Hi Jerry,

I'm also a new member, but I have experience with some different
models of ebikes and can take a shot at answering your question.

> I want good rideability with or without power

If this is really a factor, then I wonder if you've looked at the
Giant Lite, which offers the best rideability without power. The
Suede E doesn't share this quality because it's a front wheel drive
bike, and a pound in a wheel is like ten pounds on the frame. That
said, even the Lite is tough to pedal uphill without power, but you
live on the flats, so that's not a big issue perhaps.

> I'm a new member and I'm in the market for a new Ebike that is "back
> and arthritis" friendly.

I'm not a doctor, but I share your back concerns, and the Suede and
the Lite are both great bike for that condition because you can adjust
the handlebars so that you're sitting comfortably upright -- maybe not
as beneficial as an recumbant, but it's quite nice on the back.

Both the Lite and the Suede have a NiNH battery, but the Suede is
slightly more powerful at 36v compared to the lite's 24v system.

The Suede E also has a nifty cruise control feature where you get the
engine up to a certain level (by pedaling), twist the throttle, and
then can stop pedalling. The downside is that a lot of the weight and
power of the bike goes to supporting this feature -- it's 9 lbs
heavier than the lite (5 lbs in the bike, 4lbs in the battery)

The Suede E battery is about $100 more than the Lite's. These
batteries generally last years without any problem.

The other thing is the Lite is known to be an exceptionally reliable
bike, with close to 100% owner satisfaction, something the Suede E
can't claim.

Check out this web page on the electric vehicles nw for comparison
http://electricvehiclesnw.com/main/ebike-comp.htm

You can also call the shop in Seattle to talk to Eric about these and
other bikes. This is the shop where I bought my bike and I can't
recommend them highly enough. You can buy a bike over the phone and
they will ship it, if you don't live in Seattle. ph: 206/547-4621
ph: 800/940-6548

Good luck, and keep us posted about your bike hunt.

Good Luck!

Sarah



--- In ebikes@yahoogroups.com, "jerry talley" <hgtalley@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
I believe a crank forward model, sometimes
> called a foot forward or semi-recumbent fits in this category. Even
> better if it has a back support.I'm throwing out these phrases like I
> know what I'm talking about but I really don't know for sure.
>
> I'm retired and will use this bike for exercise w/o power and fun with
> power. I want good rideability with or without power, and I am
> concerned with battery life and replacement cost.I live in the flats
> and will rarely encounter hills.
>
> I've looked at Giant Suede E which appears to be well made.It costs
> $1000 and has an NiMH battery which I understand from another user
> group costs $500 to replace.I don't know how long it will last.
>
> I've also looked at models which I would add an electrical motor like
> the Elektra Comfort models and Day 6.
>
> Any comments or advice will sure be welcome.
>
> Jerry
>