Flux (renamed to FLX Bike) is a brand new electric bike company that launched its first three models on Indiegogo in Q1 2016 at discounted rates… after just three days of funding they raised over $150k (more than 2x their funding goal) and I was given an opportunity to test ride the final prototype model for the Trail, a hardtail cross country style mountain ebike with some unique hardware and drive options. While the bike is only available in one sort of standard 19″ frame size, it does come in two colors including matte black and gloss white. I took some frame measurements and appreciated the lower 29″ standover height which was achieved with an angled top tube.
Driving the bike is a Bofeili mid mounted geared motor offering 250 watts nominal, 500 watts peak output. It’s a second generation build from Bofeili and I’m told the final Flux electric bikes will use a third generation that will respond more to pedal torque vs. cadence as I experienced. Also improving will be the torque output, rated at 65 Newton meters with gen 3. I did pretty well with this bike climbing some moderately steep fire roads in Southern California. Being able to change gears and have the mechanical advantage translated to you and the motor is wonderful for both power and efficiency. One complaint I have however is that the drive system doesn’t listen for shifting and it’s possible to mash gears if you’re not thoughtful about when and how you shift. This may be reduced with the gen 3 motor which relies more on torque, for my ride tests the motor was a bit delayed for both starting and stopping as shown in the video review above.
One of the really neat features that this and other Indiegogo Flux models will offer is throttle on demand in addition to pedal assist. You’ll be able to ramp up motor power more quickly from rest which somewhat negates the delayed starts I described earlier. While I did not see a throttle-only, level zero in the operation settings there were five levels of assist and I’m told that throttle will override. I’m not sure if you’ll be getting full power at all levels or be required to arrow up to the highest for maximum power. I was told that throttle top speed will be limited at 20 mph while pedal assist can reach ~25 mph making this a Class 3 speed pedelec.
The battery offers 36 volts 13 amp hours by default but you can get an upgraded 17 amp hour pack for a bit more which could extend range significantly when climbing. One of the neat features of this battery is that it’s partially mounted into the downtube creating a more natural look and lowering weight across the frame. Frankly, the bike looks awesome and the battery is part of the reason why but also the small, circular motor that almost disappears behind the chainring. The higher clearance that it offers is ideal for off-road use where rocks, logs and other debris could make contact. Note that the chainring does have a basic plastic guard that should help to keep the chain on track but won’t do a lot if you high-center the bike.
All things considered, I had a blast meeting Pete (one of the founding team members of Flux) and enjoyed the Trail bike. I love full suspension so the fact that you can pay a bit more and upgrade to that (and get an air fork!) is sweet but if you’re looking for a capable urban bike that would be easy to transform into a commuter while also still doing trails on the weekends then this is a solid option. It’s rare to find off-road speed pedelecs with throttles and while the Bofeili motor and 36 volt system weren’t the most powerful or responsive I’ve tested they did climb well enough, weren’t super loud and had integrated motor inhibitors so I felt like I could control the bike in more technical terrain given the slower motor stops. Some of this critical feedback may be moot given the incoming gen 3 motor but even at this level it worked pretty well. One thing I would consider adding here is a 27.2 mm seat post suspension for improved off-road comfort. I do love the locking grips, performance saddle, remote button pad and pedals but was told the final pedals may also change (but still offer good surface area and traction). We’ll see, feel free to chime in when you get yours to clarify anything that might have changed or been missed with this early review ;)
Pros:
- Very affordable Indiegogo price point, generous warranty for backers (changes to one year comprehensive for all later buyers which is still pretty good)
- Excellent drive system weight distribution, the battery is integrated into the downtube which looks clean and the motor is small, round and sleek
- Proven display panel interface… while it’s not removable the readouts are large, it backlit and the remote button pad is easy to interact with while riding (and doesn’t compromise your grip)
- Solid mid-level Shimano Alivio derailleur and trigger shifters with a good range of sprockets 11 to 40 teeth, worked well for climbing
- I’m told that the final version will have fender bosses, bottle cage bosses and rear rack mounting points, this will allow the bike to be used for commuting which is great since it’s a hardtail
- I love that Flux offers a rigid fork city design, the Trail which is a hardtail for a bit more and a full suspension model… if you don’t want to spend the money for full suspension consider a seat post shock with 27.2 mm diameter like this to improve comfort off-road
