Hi!
Im a student planning out my commute for a summer job, and am currently in the market for a lightweight and stealthy ebike. Im currently considering between a couple of different options, but mainly the ride1up gravel roadster v2 and ride1up cf racer1.
The commute will consist of either a couple mile drive/ride to a nearby commuter rail station, followed by a 30-40min train ride, and then a ~3ish mile ride to the office. Why not drive the whole way? Rush hour traffic is awful in my area, and spending that time on a train is much preferable to basically the same amount of time in freeway traffic. I enjoy cycling, and currently bike to my classes on a 30+ year old steel framed bike (probably around 25-28lbs, no suspension). While I would enjoy riding all the way to the office under my own power, I would like to make commuting as light as possible and as such am looking for an ebike.
The most important factors to me are being as lightweight as possible, as well as just being an effective solution for bike commute. Lightweight as I will have to carry it up and down stairs as well as stow it on the train. Im not really interested in a folding bike, and having a huge range/removable battery isn't super important as I will be able to charge it inside my residence each day.
I'm interested in the gravel roadster and cf racer mostly because they fit what i feel like im looking for, however im not familiar with either gravel or road cycling enough to know for sure they are what will fit me best. I have looked at other options such as the aventon soltera 2 (big weight increase) or velotric t1st (heavier, want to avoid the "smart" features, and for the price id rather go with the Gravel Roadster)
Here are the pros/cons of each that i care about:
Gravel Roadster:Cheaper
- Regular Handlebars
- Throttle
-
Stealthy
-
Heavier (32lbs)
-
Single Speed
CF Racer:
- Lighter (28lbs)
-
11 Speed
-
More Expensive (basically 2x price) ? Carbon Fiber Frame (not familiar with the care/maintenance) ? Drop Bars (not familiar with them)
I think that the Gravel Roadster is definitely a safe option and will likely suit my needs good enough, however Im not sure if the CF Racer's features are worth the price. The one that matters most to me is having different gears in the back vs single speed, however im not sure if the weight savings are substantial enough to matter. Im also concerned about the durability of the CF Frame as im just not familiar maintenance for them. I also dont know if a road bike is ideal for commute, and since this is a significant purchase I want to make sure I get the best possible option. Ik for bike commute "the bike you currently have is best" but since I'm getting one I want to make sure I get one which is suitable.
Can anyone offer some advice or suggest resources I can look into?
Thanks in advance!
(edit; I live in California)
by Kromieus
1 Comment
Honestly, as an ebike proponent, for your trip I think a regular bike would do the job better. If money is no object, my choice of ultra light ebike would be the Lemond Dutch or Prolog. But if you want traditional road/gravel bike styling, I really recommend you go for a traditional pedal model, your money will go way further in terms of material and component quality. You will probably be pleasantly surprised how “electric” a lightweight, well tuned pedal bike can feel.
Why take my word for it? I have a similar commute and do it for similar reasons, I think – beats the stress of traffic, and it’s actually nice to ride the bike. I have an ebike but it’s not stealth – it’s a cargo ebike for doing family stuff. Too big to conveniently go on the train, but it would be overkill for my commute, so I ride a pretty straightforward Surly Straggler most days. It’s kind of a gravel/touring bike – wide tire clearance, disk brakes, wide range 1×11 shifting, drop bars. There are lots of bikes in a similar price range and they will feel *crisp* compared to an ebike that costs the same.
Try a few bikes at a bike shop and pick one that fits you comfortably, then enjoy your new commute!