Unsponsored review: heybike Ranger e-bike

Описание: Here, I review the heybike Ranger after 55 miles on the saddle.

The review is unsponsored; I bought it in June 2022 with my own money for my own use after many hours of deliberating. At this time, it cost $1400 at Amazon, and heybike had a $70 coupon at that time, which covered part of the tax.

SUMMARY - This is a good bike, but I think if I were to get a powerful e-bike with long range again, I would probably go with a fixed frame model with thinner tires to help keep weight down. This would also reduce rolling resistance and extend the range. Then, add a lightweight folding bike later to throw in the trunk. (I have a Sailnovo on order now; look for my thoughts on that in a future video)

Here are my review notes:

1) WEIGHT - It weighs 71 lbs., so the fact that it is folding is not as relevant as it could be. If you plan to load it into a van, SUV or truck, it will be OK, but don't plan on getting it a sedan's trunk or a small hatchback.

2) RACK - It's not integrated, but bolted on inside the wheel area. This may be an opportunity for bolting on a different rack or maybe passenger seat in markets where people aren't as heavy as Americans...

3) BRAKES - Mechanical discs. Strong but with a high-pitched screech. I don't know yet if it is possible to tune this out. I'll crack the manual, then reach out to heybike and see what they say.

4) PEDALS - Fold, but are squeaky too. Probably a drop of oil inside the bearing area will fix this.

5) LIGHTS - Excellent; very well thought-out. The headlight is easy to aim and the tail light is well placed for visibility and it's protected by the rack.

6) DISPLAY - It's a reverse LCD with two brightness settings, but even on the brighter setting, it's hard to see in full sunlight. I recommend they go to a positive LCD with backlight, similar to what Lectric does.

7) FENDERS - Sturdy and with sturdy stays. The front should go down further, to protect the riders feet and lower legs from road grime.

8) WEATHERPROOFNESS - They say to keep it dry in the manual, which is a complete cop-out. Can I ride it in the rain? Can it get splashed riding through shallow puddles or is it going to short out and burn? heybike needs to do better here. Either specify what it can handle or raise their game in terms of weather-proofing so they can do so.

9) CONSTRUCTION - Very well-built and finished. Paint is thick and seems to have a nice clear coat. The welds are well-done. Hardware seems to be of decent quality. Everything works as it should.

10) SEAT POST - Is long enough at its maximum height for someone with a 30" inseam to get full leg extension. If your legs are longer and this is important to you, plan on getting a longer seat post. (Depending on how hard you plan to peddle, this may not be important to you)

11) CUSTOMER SERVICE - Seems to be good, from the Amazon reviews where customers needed help for parts that were smashed up in shipping. heybike seems to lead the Chinese brands in this area, and I'm glad they realize it's important to Americans.

12) SHIFTER - Basic Shimano. Works well, and heybike even seems to have accounted for some cable stretch when they set it up at the factory.

13) HAND GRIPS - Seem to be real leather. If not, they're a VERY good simulation.

14) GUARD FOR DERAILLEUR - Nice touch, especially on such a heavy bike.

15) INCLUDES BOTTLE CAGE - Thanks for not nickel-and-diming us on this!

16) VELCRO SLEEVE FOR WIRING HARNESS - Another nice touch, where others are just using zip ties.

17) CAST WHEELS - This was worth a bit of extra money, compared to the lower end Mars model. No messing around with spokes, EVER.

18) CHARGER/POWER SUPPLY - UL Listed. Thanks for not going cheap on safety certification. The connector is not great; it's kind of a loose fit and gets a little warm in charging.

19) SUSPENSION - Front shocks are lockable and adjustable. Seat post has a shock built in; cushy seat but it's not great. That and the fat, low pressure tires are a good inexpensive way to a nice ride. (at the cost of rolling efficiency)

20) BATTERY PACK - Looks to be of good quality, but a replacement is $500. I feel like that's a cash grab. What kind of cells has it got inside?

21) TIRES - 20" inside diameter and 4" thick. They lead to a nice ride, but are noisy on pavement and are quite draggy. Don't plan on pedaling this bike more than 10 mph without electric assist. I would like to see them source a tire with puncture resistance or include some kind of liner for that.

22) INSTRUCTIONS - Good overall. For the first steps, (mounting the front wheel) flip the bike over on a soft surface and fit the wheel to the fork, not vice versa. The computer comes programmed for 3 levels of Power Assist, which is too coarse. heybike did a good job of providing supplementary instructions on their site on how to program it for 7 or 9 speeds and how to fine tune each one. Here is the link: https://heybike.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/...