1 and have baskets on front and back...so step thru was the way to go
Doing a preorder to save $200, 4 months later it’s $200 less than the preorder price. Price change in 4 months. Retail $1900, preorder $1700, November price 1500. Still like the bike.
Yeah... I hate that! You figure you got a good deal, only to find out that it drops I price again. Ugh!
Also one size does not fit all.
If the commuter bike has bottle mount screws. You can easily add a 14ah battery. There must be some way to wire it in. That along with the built in battery would probably get you 60 miles of range.
Controller is in the downtube. I won’t mess with it. I would rather they make a version with a higher capacity battery and make the downtube slightly larger to accommodate it. Wishful thinking. 😊
Ariel Rider Kepler - an awesome powerful bike and a $2k loss for me. The step through is NOT. You have to be at least 5'6-1/2", again, at least! If you live in a hilly area, don't get the RAD 6 Plus - it's a dog. So about to sell this one at a great loss as well. Also, since the controller and battery are in the frame, no chance of up-grading. Now looking into the Juiced Rip Current S step through.
Being short, and living in a very hilly area, is proving to be expensive lessons.
No doubt the size of the bike is the biggest complaint; not just the height of the bike but the weight. People see all these fat tire bikes and think how cool it would be to have one those bikes. They don't realize they weigh 75lbs. I'm so glad my local bike shop talked me out of the Aventure and steered me towards the Pace 500.
In regards to one of your comments about quality, I had a concern about my Ocelot Pro! So I asked a question on Facebook Magicycle page and one fellow answered back and made the comment “If you buy junk you get junk! If that’s the way he feels, why is he even on the site?
Hahaha! Makes you wonder why people have to be trolls.
Happy Holidays
Same to you!
Great video Russ! I own a Cyrusher Kommoda 20 inch fat tire bike. I have a u tube channel (Senior Ministry E Bike Nation) I have over 121K views on that video. I love your channel and your videos!
Hey Russ, a 20 inch bike can still be a big bike, and there’s nothing wrong with a step through and or 20 in bike. Step throughs can really make your ride enjoyable and safe. With a 60 or 70 lb bike having a step through can make a difference.
What’s your take of the new Magicycle Deer and staying on topic what size do you think it will be
I have no information on the Deer! Not even a clue on what it will be.
Merry Christmas Russ...
Merry Christmas!
Have a good prospective ending of the year 2022 coming up, what a beautiful baby I've got she is so sweet and pretty I can't leave her alone for a moment she gives me satisfaction in all area I love her. I love, love, love, love, my rad plus 6.
my himiway excape is a heavey bike too 20 inch my other is 26 wish i stayed with 20 inches
We bought a magicycle bike last year and just had our first issue. We still had a warranty and they responded about sending the parts. It’s been a month. Have you had issues with them?
No. Try contacting them again about it.
Hi Russ I would get the 26 inch bike I am only 5ft 5inch but I would purchase the step threw bike
My two biggest complaints after getting my ebike were range and guilt. I always want more range, no matter how much I have. I ride a LOT of miles, long distances, and every day. I'm usually around 5,000 miles each year. Guilt because I also still ride regular bikes and I know I'm not getting the same exercise/fitness from my ebike.
What size tires would you choose for your altimate Ebike?
My personal preference is 26" x 4" fat tires. But, I really like riding the Magicycle Commuter ebike that is 27" x 1.25" tires.
Hi Russ, I made #1 sign in!
Hi Russ. As I stated in an earlier message, I am waiting for ebike #5. I am 5'3" and #1 is a 20" fat tire, step-through but, it's super heavy. It's only 30 lbs lighter than I am. I live in an apartment building with a very high flight of stairs so, it was a nightmare schlepping it up and down these stairs. I left it untouched for over a year because of this and ordered #2, that's a much lighter ebike, made of Magnesium alloy with 16" tires. Even though this ebike is much lighter, it's still not a breeze to lug up and down the stairs. This past year, I rented a storage space nearby and it was the best thing I ever did. So, after buying a few ebikes, I've got a list of requirements before buying.
1) It must be with between 16" to 20" tires. If it's a 20" tire, it must be a step-through.
2) I don't like where the battery is in plain sight unless, it's a dual battery.
3) It must have fenders and a rear rack.
4) Must be a certain color ( No black, green, yellow, orange, grey, pink) and NO logos.
5) All this with a minimum of 400W- 500W motor.
I notice that it is rare to find a smaller tire ebike with more than 250W to 350W motor, but they do exist if you search. Presently, I have my eye on #6 that will be a 16" fat tire with 600W motor. 🤭
I want to also add that I buy a 2nd battery for all my ebikes so, there is never an issue for me to go long distance. However, I do look for ebikes that give at least a 48V 10ah to 15ah minimum on the battery it comes with. I also do modifications on them all, like changing seats, adding a suspension post where needed, adding one or 2 handlebar extensions so that I can have more real estate to add the extra light, alarm, blinker remote, a particular colored bell, phone holder, etc.
I just got a message that Anchorage is trying to pass a bill to make roads more bike friendly. Another reason to go back, huh,?
👍
Battery range.
'it doesn't ride like a bike'... because 'power delivery is too harsh and jerky' aka Magicycle
Just need to adjust the initial settings. Then it is fine.
The question was actually, why will my front fork adjustment not turn, still no answer! If you have an idea, feel free to comment! Enjoy your channel!
They are all stiff it seems!
Weight.
As long as inexpensive isn't coincident with "badly engineered batteries" assembled by "minimum wage terrorists"
Fly by night manufacturers jumping in for a quick buck could derail the entire industry
I'm a hunter and I KNOW ALOT OF HUNTERS AND THE E-BIKE RAD I HAVE TURNED ALOT of family n friends onto buying the rads for hunting because of price point over the hunting specific, quest cat , Rambo , etc but I would like to see rad add more hunting specific colors as vamos , green , I seen 1 green why not offer that in the OTHER MODELS ??
I bought a 20" fat tire step through. I'm 5'10" 220. Plenty of bike.