- I love that both wheels offer quick release, the axles are standard 10 mm skewers so this isn’t a full downhill model, more of a cross country… but the ability to remove the wheels quickly and easily along with the battery will make transport much easier
Cons:
- The display panel is fixed which could expose it to more damage if you’re riding off-road and flip the bike or lay it down, removable would be nice for these moments though it does swivel to reduce glare
- Only available in one frame size, standard 19″ which is somewhere between medium and large, the reach felt a little short to me and the handle bars were flipped during my ride test for some reason
- The final weight will likely be over 50 lbs because it will use an oil fork vs. air that I tested with, you may also increase the weight if you opt for the 17 amp hour battery
- This is an Indiegogo crowd-funded electric bike which may be delayed, changed or not delivered at all… the team seems honest and genuine but it’s a startup vs. an established brand
Resources:
- Official Site: http://flux.bike/en/
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/E1k4yFojidz925b77
Kenneth Klauss says
I had been in the market for an electric bike for several months. I checked into RadPower bikes but didn’t really want a fat tire bike. I also liked Shocke bikes and probably would have bought a new Surge if I hadn’t heard of Flux bikes. I held out for their IndieGoGo campaign to start before making a decision and I’m glad I waited. I have purchased one of their Roadster model bikes and am anxiously awaiting it’s delivery. The bike offers everything I have been looking for. I had a little bit of trouble with PayPal during the purchase and was in e-mail contact with Robert, one of the founders of Flux and he went out of his way to assist me when I was getting frustrated with PayPal. After buying the Roadster I received a call from Pete, another founder of Flux and we talked electric bikes for several minutes. He was very nice and I could tell he is totally a genuine person and is as excited about customers receiving their bikes as I am. Pete asked me if I had seen the review of their Trail model on EBR and I told him I had. I discovered EBR shortly after I decided to buy an electric bike and I think they do a fabulous job of reviewing various bikes and being totally honest. I want to thank EBR and Robert and Pete of Flux bikes for all they do and I’m looking forward to getting my bike.
Court Rye says
HEy Kenneth, thank you so much for the positive feedback! I’m glad the site helped you, that’s why I do it :D and yeah, the Flux team seems very genuine and energized. I hope your Roadster model arrives quickly and in great shape, feel free to chime in again with your real-world experiences.
Kenneth Klauss says
Thank you Court for responding so quickly. I will make another comment here after I have received my bike and have ridden it a few times. I told Pete from Flux how you came across to me as being honest and very likeable. He said he was impressed with how smart and knowledgeable you are and between the two of you it made my choice much easier.
Juan Camilo says
I have been looking for an electric bike for several days. Your reviews were really helpfull through the process, keep doing such a great job. I just decided to buy the Roadster hoping everything will work, it’s gonna be my transport mean to work every day. I’m looking forward to share my experience with my bike as soon as I get it. Thanks again
Court Rye says
Awesome! I hope the Roadster works great for you Juan, thanks for your positive feedback and sharing your experience :D
Phillip Blum says
Major props to Court Rye and whoever else is responsible for EBR. This website is amongst the very upper echelon of genuine review sites I have come across online. In a world full of clickbait review sites and biased advertising sites masquerading as review sites, EBR shines very brightly. The clarity, integrity and extensive knowledge come through in every review. You guys are the best!
I have taken the plunge with the Flux Trail, added a rack, upgraded battery and seatpost, and am hoping Flux pulls through and makes good on their promise. With about $700k in backing now – around 14 times their original goal, it seems highly likely they will come out of this as a successful e-bike company. Your detailed, knowledgeable and very impartial review of the flux trail helped me get off the fence and on the Flux e-bike bandwagon. Thanks!
Court Rye says
Hi Phillip! Thanks for all of your kind words… EBR is mostly just me (Court) but I do get some help moderating the forums from Tara and Ann and am grateful to Pete from Flux and other reps and shop owners across the world who have supported me with information or met me with their ebikes. I strive for impartiality and try my best to deliver objective data so people can make informed decisions and truly enjoy electric bikes… which I think are so awesome :D
Phillip Blum says
Thanks Court, you’re doing it right!
Kelly Barthel says
I have been reading reviews after reviews, looked everywhere and yet there is absolutely no mention if any of these motors or bikes water proof at all can get wet? I have had a total knee replacement and want to ride but it is difficult the places I used to ride were single track and rails to trails areas often had 2 to 3 inch deep puddles and some areas streams to cross. Am I crazy but is there no water anywhere else where people ride and this would never be a consideration when riding on a bike?
