Thanks for the detailed review John. I'm sure people will find it really helpful. We have already been working on improving lots of the things you wanted to see improved but we will also learn from you comments. Thanks very much.
5:55 The tire 'only just grips'. I was swapping wheels and used the same great tire. When I fitted the tire over the properly sized wheel, it seemed like it was too big. I never encountered that before, THOUGHT I fitted it in as well as I could, wasn't paying close attention while pumping air into it, only to find out the tire slipped out, and the inner tube burst. -- However, since I paid close attention to it on my second attempt with a new inner tube, it worked. -- I didn't like the sizing of the wheel... at all.
Hi John not commented for a bit, liked this video. Just thought I could mention a few ideas to you as regards to one of your problem's mentioned in the video...namely punctures. I have mentioned these to you in the past, Slime Scab patches, you don't need to take your wheel out, just take the tyre off and apply a patch, pump up and off you go, also you can get Slime Smart tubes which are an innertube with green slime in which when punctured just remove the offending object, the inner tube will then seal itself, a quick pump up if any air loss and then you are off again. Do you mind me asking, but when riding and filming are you using a selfie stick, therefore riding one handed? You can get a mount from Topeak called an Omni Ride mount that fits on your handlebar bracket , you then get a rubber holder for whatever size phone you have and it can then be positioned at whatever angle you want, leaving your hand free to ride both handed. Hope to probably see you around the lanes John.
@@JRLNeal Yes and it was definitely a pleasure to meet you today also John, a nice fella on camera an even nicer person in the flesh. You gave me a few good ideas about filming my bike rides of which I shall try out next ride. I ended up doing 14.5 miles this morning and boy does my backside hurt...lol. Anyhow John lovely to meet you hope to see you about again sometime. Take care John and keep up the good work, look forward to your next video.
I bought one of these (in red) partly after your initial review. I'm also pretty happy with a couple of niggles, the major one being the fact that the bottom bracket failed after 350 miles. It took a few weeks to get a free replacement from Estarli as apparently, it was an early bike, so in the end the whole system had to be replaced. I'm not sure if the front suspension works as it feels pretty rigid when riding on the local roads. But the brakes and gears etc are great and the bike itself feels pretty solid. I commute 16 miles a day to work and have managed to unlock the speed restriction so I now get power up to around 20mph which transforms it!
I bought an e28 in January 2023 and paid the extra for front mono suspension. It didn't budge at all when you pressed down heavily on the bars. Turns out it was faulty, rubber buffers missing. They replaced quite happily once they had the bike back. I really did try and use the bike, I did 4000 miles in 9 months and the bike had to be returned to them 4 times. It's been sold on now. They did try their best at repairing, but it was very poor quality and is only fit for very light commuter use. They might not replace your forks now, because you've unlocked it.
Thanks for this review John, I am complete novice when it comes to ebikes (and haven't had a push bike for over 10 years either) so I'm doing some research before I make my first purchase of this kind. From what I can tell, the estarli e28 is probably my preferred option, just need to find somewhere to test it. My question is a fairly simple one... how have you found the battery/motor power, is it sufficient enough for a relatively relaxed ride? I live in a pretty flat area, and my commute is only 5 miles, however as I'm not a confident rider I would be worried about needing to put extra effort in (especially if I want to stay fresh for work!). For this reason I discounted the Raleigh Trace, with most reviews highlighting a lack of power as the primary downside.
Ronan for ten mile round trip the E28 more then capable. On the flat I get away with power level 3 (of5) or less if the wind is favourable. A recent economy trip I hit 50 miles on one battery sometimes not using the battery at all. As for getting too hot - absolutely no sweat. If I’m really indulging myself on levels 4 and 5 I don’t even get breathing heavy. See if you can get to a dealer to have a test run.
@@JRLNeal Thanks for the reply John, from your answers it does seem like an ideal option, just need to find a dealer. I guess I'm surprised it has the power as it really does just look like a regular bike...in contrast to other e bikes with a huge battery stored in the shaft.
Great review John. I had very similar experiences, and we've commented to each other in the past. I've sold the bike on now, way too unreliable after 4000 miles. I had three new bottom brackets in the end, three rear motors, chain falling off constantly, which they never managed to fix, 4 pairs of pedals, new suspension forks. In the end my wife took me to a bike shop and told me to buy another bike and sell the Estarli, that she called the Albatross. Great idea, poorly executed. Lets hope they learn from all these problems, because it should be a great bike. I also agree, love the LED handlebars.
@JRLNeal thank you John, that's them ordered. Can see there being a problem getting the existing ones off, how did you manage it? Did you cut them off?
It does seem odd that it wasn't originally fitted with UV-resistant gaskets and ties. I would certainly address that when you come to replace them. Oh, and the non-stainless screws are criminal, especially in an exposed part. They'd have been replaced at the first sign of rust were it my bike. Don't let those go too long! You'll never get them out.
Thanks for the detailed review John. I'm sure people will find it really helpful. We have already been working on improving lots of the things you wanted to see improved but we will also learn from you comments. Thanks very much.
5:55 The tire 'only just grips'. I was swapping wheels and used the same great tire. When I fitted the tire over the properly sized wheel, it seemed like it was too big. I never encountered that before, THOUGHT I fitted it in as well as I could, wasn't paying close attention while pumping air into it, only to find out the tire slipped out, and the inner tube burst. -- However, since I paid close attention to it on my second attempt with a new inner tube, it worked. -- I didn't like the sizing of the wheel... at all.
