Chain/Cassette vs. Belt/Automatic for post-op rehab
Hey everyone, 55M here looking for advice on buying my first ebike.
I’m currently recovering from a surgery - no joint pain or mobility issues, just rebuild muscle strength via pedaling. I’m limited to the **EU market (shipping to Spain)** with a strict budget of **€1,900**. I've found some discount websites (like bike-discount germany) have some options to fit my limited budget. Would love to know more websites like that one!
**My primary use cases:**
- **Vacation Motor-home / Grocery runs:** While on vacation , needs to handle varied terrain, from flat city roads to steep, hilly small villages.
- **Rehab & Exercise in my neighborhood:** Starting with maximum assist and slowly dialing it down as muscle strength returns.
# The Drivetrain Dilemma:
I’m stuck between two approaches:
* **Chain + Cassette/Derailleur:** Cheaper, easier to service locally, and gives direct control over gears when tackling steep hills.
* **Belt Drive + Automatic / Internal Gear Hub:** I love the idea of zero maintenance, but automatic setups push the absolute limit of my €1.9k budget (though I've spotted a few discounted sales online).
Is the reliability and simplicity of a belt drive worth stretching my budget for, or is a traditional chain/cassette setup better value for mixed hills and exercise rehab?
# A Question on Hub Motors & "Phantom Pedaling":
I’ve noticed many YouTube reviewers seem to downplay or bypass cadence-sensor hub motors that allow "phantom pedaling" (spinning the pedals with zero resistance while the motor propels you).
For my specific rehab situation - where I might hit a wall on a hill and need the bike to do 90% of the work while my legs just keep moving gently - **is phantom pedaling actually a feature rather than a flaw?** How do cadence-sensor hubs hold up on steep village hills compared to torque sensors?
Would love to hear feedback on drivetrains, hub/sensor types, or specific models available in the EU under €1,900! Thanks!