Court Rye says
Hi Kelly, most higher quality ebikes tend to hold up very well in rain, wet streets and even mud. A fellow in the UK bought a full suspension Easy Motion Neo Jumper a couple years back and posted lots of pictures where the whole thing was caked… You wouldn’t want to spray water from a hose at sensitive bits of the bike or submerge it but most of the motor hubs, cables and battery packs are designed to be highly water and dust resistant. The Flux is more of a value ebike with limited warranty and support, pay more for an Easy Motion, Haibike, IZIP, Pedego or Raleigh to get a more resilient product. There are other great brands as well… just a few that I know have good service there.
Ted Hughes says
Wanted to let you know that I bought a trail model today, and live in Austin. When it’s delivered I will let you know and feel free to hit me up if you want to ride it for a final review. I love the site, and want to help you any way I can considering how much help you provide all of us.. FYI I got the integrated light and rack. No bottle cage, even thought I knew that is sorta your thing. sns.
Court Rye says
Hey Ted! What a cool offer, thanks for chiming in and for the invite. I may be in Austin mid May and perhaps we can connect then if the bike has arrived :)
Andrew Ferrier says
I also had been looking for an ebike for a few months. I also was about to buy a Shocke bike, or maybe Lazer Motor Sports from Connecticut. I live in Western Mass. I love the crowd funding idea. I chose Flux bikes because of 1. price, 2. features, and 3. Court’s review. I had been (still do,) binge watching EBR reviews for weeks, so when Court covered Flux, I pounced on those sweet sweet indiegogo prices. I did have some doubt about crowdsource campaigns from postings in the forum, but…. Anyway, I ordered a Trail and a Roadster, for me and the wife. I jumped for all the stretch goals, too, except for the extra batteries. My thought is that battery tech is advancing so fast that by the time these batteries need replacing, the price will be more affordable. I can post updates hopefully by July :)
Court Rye says
Congrats Andrew! I hope the bike is great for you and your wife and would love to hear feedback about how it arrives, what it’s like to setup and how it holds up. I agree that battery tech is advancing and going for value now to see how you use it might be best before getting more packs :)
Austin Gillis says
Hey Court, Would you say it had as much get up and go as a BOSCH? I’m hesitant on the motor power.
Court Rye says
No, I don’t think this is as powerful, nearly as responsive or as reliable as Bosch. My favorite mid-drive right now is the Bosch CX which delivers slightly more torque (but really feels the same from what I’ve experience) I like how it’s tipped up and looks smaller than the 2015 Bosch motors. Brose feels weak on the Specialized Turbo Levo models and Impulse is nice but way more expensive and limited in who carries it… I also feel that the 250 watt impulse that’s low speed isn’t as powerful as Bosch. Anyway, when you consider price the entire conversation changes because the Flux is a great value and the team is hard working and responsive (which you might not get from a larger player). Most shops will help you a lot if you purchase from them so if that’s the case for you and they have a Haibike or Felt in your size at a good price you will get better performance (in my view) but that’ snot to say that Flux is bad in any way :)
AJ says
Great review. I’m seriously considering this bike. I own a Haibike RX 29er, this might be a great bike for my son or a bike I can use for my commute, saving my Haibike for weekends.
I love my Haibike but it doesn’t have a throttle and it’s one of the least stealthy ebikes out there. People are constantly commenting on the motor, which is really no big deal. But sometimes after a long day at work it’d be nice to just cruise home rather than peddling, even if it’s assisted pedaling. I wonder how this would feel side by side next to my Haibike.
I’m also curious about the range. They are saying 46 miles for the 17ah battery (612 watt hours Panasonic). What would the range be for the 13ah battery (468 watt hours Samsung)? Doing simple math it gives me about 34 miles assuming the same tires, but something tells me it’s not that simple.
Court Rye says
Hi AJ! I can’t be very accurate with range because I wasn’t able to test it fully (most of my reviews are limited in this way). But the formula I use to estimate is: divide the watt hours by 20 and round up a bit if it’s a mid-drive. So… with the 468 wh Samsung pack we might get 23 to 25 miles per charge when the battery is new and when using high assist or with the throttle (this estimate is for a 160 lb rider on paved flats). There are lots of variables to consider beyond this like lowering the assist level and not using the throttle or perhaps riding it up steep hills and with a heavier rider… but in general, I find this quick “rule of 20” to be close for today’s electric bikes.
