E-BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE PART 2: WHICH E-BIKE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

City e-bike or trekking pedelec? E-racing bike or mountain e-bike? Or perhaps you would prefer an electric cargo bike? If you’re buying an e-bike for the first time, you may be spoiled for choice.

In part 1 of the blog post, we took a closer look at the first five questions to help you make the right decision when purchasing an e-bike. This is part 2 of the post, which should lead you to the e-bike of your dreams.

6. HOW COMFORTABLE SHOULD MY E-BIKE BE?

If you had to divide the e-bike community up into two types of rider, you would probably end up with the two adjectives sporty and comfortable. Deciding which e-bike is right for you is also a question of convenience and comfort. For example, there are major differences between a city e-bike with a low step-through frame and a sporty e-racing bike. The geometries and frame designs also vary greatly within the respective bike categories, so we always recommend that you visit a specialist dealer for a test ride. This is the only way to determine which geometry and level of comfort are right for you.

7. WHAT FRAME SIZE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Selecting the correct size is also part of the geometry of an e-bike. An e-bike has to be the right size – otherwise all good intentions and goals will quickly be cast aside. There is no rule of thumb here, because the geometries of the different sizes differ with most manufacturers. For example, a size 58 bike from manufacturer A may have a different top tube length than one from manufacturer B. We also recommend an adjustment – and if possible even an analysis of the seating position – by an expert. Because once you find the right sized bike, the fun will come naturally!

By the way: if your dealer wants to make major modifications to make your e-bike fit, this is often a warning sign that the bike in question is not the best choice. It’s best to ask precisely why this is necessary.

8. WHICH EQUIPMENT OPTIONS MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO ME?

Although the drive system is the main feature of an e-bike, a number of other components also play a major role. One example is the groupset, which determines how many speeds the bike has and how easy it will be to get up the mountains. The integrated lighting system is extremely important for commuters because it is crucial for road safety. Brakes and tires are also important for safety. For example, the tire tread should offer the appropriate grip if you ride a lot on gravel roads. Or you may want to have a versatile rack fitted to your e-bike if you like to take extended tours. When it comes to comfort, the shape of the handlebars can also play a decisive role. And the e-bike display is also an important factor when it comes to technology: this raises question of how easy it is for you to operate the relevant e-bike and what information you want shown on the display.

9. WHICH SPECIAL FUNCTIONS AND OFFERS ARE IMPORTANT?

The optional extras also include various special functions that may be of great interest – depending on the intended use. One example are the FIT e-bike displays, which can be linked to the Komoot touring app. This lets you plan and follow up your tours in a fun way, which is certainly a strong selling point for touring fans. Another example might be certain services offered by the manufacturer that are linked to the respective model. The specialist dealer of your choice will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.

Find out more about using navigation and planning tours with Komoot in the article «E-bikes and Komoot: route planning made easy».

10. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME ABOUT THE DESIGN OF AN E-BIKE?

If you’ve made it this far in your decision making process, there’s only one thing left: the design of the bike. As we all know, tastes vary, so we can’t give any decisive advice here. However, we do recommend that you always visit the dealer to see a bike and the respective color live. With an increasing number of e-bikes on the market, there are no limits to your imagination. Most manufacturers offer their models in a variety of different colors.

On that note, have fun with your new e-bike and happy cycling!

14.03.2023