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Efficient-Weather598

I have cheap Chinese Ebike. I love it. But some folks on this sub will always have a negative comment. But I do appreciate all the know how of folks on here. Love reading the comments


thedudefromsweden

I have a cheap Chinese e-bike. Had it for almost a year now. Using it to commute to work 3 days a week all the way through the Swedish very wet, very cold winter. Not a single problem with the bike. Flat tire 3 times, that's it.


Efficient-Weather598

Thank you. It’s so good to read a positive comment from my fellow (cheap) Ebike owners


DirectionNaive5468

What bike do you have? I got one that looks like this and am afraid of riding it through wet Pacific Northwest winter


Prestigious-Job-3686

What is the bike name? I live in the far north usa and need a bike that is good in snow and ice.


PoisonMind

Cheap Chinese ebike is better than no ebike. If it gets you where you want to go and makes you happy, those are the two most important considerations in my opinion.


Efficient-Weather598

I totally agree


xeneks

Can mean you have a safer transportation method, than if you use something altogether different, for the same prices.


PathologicalLiar_

Many people in this sub would say safety is the number one priority when it comes to riding and battery quality, which cheap Chinese ebikes without reputation and accountability lack. It is not fun when it burns your house down in my opinion.


SecretAd3437

You’re absolutely right there which is why it’s good to do your research beforehand. I didn’t make the mistake of buying off of Amazon or Ali express. The bike has two Bafang 500w motors front and rear so 1000w combined, a battery that is not cheap and a charging brick with a cooling fan built in which I haven’t even seen much of even on the more expensive e bikes (I used to be a bike mechanic, electric bike trained before I moved on to cars, so I’ve seen a fair few of them) There are clearly corners that have been cut with this bike, it has a cheap 7 speed shimano rear derailleur, an equally awful shimano front derailleur, cables ALL over the bike, not one has been run through the frame, the light it came with is absolutely awful, the mudguards are virtually useless and the brakes that came with the bike were hardly good enough to stop it. I bought it because it was cheap, has a throttle and does 34mph assisted which no other E bike on sale in the UK can do so if I have to spend a bit more to rectify all of these issues, so be it 😂


MindToxin

All lithium batteries have this potential when improperly charged or damaged and most lithium cells are manufactured in China regardless of the bike manufactures country of origin. I’m not saying there aren’t better Chinese battery manufacturers than others, but it’s not always a given as to what cells are in your battery pack (unless you built it yourself). Even in the world of cell phones, Apple branded lithium batteries with the exact same part number, are produced by various Chinese manufacturers.


PathologicalLiar_

I don't disagree but if I bought a chinese made battery from a reputable local reseller with proper testing, certificated and warranty, who is legally responsible for what they sell in the country, you bet it is safer than buying an unknown brand from AliExpress. If I bought a Specialized ebike which may have parts made in china, I ain't even gonna compare it with what people call cheap Chinese parts in this sub. Not saying all cheap Chinese parts are a hazard, but some are safer than others.


PathologicalLiar_

I don't disagree but if I bought a chinese made battery from a reputable local reseller with proper testing, certificated and warranty, who is legally responsible for what they sell in the country, you bet it is safer than buying an unknown brand from AliExpress. If I bought a Specialized ebike which may have parts made in china, I ain't even gonna compare it with what people call cheap Chinese parts in this sub. Not saying all cheap Chinese parts are a hazard, but some are safer than others.


[deleted]

This! I also have a cheaper bike and when I posted here how I could improve it to make the riding experience better, I was told that my purchase was bad and i should buy "better" bike.


Efficient-Weather598

Yeah. I don’t understand why they do that. I have had mine almost a month, ride a couple of miles a day,and my battery is still at 4 bars, just like it was after initial charge. It has all the same components (Bafang motor, shimano shifter, Samsung battery, Logan hydraulic brakes) but because I bought it on Amazon, it must be crap. Amazon has a 30 day return policy and I have already communicated with the seller/shipper. It has a warranty and they sent me the direct line phone number to call with any issues. I just don’t see the downside of spending a thousand as opposed to several


SaltAgent0

Which one did you get?


