u/Zoom_Zoom_54

Nomad Long Range Battery Fun (A long story)

Nomad Long Range Battery Fun (A long story)

I purchased my Nomad 2 at the end of June (Prime Sale).  Great bike.  I wanted a second battery, so I ordered a long-range battery.  It was $50 more for a 10 to 15% range increase.  Just to be clear, my regular battery gives me more than enough range.  I use about 60% of my battery on my daily ride, so I have no range anxiety.  But, as I said, $50 for more range, I opted to purchase the long-range battery in July.  When I received it, I charged it up and put it in my Nomad 2 for a ride the next day.  The problem was that I wasn’t getting any increase in range.

I used it for several days, just to make sure the battery had been properly broken in.  No increase in range.  I double checked that it was the long-range battery, 801.6 Wh.

So, I contacted Velotric Support for help.  They had me verify that the Firmware for the battery and controller were up to date.  I then performed a ride comparison of both batteries and sent them screen shots of the ride results.  Support had me charge the LR battery off the bike.  I performed a couple more comparison rides, no change.

The next step was Support sent me a new charger.  After I received it, they asked me to charge the LR battery off the bike and perform ride comparisons between the LR and RR batteries and send screen shots of the results.  Those rides, once again, showed no real difference in the range for the LR versus the RR batteries.

Support then sent me a new controller unit for the Nomad 2.  Support also sent me a link to a video to show me how to replace the controller.  If I was uncomfortable doing the swap myself, they offered to reimburse me the charge for a LBS to do it.  The problem is my LBS has been hit and miss with previous repairs.  So, after 8 hours over three days of struggling, I was able to replace the unit myself.  In replacing the controller, I learned a couple of things for the next time.  First, use grippy gloves to uncouple the cables, it is easier and way less danger of damaging the cables.  The second thing I learned was that I had to install the controller and secure it to the bike BEFORE I connected any of the cables.  When I connected the cables before trying to secure the controller to the bike, the cables would all bunch up behind the controller which prevented me from securing the controller.  I then performed comparison rides with the LR and RR batteries.  Unfortunately, the results were the same, the LR battery was just not giving me any increase in range.  Oddly enough, with the new controller, the Velotric App improved it’s updating process, giving me nearly identical readings to my display very quickly as opposed to updating slowly or not at all with the old controller.  Not sure if there is even a connection between the two, just my observation.

Support then concluded that the LR battery had some cells that were just not charging.  They offered a 50% refund on the battery.  Should the battery ever decline in capacity it is still subject to the 1-year warranty.  Since I really didn’t need the extra range, I agreed to accept the 50% refund on the purchase price.  I basically have a RR battery for the price of $275 rather than $499.  This has been about a six-week process (mostly waiting for FedEx deliveries) during which Support never took more than two business days to respond (often less).  They were clear in their instructions and the process seemed logical to me.  My faith in Support continues.  Big thanks to AJ in Support for being helpful and patient.

 Just for grins and giggles, I enclosed a picture of the controller unit.

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 12 days ago

Daily Ride

I am fortunate to live in South Carolina which means I can ride year round (and I have).  While there are some trails in the area, I am not crazy about putting the 40-pound rack on my car, setting the 80 pound bike on the rack and driving half an hour or more to a trail.  Then reverse that process.  Fortunately, I live in a very small, somewhat isolated neighborhood that is situated on about a one mile, dead end road.  So, this allows me to ride right out of my basement door onto a very quiet, tree lined two lane road.  There are a couple of gravel/grass paths off this road.  So, I have made this route my daily ride for the past three years and approximately 14,000 miles.  Included are some pictures of my route.  So, whether you keep it local, as I do, or travel to trails and paths, enjoy your ride.

 

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 1 month ago

Discover 2

Considering buying a Discover 2 while it’s on sale. I am guessing that it is being discontinued. Velotric may be clearing out inventory. I’m interested because it seems very similar to my Nomad 2 specifically the motor (750 W) and controls (3 power levels with five PAS levels).  And the battery appears to be compatible. I also like the idea of having a lighter bike that’s easier to transport. I’d appreciate hearing from current owners about their experience with this bike. Thanks.

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 1 month ago

Early Morning Ride Perk

Finished a ride I started at 7:00 am. Quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Ride early to avoid heat and humidity while enjoying nature's gifts.

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 2 months ago

Nomad 2 Long-Range Battery

When I bought my Nomad 2 in June, I also purchased an extra battery. I chose the long-range version because paying $50 more for a 10–15% range increase seemed reasonable. When the battery arrived, I charged it fully as I normally would. The next day, I took it on my first ride, but I saw no range improvement compared with the standard battery. I contacted Velotric Support, and we’ve been communicating for the past few weeks. They confirmed that I have the long-range battery and that all firmware is up to date. The issue has now been escalated to their battery team.

