BajaNomad - VeeGo fat tire bike...Anybody here own one?

VeeGo fat tire bike...Anybody here own one?

AKgringo - 6-30-2021 at 11:34 AM

I am interested in getting an e-bike, capable of riding for short trips around wherever I happen to be in Baja. I know there are many options, but this one folds up and would fit inside my SUV.

A traditional mountain bike is not an option for me. No matter how much I work out to get my legs in shape, my cardio problems leave me with very short endurance.

https://ridescoozy.com/Electric-Bicycles/VeeGo-Fat-Tire/

SFandH - 6-30-2021 at 01:25 PM

I had a fat tire pedal bike and got rid of it quick. The rolling friction is high, it takes a lot more work. So I bet they chew up batteries quick too. There's a reason they put skinny tires on racing bikes.

RFClark - 6-30-2021 at 03:14 PM

I see lots of people riding the non-electric ones on the dirt roads around Pescadero! They seem popular here!

SFandH - 6-30-2021 at 03:44 PM

I see them too and had one a couple of years ago. The fat rims and tires are heavier than normal width wheels and they definitely take more effort to get going and don't coast as far. Coasting is where I really noticed it, they just slow right down.

Don Pisto - 6-30-2021 at 03:50 PM

people seem to like em and the price is right, I say go for it!

AKgringo - 6-30-2021 at 04:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

I had a fat tire pedal bike and got rid of it quick. The rolling friction is high, it takes a lot more work. So I bet they chew up batteries quick too. There's a reason they put skinny tires on racing bikes.

What you say makes sense for over all riding, but my priority will be more toward performance on loose, soft surfaces, so fat tires look like my best choice.

On a distinctly non-Baja note, my son's choice of winter tires in Anchorage are similar to what you would run in sandy soil, except they are studded for Ice! They are tall (29"?) fat (3") and he runs them at lower pressure for more ground contact.

Timinator - 6-30-2021 at 04:51 PM

My wife and I have Mewe's. They're great. Batteries last 40+ miles easy.

AKgringo - 6-30-2021 at 04:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Timinator

My wife and I have Mewe's. They're great. Batteries last 40+ miles easy.

Could you give me a link for that bike? What my search came up with is a social networking site (MeWe)

WestyWanderer - 6-30-2021 at 08:00 PM

I have a rad runner, it’s been great, have nearly 500 miles on it already. Mine is a fat tire, I highly recommend the fat tires for loose or soft soil.

Timinator - 7-1-2021 at 04:42 AM

As Westy said, RadRunners are an option too. I think you get a bit more for the money with Mewe's (www.himiwaybike.com), especially if you're buying two. But they have racks and fenders stock.

OK, the himiway is what I was calling mewe. Got the new facebook clone page mixed up. So, they are Himiway's not mewe's. Here's the link

www.himiwaybike.com

HeyMulegeScott - 7-1-2021 at 12:35 PM

We love our Radrover fat tire bikes in Baja. I haven't heard of that brand. You can try searching on https://electricbikereview.com/

The good thing about the Rad bikes is they have support in Seattle and you can get parts from them. This should be good for $50 off http://rwrd.io/055why7?c

TMW - 7-1-2021 at 01:00 PM

I purchased a RadRunner two years ago and so far I've only ridden it around the neighbor. It has the 3 inch tires. I bought it to take to Baja and ride the beaches when camping. Also to take with me when leaving one of my vehicles for service that may take a while. I could go about my business while the vehicle is being serviced.

Be careful when first riding it. Unlike a pedal bike or small motorcycle it has a lot of torque when taking off. So go easy on the throttle.

I don't know if there is a special carrier to mount it to a vehicle or not. I purchased an aluminum motorcycle rack at Harbor Freight that fits into a trailer hitch and then cut the ends down about 6-8 inches on each side to fit the bike.

WestyWanderer - 7-1-2021 at 01:48 PM

The rad rover or runner don’t fold but rad does make a folding one. I almost bought a Himiway bike when I got mine, it elected to pay a little more for the customer service and am glad I did

Thanks for the feedback so far!

AKgringo - 7-1-2021 at 03:45 PM

I have been browsing various different makes and models, and the ones that have drawn my interest (even the ones assembled in the US) seem to use the same hardware, batteries and electronics. None of which seem to be made in the US or Canada!

I started with the VeeGo because I talked to a guy here in NorCal that had one, and he had good things to say about it.

I would probably choose a different bike if I was going to be mainly in one place, and ride from there, or planned on using a rack or trailer to move around a lot.

