To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by FLX Electric Bikes. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of FLX products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the FLX electric bike forums.
Pros:
- A single speed road bike with a reliable and smooth belt drive, very aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design that hides the battery and uses a no-nonsense display, also comes in a variety of color ways to choose from
- Currently a crowd funded effort, the bike is in pre-production so some minor details may change, but the foundations are here and the company and testers seem to agree, this is the setup to go with
- Mechanically, it is operated by a single speed belt drive, it has a 64 cog ring in the front and 22 cogs in the rear, this makes the bike no only very smooth and quiet, but also means less maintenance since you don’t have to lube the belt and in addition, since it is made of rubber, it will not rust over time, overall, this is more reliable too, so a great choice
- Stopping the bike are a set of rim brakes (sometimes called ‘cantilever brakes’, ‘linear pull brakes, or ‘v brakes’), sometimes these are a listed as a con for bikes since they are a more basic technology, but on the Baby Maker, it is high-end for what it is since it makes use of a dual contact point, rather than just simple one sided brakes
- The brake levers are short and slim since they are mounted inward on the handle bar, I prefer this compared to other road bikes that put them on the outer horns, these are easier to reach in a bind and have a natural feel to them
- Since this is a road bike, it is only natural you get 700c x 28 thin road tires, these make the bike extremely efficient and quick on paved surfaces and feature a deep section rim so you have stouter, stronger spokes, I would say its not good for off-road use, but I did take it on some grass during testing and it did surprisingly well
- The handlebar section is done nicely, it has a very short stem with just a slight rise to it for active riding, the handles themselves are a bull-horn style with a 135 degree bend to them and gripped bar tape, this setup allows for a lot of different riding position possibilities and is a preferred setup for a road bike
- If the bike is too stiff for your taste, but you still want to make it work for you, they have a 30.9mm seat post, you could swap this rigid seat post out with a suspension seat post like a Kinekt suspension seat post or a SR SunTour NCX seat post
- The 36v 7ah battery is hidden in the down tube of the frame, it can be removed (with some effort) and I try to lay out some instructions in the review video if you are interested in doing so, I think with the smaller amp hour rating, you may be able to bring this bike in air travel via FAA regulations for traveling with electric bikes
- Here at Electric Bike Review, we are big fans of bottle cage bosses, so I am happy to say that they are here on this bike and that is a great addition for a lot of reasons, you can fit a number of accessories on them, not just water bottles, there are aftermarket add-ons like a GPS tracker, a folding lock, mounting points for racks, and many others that can get your bike setup just the way you want
- The display is small, minimal, and out of the way, some may wish for a larger display with more options, but I feel the compact display will match most desires the rider of a road bike like this might want, it has a 5 bar battery infographic and up and down arrow for pedal assist, I like that its one of the many ways the bike stays stealthy and doesn’t scream ‘electric’ when parked or riding
- Uses a 250 watt nominal 350 watt peak hub-drive motor from AKM, a newer motor company to me, but they have been around making motors in other industries and applications, it offers a 20mph top speed, good performance for the size, and high-resolution 12 magnet cadence based pedal assist
- The bike is comes in at just a mere 33lbs and that weight includes the battery, motor, and everything on the bike ready to ride, this is extremely lightweight for an electric bike and right where you want to be for road bike performance
- That 33lbs helps drive the bike to one of its strongest points, the way it rides, it is incredibly nimble and agile, the balance is even wonderful, you could ride no-hands very comfortably and easily, this is one of the biggest wins for the bike overall
Cons:
- After reaching your 20mph top speed (which is not hard for an active rider on a lightweight bike) you lose tension in the pedals and just start coasting, this is really easy to do in the highest level of pedal assist (level 5), so I would recommend using this mode mostly for hills and such
- The minimal display is great, but as mentioned, it may not be for everyone, it lacks an accurate battery percentage level readout in favor of a less accurate 5 bar infographic in 20% increments, some new bikes offer the percentage readout as well as smartphone integration and other readouts
- The battery is not easily removable, unless you really know what you are doing, I do not recommend taking it out at all, the video briefly shows you how if you are interested, but on average, I wouldn’t consider this a removable battery by conventional standards
- In addition to that, having the battery not easily removed means that your riding and parking may be limited in extreme hot or cold weather, for example, living here in Utah, I would shelf the bike for the winter in the garage and still try to remove the battery and store it inside to keep it healthy and functioning
- Although there are bottle cage bosses as mentioned, the bike lacks both fender provisions as well as rack provisions, so it may not be a keen commuter setup, most of what you carry around with you will have to be in a backpack of some sorts
- Make sure you know what you are getting into with the aggressive riding position and active narrow saddle, this is meant to keep most of your weight forward and keep your butt off the seat, so it is not the most comfortable bike for sitting around, more made for standing and pedaling so do be aware of that
- Similarly, the frame only comes in this high-step style, and it is quite a high-step, so not very approachable, this may not be great if this is your first electric bike or if you haven’t been on a bike in a very long time, but if it works for you, it is really great once you get on and situated
- There are no battery integrated lights here, not a big deal on some road bikes, but it is a neat feature on ebikes that you are seeing more and more of each day, great for safety and visibility and when they are wired into the battery already, you don’t have to worry about them dying out on you
- The rim brakes actually work well here as noted in one of the PRO bullet points, but I should mention that unlike some electric bikes, this lacks motor inhibitors, motor inhibitors are cut-off signals built into the brake levers that switch off the electric motor when braking to make stopping even more quick and effective, so it is a shame they are not present here
Resources:
- Official Site: FLX Electric Bikes Official Website
Dale says
My jaw dropped when I saw “36v 17ah battery” in the summary. Made more sense in the specs “Battery Amp Hours: 7 ah”
Court says
Ahhh, oops, thanks for the heads up Dale. I’ll fix that :)
Eric K says
Very clean design and seems like a reasonable price tag!
Court says
Yeah, this is a special one, neat to see them creating new fast fun ebikes… with fun names :P
Santiago G Tello says
This ebike is not worth it is almost $2000 and FLX tell you you will receive this ebikes in about three months that is B.S. is over a year don’t follow in they scam.
