Future maintenance is a major factor against for me. I generally trust the motor won't crap out (or if it does, it'll be replaceable with something that doesn't degrade on the shelf), but I know the battery will, and I need to know my $5K+ ride won't be a paperweight when it does.
Paperweight is, unfortunately, the status quo. I've got a 2016 Giant carbon full-suspension bike with some worn pivot hardware. Giant, which might well be the largest carbon frame manufacturer, doesn't stock this hardware anymore. It's been sitting in a shop for two weeks in limbo. If they can't handle something as simple as a bolt, what probability they'll have a battery for me in five years?
Aug. 25, 2022, 11:08 a.m. - Alex D
Future maintenance is a major factor against for me. I generally trust the motor won't crap out (or if it does, it'll be replaceable with something that doesn't degrade on the shelf), but I know the battery will, and I need to know my $5K+ ride won't be a paperweight when it does. Paperweight is, unfortunately, the status quo. I've got a 2016 Giant carbon full-suspension bike with some worn pivot hardware. Giant, which might well be the largest carbon frame manufacturer, doesn't stock this hardware anymore. It's been sitting in a shop for two weeks in limbo. If they can't handle something as simple as a bolt, what probability they'll have a battery for me in five years?