Of the folding models that I have searched and read about, this one seems like it will be the best fit for me (and my Trooper). I will check out a few more, like the Rad folding bike, but I will probably pull the trigger on one in the near future. Delivery may take a while, there is a lot of demand right now!

AKgringo - 7-1-2021 at 08:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Timinator

OK, the himiway is what I was calling mewe. Got the new facebook clone page mixed up. So, they are Himiway's not mewe's. Here's the link

www.himiwaybike.com

Did you get the full size Cruiser, or the 20 inch tire Escape?

Alm - 7-1-2021 at 09:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I know there are many options, but this one folds up and would fit inside my SUV.

A traditional mountain bike is not an option for me. No matter how much I work out to get my legs in shape, my cardio problems leave me with very short endurance.

https://ridescoozy.com/Electric-Bicycles/VeeGo-Fat-Tire/

IMO, the most trusted reviews on ebikes are on EBR. Click on Categories -> Fat. They don't cover VeeGo, could be one of those Chinese imports that come and go, some store buys a quantity, no other stores have heard about it, nobody knows how long they will be around.

Ask what people think about Vee - in the Forums -> Help Choosing a bike, or Discussion by Type -> Fat. I see that somebody already asked and was told to get RAD: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/radrover-or-ve... Btw, RAD make a folding fatty for less money than Vee, and they do have a support. These things are terribly heavy to lift it into the truck or SUV.

[Edited on 7-2-2021 by Alm]

bajamedic - 7-1-2021 at 11:22 PM

AKgringo, I have a couple of EBikes. I have a Pedego Trail Tracker with 26" Fat Tires and I also have a Letric, it has 20" Fat Tires. Neither bike has any suspension. For longer rides, the Pedego, the bigger tires provide a better ride and feel much more stable in rocky terrain or loose gravel. The Letric bike was much cheaper to purchase and it is convenient being able to fold it up into a nice little bundle when my pickup is getting crowded. The smaller tires just do not feel as stable on the trail so I limit it to mostly paved street riding. Both bikes are 48 volts and 750-watt motors and I have never run out of battery on either. The smaller tire with the 750-watt motor feels differently like it has more power when climbing hills than the larger tire bike. I try to pedal every where I can as I want the exercise, but it is reassuring that when I get tired of pedaling, I just twist the throttle and enjoy the ride. JH

AKgringo - 7-2-2021 at 06:46 AM

Alm, Thanks for that link! Through the magic of cookies, it provided a location of an e-bike shop less than ten minutes from me. I think it is time for some "in person" research!

SteveWil - 7-2-2021 at 07:57 AM

https://lectricebikes.com/products/xp-step-thru-white?g_netw...

I have an lectrice bike, have had it 2 years have 200 miles on it, I have a friend that has one also and he has 2000 on his.
The new model now has front shocks and they have gone from 4 inch tires to 3 inch.

Timinator - 7-2-2021 at 01:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Quote: Originally posted by Timinator

OK, the himiway is what I was calling mewe. Got the new facebook clone page mixed up. So, they are Himiway's not mewe's. Here's the link

www.himiwaybike.com

Did you get the full size Cruiser, or the 20 inch tire Escape?

The full size Cruiser. Both for me and the wife. Very happy, lot's of power, very smooth, great brakes. We bought the rear view mirrors for both bikes and one of their bags that fit on the rear rack. Haven't put those on yet, it's been raining every weekend. But just to see each other and possible cars coming up on us while were cruising we both decided we wanted mirrors.

I pulled the trigger on this one....

AKgringo - 7-2-2021 at 03:31 PM

I went to a local dealer that I did not even know existed, and was impressed with their inventory, parts and service! The Emojo Ram Sport is almost identical to the way the VeeGo is set up, and at the same price point, so I am going with the local guy vs. a shop in Florida!

https://sierraebike.com/products/ram-ss

I will let you know how it works out after a few shakedown/learning curve rides around my property!

Alm - 7-2-2021 at 03:49 PM

AKgringo, the one you bought looks similar to Vee, they copy each other design shamelessly in China. The battery is smaller than Vee.

RAD and Lectric are consumer-direct products, stores don't carry them. You may book a test ride in selected locations - probably only one location for Lectric, in their Phoenix headquarters. RAD can arrange a ride in pretty much any state, I heard.

Lectric is cheap for a reason - their motor is 500W (750W in RAD), the battery is 9.4 AH (14 AH in RAD). Could be other differences as well.

[Edited on 7-2-2021 by Alm]

AKgringo - 7-2-2021 at 09:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm

AKgringo, the one you bought looks similar to Vee, they copy each other design shamelessly in China. The battery is smaller than Vee.