Compared to your Haibike the flux will probably feel “not as good” as in, less responsive, less powerful and less smooth when shifting. But the throttle will probably be neat and useful and I bet your son will have a blast with it (and not trash your Haibike). I can relate to the comment you made about people asking and poking at the bike with the less stealthy designs… I get a lot of questions when I review them, sometimes when I’m filming! One guy was pretty rude and just cut in with “you’re going to have to reshoot, I have a question” but usually people wait patiently ;)
Steve says
Love your site and video reviews. Really helpful to get unbiased reviews and your experience shoes with details I hadn’t thought of. Great stuff. I’m looking at these flux bikes and think they tick a lot of boxes I look for in a bike. Are the attack bikes top speed (for the throttle) 20mph? We’ve got a farm so would hope they go faster or are hackable in some way. Any ideas? And do they ship to the uk or plan to? Keep up the great work!
Court Rye says
Thanks for the compliments Steve, yeah the top speed of this and most other electric bikes in the US is 20 mph (only 15.5 mph in parts of Europe). If you want to go faster there are kits and some off-road ebikes that cold be perfect for your farm. Here’s a list of some that I’ve reviewed :)
Phillip Blum says
I see that Flux is showing a top speed of 25 MPH with electric power, but they say there is a simple 10 second hack you can program through the controller that will remove that limit, and they will send you email instructions to do that if you ask. Their disclaimer is that it is strictly for use on private land.
Court Rye says
Interesting, he didn’t mention this to me when we metup for the review but I’m not surprised. There are several companies that have sold ebikes with open controllers that let you adjust top speed… including some old Pedego models, Stromer ST1 models and with some hardware hacks you can even do it for Bosch and BionX. It comes back to legal liability, how and where you intend to ride. Feel free to discuss it over in the forums as others might know how this works and be willing to help you out (or maybe you’ll be helping them!)
Courtney says
court curious if you consider this bike pretty large? my biggest concern is the frame size or fit for me— 5ft 6 inch woman. if i am measuring correctly the reach you list seems 2-3 inches longer than the cemoto i have now which concerns me, most of the riders/especially women in the videos seem to be riding with their arms totally straightened which i thought was incorrect. would this be something i can buy maybe an adjustable riser and different handlebars to change/shorten that? standover seems to be fine. thank you
Court Rye says
Sorry for the late reply Courtney (that’s actually my full name as well!) I think you can buy different sized or adjustable stems as well as handle bars. I’m glad all of the measurements I provided have come in handy for you. In my experience this bike felt medium/small. If the standover works then go for it and I’m sure that with some help from your local shop or some digging on Amazon you’ll be able to dial it in. Do feel free to report back on your experience and about the size of stems or bars you use, always interesting to hear ;)
Courtney says
Thanks so much for adding that, small to medium would be perfect, buying an easy motion street, sure i will love it but might pick up a flux too if it would fit me really want that throttle and full suspension.
i posted on one of the forums about if you could make a diagram with exactly how you take your geometry measurements that would be great, would help me be able to compare some stuff to the bikes i have now, thank you for all you do on here, i have learned a lot from this site
Shane says
I am just starting to look at electric bikes, but I am confused by this company. I was looking at the Roadster model, but for what you get it really seems like a $2100 bike not the 1499 they have it listed for. Granted the model here is the trail bike, but maybe having ridden it and other bikes you can tell me what I am missing. Are these bikes really as good a deal as they seem?
Court Rye says
Hi Shane, great question… They seem to be going direct to consumer through crowd funding and might be taking smaller margins. The person I met with for the interview was younger, very hard working and seemed to have a startup bootstrap sprit to make a name for himself. Shops usually take a 30%+ margin markup from what manufacture cost is so without them you save money but also miss out on setup, ongoing support, demo rides etc. so it’s a trade-off. You’re also betting on a new company that might not be around for as long as something more established like Specialized, Pedego, IZIP or others. Hope this helps!
Eugene says
Could you please clarify how powerful is the motor of this bike? It says 250W nominal but 500W peak, and then it has 65 Newton meters torque which seems to be pretty high. How fast can I go on this bike on a flat surface (I weigh 180lb) on throttle only and how hard will it be to climb a 45 degree hill?
Court Rye says
Hi Eugene! I report what the company lists (or what is stamped on the hubs, batteries etc.) but my experience with the bike felt solid… not the most powerful or fast, but they said this wasn’t the final motor. It’s SOOOO difficult to do reviews in situations like this, I can’t say for sure and it’s even harder given that we weigh different amounts and I’m not sure how steep the hills I tried were. I’m going to estimate a solid 18 mph operation and struggling without help up medium to large hills.
Dominic says
Hi, I have ordered through Indigogo a gunmetal grey Trail bike that is coming to London UK. Unfortunately I need to see it as I need the money now. As yet it hasn’t arrived but if anybody is keen on one at the Indigogo price plus shipping I paid, I am not looking to make money on it, just recuperate what I spent. Let me know [email protected].