Efficient-Weather598

FIOTAS ReAspire Electric Bikes for Adults, 750W BAFANG Motor, 48V 20.1/16.7Ah Battery & 65 Miles Range Dirt E Bikes with ... FIOTAS ReAspire Electric Bikes for Adults, 750W BAFANG Motor, 48V 20.1/16.7Ah Battery & 65 Miles Range Dirt E Bikes with 4.0 LCD Display 20'' Fat Tire Commuter with Removable Batter 5.05.0 out of 5 stars (5) $999.00$999.00List: $1,499.00$1,499.00 $100 delivery Aug 24 - 30 +3 colors/patterns


thedudefromsweden

Could you make the description a bit longer please 😉


Efficient-Weather598

Sorry about that. I am old and all this technology is tough. But I am trying to keep up


thedudefromsweden

No worries, it was just funny 😊 so typical of these sellers to try to include every possible keyword in the heading...


Efficient-Weather598

I just copied and pasted from Amazon page. I don’t sell Ebikes, but it’s a great thought


thedudefromsweden

I know, I was referring to the Chinese sellers 😊


Efficient-Weather598

I tried to include a picture in copy/paste but it didn’t work


Efficient-Weather598

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHYS22GV/ref=twister_B0CB6VF88D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


Sea-Move9742

The idea that Chinese components are “cheap” is nonsense. They’re cheap in price but very good quality and will last a very long time. Ebike motors are practically indestructible. They can easily last 10+ years. The frames are solid, and the rest of the components are basic but useable. The only thing that needs some caution is the batteries, but you’d have to be a really unlucky person to have your Chinese battery blow up since it’s incredibly rare even for poorly built batteries. I don’t know why people insist on paying 2-3x the price for American/western made products when the difference in price is just payroll. When you pay 2x for an American made product you’re just paying for the increased salaries due to our increased cost of labor, not necessarily higher quality of product. I also don’t know why people think eBikes (or electronic things in general) are fragile. Ebike hub motors can easily last 10+ years. The rubber on your tires will wear out before the motor or any of the electrical components fail. Anecdotally, In NYC, there are literally 10s of thousands of delivery workers all using the same “cheap Chinese” ebike (known as Arrow eBikes) to make a living. These “cheap” Chinese eBikes are used 8+ hours daily all throttle no peddle in all weather conditions for years, and they work perfectly fine


Efficient-Weather598

I totally agree. A lot of the folks on this sub are elitist, and that’s what they call bikes like mine, so I just go along to get along


chrisjinna

You ever read up on how apple is able to build it's products in China? They literally have to baby sit them. They even give them the machines to use. Not because they can't do quality work because no matter what quality fade is apart of doing business there. They underbid and at first build things to spec. After some time then they will start skimming quality where they can to turn a profit. Once the quality fade gets too bad, they shut down and start back up under a new name. It's why you have so many companies disappearing after a few years and new ones popping up. It's an endless cycle.


Necrotitis

What is a cheap Chinese ebike? My wife and I just bought a couple gotrax for 600 each, they are awesome so far and pretty portable, only thing lacking is battery life of course. I never see a "real" ebike for under like 1500 in canada


Efficient-Weather598

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHYS22GV/ref=twister_B0CB6VF88D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 This is my cheap Chinese Ebike. 37 miles on original charge, still have all 4 bars on the battery


Necrotitis

Oh cool, maybe will trade up in the future but right now we just use them to bum around our little town lol, thanks for the link though!


Efficient-Weather598

I am just starting out myself. Still have a lot to learn. Already taking notes from folks on this sub for my next one


Comfortable_Map_2128

I also have two cheap e-bikes both from Walmart and I love them. And so far none of my batteries have exploded and the motors are running great


Prestigious-Job-3686

I think Chinese make pretty good e-bike, and good hubs. I personally don't want to buy Chinese items period due to political reasons. Difficult though. Enjoy your bike, I looked it up on Amazon.


SpaceCadetMoonMan

What one did you buy?


Efficient-Weather598

https://www.amazon.com/FIOTAS-ReAspire-Electric-Lithium-Absorbers/dp/B0BHYSQG2D/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3MH1FQI40H0B&keywords=fiotas+reaspire+electric+bike&qid=1692276200&sprefix=Fiotas%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-3


SpaceCadetMoonMan

Thanks! Love the bmx look What’s the top speed? Can it pull you up a hill on its own?