The two bikes are so similar, that I did not check the amp output of the batteries. Ten vs. thirteen is worth considering, and may have changed my decision. VeeGo even shows a 17.5 amp option, but it adds $200 to the cost.

Since I am so ignorant about this technology, having a service shop 7 miles from my house will probably be a good thing.

Alm - 7-4-2021 at 01:33 PM

There is a mobile service https://www.velofix.com/. They come to your place, pick up the bike, fix it and bring it back.

As I recall, RAD have an agreement with Velofix to deliver new bikes assembled - important thing because 99% of consumer-direct bikes require assembly. Shops would assemble bikes they sell - per customer request, and most of them would charge $100-150 for that. Some don't charge.

geoffff - 7-9-2021 at 11:16 PM

I have a similar fat-tire E-Bike (Rad Power folding).

Fat tires are nice in that they let you ride on beaches and soft-sandy trails that a normal mountain bike would get bogged down by.

However, I found my tubes would quickly get punctured by cactus spines. And they don't make Tuffy Strips tube protectors that wide.

AKgringo - 7-10-2021 at 09:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by geoffff

I found my tubes would quickly get punctured by cactus spines. And they don't make Tuffy Strips tube protectors that wide.

While I was at the shop, they showed me some foam inserts that were designed for my 20 x 4 inch Kenda tires. They are supposedly firm enough to allow the bike to 'run flat' without ruining the tubes or tires.

If the bike works out for me around here (no cactus) then I might consider having them installed before I head to Baja. They did 'slime' my tires at no charge, so I have some protection already.

[Edited on 7-10-2021 by AKgringo]

mtgoat666 - 7-10-2021 at 09:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm

There is a mobile service https://www.velofix.com/. They come to your place, pick up the bike, fix it and bring it back.

As I recall, RAD have an agreement with Velofix to deliver new bikes assembled - important thing because 99% of consumer-direct bikes require assembly. Shops would assemble bikes they sell - per customer request, and most of them would charge $100-150 for that. Some don't charge.

Support your local bikes shops. Do not buy bikes online.
Double whammy: you buy Chinese made, putting usa workers out of work, and buy online, leading to failure of local bike shop.

That mobile assembly service is probably the former employee of a closed bike shop

P.s. China is in many ways an enemy of USA,… buy American!

[Edited on 7-10-2021 by mtgoat666]

Alm - 7-10-2021 at 02:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Double whammy: you buy Chinese made, putting usa workers out of work, and buy online, leading to failure of local bike shop.

Local bike shops sell bikes made in China. Only a few US companies (1 or 2 literally) make their own wheels and put it on Chinese frames with Chinese motor, battery, electronics, brakes etc and advertise it as "made in the USA of local and global materials". Electric Bike Company is one of them (yes, this is the name). I think they also paint frames in this shop.

All other so-called US ebike companies just place an order with the US distributor's warehouse who in turn orders partially assembled bikes from China. Front wheel is removed to make the box smaller, and then the shop puts the wheel on and does tune-up. This is all that the US workers do. Or a customer puts the wheel on. Some companies have one shop where they sell and service it, some have a dealers network.

Some online bikes like RAD are "designed" in the US, this involves going to China and choosing from a variety of frames, motors, batteries and getting some factory to put it together. With other online bikes - like Lectric - there is no US design work.

Mainly, the difference is in service. RAD will promptly send you parts and (if under warranty) will pay for installing them in whatever shop will do it. Pedego will come to your place, pick up the bike, give you a loaner, and bring your bike back later - this is why they cost more. Parts are all Chinese, except that Pedego use Dapu motor which is said to be Japanese but the listed address is in China.

[Edited on 7-10-2021 by Alm]

Hook - 7-10-2021 at 07:16 PM

I own a 2019 Rad Rover. I love it.

I replaced the original tires at 1500 miles, and went EVEN WIDER. 4.8 INCH Maxxis Minions. Originals were 4.0. I really dont consider a 3.0 inch tire that fat. You will bog down in sand. Still too narrow.

At 8 psi, I can float on any sand that is no deeper than about 4-6 inches. Meaning that if there is wet sand or hard pack below the 4-6 inches, you are cruising. And, yes, I can make turns in this sand, too, not just going straight forward.

I ride about 90% single tracks in Mexico, 5% dirt roads and 5% pavement. Those are Mexico percentages. In Idaho, I am about 50-50 dirt to pavement. I have 3 inch street tires I slap on.

I now have about 2700 miles on it. Ive adjusted the cable brakes about three times in that time. My hydraulic brake mtn bikes friends said I would be adjusting constantly. Not so. Adjusting is sooo easy with discs and rotors.

