Hello from potential Reign e+2 owner, Penticton, BC

[timmers]

Hello all - writing my obligatory post in the newbies forum. Haven't purchased yet, but helped my wife just purchase her Specialized Como 5 step through model. Have tried out a Kenevo and, at the urging of the LBS, a Reign e+2. I had wanted to try a Levo, but they hadn't assembled it, but the Reign was ride-ready. I am doing my research here on the site to convince me one way or the other, to purchase a Levo or the Reign. I was a little concerned about the Reign's abrupt power delivery - just put your foot on the pedal of the bike, and it's trembling to move forward - so I've read through a few of the articles on that subject. About the only thing I've read about the Levo, which would concern me, is the unreliable nature of the Brose motor - seems lots have been returned for warranty replacement.

I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks

 

[Kinger]

Hello all - writing my obligatory post in the newbies forum. Haven't purchased yet, but helped my wife just purchase her Specialized Como 5 step through model. Have tried out a Kenevo and, at the urging of the LBS, a Reign e+2. I had wanted to try a Levo, but they hadn't assembled it, but the Reign was ride-ready. I am doing my research here on the site to convince me one way or the other, to purchase a Levo or the Reign. I was a little concerned about the Reign's abrupt power delivery - just put your foot on the pedal of the bike, and it's trembling to move forward - so I've read through a few of the articles on that subject. About the only thing I've read about the Levo, which would concern me, is the unreliable nature of the Brose motor - seems lots have been returned for warranty replacement.

I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks

Hey @timmers,
Welcome to the club (soon).

I have 1 thing to say about your impending EMTB purchase.

Don’t buy a bike until you have tried as many E-mtbs as you can.
I’m in Vancouver and have the luxury of quite a few dealers from here to Squamish, so I went through a lot. (8 bikes total before buying)

I did not try a Giant bike, so hopefully someone here can give you their impressions.

I see that the Bike Barn carries Trek, Norco & Rocky Mountain
I strongly suggest trying any inventory they have as well as getting a ride in the Levo before laying down cash.
(New models are also coming soon(ish).
Hope this helps you.

 

[Bounderwater]

Hello all - writing my obligatory post in the newbies forum. Haven't purchased yet, but helped my wife just purchase her Specialized Como 5 step through model. Have tried out a Kenevo and, at the urging of the LBS, a Reign e+2. I had wanted to try a Levo, but they hadn't assembled it, but the Reign was ride-ready. I am doing my research here on the site to convince me one way or the other, to purchase a Levo or the Reign. I was a little concerned about the Reign's abrupt power delivery - just put your foot on the pedal of the bike, and it's trembling to move forward - so I've read through a few of the articles on that subject. About the only thing I've read about the Levo, which would concern me, is the unreliable nature of the Brose motor - seems lots have been returned for warranty replacement.

I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks

Did you get a chance to ride the Reign E+ off rode yet? I only had it for a short test ride on the road and the motor seemed fine. Yes I felt some small vibrations when my foot was on the pedal at a stop, it seems the motor was ready to go if I let off the brakes, but I think you can get used to that pretty quick.

 

[Donny]

Hello Timmers, I have a giant reign e+2 myself. I tested out a range of bikes from local bike shops and friends ranging from specialized to Norco and some in between. Although they all felt a touch different on the trail, at the end of the day I didn't think I would go wrong with any of them. On top of that, electric motors in general are quite simple so there wasn't much concern over avoiding a potential bomb or dodgy motor. So, my decision for the giant ended up being based on the fact I thought the giant motor was the most badass and just never felt like it was struggling at any point. The other reason I went for the giant was due to the price. The bike was stacked with far superior parts for the equivalent price from other brands which made it a no brainer decision for me. These were all my thoughts anyway and I hope they might be able to help you in your decision of what bike to get but at the end of the day and whatever you get, EMTB's are nothing but fun and makes riding an absolute rush of enjoyment over all terrains.