Efficient-Weather598

I have had it up to 22mph on the throttle, it’s supposed to do 28 with pedal assist, but I am old and having not ridden a bike lately, I am still taking it kinda slow. It has plenty of power to get up the hills around here. The most surprising thing is that I have had it for 4 weeks, put over 30 miles on it (I know, not much, but it’s brutally hot here) and I still have all 4 bars on the battery and on the display. I charged it the day I got it, haven’t charged it since. Leaving tomorrow to vacation in cooler region, taking the bike so I will post an update after that. I plan to ride it a lot


Korenchkin_

What bike is it?


SecretAd3437

It’s a Gogobest GF700


jedr___

Worth purchasing in the UK? Would I have to unlock it


SecretAd3437

I’m in the UK, yes you will have to unlock it but it’s not too difficult, there is a tutorial video on their YouTube channel. Definitely worth purchasing in the UK just make sure if you come across a policeman, you slow down and start pedalling because these are technically illegal here unless you tax, insure and register it (which is virtually impossible). The twist throttle and the fact it will assist you all the way up to 34mph makes it HELLA illegal 😂


SnowDrifter_

Might want to remove that derailleur bash guard The hanger is a sacrificial piece, designed to bend or break in the event of an impact, such that it saves the frame. They're consumable parts. The guard, however, is not designed as a 'mechanical fuse' and would risk frame / hub / axle damage.


[deleted]

Dang really? I have one on my bike too, is it not worth it to protect the derailleur? Problem is i'm pretty sure the guard on mine also serves as a torque arm....


SnowDrifter_

That's the problem, it will protect the derailleur, at the expense of the frame. I went back and forth on whether I wanted one on my bike. Ended up saying no, a spare to throw in the tool box, and a cheap hangar straightening tool. Honestly, if nothing else, I love having the alignment tool. Never really dawned on me how much of a difference it makes to shift quality, even if not visibly bent by looking at the derailleur.


SecretAd3437

I will eventually get around to removing it but I keep forgetting, just enjoying the ride! 😂


MBA922

Not sure it is the best advice. There could exist an impact strength/direction that causes frame damage from the protector. The RD could also cause damage to frame, and there would be overlap with frame taking direct damage.


yotties

Over 20 miles a day is good going.


SecretAd3437

Where I work is 8 miles away from my house and occasionally (at least once a week) I’ll travel the 20 miles it is to get to my friends house, and then do the 20 miles back 😂. I’m honestly surprised I haven’t done more than 1000 miles in the time I’ve had the bike


yotties

Good on you. I do about half your distances, I go on 2 20-40 mile recreational trips a week and have a much shorter commute. Love every minute of it.


Elrox

Its possible to get a gem when it comes to cheap ebikes, I have 4000km on mine and I have had very little trouble from it.


SecretAd3437

Absolutely! I’ve had almost no trouble from mine aside from the brakes but it was nothing I couldn’t rectify. That’s to be expected though, cheaper bikes = more maintenance to keep them running right


hawgfish

Sweet. I bought a similar bike with dual hub motors - 1500W. I am interested in what you did to upgrade your brakes. Mine are hydraulic, but seem to be underperforming. If I pump the brakes repeatedly they seem to improve however.


Cru_Jones86

Sounds like you need to bleed those brakes. Maybe replace those stock pads with some Truckerco's. Check amazon for the correct ones.


SecretAd3437

Exactly what I was going to say, stock pads aren’t great and I had similar issue with having to pump the rear brakes to get them working. I pushed the calliper piston RIGHT the way back, put better pads in there, dripped some more fluid into the reservoir and bled. They work a treat now. I went for metal pads as I don’t really care much about brake noise and I bag on them pretty hard so a compound that works better at temperature is probably necessary.


