Conversion vs Factory Bike Revisited II
It has been over 6 years since we first discussed the benefits of conversion vs a factory bike. Sadly, the truth remains, it always makes more sense to convert the bike you love over buying a factory e-bike. I wish it weren’t so. Conversions are a lot of work and a warrentee hassle. The fact is, they aren’t just cheaper. They perform better and are more reliable, but we’ll go in to that further on.
The question now becomes whether it makes more sense to purchase a new bike and have it converted or get a factory e-bike. Let’s compare the two bikes above. If nothing else, it should illustrate the fact that mfg’s could and should provide better bikes for the prices they charge.
The bike on the left runs about $3200. You can find it on sale as low as $3000. Frankly, compared to most, at that price it is a heck of a value. Low prices really aren’t a good standard for bicycle value in any style. Comfort, efficiency and handling don’t come cheap.
The bike on the right lists for $900 (I prefer the only slightly lower spec $700 model). It has the same component groupset as the bike on the left. With conversion, the bike on the right is $1995.
The bike on the left weighs just under 54#”s. In the e-bike world that is easily 15#’s under average. The bike on the right, after conversion, is 46#’s even in Xtra large. This is still much heavier than it needs to be. I have built several under 40#’s, but this is a model for model comparison. Weight doesn’t just make it easier to load and unload. It impacts stopping, handling and range as well!
I want to be honest. Both bikes will do everything you should ask of an e-bike. Still, converted, the bike on the right is 75% more powerful. It has 60% more hillclimbing torque! The bike on the left can only be properly serviced by a certified dealer. As far as I know, there is only one certified service technician in The Quad Cities. I am certain most can do the work, but only certified techs have the schematics and access to proprietary parts. All parts and service information for the motor used on the bike on the right are available through multiple outlets, direct to the consumer.
The bike on the left has recently had some amazing new Bluetooth features added that allow you to track all sorts of metrics about your ride. No doubt, this is an amazing advantage. The bike on the right has more. You can even program three modes of custom ride characteristics right at the display (each mode with 5 levels of assist)! I have one customer with Eco programmed so he can ride every day of RAGBRAI, with assist, without charging during the day. He switches to City mode for commuting and spirt when he has to deal with huge hills.
The bike on the left has a very technologically advanced battery. It can very accurately tell you your remaining range like no other. I concede that this is an enormous advantage. No one wants to deal with range anxiety. It has 500 watt hours of charge but replacement batteries can only be purchased through dealers for $600. It may be worth it to some.
The bike on the right has 50% more watt hours. Replacement batteries are available through your LBS, many discount stores, Amazon and eBay for half as much! The battery on the left is UL approved Li-On, so it is less likely to catch fire than most e-bikes, but not as safe as the bike on the right. The bike on the right has CS batteries that exceed UL standards. Soon, it will be CCC certified; the toughest standard in the world!
The battery on the left is built-in. It looks awesome. It is low and in the center of the bike, for best handling. While a battery can be added in the same location for the bike on the right, it doesn’t look as nice and isn’t as handy. That is why we usually use a battery in a bag, on the rear rack. Not only do you gain a rack, but side panniers as well as top storage.
So, lighter and easier to handle. Stops faster too. More power and more range. Easier and cheaper both to service and to get parts as well as components. Heck, if you get tired of your bike, crash, wear it out or need to transition to a trike (my personal next build), you can move the motor!
Now, I realize there are comparisons that are between the extremes of both these. In every case I have considered, there are other, comparable compromises to consider. There are also much, much cheaper alternatives that may have huge short comings, but remain all that some may need. People are often shocked when I recommend something I do not sell (recommended a Buzz trike to a customer yesterday). I will always be honest with you. Stop down to Ruby’s and let’s discuss your alternatives. For my online only friends, always feel free to text me as I know folks all over the country that can help you.