Court Rye says
Hi Dominic! Sorry to hear you’ve got to sell the bike so quickly, I hope everything is alright for you personally :( feel free to also post this message in the Forums under “for sale” here.
Mike says
Hi Court, I have been looking into buying an E-bike for the last couple months. Your site and video reviews have been a great help. I really love the options on this bike, but I’m not sure about buying a bike from a startup company. Has anyone seen delivery of the final bike with the Gen 3 motor? Are there any other bikes from other manufactures like this with a trigger throttle?
Court Rye says
In this price range the FLX is unique with the trigger throttle but check out Volton! They have been around for quite some time and use trusted 8Fun mid-drive motors that offer assist and throttle (though I think it’s a twist throttle). Maybe you could ask about getting it swapped to trigger or try to do it yourself? You don’t have to wait or go through crowd funding either. That said, I feel like FLX is for real and will deliver, I think their system is solid :)
Roger says
Apparently they are now shipping the first 200 bikes. Would like to see a updated review & they showed on one video he was doing 25mph throttle only & did 37 mph with pedaling but the speed limiter was at max, here’s the video. They have also shown a video of how they do a final check & inspection list before shipping. The last think I want to show is how precise they are trying to make these bikes to get them right with this video & is refreshing they show this to the consumer IMHO. Any response Court would be awesome if you have heard anything else. Love your channel & have been looking & doing research on getting a e-bike for several months now I just do not jump into it. I am old & fat gonna get a bike for relaxation & a bit of exercise & this bike might be the one for me.
Court Rye says
Hi Roger! Thanks for the great links, I haven’t heard specific updates from FLX but look forward to testing their new models at some point :D glad my site has been making your process of discovery and deciding on an ebike a little easier. I’d love to hear how things work out when you get one and have a chance to ride and test it yourself. Good for you, getting healthy and looking for ways to get outside!
Theo van den Helder says
Hi Court, I have been watching your very helpful reviews and am in the market for an electric bike. My main concern with the FLX is the sizing. I am 6’3″ and worried that this bike will prove too small. What are your thoughts?
Court Rye says
Hi Theo! Yeah… I think the bike would be on the small size for you. Workable, but small… and there are other models on the market that come in a range of sizes. Haibike does a great job at this and while I realize their stuff costs a lot more, you could get a Yamaha powered SDURO model for a good price. Something like the HardSeven or maybe a hardtail 29er in the $2600 range.
Akeem says
Hey just wanted to say I Purchased this bike a few months ago after watching your review, I’ve been thinking about buying an electric bike after discovering your excellent video’s 2 years ago!! haha I finally pulled the trigger due to the seemingly great value of the FLX bike. It arrives on Wed so I’ll be sure to let you know my first impressions!!! keep up the great work!!! Also I second the previous comment above, Pete has been amazing keeping us up to date, he has even reached out to me personally on multiple occasions to give me updates as well as trying to schedule an early test ride when I was out in San Francisco. The start of an awesome company I hope!
Court Rye says
Sweet! I hope you love it Akeem and please chime in again when you have a chance to test it out. Pete was a lot of fun and it’s always inspiring to meet people who are creating something and have that passion. So glad EBR helped you find a great bike, I hope it delivers the fun and utility you’re hoping for :D
Paul says
Court, The first delivery of Trails have been on the streets for a few weeks, the first roadsters are just getting delivered. I’m sure that any one of the new owners (like myself) would be glad to lend you a bike for a new review. The FLX team has encountered a couple hiccups in shipping but are delivering a product that has owners quite happy. If you want to find one near you check in on the owner’s group FB page.
Court Rye says
Cool! Thanks Paul, I’d love to check out the production versions of these bikes and appreciate the link to their FB page. I’m in Colorado now for a bit, what part of the country or world are you in?
Paul says
Court. My comment and your reply aren’t loading but… the site did have a map of owners (orders are stacked by zip so only the top one shows). If you’d like to share your location in CO I could ask on Ride FLX to try and hook you up. Two containers of Trails and Roadsters have arrived to destinations so I suspect there’s a bike near you. I’m in Seattle btw. You can email me directly if you’d like.
Court Rye says
Thanks Paul! Yeah, if you’re active on the FB group and come across someone from Fort Collins or near there we could make an introduction and I could go film. That would be fun… it’s always neat to meet people and get their actual ride feedback in addition to my standard overview video stuff. I’ll keep tinkering with the system here to resolve the issues you’re describing with comments :)
Paul says
Court, I’ll check. BTW I started the group and it is not affiliated with the company, just owners/backers.
