Looking for suggestions…
(Pic just as a starting point)
So I’m looking picking up an e-bike. I’m familiar with bikes in general and have a decent mountain bike for a couple years I even commuted to a second job by bike for exercise and to save on gas. Currently I’ve got two primary specific use cases:
- For a daily commute of about 5mi each way on roads and paved/gravel trails.
- Periodic longer range (50-100mi) rides to get back to my car after backpacking and paddle trips.
Both kinds of trips would be on mostly paved and gravel roads but for that second type of trip I’m thinking I’ll need something with a lot more range AND preferably something that works well as a traditional bike to maximize range and make pedal only use reasonable.
Where it gets a bit more challenging is that I go almost everywhere with my dog (long story but I’d rather scrap the plan entirely than try to leave the dog out of it) who’s is pretty athletic but will still need to spend at least some of the trips in a trailer (to keep it clear of traffic if nothing else). Pup is about 50lbs and I imagine a trailer will do a number on range but again I can work on that and the pup is generally happy to run for miles without issue (and goes with me regularly on my regular bike rides).
Anyhow I’m looking for suggestions on specific brands and models as well as any thoughts, experiences, or other info folks might be willing to share. So far it’s seeming like mid motor bikes will be ideal so I can use gearing to maximize range and I’ve been looking for options in the more “commuter/hybrid range (so not super huge tires). I’ve been considering options from Aventon, Velotric, Specialized, and a few others but I’m not terribly set on anything.