I have encountered steep inclines on loose gravel where the weight of the bike isnt overcome by the 750w, rear hub motor. Mid drive motor bikes do have more torque.......but you often get no throttle. I pity my mid-drive friends when they bog down on a hill and have to get pedaling on a steep incline for the motor to kick in. They just walk it up. Not so with a throttle.

There are tire liners that cover probably 90% of the tire surface that contacts the ground. I have them. They work. I also use Slime. Flats are extremely rare, even in Mexican deserts. But the single tracks I ride are well worn.

Make no mistake, these bikes are trail bikes, not enduro or downhill bikes. I'm fine with that, at my age.

Placing and retrieving a folding bike from a trunk sounds so easy.........until you have to BEND OVER to lift 50-65 lbs. out of the trunk. I'd much rather have to lift straight up to put it on a bike rack.

I probably will buy a straight mechanical mtn. bike soon, for more technical riding. But this bike has replaced so many city errands. I have panniers that I slap on when I am NOB in Eagle, Idaho.

Goat, I defy you to find an e-bike that isn't largely Chinese components. It really doesn't exist, that I am aware of.

[Edited on 7-11-2021 by Hook]

Alm - 7-11-2021 at 10:09 AM

Hook is right. These machines are heavy to put in/out the trunk. Folding bikes tend to be heavier, with hinges and frame reinforcements. RAD Mini weighs 67 lbs - more if you add optional rear rack. With battery removed it's still 60 lbs. With the trunk you have to put your arms forward with all this weight.

AKgringo - 7-11-2021 at 11:42 AM

My Emojo Ram is listed at 55 lbs with the rack installed. I have not verified the weight, but that seems about right. It really is no trouble putting it in the back of my Isuzu Trooper.

I agree that a rigid frame and an external rack to haul the bike on would be best for most uses, but my choice of roads and trails would put the bike and rack at risk of damage. Then there is the temptation for thieves to mess with it if I can not be right with the vehicle.

Designed in California!

AKgringo - 7-11-2021 at 12:02 PM

It says so right on the frame of my e-bike! In conversations with the shop owner, he told me that since he is one of the highest volume distributors of the Emojo brand, they listened to him about how to modify one of their existing designs to meet his ideas about this model.

It is his best seller, and hard to keep on the floor. He also confirmed what has been said here about next to nothing being produced by US factories!

Alm - 7-11-2021 at 06:47 PM

About those foam inserts... I would get them, given the intended use. Tannus Armor was the brand I looked into.

All bikes are now hard to keep on the floor, with and without motor, not just Emojo. People have been buying rec items like crazy during the epidemic, and the supply chain has been wrecked for the same reason.

AKgringo - 7-11-2021 at 07:00 PM

Aside from demand, there is also a few problems in shipping, such as a shortage of shipping containers in China, a shortage of truck drivers in the US, increased fuel cost along the whole supply chain, and an increased desire for a lot of folks to get away from their usual routine.

All of the bikes I have checked out have had recent price increases!

[Edited on 7-16-2021 by AKgringo]

pacificobob - 7-12-2021 at 10:10 AM

a number of gringos in my area have radrovers. yes, they are heavy. also fun, comfortable ,and affordable.
we get flat tires...i buy tubes in 4packs.

geoffff - 7-12-2021 at 08:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Sounds intriguing! If you get a chance to snap a photo of them or write down the brand & product name, I'd appreciate that!

I did end up trying multiple Tuffy strips duct-taped together side-by-side. I then slitted them on the sides so they would properly bend into the right donut shape. I haven't been back to cactus country to try all this out yet (COVID).

HeyMulegeScott - 7-16-2021 at 09:59 AM

The Kenda tires on my Radrover are supposedly puncture-resistant but were no match for the thorns in Baja. After using Slime in the tubes last year I've had zero flats.

Don Pisto - 7-16-2021 at 11:01 AM

growing up in the SFV in the 50's and 60's puncture weeds (goat heads) were the scourge of every bicycle rider, before Slime we had some kind of sealant similar to Slime that saved the day! anyway here's an interesting article about various sealants..
https://mbaction.com/tire-sealant-shootout/amp/

[Edited on 7-16-2021 by Don Pisto]

Alm - 7-16-2021 at 06:36 PM

I've been using Slime but the word is Stan's and Orange Seal are better.

HeyMulegeScott - 7-17-2021 at 01:18 PM

I use Stan's in my MTB tubeless tires but Slime seems to work well for the fat tire tubes.