Court says
I’m so sorry to hear about your difficult experience with FLX, Santiago :(
Adan says
I own a Baby Maker, probably the first one sold by FLX. I got interested after reading the review on this site, so when I was in San Diego recently I called them up for a test ride. The test ride impressed me, and to my surprise they offered to sell me one of their Beta models. I had some reservations about buying a pre-production bike, but in the end I bought it and took home to the Bay Area.
My assessment: the Baby Maker is a great combination of being lightweight, fast, fun, low maintenance, and afforcable. I don’t think there’s anything quite like it considering all those factors. The single speed belt is a big plus for me to minimize maintenance on a commuter. The frame and aggressive body position are probably best suited short stints, but the bike works quite well for my 35 mile roundtrip commute.
There are 5 levels of assist. Levels 1 and 2 boost your start, but cut out at about 5 and 10 mph respectively. The start boost is actually quite useful on a single speed, so I’ll usually leave it in one of these lower gears for stop and go city riding. Level 3 I’ve been using the least. It will help you cruise at about 15 mph, but generally if I’m on a long level stretch I’ll pedal without assist, as I can easily maintain 18 mph that way. Levels 4 and 5 I save for stiff headwinds or hills. On level 5 you can rocket up any hill, the torque and quickness is impressive. The top 2 levels are ridiculous fun. I predict it’s the rabbity feel in these levels more than anything else that will sell Baby Makers.
FLX says the motor will assist up to 25 mph. The real limitation is not the motor but the gearing. I find myself spinning out at 22 mph. The fun and usefullness is in how quickly it gets there.
FLX says the range is 10 to 35 miles. That’s consistent with my experience, but with the important caveat that the Baby Maker can pedal rather easily without assist on level ground. So in that sense the “Range” can be quite a bit longer. Going uphill it is not so much the weight weight as the gearing that forces you to use the assist.
My Beta model lacks rack and fender attachment points, which is fine with me. The folks at FLX told me the production version will have them.
I see tremendous value here for $2,000. I hope FLX can sell a lot of these.
A somewhat comparable ebike might be the Orbea Gain. Carbon Fiber Gains weigh less than the Baby Maker and cost considerably more. But the Gain is a different engineering approach. The assist on the Gain serves to enhance your effort but not replace it. The Baby Maker by contrast can move you expeditiously with little or no effort on your part if that’s how you want to use it.
Court says
What a great comment, Adan! It was awesome to read about your experience with FLX, getting one of the pre-production models… I’m so glad it has performed well for you. Drop by any time to post updates, I hope it lasts and provides many miles of smiles :D
Adan says
My Baby Maker developed a severe clacking sound from the crankset. Sounds like something’s going to break so I’ve had to stop riding until FLX addresses it. There is also a problem with the accuracy of the battery indicator, it shows a full charge until the battery is about to go dead. These are the sort of teething problems I was hoping I wouldn’t be dealing with in owning a beta bike, and now I’m dealing with them. The bummer is I was really enjoying the bike, it’s been a great tool for my commute. I hate that I can’t ride it. The good news is I’m in direct contact with the top guy at FLX and he has assured me all will be good. I’ll send updates.
Court says
Hi Adan, I’m glad FLX has been there to support you. Did you get the bottom bracket wet? I’ve seen traditional bicycle bottom brackets “creak” over time as dust and water get in there. Perhaps it could use some grease or a tune-up from a bicycle mechanic to make sure everything is tight and solid.
Adan says
Thanks for the comment, Court. The sound I’m hearing is like someone’s hitting the bottom bracket with a hammer. You can hear it from half a block away. It’s much louder than I would expect if all that was needed was a tune up. But we’ll see. I’m still waiting to hear from FLX what they propose. I suppose this isn’t much interest to your readers since you can’t even order a Baby Maker yet. Maybe this becomes a fable about the perils of owning a pre-production bike.
Court says
Bummer! I really hope you’re able to get some answers and help, Adan. In the meantime, thanks for sharing about your situation, and good luck!
Adan says
Got my Babymaker running again. It just required cleaning up the bottom bracket. However, now I’m having problems with the front tire going flat repeatedly, and then it’s incredibly difficult to refit a tube and tire. The tire and wheel don’t match up well. A new tire might solve it, but this shouldn’t be a problem on a new bike. As I said in my initial review, I own a Beta model, so this might be something they clean up in the production version.
I still like the Babymaker, but the problems I’ve had make me doubt the overall quality. My understanding is this is a chinese-made bike, and regrettably, at least for my beta version, it behaves like one.
Court says
Thanks for following up with us here, Adan! Sorry to hear that the bike has had some quality issues for you. Hope it stays consistent and the issues settles so you can enjoy the bike :)
John Amish says
This is scam deal if I’ve ever seen one. I ordered/purchased the ebike pro on August 14, 2020 and still havent received it. It is now January 16, 2021. I tried to get my money back but the company refuses to give a refund. Looks like I’m going to lose $1569.00. From all the negative responses I’ve read on this bike I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m lucky I haven’t received it. Please be aware of the company’s sales and promotion information and purchase your new bike from a reputable local dealer.
Court says
That totally sucks. I’m so sorry John… I don’t know the status with FLX, but we chose to cover this one because they had delivered on crowdfunded products in the past. I think that the pandemic and supply chain issues have made it very difficult to source certain parts, and that is causing massive delays for some companies. Maybe that’s the case with FLX, and they just didn’t hire enough support staff or are struggling to communicate properly. I don’t know the situation, but I’m really sorry that you still haven’t gotten your bike :/
Jakob says
I must say that I too was left underwhelmed by the FLX organisation. I was excited about the pre hype of the babymaker, made the down payment and never heard further. I wrongly assumed it was just a waiting game as I followed their blog updates. I contacted them in order to have the bike delivered to an address in Denmark instead of UK. Only to be advised that my order had been lost and that an email should have gone out to me requesting payment but hadn’t left their servers. They promptly refunded my initial deposit and suggested I ordered the bike again. I didn’t actually want the deposit back, I wanted them to honour the original locked in pre hype price but they refused. Their story changed a few times over a couple of months in terms of what did and didn’t happen, depending on who in customer service you got on the chat and I have now come to accept that its not going to happen. Maybe the BM is the right idea and philosophy but the execution and customer service is absent.