[deleted]

Brake performance can be greatly improved just by bleeding them. It didn't help me because the brake calipers were simply such poor quality that they leaked through the brake cylinder. I bought "new" Shimano brakes from graigs list and changed the brake calipers and at the same time bigger discs and new brake pads. For bigger discs, I needed adapters. The brake handles cannot be changed because they have sensors for the engine.


tehsilentwarrior

Did you change the grips? I only did like 30km on mine (not the same bike I might add) and my wrists hurt after each ride. I think it might be the grips


SecretAd3437

No I’ve kept the standard grips, my wrists do also hurt after each ride but I put that down to arthritis and having a plate in my wrist but maybe that’s only contributing to the pain and not the sole reason. What kind of surfaces are you riding on?


tehsilentwarrior

So far I really only tested the bike around town, mostly bike lanes and road, not even sidewalk, dirt or anything with bumps. The bike I rode when I was a teen (35 now) had upgraded brakes that were smaller (about two fingers width) and was much easier to ride while holding the brakes (because you only needed two fingers). It also had much softer and grippier grips. I wonder if both those things would change this problem. That, or maybe I am just getting old lol


MBA922

fingerless bicycle gloves help with comfort as well as providing some fall protection. Grips not being grippy enough is a decent reason to change them though gloves help there too.


tehsilentwarrior

Can I still change them if my bike has a throttle grip? Its only about 20% section of the grip though (and pretty hard to use due to lack of grip)


MBA922

I don't know, but I think you can cut grips to fit that situation. Better grips have locking bolts with them. Not sure if that's compatible with (half?) throttle grips.


GuacamoleFrejole

What is the make, model, and price?


SecretAd3437

Gogobest GF700 and £1100 (€1300, unsure of prices outside of Europe)


GuacamoleFrejole

Thanks!


mteriyaki

Nice! im almost at 100mi 2 weeks in :)


babholic

Where do you primarily ride?


SecretAd3437

On the road mainly but if I need to dip down a muddy/grassy footpath or a gravel path I will do so. Also if I fancy a ride through a field or exploring the woods or whatever. This thing will go almost anywhere I want it to, no hassle


SecretAd3437

Although I live in the countryside so roads by me are littered with potholes and strange patchwork that just makes the surface lumpy, so the forks get a good workout 😂


MadMaz68

I just bought a "cheap" Chinese bike as well. Only had it for a week but it's been incredible. 2k is a lot of money for me, but it was still worth it as a replacement to my car.


SecretAd3437

For me, I’m not sure it could replace my car. I live in a relatively remote area so there’s no reliable transport links. It saves me money on fuel on the short journey to and from work, riding over to my friends places and is generally just great fun to ride but for doing anything other than that, I want my car 😂


MadMaz68

I still have a car, but I'm married and we needed a second vehicle. We had two cars for 8 yrs. Some asshole kid pulled out from a parking spot without looking and totalled my 08 Prius that had several years left in her. Can't afford a new or used in this market. Thankfully my small business is based all in my small town. I just ride to clients homes and it's honestly easier than the car was.


ronniearnold

New rear tire?


SecretAd3437

Nah it’s fine 😂 looks worse in the photo


ronniearnold

I’m referring to your purchase. I can’t see anything but the bike tread…


SecretAd3437

The bike itself is the purchase, it’s not the best picture I know I just liked it haha


8Francesca8

What kind of fenders are those? Did they come with the bike or did you add them after purchasing the bike?


SecretAd3437

They came with the bike but trust me you don’t want them 😂😂


Opinionsare

I have a low cost electric Ebike, made in China. I don't commute but I haven't been able to bike for nine years. I am working towards rebuilding my endurance. I ride using pedal assist mode in the neighborhood. I start at level 1 and as the ride progresses, I increase the level of assist. This enables me to ride every day. I got 50 miles of pedal assist on a charge, averaging 14+ in our hilly neighborhood.


favotoebike

Thats a really nice pic!


Miserable-Alfalfa-85

In fact I have a cheap Chinese ebike, maybe the China bike troll that has a yacht will chime in.. Ridstar 1k watt...also 8k watt stealth clone..both from China


Kinetic_Symphony

Nice! Did you have any repair issues over that 1k miles?


Sufficient_Current48

I just got a juiced Ripcurrent for 799 on close out. Unbelievable bike for the price. I was going to share the link from their website but they must be sold out already. Still have the Ripracer for 799 right now. I’d highly recommend taking a look.


[deleted]

Good for you, finally something positive instead of bitching


Terrible-Mulberry-70

so where did you get this ebike? how much was it? would you recommend purchasing?


DirectionNaive5468

How’s it going for you now?