Your review was a big part of their startup success, and now that I have mine I’ll confirm the accuracy of your initial review. P
Court Rye says
Awesome! That’s why I do the site, try to provide as much information as I can to help guide people towards a good decision… but I know it’s usually more of an overview than a true deep look, that’s why it’s so great to receive feedback and comments! So thanks again Paul :D
Paul says
I’ve got someone in FC with an Attack model that’s willing. Send me contact info to pass on please
Court Rye says
Cool! Text or call me and maybe we can set something up. Appreciate your help Paul :D
Tony Bradshaw says
For months now I have had to ask for updates …. today I got an e-mail .. “On Thursday September 29th, we sent for the first time, 2 containers in one day. Early backers from Canada and Europe will be FLXing in no time! We can’t thank you enough for staying positive while we pushed to get your bikes out. We’ll send out shipment notifications within the next week, so keep an eye on your inbox and spam box!” ………I replied … If you sent the container on the 29th Sept , you should know who you are sending them to ?…so why not lets us know who?…… All I have heard for months now is be patient you bike is on its way …. it was to be the end of August, then September , now it is October and still no sign ….. what is going on ????……wasting time on “Cool Videos” does not deliver goods to paying customers!!… Less promises and more action would be welcome.
Court Rye says
Ouch… sorry for the wait Tony. Hope they’re able to speed the process up and get your bike delivered. That’s one of the big challenges with crowdfunding, and not being able to look at the real bike (when I do reviews). You make a good point about focusing on delivery vs. marketing and promotion. Sometimes one part of the team is free and moving fast and the other is hit with delays or manufacturer holdups (or even shipping issues). Not sure what the deal is here but I know there’s a lot of enthusiasm behind FLX and I hope they can make it right for you. Please chime in again when the bike eventually does come, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
Mark says
Stay away from FLX until they get further along. I have been waiting more than 6 months now and their communication is just terrible. They still can’t provide me an ETA and say on their form don’t even bother asking for a delivery update at this time. Terrible customer service!
Court Rye says
Bummer Mark… that’s the risk of crowd funding and one of the reason’s I’m hesitant to review pre-production. I hope the bike eventually comes and I really appreciate you sharing the challenges here to inform others and motivate the company to hit their goals :/
Guy says
They started out with decent communication but since have gone pretty much silent short of a bi weekly youtube video that gives no answers just short clips of “look we are shipping some more bikes!”. They claimed they would have everything caught up by early November then release a video of them JUST getting the frames in. No explanation to the delay or why when just a week ago they said they would have them all ready to go and now they won’t be ready to go for 1-2 more weeks. As much as I want to love this company they have really dropped the ball on anything related to customer service
Court Rye says
Thanks for the updates Guy, I’m sure they’re working hard but sounds like they’re past due… you can save money with crowd funded products and it feels nice to help launch a new company but these are some of the trade offs I hear about. Some people have been waiting years for their Copenhagen Wheel ebike kits. I just hope your FLX arrives in the coming weeks/months so you can enjoy it :)
Terry says
Hey Court, I was wondering if you would review a ready-to-ship bike that’s on Indiegogo? (Actually, about to go on Indiegogo.)
Court Rye says
Hi Terry! I do my best to review a broad range of electric bikes and have an open mind, feel free to reach out via my contact form here and share the details. Maybe we can figure out how to do it :)
Mark says
Well my bike did finally arrive, 8 full months later! Arrived in good shape and after one short ride i am very happy with the bike,
Court Rye says
Awesome!! Thanks for the update Mark :)
Randy says
Court, we purchased two FLX trails and recently received them in good condition. My wife put hers together (I am deployed in Afghanistan) and then visited the local bike shop for their help in fitting the bike to her (5′). They did an excellent job of fitting and she said everyone wanted to check out the bike calling her a ROCKSTAR. They thought it was an excellent bike and calibrated everything for her. She loves the bike and it provides her the mobility and fun she has been missing since being diagnosed with MS. She told me a man just looked at her with an open mouth as she casually rode her bike up a hill by his house. lol I get home next month and am very excited to check out my Trail. We look forward to many years of riding bikes together and thank FLX for providing our family with the bikes we purchased.