For the record, I have no concerns about how Support has handled the issue. I’m mainly interested in learning about the community’s experience with long-range batteries. Did you go through a break-in process? Did the range improve over time? I saw a YouTube video recommending that the battery be fully discharged and then recharged. Support recommended riding it down to 20–30% remaining charge, which I did.

Today, I completed another comparison test, shown in the pictures (first is LR second is RR) with essentially the same result.

One other issue is that the long-range battery appears to have some type of parasitic charge loss. After my ride, I charged the battery to 100%. When I checked it that evening, it still showed 100%, so I left it on the charger overnight. The next morning, when I went for a ride, the charge had dropped to 97–98%. I handle the batteries for all three of my bikes in the same manner and have never seen this happen before. Whether it’s related to the range issue, I’m not sure.

I’d appreciate any observations or feedback. Thanks.

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 2 months ago

Velotric Nomad 1 vs. Nomad 2

Last month, I bought a Nomad 2 to ride alongside my Nomad 1. After logging 11,000 miles on the Nomad 1 and about 500 miles on the Nomad 2, I wanted to share the differences I’ve noticed so far.

·         Frame protection: On the Nomad 1, chain slap could chip and scratch the lower frame. The Nomad 2 adds a plastic frame guard to help protect the paint.

·         Rear fender stability: My Nomad 1 had a persistent rear fender rattle, even after two local bike shops checked every screw connecting the fender to the frame. I eventually stopped the noise with zip ties and a couple of picture hooks. The Nomad 2 solves this more cleanly with added bracing on the inside left of the rear fender, making it feel much more solid.

·         Gear sprocket cover: The plastic cover disc over the gear sprocket on my Nomad 1 broke. The Nomad 2 uses a metal cover that bolts securely to the sprocket, similar to the repair I made on my Nomad 1.

·         Charge port cover: The Nomad 2’s charge port cover is a major upgrade. The Nomad 1 uses a flimsy rubber cover that I do not rely on, since I avoid riding in the rain and use a battery cover when traveling. The Nomad 2 has a heavy, spring-loaded plastic cover that feels solid and more leak resistant—an important improvement now that the port sits low on the frame and may be exposed to road splash.

·         Torque and cadence assist: The Nomad 2 offers both torque- and cadence-based assistance, which is a major improvement. Cadence mode makes riding easier when you are tired, while torque mode provides a more active, exercise-focused ride.

·         More flexible power settings: The Nomad 1 provides five PAS levels plus gear shifting. The Nomad 2 adds three power modes, five PAS stages, and gear shifting, creating many more ways to fine-tune the ride.

·         Improved electronics: The Nomad 2’s electronics are much more advanced, allowing ride customization through either the app or the bike’s menu.  I also like that I can now see both the motor and controller temperature

 

The Nomad 2 is definitely an upgrade over the Nomad 1 in my opinion.  I am very satisfied with my purchase of the Nomad 2.  However, I am keeping the Nomad 1 as well because it is a very good, very well built cadence ebike.

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 2 months ago

Nomad 1 Fork Clearance Issue

I recently upgraded my Nomad 1 with an adjustable stem. My LBS helped with this upgrade. But, I noticed that there appears to be a gap between the top of the fork and the bottom of the frame neck (see first photo). At the back of the neck, there appears to be a gap in the ring (see second photo). It seems to me that this ring (if that is what it is), once squeezed together would go up into the frame neck and eliminate the gap. Any help understanding this would be appreciated.

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 3 months ago

Long Range Battery

I would like to know what the experiences have been with the longer range battery available for the Nomad 2.  Not so much in terms of miles, but in terms of percentage of range added.  Is the battery worth the additional cost?  Has the longer-range battery experienced better, worse or the same degradation?

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 3 months ago

Nomad 1 Battery Connection

I was swapping my Nomad 1 battery when I ran into an issue.  When I removed the old battery, it did not come out as smoothly as it usually does.  Then, when I went to insert the new battery, that battery would not fully lock into place (see picture).  The lock works fine; the battery will not seat to allow the lock to engage.  I have a total of four batteries that are compatible with my Nomad 1 (I also have a Packer 1 which is compatible with the Nomad 1).  So all these batteries have been used in my Nomad 1 previously, mounted and dismounted easily and locked securely.  This is a brand new issue that I have not had before.