EDIT: after submitting this reply I stumbled across the blown specialized levo motors post. I've done over 3000 km's on my reign and I would like to think I give it a good test most times I ride. My Yamaha motor on the giant has never had one issue and it is safe to say it has done nothing but let the good times roll.

 

[timmers]

Did you get a chance to ride the Reign E+ off rode yet? I only had it for a short test ride on the road and the motor seemed fine. Yes I felt some small vibrations when my foot was on the pedal at a stop, it seems the motor was ready to go if I let off the brakes, but I think you can get used to that pretty quick.

Hello - in the end I rolled the dice and purchased a Turbo Levo. I just couldn't get past the abrupt power delivery that the Giant motor (Yamaha) gave to the rider. I can understand why that's the reason that some would purchase the bicycle, but I didn't feel comfortable with it. I've had the Levo for about a week now, and have put about 200 kms on it. About 60% on fire roads/trails, about 30% on singletrack, and the remainder on paved roads. I am having a blast.

 

[timmers]

Hello Timmers, I have a giant reign e+2 myself. I tested out a range of bikes from local bike shops and friends ranging from specialized to Norco and some in between. Although they all felt a touch different on the trail, at the end of the day I didn't think I would go wrong with any of them. On top of that, electric motors in general are quite simple so there wasn't much concern over avoiding a potential bomb or dodgy motor. So, my decision for the giant ended up being based on the fact I thought the giant motor was the most badass and just never felt like it was struggling at any point. The other reason I went for the giant was due to the price. The bike was stacked with far superior parts for the equivalent price from other brands which made it a no brainer decision for me. These were all my thoughts anyway and I hope they might be able to help you in your decision of what bike to get but at the end of the day and whatever you get, EMTB's are nothing but fun and makes riding an absolute rush of enjoyment over all terrains.

EDIT: after submitting this reply I stumbled across the blown specialized levo motors post. I've done over 3000 km's on my reign and I would like to think I give it a good test most times I ride. My Yamaha motor on the giant has never had one issue and it is safe to say it has done nothing but let the good times roll.

Hello and thanks for sharing. I ended up purchasing the Levo about a week ago, and have put on about 200 kms (you've done way better than that - wow!). I'm having a blast with it, and the XL size of the bicycle fits me perfectly. The Reign did have the better spec'd components, out of the gate, but I'm the sort of bicycle owner the LBS likes, as I will most likely be visiting them in the future to purchase upgrades as I wear out what is currently installed on the bike - haha. I would have liked to have purchased the model with the 700Wh battery, but it wasn't available in my size - so mine has the 500Wh version (batteries are same physical size, so if I want to spend the money at some point later on, I can...).

 

[Donny]

Hello and thanks for sharing. I ended up purchasing the Levo about a week ago, and have put on about 200 kms (you've done way better than that - wow!). I'm having a blast with it, and the XL size of the bicycle fits me perfectly. The Reign did have the better spec'd components, out of the gate, but I'm the sort of bicycle owner the LBS likes, as I will most likely be visiting them in the future to purchase upgrades as I wear out what is currently installed on the bike - haha. I would have liked to have purchased the model with the 700Wh battery, but it wasn't available in my size - so mine has the 500Wh version (batteries are same physical size, so if I want to spend the money at some point later on, I can...).

that's awesome, and yeah you can't go wrong when you've got a grin ear to ear haha. I also upgraded my battery from the 500 to the 625 which made a significant difference in my opinion and i love having two batteries for those days I'm feeling extra energized haha. The other upgrade i made which is the best thing I did is by some of those 150mm meridan cranks. Bent 3 pairs of other cranks going from 170 to 165 than 160 until i just said I'm over buying cranks so i bought the smallest ones i could find and very rarely do I touch down now. Anyway, glad to hear you're loving you're bike and good luck into the future.

PS. hope you don't become one of them posters in the blown specialized motor thread haha