We have the Ride1up 500 and an Espin Sport. The Sport is the same as the Flow but the Flow is step thru. Bikes are similar. I think the Espin is more comfortable for me, I am 5 foot 8. They have similar components but I like the look of the Espin better, more concealed battery, and I like the hydraulic brakes plus it comes with nice fenders and rear rack which will be useful in the City. (The Espin Flow is more like the Ride1up 700 step thru in terms of specs.) Definitely get a bike with a suspension front fork. Adding a suspension seat post is cheap and easy. We had some quality control issues with our Ride1up 500 with the chain falling off sometimes on bumps. My son still likes it. Other owners have had controller issues. Check the Ride1up forum page, but their customer service seems responsive. The packaging on my Espin was great, double boxed, and simple assembly was easier than my Ride1up. Espin has excellent customer service. Both bikes have a 1 year warrenty. Espin has a new model, the Nero, but it is a fat tire bike and may not be what you want for commuting. I would say order now you will have to wait 4-6 weeks for a bike probably.
Affordable Step Through Bike for City
- Thread starter Leah123
- Start date
Hi Thanks so much for this--now due to what you wrote I'm definitely leaning towards the Espin Flow (and it is beautiful). I just have a final few questions: 1. I'm terrible constructing things, but on line the Espin Flow company says its very easy and takes 15 minutes. The alternative is to have it delivered to a bike shop and pay them to put it together, but I don't think I need to do that if it is really easy - how did you find it? Do you think it is doable for someone bad at this stuff?
2. For city riding (with lots of potholes) I wasn't clear from what you wrote if the Flow comes with a suspension front fork? 3. Have you found any issues taking out and putting back the battery to charge it (I read some negative reviews about that). Thank you so much for your help--it makes such a difference since I can't test ride it!
Yes the Espin flow comes with a nice adjustable suspension fork. The bike was easy to put together. There is a video on line. 90 percent already constructed They also send you a nice set of portable bike tools. You have to install front tire, which is easy with quick release, you install handlebars with a clamp, also easy,all the wires, grips, display are pre-installed. You screw in pedals which are marked R for right, L for left. You install seat post, also easy as it is quick release. The seat/saddle is already attached to the post. The height of seat post is adjustible. I think we might have plugged in some color coded wires. We attached front fender and front light. You can do it. Remember to check over all bolts to make sure they are tight as well as making sure spokes are not loose. Suggest you get a spoke wrench to keep spokes tight. Spoke wrenches are cheap. I used a pedal wrench to make sure my pedals were tight. Check derailler to make sure it is not bent. I took the derailler guard on mine off, some people leave theirs on. If on make sure it is not interferring with derailler as sometimes it is bent in shipping. If so, just pull the guard out with your hand. Mine was fine. I had a moble bike mechanic check over my bike to make sure it was shifting well and everything was properly tuned. Pump tires to desired psi. I have had no problems with my battery. I usually charge it on my bike. If you wish you can e mail them or call them about the bike. They are nice to deal with and usually answer e mail within 24 hours. I e-mailed them with questions about accessories including water botyle holder and they were very helpful. I called on a weekend with questions before I bought my bike and Josh, one of the owners, answered. I almost forgot to tell you if you order with a discount code you can get $50.00 off. I will look up code and post it.
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My discount code is ESPINSQUAD-ANZTFK. (It is $50.00 off). Whatever bike you get I hope you enjoy it. We have three e bikes now, my daughters Lectric xp step thru (we got that bike because she is only 5'4" and only rides shorter distances), my Espin Sport and my son's Ride1up 500. We liked our Espin so much we ordered an Espin Nero for my husband who wanted a fat tire bike. I know what you mean about rough roads and pot holes. I mostly ride on the road.
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AHicks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
We just signed up for an Espin Flow for my wife - our 4th ebike. The Bafang (name brand) motor, great looks due to the battery style, battery capacity, the hydraulic brakes, even the swept back (wrist friendly) handlebars made it a no brainer for us in this price category. Sure there's better, but not in this price range... -Al
Taylor57
Well-Known Member
Nice work Hicks! Just curious, I have a Sport on order from early October. What lead time were you quoted on your Flow? I received a text from a friend the other day asking "what is a good ebike for a Grandma"?
Do not know why you want to cancel. Looking for a different bike ? I hear from other posts on ebr forum that they have the Espin Reine in stock. Step thru, swept back handle bars, mid drive motor, very responsive, long range. Good review on ebr. FYI.
AHicks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
Wife is a grandma several times over. She's excited. We've been considering more expensive bikes, but when you put the bike next to the price here, clearly there is real value.
That said, I could care less about support from the time I see the bike intact and running. I'll take it from there. Makes little difference here how good, or bad, Espin support turns out to be. With the fact I don't care about support, makes this purchase much easier.
I purchased the NCM Munich from Lyon Cycle in Nov. 2020. It was very easy to assemble and the quality and features are great for city and suburban riding. Very comfortable seat and handgrips. Very easy to operate.
Check out my unboxing, assembly and review of this electric bike at
Quality, performance, comfort, style, value, customer service and price make this a winner for urban/suburban electric biking. The open frame makes it very easy to get on and off for all. The rear wheel lock is a great feature but you still need a lock to attach the bike to something to deter theft. The bike is powerful and easy to operate. The first time you use it, you will be surprised at the quick take off and smooth operation!
I highly recommend the NCM Munich and Leon Cycle.
Check out my unboxing, assembly and review of this electric bike at
Quality, performance, comfort, style, value, customer service and price make this a winner for urban/suburban electric biking. The open frame makes it very easy to get on and off for all. The rear wheel lock is a great feature but you still need a lock to attach the bike to something to deter theft. The bike is powerful and easy to operate. The first time you use it, you will be surprised at the quick take off and smooth operation!
I highly recommend the NCM Munich and Leon Cycle.
kmccune
Active Member
Maxfoot Cruiser $1300, you can change handle bars easily. It will fit a pretty big person.
I think you would like one of the choices other than Aventon Pace 350. Many complain that on the Aventon you cannot use your throttle from a complete stop, unlike your other choices. Throttles that work from complete stop are good to get you going at intersections or if you have to stop on an incline. Also some complain that the Aventon PAS is abrupt and bike goes too fast in PAS 1. The Aventon Pace 350 also has a weaker 350 w motor compared to the 500 w on the other bikes. Ride 1up and Flow do not ride as fast in PAS 1 and you can program the Ride1up, perhaps the Flow, to go slower in various PAS levels. We have an Espin Sport, non step thru twin of Flow, and a Ride1up 500. Both good bikes. They have similar front fork shocks. I think the Espin is a better deal with included fenders, lights, rear rack, semi concealed battery and hydraulic brakes.
It's unfortunate that the Munich is out of stock. A great bike at a great price. You can engage the motor at a full stop without pedal assist as low as power level 1. The Leon Cycle web page states they will have a new step through model with improvements but doesn't specify them or when it will be available. It may be worth waiting for. Give them a call. New pricing is unknown. I hope they will be competitive in features and pricing so folks wanting a great urban/suburban electric bike can enjoy the experience without the higher cost for features they don't really need for their daily or weekly rides. Our Munich meets all our needs but your needs may be different so check around.
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