I finally did it. I finally decided to enter the world of ebikes. Initially, I was going to build my own, and even put in an order for that $98 Kent bayside from Walmart to try and do a budget build. After pricing out everything on said build for a 48V 1500W rear hub conversion, battery, etc. the price ended up being right around $1000 because a few upgrades I wanted specifically bumped the price up a touch - mainly converting to disc brakes and a front wheel and fork set to do so easily.
Then, just out of curiosity I checked in on the prebuilt ebike I have had my eye on for a while, the Heybike Explore, and lo and behold they are having a sale for early spring! A Clearance sale of 700 off on that bike put the price down to $1,199 with a free rear basket. With a discount code (BFG100) for $100 off that made it $1.099., so I also bought a set of their saddle bags for it for 79. With free shipping to boot.
I ordered mine in Military Green.
Explore is a step-through electric bike with two 26"*4"fat tires. It runs up to 70 miles with a 28 mph top speed. Try it now to upgrade your off-road riding!
www.heybike.com
I honestly can't wait for it to arrive. I haven't been this excited about something in a while. I know I could have built something more powerful or with a bigger battery than the Explore with the Kent, but I think this is a smarter way to get into the world of ebikes, and the price is about the same with way less work on my part.
Edit: A list of Parts Links:
Zoom HB-876E Hydraulic brake set.
Bucklos 2 piece Rotors with Adapters (203mm front, 180mm rear)
Hydraulic Brake Bleed kit with mineral oil.
5 1/2" Steering Stem Riser Gave approximately a 3 inch bar lift
Aluminum 3 bearing pedals with reflectors. These are pretty darn nice for the money!
Tannus Armor inserts with Tubes.
YLG Oversized noseless Seat for my large rear end. Waiting for delivery
Strap to Frame Bicycle Bag/Phone holder. Service as a tool kit bag.
Replacement Semi-metallic ceramic brake pads. (backups or replacement if I can't stop squeal)
Spare Brake pad cotter pins.
Bar end mirrors - These mirrors are excellent, probably some of the best ones I have bought.
Get the Heybike. There were just the two of us when I went E. The other guy has been riding a heybike cargo for
nearly 10 yrs. I paid $2700 for a Juiced that disintegrated in 3. My Moscow,( German bike meant for export to
Russia), was $1099. Still getting even better after 7000 mi. Basically an 80s mtn bike. with an exceptionally good
Kraut 500w motor. Solid, durable, forgiving bike, triple crank, uses common place affordable parts. Downside.
they're not making it anymore, & used can be an iffy proposition. Heybike's been around for quite a while &
seem to hold up well. Like any bike though, one needs to stay on top of maintenance. As for my gasser, I wasn't
as into speed as much mileage. Still love my old heavy Giant Mb with a modified G.E.B.E. kit, & a 39cc Tanaka 4210
Purefire. Cleanest no smoke, 2 stroke ever made. Hadn't ridden it in a long time. Just gave it a new plug,
filter, & gear. I primed, choked, Fired right off without a bit of smoke. It'll still gets 200 mpg @ 3500 rpm &
will do 36 mph @ 9500 rpm. I really love both bikes. I have a solar charging trailer for the ebike, but the gasser
is still best for long range touring in a reasonable time frame
P.S, you can't find or buy either that tanaka or the G.E.B,E, kit for love nor money anymore, The Tanaka came
with a 7 year warranty. G.E.B.E. died when the owning couple died intestate. I have 2 of each, hardly broken in,
Tanakas with a C.A.R.B. very clean 300 hour certificate.
