u/Zoom_Zoom_54

Hi all. Just wondering what triker owners are using to transport their trike, say to a trail. The trike seems ideal for older people or those who never learned to ride a two wheeled bike. But how problematic is it to get to a trail or take on vacation, especially if another bike is involved? Thanks

As I have mentioned in some of my posts, I am looking to add bike number three to the barn. Since I have seen considerable dialog in this community about buying through a LBS rather than on line, I took a look at the cost of my choices.

I have talked with three Velotric dealers near me (up to 5 hour round trip commute). LBS 1 and 2 both charge an assembly fee. They both say that it includes a 90 day adjustment inspection. I purchased both of my bikes on line and have not had any need for a 90 day inspection. LBS 3 does not charge an assembly fee.

LBS 1 and 2 do not have the models I want to test (Nomad 2 and D3). LBS 2 charges a rental fee to test ride, but deducts that rental if you buy within 7 days. But, they don't have what I want to buy. LBS 3 is a Showcase dealer. They have all of the models and sizes.

For the comparison, I used a Nomad 2 with the current list price. Where necessary, I added the assembly fee and calculated the sales tax on that total. LBS 3 is in a state with sales tax that is 50% higher than my home state (ouch).

None of the LBS honor Velotric programs such as loyalty points or other types of website discounts. I have enough points to get $100 off using the website, so I added that to the comparison.

So, bottom line, it would cost me from $160 to $300 to buy from a LBS.. For now, I am most likely going to buy from the website because ebikes are expensive and anything I can do to reduce that cost works for me.

Many people have pointed out that the LBS will handle any warranty issues you may have with the bike. My experience with Velotric support has always been responsive. The half dozen warranty claims I have made with my two bikes have been resolved to my satisfaction, without the need to load up my bike and drive miles to my LBS.

Also, I understand that many folks don't want the hassle of bike assembly and don't want to work on their bikes, they want to ride. I get that. But I like to work on my bikes and with YouTube and Velotric Support I have solved any issues that have arisen.

The only potential regret I have is not buying from LBS 3. He has the bikes I am interested in, a place to ride them and he doesn't charge for test rides or assembly. But, not accepting things such as loyalty points is a hit. I would likely buy my bike from LBS 3 if he did honor Velotric discounts, even with the 5 hour round trip to his store and the added sales tax.

Finally, let me stress that this is my opinion and rationale for buying my next bike. Other folks are very happy to pay the fees and buy LBS which works for them. LBS have their place and I use them for maintenance and repairs beyond my abilities. I am going to visit LBS 3 to do my test rides. While there, I will try and see if we can reach an agreement.

https://preview.redd.it/0oif15s7c00h1.png?width=453&format=png&auto=webp&s=b1b33a1371002d61159f258f48e3c645eba42c1d

As I look at my next Velotric bike, I am undecided as to whether I want the step-thru versus the high-step. Currently, I have a Nomad 1 (high-step) and a Packer 1 (step-thru). My question is whether one frame is stronger than the other. From the website the Nomad step-thru looks like it has a bit more chassis down tube than the high-step. My Packer is much easier to mount and dismount. The Nomad occasionally catches my pant leg, but not a serious issue. However, as I age (72 now) and look at keeping my bikes a long time, the step-thru may seem a better choice as long as I am not sacrificing frame strength. I am way beyond the "guy riding a girl's bike" comments I remember. And, of course, some bikes only come as step-thru (Discover). Maybe a stupid question, but it is free to ask. Thanks.

I wanted to share this repair in case there is any one else who had this issue. The chain guard disc covering the sprocket fell off my bike. Not sure how it happened, the chain coming off the sprocket (called chain slap by LBS) perhaps. In any event, I had three choices: 1) replace with OEM part ($26); 2) replace with third part part ($8 to $15); 3) repair it.

I tried two third party solutions (Amazon). Neither fit the five screw hole pattern on the sprocket. I looked at the Velotric replacement, but would going that route mean it could break again?

So, I decided to try repairing it. I used a Dremel to drill through the five broken screw receiver posts on the disc. I then used five 4mm half inch bolts with washers and a lock washer. Used a liberal portion of blue loctite. I carefully tightened down the screws in sequence so as not to warp or distort the disc. So far, no problems. My LBS told me they never heard of this happening before, so a first for me, I guess. But plastic parts do break, so hope this can help another Nomad rider. Two pictures included, a comparison of the original screw with the replacement nut and bolt, and a picture of what the disc looks like mounted.

https://preview.redd.it/06v52g35zlyg1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c310a76c93fa428ed3f050a1deb224648f3823a

https://preview.redd.it/v72j5u64zlyg1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c4bd3bcaa091067b5c0dd140daaeaf2b97009d2