Court Rye says
Hey Randy! First of all, thanks for your service and sacrifice being away from your family. It’s cool that your wife is getting rockstar treatment back home, I bet she’s stoked for your next visit so you can ride together :)
Good call having it brought to a shop for the close inspection and fitting, that should make it last longer and more fun to ride. I hope she’s able to recover to full health or can at least enjoy her time more fully with e-assist technology. One of my close family friends has MS as well. Much love.
Randy says
Thank you Court for the kind words and I will be back home in 16 days after 18 months out of country. I think many folks who buy an ebike for the first time dont know what to expect when their bike gets to their house. I dont want a moped and I want the bike to be equipment for increased health in my older age (52) but also so my wife and I can bike together with the pedal assist being the great equalizer between our physical capabilities. We are looking forward to taking weekend trips towing our stuff for the overnight stay. Thank you for your review and I am sure you have to be subjective to comparing bikes of equal value and capabilities. My wife loves her bike and other FLX customers are already looking for something else as they found out that their needs are different than what they paid for from FLX. Not good or bad just needed more torque for mountain bike adventures or they rode a 48v more powerful bike and like the feel of that bike. I would love to have a Raptor with a big engine but unfortuantely my pay doesnt provide for that kind of purchase. : )
Thanks again for what you provide to us new and experienced EBike riders and have a Merry Christmas!
Randy
Court Rye says
Thanks Randy! I’m visiting my girlfriend’s parents for the holidays so not a lot of cycling going on at the moment. Sounds like you’re enjoying ebikes and you get the balance between cost, power and weight vs. something to just get out there together with your wife and ride. Safe travels and Merry Christmas :)
Phillip Blum says
Hey Court, I’m still a big fan of your site! Now that the FLX is in full production, it would be a great time to update your review. Especially since so much of the article was full of statements like “It’s a second generation build from Bofeili and I’m told the final Flux electric bikes will use a third generation that will respond more to pedal torque vs. cadence as I experienced” which are no longer accurate. So many of those open questions have now been answered, and at least 6 containers full of FLXs have been shipped out and received by their new owners, and now anybody can go online and order one direct, without the uncertainty of the crowd funding campaign. I’m really looking forward to hearing your take on the final FLX Trail production design, and also your opinions on the Attack full suspension model, and street version as well. Phil
Court Rye says
Hi Phil! I’m hoping to review the final FLX at some point but have 20 other bikes filmed and a packed schedule for the next several weeks shooting Easy Motion, IZIP, Raleigh, Pedego and others. The space has grown to a point where I struggle to keep up and cover everything. I really appreciate your comment here and hope that maybe owners can chime in on the comments and FLX forum here to fill in the gaps until I’m able to get out and ride the latest versions!
Benny Can says
I have the FLX bike. I have logged 1200 miles in 6 months. The bike itself is a good bike but after sales service needs improvements. The email response is lack luster. There is however a FLX owners group that frequently post mods or solutions to issues other FLXers have. The group helps a lot with with each others problems no thanks to the company. In other words bike good but you’re on your own after buying the bike.
Court Rye says
Hmm, thanks for sharing this update Benny. I’m glad you’re enjoying the bike and hope FLX can get more engaged with their customers. I also struggle sometimes with the emails and comments that show up on my work. I guess I’m giving away a service vs. selling it but I can relate to how a smaller company might be overwhelmed. It’s great that you can help each other :)
Sami says
Hi Benny. I’m hoping you can point me in the direction of the FLX Owners Group. I just bought a roadster that I very much enjoy riding. Problem is that there is an annoying squeak/chirp when I pedal. Not when I coast and not when I use the throttle. I’ve contacted FLX but they haven’t been able to help. So I’m wondering if there are other owners who’ve experienced the same problem and who might be able to offer up a solution. Thanks Sami
Ben Vos says
I’m curious to get your take on the Gen 2 FLX bikes…and on their new model, the 1000-watt FLX Blade.
They’ve switched from Bofelli to Bafang. The new motor goes from 250 up to 350 watts on the 36v Roadster, Trail, and Attack…and there’s optional 750 or 1000-watt motors on the 48v Blade.
I own a Gen1 Roadster and mainly ride on rough streets (with epic potholes) in a hilly part of western Pennsylvania. I’m wondering what the practical differences would be between what I have now (250w, 36v) and the 750 or 1000w, 48v Blade. I’m looking for something to make riding much easier (for the bike to be able to do more of the work) since I have some physical limitations and can’t drive a car.
Penny for your thoughts?