Court says
Hmm, thanks for sharing your experience here with us, Jakob. I’m sorry that things haven’t worked out super well, that sounds disappointing :(
Karif says
Same here! Ordered mine same time and honestly it feels like I’ve been ripped off at this point…
Mario M says
John I ordered mine a week after you did and I just got mine 2 weeks ago. I’ve only put one bike together before but this was pretty straightforward with the help of an online video. Took me about an hour. This is my first ebike and I have to say it’s pretty awesome. Much faster and so much easier up hills than I thought it would be. I hope you got yours already and are enjoying it as much as I am.
Randall F Johnson says
Where is a retail store for FLX Baby Maker, close to American Fork, Utah?
Court says
Hi Randall, I’m not sure FLX sells through any bicycle retailers. I think that you must order purchase online and have it shipped. Perhaps I’m wrong, but that’s my best guess. I recommend calling them to ask :)
Jamshid Faryar says
How about an airless tire option, for a truly low-maintenance ride.
Court says
Hey! I’ve seen a few bike tires that use foam instead of air. I’ve heard that they can be less comfortable, and weight more, but it’s a great idea… especially for electric bikes, since the weight is less of an issue :D I think Specialized and Trek have some cool runflat bike tires worth checking out. I rode one of the Specialized models last year (it was an analog bike vs. electric) and it felt pretty good. I couldn’t find the tires alone, but this is the bike that was using them.
Josh says
How does it do on hills? My commute ends with about a 400′ climb over about 3/4 of a mile, with a couple pretty steep spots (here on the bench in Utah). Could it handle that with the single gear (without killing me)? Thanks!
Court says
Hi Josh! I’d consider the Baby Maker to be a more active ebike, where you trade power for lighter weight. The 250 watt motor provides great support once the bike is moving, but not enough to start a climb without pedaling along. One way to deal with this, especially on a single speed, is to start at an angle if you’re already on an incline. Do I think it would work for you? Sure, it probably won’t kill you, just don’t expect an efficient little hub motor to propel you without some effort… learn how to work with the motor and temper your expectations, and you’ll enjoy it! Even the most powerful hub motors can struggle when starting from standstill on an incline… you might still have to pedal, but at least you could downshift before stopping and then have your own pedaling mechanical advantage with one of the more powerful ebikes vs. this one. But then again, they will probably weigh more, cost more, and require more maintenance.
Andy says
Here is a fun/interesting video I found on YouTube of the ebike going uphill.
Court says
That’s awesome! Thanks for the video link, Andy ;)
Sam says
The Indiegogo campaign has me intrigued but I cannot figure out if this company is legit, a cheap chinese scam, or a scrappy startup with a great idea and moderate execution. Also, I am curious if a 250W rear mounted hub motor will be enough to get me to work without being a sweaty mess. I work in a professional environment and don’t have access to a locker to store clothes in the office.
I am a 180lb/80kg rider with a 6.6 mile round trip commute living in the Midwest. Ideally, I would throw a pannier on the back for short grocery trips as well. Do you think this bike will do the trick? Would getting a belt drive and disc brakes be worth it? ( I am leaning towards no.)
Court says
Hi Sam, good questions… I learned about FLX years ago, and covered some of their first Indiegogo products. Like you, I wasn’t sure if the brand was legit, and I couldn’t figure out the structure. I thought that maybe it was a couple of young guys doing ebikes for fun, because one of the team members appeared to be from Australia. In recent years, they seem to have grown to offer more models, but many seem to be overpowered for off-road or “bend the rules” type riding. I don’t know if the company has grown, gotten investors, or just white-labeling products from China? In any case, the Baby Maker (and any 250 watt hub motor powered ebike) is going to be for “active” type riding where you pedal along to have it feel satisfying. You aren’t super heavy, but since this is a single speed, you won’t have many options for climbing big hills. I (Court) wasn’t the one who reviewed the Baby Maker here, but I did cover a similar ebike called the Propella, which can be purchased with a 7-speed drivetrain. Check that one out for comparison and let me know what you end up with :)
Michael says
You are spot on… They are not cyclists. The raise money thru group funding and then have your bike drop shipped from China. A few things they don’t tell you. 1. You get slapped with a duty when your bike arrives, and they remind you that buried in the small print , it’s your responsibility. 2. Their customer service sucks because they don’t have extra parts… Their videos make it look like they are the manufacturer: THEY ARE NOT!!! THEY ARE TWO CHARISMATIC TONY ROBBINS, “WE LOVE YOU” SALES GUYS, who raise money 14 million dollars for the babymaker, outsource your bike and HOPE IT NEVER BREAKS
Court says
Hmm, thanks for the feedback Michael. As a reviewer, I try to walk this line of depth, objectivity, but also fun and optimism. I have these comments (and respond to hundreds of them every year) so the consumer has a voice. Thanks for chiming in here and helping another visitor out too.
Susie Jordan says
My husband Tod Jordan also ordered his well over a year ago with the promise he would get it in 3 months. Then when he inquired about it he was told in Sept 2020. Still have not got a bike. He has to contact them about information they never contact him. I believe its nothing but a scam and we lost at least $1800. If he ever gets it I will let you all know. This stupid purchase has caused many arguments between us. First time I have heard about having to pay duty. But I will be amazed IF he ever gets it.
Court says
That’s really lame Susie, I’m sorry to hear that the purchase is causing tension for you guys… it’s a lot of money to spend for a long wait and possibly nothing delivered. We don’t always cover the crowd funded ebikes, and this is part of the reason why, sometimes things don’t work out and the customer is left holding the bag… and it hurts other companies that actually DO have inventory ready to sell. I’m sorry.
Ronald says
Hello, can I install clip-on type peddles that require clip type riding shoes?
Court says
Hi Ronald! Yeah, I think that most bike crank arms will accept a range of pedals as long as the thread spacing is matched. You might need a special tool to help unscrew the existing pedals (note that they both tighten as you pedal for safety, so you unscrew the right pedal by turning right vs. left). I think you might be able to get information about the type of threading and size of the pedal spindle off of your existing pedals to then find/buy something online. And, you could probably call FLX and ask for some advice about sizing just to be sure ;)
Eli says
Hi Ronald:) Would it be possible to change the tyres for wider ones, will they fit?
Thank you!
