Hey, I am buying this (2022) Giant-bike Escape Disc 2 with hydraulic brakes used for $400. The guy selling seems to just want it gone and said he only rode the bike 2 times and I think that he is an honest guy so I’m getting a good deal I think.
I want to buy the kit on this website for the BBS02 with the 48v 14Ah battery.
I will be using this bike only to commute to my college classes. Apparently parking at this university is really bad. They built commuter lots to help this problem but the lots are around a 10-15 minute walk to your classes.
Also apartments next to the campus are around $400 more expensive per month than one 2 miles away.
I would like to just bike to campus normally, but it’s in the south and the average temp is going to be like 95 degrees F.
So basically I want an e-bike that I can just go full throttle (little to no pedaling so I don’t get sweaty before class) on a 4.4 mile round trip to campus and back 4 times a day. So a total of around 18 miles between charges. On the last trip home I can pedal no problem, because I don’t care if I get sweaty then.
It is flat, paved roads, with a few stops along the way to campus. I would like to go around 25 mph.
To note I am also a big guy I’m 6’2” around 240lbs. The bike weighs 27lbs and I understand the BBS02 kit with a battery weighs around 20lbs. I would also have on around a 30lbs backpack. So around a 320lbs total load.
I need to know a few things.
1.) Is this kit and battery going to be enough for my needs?
2.) I read a few comments that the BBS02 doesn’t do well in high heats, but I will only be going around 2 miles then stopping for an hour or so. So would this be an issue?
3.) It doesn’t rain often there, buy if it does rain will my bike be ok in the rain on a bike rack?
4.) Is this a decent bike for my needs?
5.) I am also worried this bike might get stolen on campus. I am thinking about getting Apple AirTags to try and hide on the bike and battery. But any suggestions for this would be great as well as if anyone knows about insurance or something like that.
I would really appreciate any feedback I rode bikes when I was a kid and into junior high, but stopped in highschool and undergrad. So I have never owned a decent bike like this before. I usually just rode the cheap Walmart/ sporting goods store type bikes. And this will definitely be my first e-bike.
Thanks in advance m!
The BBS02 is a fine choice for your needs. I use mine with PAS to commute ~25 miles round trip at ~20 mph average with 1-2 bars of battery left over (similar Ah battery). The BBS02 has held up well for me in the midwestern summers (~90F). I try to drive my car when rain is in the forecast, but have had no issues when I've miscalculated the weather. The bike looks nice! Hydraulic brakes will be be a nice bonus with the speeds you desire. Mechanical V-brakes haven't gotten me killed yet! I too use an Apple AirTag. The space within the battery tray, near the wires is a good hiding spot that is hard for a thief to access and disable. I don't know what metro area you are in, but a solid lock should help. Kryptonite has a good selection of locks and their online tool should help you pick the right one for your needs. I've been a poor grad student at one time too. Best of luck!
P.S. Don't fear the PAS. The wind at the higher speeds will keep you from getting too sweaty. A little work out is why many of us choose to commute by e-bike. Sure it burns less calories than without the electric assist, but it sure beats being completely sedentary. One option is to use the throttle to get to class without sweating, then pedal home to get some exercise.