Has anyone else had this issue?  If so, what was the outcome/cost to repair?

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 3 months ago

Pulled the trigger

On June 25, due to the sale and my desire to upgrade to a combo torque/cadence sensor ride, I bought the Velotric Nomad 2 Step Thru, large, through the website.

I received the bike Tuesday, July 1. The box was somewhat beaten up, but the Nomad 2 inside was in pristine condition. Unlike the more gifted mechanics in the community, it took me a couple of hours to assemble, including software upgrade and warranty registration.

I was considering both the Nomad 2 and the Discover 3. I finally opted for the Nomad 2 because I really like fat tire bikes (comfort, ride and it is a beast). Also, I felt that the Nomad 2 would be an easier step up, since I have a Nomad 1, than the D3.

I opted for the step thru because I am 72 and intend to ride this bike into the ground. The size of the downtube relieved any anxiety I had about the durability of the step thru versus the high step.

I am already impressed with the technology upgrade over the Nomad 1 and Packer 1. The tuneability is amazing. I will need some time to work through all the possible configurations on this bike. It really gives you the capability to make it your very own, very special bike.

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 3 months ago

Parts Availability

Over the past few months, I have had to look at replacement parts for my Velotric Nomad 1 purchased in 2023. This model hasn't been made in quite a while. So when my sprocket disc cover broke and my On/Off PAS and power switch boke, I had concerns about getting OEM (Velotric Replacements). Well, it turns out I didn't have to worry at all. Velotric had both parts (I repaired my disc cover but did buy the switch). And I wasn't charged for shipping on the replacement power switch. I am so glad I purchased this brand.

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 4 months ago

Carrying an Extra Battery on a Packer 1

Looking for some input from the community. I have a Packer 1 with enough range for about a 22 mile ride when I ride alone. My concern is that, when my spouse rides with me on the rear saddle, range will drop much more rapidly. So, the question is, how do I carry an extra battery? I can't put it on the back will riding with my spouse. Pannier bags won't work, same issue. Front basket isn't big enough, and I don't like them. Any thing else left to consider? Thanks for the help

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 4 months ago

Ebike Chain Care

I have seen various comments about how to care for your chain. Various recommendations are wet lube, dry lube and wax. I am curious to know what riders use and why.

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 4 months ago

I tried a Rear View Camera

I ride in my neighborhood which is low traffic. I found myself getting surprised by the occasional car or truck passing me. I decided to look at a rear view camera. Having read other comments about the cameras, a consistent weak point was that the angle of view was so wide, that the view was not helpful. So I decided to try a camera that had variable angles of view. Most single view cameras use an angle of 130 to 110 degrees. That really shrinks what you see. So, the camera I chose was a 130/110/90/60 angle view. I mounted it on my Nomad 1 (frame, not seat post). The camera had adjustments for contrast, brightness, etc. I set it to 60 degrees of view. The view rendered was still smaller than my mirror, not quite as clear either. I tested it for three days (I ride 20 miles or so daily), and to my disappointment, I was still getting surprised by those occasional vehicles passing me. The camera, even at 60 degrees was no better than my mirror. I returned it. What I came to realize was that, after driving cars with blind spot monitors for years, I wasn't practicing good safety routinely checking my mirror. I have since made a conscious effort to check my mirror as I ride. To date, I have been surprised much less. Every once in a while, I revert to bad habits, then a vehicle passes me and I get serious again. So bottom line, I am using my mirror much more and saved the cost of an accessory that wasn't really making riding any safer. As always, this is my experience, yours my differ.

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 4 months ago

Love to Just Ride

I see many reasons covered in this community regarding why people have ebikes. Commuting, exercise, hunting, etc., all great reasons to ride. In my case, I just love riding an ebike. It gives me some exercise (i.e., i am not on the couch) and allows me to conquer hills that were no longer possible with my 24 speed. But my real love is just getting out and seeing things and talking with my neighbors. And the excitement pf avoiding deer, squirrels, raccoons, dogs and chipmunks. A car insulates you from the environment, many times you just can't get out and look or talk. My bikes allow me to do just that. Last week, I rode by my neighbors' cactus plant. Not to offend anyone, but 48 weeks or so a year, it is an ugly, spikey plant. But four weeks a year (give or take) you get cactus flowers, something vividly beautiful. I can just stop, and get off my bike and appreciate. Most appreciative to my Packer 1 and Nomad 1 allowing me to do what I love.

u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 5 months ago

Triker Transport

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

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 5 months ago

Buying My Next Bike

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

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 5 months ago

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.

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u/Zoom_Zoom_54 — 6 months ago