Court says
Hi Eli, I’m not sure how much wider you could go with tires on this ebike because it’s setup with narrow tires by default that work with the narrower fork and rear stays. If you look close at the pictures, there’s just not a lot of clearance… maybe enough to go up a bit, but I’d probably take the bike into a shop to ask for precise help before making an order. Unfortunately, I (Court) did not review this ebike myself, so my knowledge of it is a bit limited compared to most of the other bikes on this site. And, the original reviewer (Mikey) is no longer on our team. Perhaps someone else who owns the bike or works at FLX will chime in to help!
S Knight says
Hi, I am really interested in the Baby Maker. I am a little concerned about the frame and aggressive body position. I do not want to ride on my pubic bone. Are there any modifications or seat style available to prevent this?
Court says
Hi! Yes, you can get all sorts of bike parts on Amazon or at a local shop that will shorten and raise the stem, or sweep the handlebar back. A suspension seat post would improve comfort but lower the minimum saddle height. Unfortunately, you will always have narrow tires (stiffer feel, easier to get flats). If you’re primarily interested in the Baby Maker due to low price, consider checking out all of the other “affordable” ebikes we’ve covered here. One benefit of the FLX Baby Maker is that the tires are very efficient and the bike is fairly lightweight ;)
s knight says
Hello, I backed one of the Baby Maker Pros through Indiegogo, I need to make some adjustments. I want the 19 inch bike and I want the bullhorn handle bars. How do I contact someone about this?
Court says
Hi S Knight. I haven’t been in touch with FLX for some time, but my guess is that they would respond via their contact form back at the official FLX Ebikes website here. I hope this helps you, and I hope you enjoy the Baby Maker once it arrives!
Craig Krause says
Hey! I love the bike, is there any chance of getting this beauty in Australia?
Court says
Hey Craig, I’m not sure about that? It seems like there’s a possibility since most of these ebikes use hardware produced in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam… but I don’t know if FLX operates in Australia yet. I suggest emailing them directly through their official website :)
Bill Alpert says
The Babymaker will be my first venture into e-bikes. Wondering if it makes sense to add some SPD pedals. I’ve always used them, and I do think of a bike as a way to get some exercise.
Court says
Hi, Bill! Normally I’d advise against using clip-in pedals for electric biking because you’ve already got the motor for efficiency and power/speed support… and the higher average weight of these bikes could make them dangerous or physically painful to be clipped into (whether the bike tips, the motor jolts you, or you’re simply pushing and pulling a heavier bike with your leg muscles and joints). However, with a lightweight semi-road bike like the FLX Baby Maker, I could see how the SPD pedals could work well, especially if you prefer them and have nice cycling shoes already! You could always swap back to platform pedals if you don’t like the setup, just make sure the thread matches before trying to screw your existing SPD clip-in pedals onto the crank arms, or you could ruin the thread.
Bill Alpert says
Hi Court, OK, thank you for letting me know. Since I frequently do 30 or more miles, I’m a bit concerned that I might deplete the battery and then it could be a bit of a slog home, especially with platform pedals.
While I have your ear: do you know if the rear wheel has some type of quick release mechanism? I’m wondering if I’m going to need to carry a wrench!
Great review and blog, thanks for doing it!
Court says
Hi Bill. I wasn’t the person who actually tested and reviewed this bike, it was a contributor that is no longer working with our team. That said, I visually inspected the pictures and it appears you’ll be dealing with two 18mm nuts that connect to a 12mm threaded axle with flats that fit into the rear drop outs of the frame. This is pretty standard for most hub motor driven ebikes… and yeah, getting a flat is always a bummer because it’s usually on the rear wheel vs. the front (due to weight distribution). At least the rear drop outs are horizontal (to help you tension the chain on this single speed) and have steel plates that might keep the motor axle from chewing into the softer aluminum alloy. I cannot see if there’s a quick-disconnect for the power cable, leading to the motor, but I’d assume so (for easier maintenance). The biggest thing to keep an eye on is tire pressure… I check my road/city bikes before every ride by squeezing the tire between my finger and thumb. If it feels soft, I top it off. This reduces the potential for pinch flats if you hit the edge of a curb or rock etc. and I always try to avoid grass and gravel because of goat head thorns. Honestly, the potential for flat tires with this ebike is going to be higher than most others we’ve covered here, and you might want to always carry a mini-pump and spare inner tube along with an adjustable wrench (or the correct size once you can confirm it yourself). Hope this helps, have fun riding ;)
frank says
I am 5’4″ and the standover height on Baby Maker Pro, 19″ is 30.3″. My inseam with shoes is 29″. This bike will not fit my body type. Is this correct?
Court says
Hi, Frank! It could be a little uncomfortable standing over the top tube of the Baby Maker Pro, but you could gain some height using tip toes or tipping the frame to the side… when little kids ride big bikes, they also sometimes hang one leg up over the top tube and stand firmly on the other. There are ways to make it work, the bike can definitely be made to fit your body type effectively, but it could require some balance and compromise in how you approach it ;)
Robert says
What would be the price including shipping to Montreal, Canada for the Babymaker?
Court says
Hi Robert! I’m not sure about this, it’s worth checking with FLX directly… and I’d love to hear back if they respond to you because I’m sure you’re not the only one who is in Canada considering the bike :)
Lynn says
What is the maximum weight of the rider for this model?
Court says
Great question Lynn! Most of the ebikes I see are rated to 250lbs but some companies won’t say. Given the narrow tires here, you’ll be more likely to get flats if weight is excessive, I see spokes also coming loose more quickly for people who add weight to their ebikes. Perhaps FLX will have more exact feedback, but this has been my own experience with other brands and similar products :)
Doc says
Here’s an article definitely worth looking at as it raises some serious concerns about the Baby Maker (along with some snarky, yet humorous comments.) I was fascinated with the idea of this bike, but after reading this article I have serious reservations about this model and the company in general. My hope is that another company (preferably one that is established) takes the concept from this e-bike and improves upon it, especially with the sizing.
Court says
Thank you so much for sharing this link, Doc! The Baby Maker definitely has some trade-offs and this may expose backers to more considerations… I also highly recommend our list of best electric bikes that I have personally tested and review more thoroughly with deeper feedback. We do our best to cover a LOT of ebikes here, but also guide towards the best ones.