Court Rye says
Hi Ben! I tend to switch ebikes on an annual basis… Iif you’ve got the money and can justify getting a new model and recouping some of your first spend by selling the Gen1 used, I’m sure the Gen2 would feel more powerful. There are a lot of options out today, I tend to avoid anything over 750 watts due to liability concerns (since the max nominal legal in the US is 750). The guys from FLX Bike seem cool, haveyou enjoyed your first generation or were there shortcomings that you hope to overcome with an updated model?
TAMMY says
I am glad to see these comments, because I ordered the FLX attack the at the end of March and still have not received it. It has been paid for yet I have no bike..i am hoping they ship it soon because I am on the verge of calling and cancelling this order. Al lot of people keep telling me it is a scam. I would like to know how long it took others to get their bikes.
Court Rye says
Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that TAMMY, I do my best to explain what I see… and to actually show it, but there can be a difference between a marketing person with a demo bike and the real thing. Constructive (and critical) comments from real customers is what really matters and I do my very best to provide a safe space for that here. I wish you luck and invite you to share more if and when you get your bike.
Charles says
Bought a G1 Roadster and waited and waited for the bike. When it did finally come it had significant damage as the result of being opened, stuffed back in the box, and then shipped. I contacted Flx and at first they were receptive, but ultimately they did nothing and I haven’t heard anything from them for over 6 months now. Even though the bike was discounted, I payed a fair amount for the bike and shipping. I wouldn’t have purchased the bike in the condition it arrived. Ultimately, I’ve given up on them, but would certainly not purchase from them again.
Now for the the bike it self outside of shipping issues. Several things, the throttle is lame. It has a delay and slow acceleration that make it worthless in my opinion. I’ve ridden other e-bikes with a throttle and they accelerate immediately and hard. The controller was stuffed into the hollow tube behind the battery with no padding so it rattled like crazy. I tore everything apart trying to find it and finally found the problem and fixed it. Now the really bad news. From the beginning the crank/motor would make a clunk sound and the pedals would turn like a gear had slipped a tooth. Now only 400 miles later the freewheel has failed. If you’re pedaling and stop, the crank and pedals keep going. Under power! Very dangerous! It also makes some horrible sounds from the motor.
Bottom line, I would steer clear of this company, it’s bikes, and lack of customer service!
Court Rye says
Hi Charles, thanks for sharing your experience with Flx and being constructive about it. I’m sorry to hear that you went through this uncomfortable experience, both getting and using the bike. I know how frustrating it can be to have to wait for something that costs a lot and that you are excited to use and then feel let down! Having it arrive in less than perfect condition is like salt on the wound :(
Maybe your comment here will help other people to identify and fix the rattling issue or know what to expect with the throttle. Many of these companies are continuously improving and I hope Flx can get it right in the future, or that your experience is not the norm, because they have a lot of enthusiasm and marketing experience. In any case, thanks again for sharing here, feel free to post in the Flx section of the forums as well if you care to. I hope things get better or that your next experience with a different company isn’t so rough.
Pete says
Hi Charles. I’m so sorry that you’ve had such a poor experience with FLX so far. I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been to receive your bike in that condition. Our old shipping company certainly didn’t use the most amount of care when delivering our precise cargo, which is the main reason we’re no longer using them. This obviously doesn’t help your situation though!
The first delivery of our ‘Generation One’ bikes did have a few issues as you’ve accurately pointed out. We limited the throttle output from a standstill to make sure the motor gears would last a long time. The controller rattle was unfortunately only noticed after we’d delivered the first few hundred bikes. An easy fix but definitely annoying If you weren’t aware of its cause. All later models had the issue rectified.
We still love the Bofeili motor. It’s a compact, powerful design (for the size) that really blends in well with the bike. However, we have had a few customers who experienced gear failures like yourself. We’re still carrying out investigations as to why this happened and hope the issue will be answered in Bofeili’s latest motor design. We’ve also changed motor manufacturer now and are currently using Bafang on our ‘Generation Two’ bikes as they have a fantastic reputation for reliability and quality control. They also have more torque and power.
Huge apologies again for all the hassle this has caused you Charles. I’m writing this response here as our customer support team has tried reaching out to resolve the situation. I’ve also tried reaching out personally via email, IM and cell phone. Hope you find the messages and give us another chance to make things right for you. We’ve worked so hard on all these bikes and know we can drastically improve your FLX experience! Hopefully hear from you soon Charles.
Sincerely,
Pete.
Court Rye says
Wow, I for one really appreciate you guys acknowledging the shortcomings of your first batch of bikes and trying to offer some support and feedback about what has changed since then Pete. Thank you for chiming in here and I wish you guys all the best of luck as you continue growing the company :)