Thoughts on two very different bikes please

[damian]

I've posted a few times, so thanks for everyone who has offered help and advice so far. I'm still waiting for confirmation from work about which cycle to work scheme they are using before I decide for sure.

I have decided that I definitely don't want to buy online or secondhand. I have visited four shops here and have decided against a couple of them. One was a good bike shop but didn't really seem to specialise at all in electric bikes. The other was just a little expensive.

That leaves me with two very different choices and I'll be visiting each again before I decide but I'd like to hear any thoughts. I'll be doing a fairly flat 13 mile (total) commute on paved roads/cycle paths/towpaths, weigh 70kg and am fairly fit. Slightly dodgy knees though

Bike number one is a Freego Eagle (16Ah) from Fullcycle, who seem to know their stuff. Nice comfortable bike with a big battery and hydraulic disc brakes. Good warranty and good reputation on here. This is the heavier and more expensive option.

Number two is the Momentum Upstart from Greenaer. Lee at Grrenaer was as accommodating and knowledgeable as Fullcycle. The battery is a lot smaller (9Ah) and it has Caliper brakes. There is a 2016 model with a bigger battery and alloy frame, instead of steel. But even the current model is lighter and simpler than the Freego. It has a two speed SRAM hub - so easier maintenance? Mudguards and pannier and lights and computer are extra on the Momentum but still cheaper.

It looks less expensive, so might be less nickable, and there is no LCD to tempt people.

I've ridden both and to be honest they are different but both loads of fun. I don't realistically think I'll cycle more than 30 miles in a day - I have seven days a week. I don't want to arrive in work sweaty but I wouldn't mind actually cycling home.

And after all that - does anyone have any opinions to offer?

 

[RobF]

I'm not sure why you are looking at a Freego Eagle when their Raptor bike is much closer to your requirements.

http://freegoelectricbikes.com/product/product&product_id=158

 

[damian]

I'm not sure why you are looking at a Freego Eagle when their Raptor bike is much closer to your requirements.

http://freegoelectricbikes.com/product/product&product_id=158

Hi Rob

I did try that raptor but found it a much harder ride. I was also unsure about the small battery and the single speed if I had to run it without a battery.
The Eagle was much more comfortable but I also found the momentum more pleasant

 

[JohnCade]

I had a look at the Momentum in a shop and I thought it looked like a well made and good looking bike. The two speed hub would be no use where I live though so I assume you don’t have too many hills around your way?

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

We sell both and I am a really big fan of the momentum. If it was purely for road I would probably go for the Momentum. However if you are doing canal paths as well you might find the wider tyres on the FreeGo and suspenion forks etc more suited to what you want.

Most important is to try both ideally in similar conditions to where you will be riding

Good luck!

 

[damian]

I had a look at the Momentum in a shop and I thought it looked like a well made and good looking bike. The two speed hub would be no use where I live though so I assume you don’t have too many hills around your way?

Belfast isn't really that hilly, and certainly not my route to work.
Other than that any hills are either reasonably short or quite gentle

 

[damian]

We sell both and I am a really big fan of the momentum. If it was purely for road I would probably go for the Momentum. However if you are doing canal paths as well you might find the wider tyres on the FreeGo and suspenion forks etc more suited to what you want.

Most important is to try both ideally in similar conditions to where you will be riding

Good luck!

Thanks.
I thought it was a good looking bike too. The towpath here is paved from my home to the city centre, so not at all rough

 

[Yamdude]

I wouldn't worry about the Momentum not having front suss, i can easily do ok with rigid forks on canal paths and a steel frame is usually more comfortable and has less vibes than aluminium.
Only thing is, your probably limited to thin tyres with those caliper brakes...... possibly 28 max.

 

[damian]

I wouldn't worry about the Momentum not having front suss, i can easily do ok with rigid forks on canal paths and a steel frame is usually more comfortable and has less vibes than aluminium.
Only thing is, your probably limited to thin tyres with those caliper brakes...... possibly 28 max.

Hi Yamdude

It comes fitted with 700cx32 tyres, so not quite the thinnest.
I am learning as I go here - I think the 2016 Momentum is aluminium rather than steel and I didn't realise that that was lighter but a harsher ride. I did say that I was a novice!

 

[damian]

We sell both and I am a really big fan of the momentum. If it was purely for road I would probably go for the Momentum. However if you are doing canal paths as well you might find the wider tyres on the FreeGo and suspenion forks etc more suited to what you want.

Most important is to try both ideally in similar conditions to where you will be riding

Good luck!

My heart says the Momentum too - and I doubt I'll ever be off-road. I won a bike (Giant Boulder) years ago and it was only ever used on roads, so seems likely my next one will be the same

 

[Yamdude]

Hi Yamdude

It comes fitted with 700cx32 tyres, so not quite the thinnest.
I am learning as I go here - I think the 2016 Momentum is aluminium rather than steel and I didn't realise that that was lighter but a harsher ride. I did say that I was a novice!

Yup, steel will generally absorb shocks better than aluminium. Pretty good that it'll take 32 tyres, that'll also help a bit for a smoother ride.
Personally i would prefer the Momentum over the Freego, but get a test ride on both and see which one you prefer..... at the end of the day its you that'll be riding it.