Akira Toshi says
I was serious about buying into this project with Babymaker pro but still undecided partially because of some of negative reviews on FLX company’s service and support end I found from several websites… And some of negative reviews include major issues on the bike frame too. Well, don’t know how true each review is but finding good numbers of same issues is very concerning. And I don’t see FLX is responding to those comments either. I also checked BBB rating on FLX company but it’s below par. They don’t show any detail of complaints resulting lower rate on BBB (better business bureau) but looks like FLX has not responded to each complaint very well.
FLX also has skateboard product line (Miles brand) separately too and customers show almost similar concerns of slow support responses after they purchase the products. And those reviews can be found the company’s own website on dual motor skateboards…
Don’t get me wrong. There are handful of people who still give 5 star ratings on FLX bikes. And based on my own research so far, I have to agree that these are great bikes indeed. Great bike components with innovations at very reasonable cost. However, FLX bike including babymaker has its own proprietary parts (like motor, smart LCD disply, etc) that cannot be replaced or repaired from local bike shops so I wanted to make sure proper and responsive support group is available before purchasing one.
Court says
Hi Akira, thanks for your input about the mixed reviews on FLX. It’s an exciting product, but your points about proprietary parts are good ones. The belt, for example, doesn’t appear to be from Gates and have the center-track design… which causes me to wonder how well it would hold up and whether it could be replaced easily in the future. It’s a cool looking ebike, but the fact that it’s super light and aggressive (more like a road bike) might not be perfect for the average user, who wants a more comfortable ebike. I wish them luck in either case, and welcome your future thoughts, if you get this ebike :)
Akira Toshi says
Hi Court. Thank you for getting back to me. I must say you have a great article here so I felt almost obligated to share my opinion and findings of FLX company concerns here. Looks like your article is drawing great attentions obviously including those babymaker funding supporters as well. With mechanical support is at concern, I won’t be buying this bike most likely after all. If I could get hands on it sooner than their long waiting expected deliver date (October 2020), I may have considered purchasing one even at these odds. Sad to realize also there aren’t much alternative options out there either. Hope those major brands can realize the business potential and this great market interest on e-bikes and start building ones at lower cost. Those Specialized ebikes (Turbo Creo SL Comp E5) looks so slick and sexy, the best looking in my opinion. Only if it doesn’t cost whopping $5k (cheapest version too), I would definitely go for it. Other lower priced ebikes are just terrible looking with ugly batteries easily noticeable on almost all of them. Found some better looking brands in EU but again, those will have issue with mechanical support from overseas.
Court says
Hi Akira! Yeah, it seems like many brands have a wait time right now… bikes and ebikes have been popular with the lockdowns. Have you seen the Specialized Turbo Vado SL? They start at $3,350 and are pretty awesome. You don’t get drop bars, but they have some great accessory options, offer speed pedelec Class 3 performance, are sold and supported by dealers (great service), and use the same motor as the Creo.
rico says
I’ll buy one… after bugs are discovered and fixed. Service, readily accessible service is paramount. Mechanical reliability is a very big concern. And, battery reliability including a true battery power level gauge is ever so important… or why even have an electric bike that is not electrified to put to work?
Zwigg says
Hi, I live in Europe and can only find this ebike on Indiegogo. Is there any other site or way to buy and get shipped to Europe?
Court says
Hi Zwigg! FLX has a regular website, where they list and sell a full range of electric bike products, but I’m not sure on Baby Maker availability… especially internationally. Here’s their official site, hope this helps!
Wes says
I am a recently retired, novice bike rider who rides bikes mainly for exercise on paved trails approximately 20 – 30 miles, 4 times a week in the woods of Spring, TX. Most of the trails are slightly hilly and our creeks park systems are divine made scenic wonders on the western edge of The Big Thicket. In the 95 to 100 degree heat of summers here it is sometimes quite stressful to keep up a decent pace in order to keep a ride to under a little over an hour or so. That’s about all my butt, lungs, and legs can take anyway. This along with my heart condition caused me to look at e-bikes.
I’m not much into off-road bikes and definitely didn’t want the squat looking and/or heavier, very obvious looking e-bikes as I just wanted a “normal looking” type of “power assisted” road bike that got me around the course with sufficient time and energy left over for other activities after the ride. On paper and in videos, the Babymaker seemed to fit that niche. Like many, I don’t really like the name (not a deal breaker), but I’m riding a Diamondback (highly regarded nickname for a rattle snake (or baseball club), so at least they didn’t name it Babykiller and hid it pretty well (lol). Shortly after ordering this model I ventured upon this review (and corresponding comments) and the review referred to by Doc (above). Naturally it caused some concern not only over the quality of this particular e-bike, but more importantly, the integrity and professionalism of the company itself. That said, FLX seems to be receiving record support from it’s customers (stakeholders) for this lighter weight, stealthily designed e-bike so just hoping this added show of monetary support pressures or, better yet, empowers the company leaders to ensure the quality of their products and offer solid support to their customers, thus allowing them to be around for a while. Also, I’m not real enthusiastic of the fact that the bikes are made in China, but again, the price seems good for this newer design style so unfortunately there could be some trade offs. Anyway, now I’m hoping along with many other FLX customers that I didn’t make a poor purchase decision in an attempt to get a cheap, innovative, e-bike for increased riding pleasure, fun, and efficiency. Better quality mousetrap.
Court says
Hi Wes! I hope things work out for you. The name and design for this bike are attention grabbing… the belt drive, the whole thing. FLX has always been a provocative brand to me, attractive in that sense, so I’m happy that it’s getting people excited. Indeed, I hope they deliver something great, and welcome your feedback on the end product once it arrives and you’ve had some time on the saddle ;)
RIchard says
What about repairs and maintenance? Something goes wrong will the local bike shops say that they deal in chains and not belts? How long (years or miles) do we think a belt like that will last?
Court says
Hi Richard, that’s a great question… and one of the primary concerns I’d have about buying this ebike. The price is good, the technology is cool, but you’re relying on FLX and the custom hardware. Belt drives have become more common in recent years, but the clear leader in the space is Gates. I don’t know as much about this belt drive, and even though FLX has been around for several years now, it’s just a riskier bet. Perhaps in a worst case scenario, you could switch to a chain drive by swapping out the chainring and rear cog.
james says
Ride1Up Roadster has a release date of September 2020 and it looks almost identical to the FLX babymaker bike. The main difference is the price point… $995! I’m sure there will be plenty of babymaker purchasers that will feel sucker punched by this release since they are also waiting until at least September to have a babymaker delivered. It makes sense why FLX is trying to secure as many pre-orders as possible at this point.