Hi John not commented for a bit, liked this video. Just thought I could mention a few ideas to you as regards to one of your problem's mentioned in the video...namely punctures. I have mentioned these to you in the past, Slime Scab patches, you don't need to take your wheel out, just take the tyre off and apply a patch, pump up and off you go, also you can get Slime Smart tubes which are an innertube with green slime in which when punctured just remove the offending object, the inner tube will then seal itself, a quick pump up if any air loss and then you are off again. Do you mind me asking, but when riding and filming are you using a selfie stick, therefore riding one handed? You can get a mount from Topeak called an Omni Ride mount that fits on your handlebar bracket , you then get a rubber holder for whatever size phone you have and it can then be positioned at whatever angle you want, leaving your hand free to ride both handed. Hope to probably see you around the lanes John.
Nice to actually bump into you today, Dean and I answered this questions as well. All the best my friend.
@@JRLNeal Yes and it was definitely a pleasure to meet you today also John, a nice fella on camera an even nicer person in the flesh. You gave me a few good ideas about filming my bike rides of which I shall try out next ride. I ended up doing 14.5 miles this morning and boy does my backside hurt...lol. Anyhow John lovely to meet you hope to see you about again sometime. Take care John and keep up the good work, look forward to your next video.
I bought one of these (in red) partly after your initial review. I'm also pretty happy with a couple of niggles, the major one being the fact that the bottom bracket failed after 350 miles. It took a few weeks to get a free replacement from Estarli as apparently, it was an early bike, so in the end the whole system had to be replaced.
I'm not sure if the front suspension works as it feels pretty rigid when riding on the local roads. But the brakes and gears etc are great and the bike itself feels pretty solid. I commute 16 miles a day to work and have managed to unlock the speed restriction so I now get power up to around 20mph which transforms it!
I hope my reply here is hidden away but I have also managed the fix you mention.
I had an initial bottom bracket issue but it was just loose.
I bought an e28 in January 2023 and paid the extra for front mono suspension. It didn't budge at all when you pressed down heavily on the bars. Turns out it was faulty, rubber buffers missing. They replaced quite happily once they had the bike back. I really did try and use the bike, I did 4000 miles in 9 months and the bike had to be returned to them 4 times. It's been sold on now. They did try their best at repairing, but it was very poor quality and is only fit for very light commuter use. They might not replace your forks now, because you've unlocked it.
Hi John have you sent your video to Allen’s and the manufacturer to see what they have to say.? I am sure they would appreciate the feedback.
I spoke to Dave Allen and I’ll send a link to establish later.
Thanks for this review John, I am complete novice when it comes to ebikes (and haven't had a push bike for over 10 years either) so I'm doing some research before I make my first purchase of this kind. From what I can tell, the estarli e28 is probably my preferred option, just need to find somewhere to test it.
My question is a fairly simple one... how have you found the battery/motor power, is it sufficient enough for a relatively relaxed ride? I live in a pretty flat area, and my commute is only 5 miles, however as I'm not a confident rider I would be worried about needing to put extra effort in (especially if I want to stay fresh for work!). For this reason I discounted the Raleigh Trace, with most reviews highlighting a lack of power as the primary downside.
Ronan for ten mile round trip the E28 more then capable. On the flat I get away with power level 3 (of5) or less if the wind is favourable. A recent economy trip I hit 50 miles on one battery sometimes not using the battery at all.
As for getting too hot - absolutely no sweat. If I’m really indulging myself on levels 4 and 5 I don’t even get breathing heavy.
See if you can get to a dealer to have a test run.
@@JRLNeal Thanks for the reply John, from your answers it does seem like an ideal option, just need to find a dealer. I guess I'm surprised it has the power as it really does just look like a regular bike...in contrast to other e bikes with a huge battery stored in the shaft.
Also see
www.cyclingelectric.com/reviews/estarli-e28-pro-review
Great review John. I had very similar experiences, and we've commented to each other in the past. I've sold the bike on now, way too unreliable after 4000 miles. I had three new bottom brackets in the end, three rear motors, chain falling off constantly, which they never managed to fix, 4 pairs of pedals, new suspension forks. In the end my wife took me to a bike shop and told me to buy another bike and sell the Estarli, that she called the Albatross. Great idea, poorly executed. Lets hope they learn from all these problems, because it should be a great bike. I also agree, love the LED handlebars.
That’s quite a catalogue of misfortune. What bike do you have now?
@@JRLNeal Cube Reaction Performance. Amazing bike for only 400 pounds more than the e28. 50 mile easily achieved range.
Still got it.
Hello, can you tell me where you got handlebars and how did you fit them, thank you
VOANZO MTB Bicycle Handlebar Grips, Ergonomic Designed Integrated Bike Horn Grips with Bar Ends Plugs, for Inside Diameter (Black) amzn.eu/d/04dOrJkn
@JRLNeal thank you John, that's them ordered. Can see there being a problem getting the existing ones off, how did you manage it? Did you cut them off?
It does seem odd that it wasn't originally fitted with UV-resistant gaskets and ties. I would certainly address that when you come to replace them. Oh, and the non-stainless screws are criminal, especially in an exposed part. They'd have been replaced at the first sign of rust were it my bike. Don't let those go too long! You'll never get them out.
Thanks for that advice Tom. I see what I can do.