Hi Sarah,
Thank you for posting the comments from Eric; they are much
appreciated. Frankly though,I'm not sure what he is saying regarding
unsprung weight.Guess I'll research unless you know.
I'm still leaning toward the Suede for the previously mentioned
reasons and also for the cost which I understand is $300 +/- less.
Also, it strikes me that the hub motor, while not as efficient as the
Lite motor (I don't know what the design name is) may be easier to
service and/or replace especially since the Lite is no longer in
production.
I'm going back tomorrow to look at the Suede E again.
Regards,
Jerry

--- In ebikes@yahoogroups.com, "Sarah B. Howell" <thirdwavemedia@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Jerry,
>
> Eric from the bike shop had some comments about the email
> I sent to you. This is a good learning experience for me,
> as I'm trying to learn about the different ebikes and he
> knows pretty much everything.
>
> COMMENT: Some customers do find the SuedeE just as rideable without
> power. Also think the issue of unsprung weight works in reverse.
>
> COMMENT: The SuedeE does offer what Jerry refers to as 'crank
forward
> model, sometimes called a foot forward or semi-recumbent'.
>
> COMMENT: In the end its Watts (not V) that counts and both are 240
W.
>
> COMMENT: The SuedeE's weight is not related to the VPC function. The
> SuedeE is a heavier bike than the Lite becuase of its cruiser
design and
> lower price. The battery is heavier because is 9 versus 6.5 AH.
>
> And in reference to:
> > 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.
> COMMENT: Perhaps not but the SuedeE is more reliable than any other
> make/model on the U.S. market.
>
> I hope that helps!
>
> Sarah
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ebikes@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ebikes@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of
> jerry talley
> Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 5:54 PM
> To: ebikes@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [ebikes] Crank Forward Model
>
>
> Hello,
> I'm a new member and I'm in the market for a new Ebike that
is "back
> and arthritis" friendly. 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
>