Court says
Hmm, interesting. Thanks for the update on this, James! FLX makes fun bikes, I’m excited to see how things turn out. There’s always a trade-off when buying now vs. waiting for new technology (or lower prices), but at least you’ll be getting something fun to ride, that’s a win in either case. Hope you enjoy it :)
Michael Roberts says
ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION!!! Before you buy a bike from these guys, take a look at their “D” RATING with the Better Business Bureau and the mountain of horrible reviews for customer service all over the internet… Despite all their happy, high energy, “we love you” nonsense, they have HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE and they do not give refunds or exchanges! I bought two bikes in April and they changed the delivery date to OCTOBER. THAT’S 6 MONTHS… They raised almost 14 million dollars. I asked for a refund this week, not wanting to wait 3 more months. They sent back two snarky emails and said NO REFUND!! Beware of these guys, they are not cyclists. They raise money and then order your bike… BEWARE…
Court says
Wow, that is a big time difference. I’m sorry that things aren’t working out super well for you, Michael. I’ve been reluctant to cover crowdfunded ebikes in the past for this reason. People have been excited about the Baby Maker, but there are definitely some trade-offs, and I’m sure this has been a challenging (but also good) time for the company because bikes in general have been so popular this Spring/Summer. I hope it arrives as soon as possible, and I welcome your feedback once you’ve been able to unpack and ride for a bit. Hang in there…
Michael says
Just wanted to give everyone another update, in case it isn’t clear to beware FLX!!! I ASKED FOR A REFUND BECAUSE THEY KEEP MOVING THE DELIVERY DATE EVEN THOUGH THEY CONSTANTLY SAY THEY ARE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE!! THEY OFFERED ME AN OPTION 2 LET THEM RESELL MY BIKES WITH 0 MILES AND TAKE A PERCENTAGE FOR THE SALE BUT WON’T GIVE ME A REFUND HERE IS A COPY OF THEIR LETTER…
Hello Michael,
Unfortunately it is too late to receive a refund, as your bike has been in production for roughly 2.5 months now. The funds have already been put towards the purchase of materials and labor to assemble your Babymaker. I do apologize, as I am certain this is not the news you want to hear.
There are options down the road, such as immediate resale with 0 miles on your bike. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help you out, or if you have any other questions!
Due to the high volume of emails we are currently receiving, please allow 48 hours for a response from our team.
Colin Duffy
Court says
Hmm, that’s a tough situation Michael! I’m sorry that you’re missing out and having a compromise on the refund amount. What percentage are they saying they will take? I hope it’s not too much, and I hope it comes to you fast because it still sounds like you need to wait for the bike to be ready for them to then resell it.
Michael garibay says
I bought a FLX Trail 2.5 years ago. FLX exchanged it for an upgrade for a Blade for me 2 weeks later, no problem. The blade had a D.O.A. battery and Rob sent me one out personally within 2 days on my word. I sent him the defective battery in the same box. Nothing but good experiences. I just received my Babymaker and Blade 2.0 Dec 1st having fun with them.
Court says
That’s a great testimonial, thanks so much Michael! I’m glad the bikes and the company have worked out so well for you :)
Dave says
I have what is basically the same spec bike direct from China. The price… 800USD shipped to my door. Single speed, 250w motor hidden battery everything is identical excluding I have chain drive not belt and the battery slides up through the head tube. Super stealth. This bike has been super reliable and I easily get 40klm even with my 90kg weight.
I think that their pricing is not competitive at all for those that know the ebike market in China. After all, this is where the bike is made. Considering they are a crowdfunded businesses they are more than doubling the production price and adding zero additional value to what I have already. They have a clever marketing game and bike name so I guess its consumer beware when it comes to price.
I never buy from western retailers now especially given 90% of bike are made in China and Taiwan with huge price mark ups. I’m a bit shocked at the min range of their bike. Wow, I’ve never had a ebike with such little range, what is the point of having one then.
Court says
Thanks for sharing your experience with a similar bike, Dave. There’s a lot to be said for marketing, distribution, and support… but it sounds like some customers are frustrated with the current wait times and I don’t know the depth of FLX support. I hope people can just get and enjoy their Baby Maker ebikes, but I do see your point about price, weight, and then limited range. I’ve felt this way about similar ebikes in the past, but it’s nice to have choices, so we just do our best to cover them here and provide more data to help people decide :)
James Choi says
How do you think this bike compares to the Luna Stealth or Ride1up Roadster? And are these bikes with battery in frame pointless if I live in Chicago and haul the bikes up my 4 story walk up every night but need to leave it in an unheated garage during the winter months? Thanks
Court says
Hmm, they each look cool in their own ways. I think Luna does a great job, I like Ride1Up as well, and FLX has some mixed customer feedback recently and a delay on availability from what I understand. This is all very subjective, but that’s the order I would consider. Finally, I do like being able to take the battery pack off the bike so it’s easier to charge and store separately in extreme heat or cold conditions.
Oleg says
I am a new Babymaker owner that is still waiting for my bike. Expected ship date is October. I see a lot of anger in the posts about “schedules moving” but the reality is this was an Indiegogo campaign. The VERY FIRST purchases on the first day of the campaign in mid-March were supposed to be shipped in September. This was part of the trade-off in exchange for a deeply discounted price ($1200-$1400). They started shipping in early September, with people receiving their bikes for the last several weeks. So the reality is there couldn’t be too many unhappy people with the delivery schedules yet. Also, as with any production scenario, they build in batches of colors and configurations and bulk ship to various locations. So, some colors/configurations/locations will come sooner than others. This was all communicated regularly throughout the campaign and since it closed in July/August. I just want to set the record straight for people who come to this site and all they see are the disappointed comments about the delivery timelines.
Having said that, I’d love to get an updated review on a production Pro version (belt drive, hydraulic disc brakes) now that it’s actually shipping to customers. Obviously I’ll be able to review my own soon enough, but after following EBR for the last several years before finally pulling the trigger on a road e-bike from a local company (I’m in San Diego not far from FLX), I really want to get your unvarnished opinion. Especially when it comes to hill climbing capability, battery life and overall ride.
