Recent retiree looking for advice on best mid-drive commuter
In search of advice for a great commuter bike on multi-purpose trails (asphalt and pea-gravel). Top criteria are below and looking for suggestions on what bikes I should consider (including anything that Johnny builds);
- 28+ mph
- mid-drive only
- under 3" wide tire
- front suspension and hard tail
- at least 50 mile range
- 55+ retiree community member
- will use mostly motor with some pedal assist to travel to activities, up to 40miles roundtrip
- rear bike rack
- cost and weight are also important
- most residents here (central Florida) buy a second golf car (his and hers). Would rather use this bike instead of second golf car
- open to any and all suggestion as there are so many choices. Gates Carbon Drive is intriguing but I have only found it on more expensive bikes
- would love to be under $2k like Johnny mentions in many of his videos (which are awesome btw - I have learned a ton)
- a bit vertically challenged with 28.5" inseem
Thanks in advance!
your choice will come down to research and testing. id go to a bike shop, find a bike that fits and suits you. I meant to add that its hard to say if you want a mtn bike in florida, due to the sand, mud, mucky conditions somtimes? if you dont have much for steep hills and mountains, then a fat bike may suit you better than a mtb if you care to ride in that terrain. Theres a lot of good brands out there besides the main 3 trek giant and specialized, so sifting through may take some time. Probably better to search for youtube videos on commuter hardtail type bikes to get some ideas.
50 mile range is going to be tough to do. a 52v 20Ah pack can get you 30-50 miles with efficient riding, not just throttle. be aware a big batt pack like that plus a motor kit and rack is going to raise the weight, over 55-60 lbs on the bike in total.