Thanks!
Court says
That’s a very sane and well received comment, Oleg. Thanks for sharing the background on Indiegogo and your feelings, I agree with you. Please do share your own review and comments, either here or in the FLX forums where you could post pictures or videos etc. I would love to review the final build, as one of my team members did this original review. I hope I get that chance, but I’m currently locked in Canada and not in touch with FLX. We will see… thanks again.
Brian Lytle says
Hello, I am the fortunate Canadian to have the first and one of 20 BabyMaker prototype bikes. Buying a bike, especially a road bike, was the last thing on my mind. I was lucky to come across their Indiegogo campaign early and was quite pleased when I saw the bike. All of its qualities checked off several boxes and yes the name caught my attention.
Looking back and to be part of the largest indiegogo campaign ever (over $13 million US) is quite exciting. After several group video chats with one of the owners, Rob Rast, I felt even more at ease with FLX. I’ve read some of the negative statements about their customer service, but I’ve had the complete opposite experience. I was able to buy my first bike and it came quite promptly. I had requested the bullhorn style bars and it came with drop bars. After one e mail, their service department had my bars being expressed shipped at their expense and was told to find a reputable shop to have them installed. The brake levers were different as well and they just said have the shop put the best pair on they have. Now that’s customer service. They promptly paid me back every bit of the money I paid this shop.
Now I may be even luckier to have the first production model in Canada as well!(next week). This is one sleek, sexy, well made ride. The motor is extremely quiet and the peddle assist it provides is amazing. I wish I had bigger hills to attack, because I am like a superhero passing people now. No I’m not some buffed up seasoned rider. Best part is people can’t even tell it’s an e-bike because it’s so sleek.
With over 10,000 bikes, 2 sizes, 2 styles and multiple colours, I understand how some people are happier than others with their shipping date. In the end,I am certain once these unhappy owners will be very happy. I live just north of Toronto and welcome anyone who is in the area and would like to take it for a test ride, is welcome. Seeing is believing, riding it you are sold!! One happy member of Team FLX BabyMaker!
Brian Lytle
Court says
Hey Brian! That’s an uplifting and reassuring post. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and all of the personalized support you got from FLX. I’m really happy to hear that you’re enjoying it, and I hope the others don’t have to wait too long to get out and have some fun too. Thanks again for the update :D
Danny Robinson says
Hi Brian. Can I ask, on top of the $250 shipping fee that FLX charges, how much did FedEx charge for fees, duties and taxes?
Dario Sartori says
I bought my BM on the first day of the campaign. I received it mid September, right on target. The price was low, basically $1,150, for a stealth old school bike that is electric. I do not feel the geometry of the frame is great, but very well suited for a commuter. For a serious road bike I do not think it is the best. As a commuter it shines, great power, good range, awesome brakes. Honestly I would love it if it had gears, but I bought it knowing it was single speed and again at the price point it is great value for the money. I think a lot of people will buy the bike and do some upgrades to make it more comfortable or more “theirs”. If you keep in mind you are buying a competent stealth road bike for under $1,500 you really have nothing to complain about, you even get top shelf brakes and drive train. Now if you had to spend $5,000 for it then it would not be good value. It is very nice looking and honestly no one will ever know that it is electric unless they try and lift it!!!
Court says
Hey! Thanks for the update on this, Dario. Sounds like you went in with reasonable expectations and are enjoying the bike for what it is. That’s awesome, I appreciate your comment :)
Shannon says
I wouldn’t call this a road bike, it’s more like a fixed gear or fixie.
Court says
On the site, I’ve created broad categories that describe bike types (including road bike for skinny tires and lightweight frames, usually with drop bars), but I agree that fixie is even more granular and descriptive. Thanks Shannon!
Chainstrainer says
The BabyMaker is my first ebike. I was tempted several times in the past to purchase other offerings I’d seen but am glad I settled on the BM. Here is why:
I am not a serious die-hard roadie, but I expect to be in the saddle almost everyday (weather permitting), even if only for a quick 8-10 mile jaunt. It is that fun – and that is the beauty of this set-up: you want to ride more than you might otherwise. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents. And I was NOT paid to say any of this – never been a shill.
Court says
Sweet! Thanks for the status report Chainstrainer (and nice nickname). I wasn’t the one who actually reviewed the Babymaker for EBR, but I’m hoping to get some time in the saddle someday because it is such a unique product. It sounds like you’re enjoying it and it’s nice to hear a positive report. Thank you!
Rob Berlin says
I subscribed on Indiegogo early June 2020 and am eagerly awaiting my Babymaker Pro sterling silver Bullhorns in the next couple weeks. I understand that containers are being held in customs in Spain. Since the bikes still need to be assembled for VAT reasons in the EU, we may certainly wait another month or so, before I can finally ride my new Baby! In the meantime, I check out all the new videos from Rob & his crew on production and delivery updates and can only say, they’re doing a great job! Greets from Berlin, Germany – Rob
Court says
Cool! Thanks for the update Rob. I’m amazed that they have been able to sell these globally… especially with the shipping and health stuff we’ve gone through recently. I hope yours comes soon, I can tell that you’re excited. Please do chime in again once it arrives and you get some time in the saddle :D
Bryan Humphrey says
I’m an early indiegogo supporter of FLX babymaker. And my OPINION is, and I have emailed FLX 3 times with no response, if they would have only let supporters know the order of the bikes they were going to build it would have elevated a lot of inquiries, anger, and anxiety. From the art of deduction from posted supporters that have received bikes here is how FLX has filled orders:
Building first and in the following order: Pro model, 23” frame, Bullhorn handlebars bars, Then by color: black, sterling, tangerine etc.
After those combinations were built they moved to building Pro model 19” Bullhorn then colors, that’s where we are at this point. I’m assuming the next bikes will either be the pro model, 23”, drop handlebars various colors in order. Then pro 19” drop bars various colors. Then standard model 23” bullhorn, colors. Then std model 19” bullhorn… etc. So in no way shape or form does this follow and supporter order number. Because there are single digit order number people who have not received bikes who ordered std models.
Myself, I ordered in first few minutes of the campaign #153, my expected order received in September. It’s Oct 10th and nothing. My order pro model 23” black but drop bars not bullhorn (originally I selected bullhorn but internet issues having to place order multiple times at some point drop and not bullhorn was selected, my fault for not catching it). No drop bars have been received as of yet. They also shipped bikes to USA first (largest country ordering). Which I am in the US. But, many disgruntled supporters because they will not tell or acknowledge what the order build is. In my opinion, again, less people would be upset if they only would tell people the order they are building the bikes as I stated above. Also according to posts, they had the same issues, upset customers in 2017 waiting on bikes and not keep customers informed, so they did this before and did not learn anything, sad. I will at some point receive my bike, I now know it will not be in September and probably not even October, but who knows because they will not tell us in what order they are building the bikes. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come up with some estimates depending on bike ordered how soon they will be built then in turned shipped out. But in updates they asked to stop asking “when will I get my bike?” which would not be difficult to determine. The bikes have been being assembled for over a month, they know how long that takes and have been shipping and receiving bikes in California for 2 weeks. So it could be reasonably deduced they just seem to refuse to do it for what ever reason. Everyone I’ve watched on YouTube, live updates and talked to during the campaign when I called FLX San Diego seem very nice and courteous until this last 4 weeks since then they have occasionally lost there helpfulness if u ask when? (which they don’t want to tell you). But if you ask any other question they will help you. They just dislike answering order of assembling/delivering bike timelines. Almost like stop bothering me with that question, you will get it when you get it. And to me that is not a nice response to eager waiting customers.
Court says
Hi Bryan, you’ve put a lot of thought and energy into sharing this order estimate. I’m sorry you’ve had to wait so long, that sounds really frustrating. It is nice to get feedback and just know or at least feel heard. I’m having to wait on a couple of things right now too (not bikes, just personal stuff) and it’s challenging and distracting. I hope your bike comes soon and I hope you enjoy it. Hang in there man!
Godefroy PRENOT says
Guys when you are writing something, please try to think and verify first! I read too many wrong things about the BM! Especially 22 teeth!!! It’s 15 MF! I ordered one with 20 to have less bc of u!!! I need 14… So do not write something if u don’t know! F Have a great day
Court says
Hi Godefroy. I’m so sorry that our information did not match the product you received. This review was conducted by a friend of mine, who is no longer contributing. While I trust that he was doing his best, it is possible that the review sample was pre-production and does not match the current build. This even happens with mid-season updates from companies, and it’s frustrating for everyone. In any case, I’ve been the sole reviewer recently and I’m covering fewer pre-release bikes to reduce these inconsistencies. I’m sorry man, I hope you like the bike anyway and wish we would have gotten it right.
Icelean Owens says
Send me some information on the electric bikes that are between 2000 and $3000
Court says
Hi! We don’t have an email program, I try to avoid that because I feel it can become spammy or expose user data to privacy risk. In any case, there’s a search engine here on the site with an Advanced option that lets you sort all reviews by price (and many other factors). I hope that helps!
Steve_UK says
My FLX Baby Maker Pro arrived this week in the UK (paid a top up tax and it was delivered immediately, like 3 hrs later). Bike was easy to assemble 9 about 10 minutes. It was pretty simple stuff but did take a few tightens and adjustments on the maiden voyage (so takes allen keys / screw drivers etc). The bike then sat and charged for the four hours they recommend on the 1st – 3rd charges. Rode it without reading the manual (crazy I know but thats how I roll) seemed pretty decent no idea on ranges. Mine’s a UK one so slightly detuned. Top Speed was 28.7ks, I only went 6KMs on it. Charged it this AM, and one of my Teenagers has nicked it to goto work and sport. My baby has gone. It does look very good / tidy lines / seems well made (my other bike is a Cannondale Bad Boy – which I love). Will do a decent full battery ride over the weekend and report back later on the performance. Oh I got the 23′ Pro, I’m 6’2 and a modest (120KGs / 265 pounds – so not the slighest of builds).
Court says
Cool! Thanks for the update on your bike Steve. I’d love to hear the range you get, and hope your kids enjoy it too :D
Beth says
Worst Purchase Ever… I am 5ft1 and the specifications advises of the min height for the 19inch to be 4ft 8. First of all, I can’t even get on this bike. Secondly, mine arrived prior to my boyfriend’s bike, so he was excited and wanted to try it out. He took it out on a 20 mile ride, the front tire went flat. After fixing that, he took it out for another 20 miles, and the back tire went flat. The first time we go to charge the battery, it won’t take a charge. Worst purchase ever. We are currently trying to stop shipment and obtain a refund on the second bike. Very disappointing.
Court says
Hi Beth, that sucks… I’m sorry to hear that this bike has been so much work for your boyfriend. Hopefully they allow you to cancel your order and you can find a better ebike that will work for you :/
Beth says
An update on my issue: FLX responded with a general copy and paste response to both to my email and my boyfriend’s. There was no care or compassion. Just a copy and paste of their refund policy. It feels like they just took our $4,000 and have no customer appreciation to address issues that are outside the realm of their refund policy. I had purchased the bike for assistance with health issues and after going into detail of how and why their product was misleading and misadvertised, there was still no initiative to treat me like a valued customer that they want to make the situation right for. They have their money, it is all that matters.
Court says
I’m so sorry to hear that, Beth! My observation of many direct to consumer affordable ebike is that the warranty and customer support is more limited. That’s not always the case, and I try to celebrate or point out the leaders… but these companies just don’t have as much money set aside to help people with, and right now there are challenges with supply chain and parts shortages too. Many brands are sold out, some may be struggling to meet payroll because they cannot get more bikes to sell due to shipping container price increase (like 500% shipping increases). My own company has remained pretty stable, so if you guys are feeling the pinch and could use some extra money to resolve the problem, I would be happy to send you $200 through PayPal as a friend, because I know how much is sucks to have a bike that needs work and have to decide between rent, food, kids etc.
Franklin says
I have 2 babymaker pros with touring package. One Berry and one silver for sale. 1600 each nashville area. Will only sell as a package deal.
Court says
Hi Franklin! Thanks for the update. Perhaps the best way to sell your bikes is on the “for sale by owner” ebike forum that we have setup here. It’s free and people can respond directly to you :)