Electra Townie Go! 7D Step-Thru Review - $1.7k

[@allrounderbicycle7193]

I personally own this model (in “mango” though) and just absolutely love it. I’ve been a bicycle mechanic for 31 years by profession and even worked for electric specific bicycle dealers selling Riese & Müeller, Urban Arrow, etc. For me, the pure experience of bicycling is a minimalistic one, and this bike made me realize how e-bikes with throttles and +500W turn it into a different activity, and while it enhances speed, does not necessarily enhance the experience. What I love about the Townie 7d is that the pedal assist can be used just to get you up to speed and from there you don’t need to use it much. Just accelerations from a dead stop and hills. Since the bike is relatively light it still feels like an “acoustic” bike with the assist at zero. Simply put, it still feels like bicycling. I also need to mention: there’s something nice about the mental assurance that should this battery fail years down the road, and it will eventually, this would still make for a great bike even without the motor, or I could build it back up with another hub drive system. It’s not landfill. Now for a couple points for Electra to consider. The 42t is way under-geared. As the rear hub uses a freewheel, I couldn’t swap for an 11-34 cassette. So I found a 53t lying in my chainring drawer and swapped it in, not without some struggle as the chain guard is specific to the 42t as well. I had to modify it a bit to fit. However the gearing feels perfect now. The cadence feels chill. A note about flat-foot technology: while comfortable while seated, there are some instances where you still want to stand up so as to avoid taking the impact of road bumps right into your body. So I flipped the seat rail clamp forward of the post to steepen the effective seat angle. This helps toggle between standing and sitting, making for a smoother ride for my body. Second, I flipped the stem backwards, to bring the bars closer. Now I’m about 5’10”, and I’m a bit of a roadie with my other bikes, drop bars well below saddle height. With the electric assist there’s basically no need to lean forward to access biomechanical leverage. The motor takes care of the leverage. I might have spec’d the bike with a back sweep bar (think Rivendell Billie Bar) or a zero-offset stem (think Dischord Components). However goofy it looks, it feels way better with the stem backwards. (One advantage too as my Ortlieb handlebar bag now sits directly in-line with the steering axis, which leaves the handling relatively unaffected!) In summary I highly recommend this bike to anyone to wants to experience the simple joy of cycling.

[@JoshManMate]

Sounds great, does the 250w motor with forward pedal setup go alright with hills at full assistance or do you need to stand & pedal with decent effort?

[@allrounderbicycle7193]

@@JoshManMate These days I weigh about 165 lbs, and I think it goes uphill "alright" just fine. No need to assist the motor by standing even at the lowest level (there's just 3 levels: low, medium, high). As most of the e-bikes I work on use 500-1000w motors, I personally never feel at ease with the massive torque they put out at low-speeds. They're great for going mach 2 with your hair on fire, and while I feel the need for speed on my race bikes, that sort of power is a bit unnerving when the goal is leisure. 250w is plenty enough assist for a restful bike ride.

[@georgematzouranis2661]

Hey, in the UK this bike has a speed limit, do you know how this can be removed? I can't find a guide online specific to that bike..

[@allrounderbicycle7193]

@@georgematzouranis2661 sorry I don’t know how to do that

[@mikeward3147]

@@JoshManMate I am 5'8' and 200 lbs, I haven't had a hill; yet that took anything but seated pedaling and not always in full assist, I start out at assist 1 or 2 and only get to 3 if I really need it.

[@RCPrepping]

Two weeks ago I bought the 2022 year model. I added a rear rack, front and rear LED lights, water bottle cage and a computer. I am 62 years old. I ride it to and from work and around town on my lunch hour. I live two miles from my office.

[@bigboybigdog8643]

What did you buy for a rack?

[@Bobcouto2]

What type of computer, can you provide a link please. Merry Christmas. Just received this e bike as a gift. Looks awesome

[@mikeward3147]

@@marigoldsfever1538 I have there is a steep hill on the trail from Wabash Indiana over to Lagro, Indiana. My wife had to walk her bike up the trail hill, I went up lickety-split no worries. While we were taking a water/snack break at the top of the hill 2 more Townie Go's came up the hill without hesitation. I have photos of the hill but I do not know how or if they can be attached here.

[@sandrarandolph2993]

Love the comprehensive review! I bought one yesterday and so far I find it perfect for a 64 (tomorrow) year old. sorta heavy woman. It pulled the big hill by my house easily. Can’t wait to ride it at the nice walking track near my home.

[@hfjeff2736]

My wife has this exact bike and I have the step-over in green. They are both very easy and fun bikes. The torque sensor Hyena drive system is very smooth and quiet compared to other cadence sensor bikes. Although this bike has lower power ratings than other bikes, it is not under powered and I have not run out of battery. At 45 lbs, it is light for an e-bike and I often leave the electronic control on, but set to power level 0. Then when needed to go up a hill, just bump the + to 1 or 2 and it carries you up and over. The app Is now available and is very useful and convenient for updating firmware and tracking ride statistics. You can also adjust the power level percentage settings for power levels 1, 2, & 3. This bike is VERY under-rated and too often over-looked due to stats on paper. Thanks for the great review.

[@Bobcouto2]

How do you find the app??

[@johnbarker2802]

Hi, just wanted to say l watched your video 3 or 4 times and bought this model thanks to your review. Very pleased with my purchase, great work 😊😊😊

[@CrepitusRex]

I just brought this exact model home. It's superb for the price point. Lots of opportunities for upgrades making fathers days a little more exciting.

[@andredistefano2854]

Just bought one the other day!! Absolutely love it!!

[@user-fw8rd5ud4q]

I’m so excited to get mine at the end of April. They are hard to find! Great video man. I wish all reviews were this detailed. Enjoy your day!

[@karicoleman3548]

Thank you for the comprehensive review. I have a bad back and can’t lean forward much, and I’m really looking forward to test-riding this baby tomorrow and hoping it’s comfortable for me.

[@MrVerno1960]

Nice Review! I have a regular Townie with like 10,000 miles on it. They make a good quality, durable bike.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Sweet, so glad to hear it's holding up well for you :D what color is yours?

[@jochosen3969]

The best ebike reviewer on KZbin I''ve been listening to Cort for years. He does his homework and is very knowledgeable. I trust his reviews 🚲.

[@mootrail9487]

The updated Townie looks great and the "hands free" wobble of the original looks to be gone. Hopefully the reduced battery capacity won't hinder the fun factor. Different tires are also a plus as the original's tires were flat machines. It's a bike that everyone recognizes and people love the Townie everywhere I go.

[@CrepitusRex]

Absolutely outstanding review. You do a great job at keeping it fun, and informative yet not snoring...

[@callmepj4333]

Great review, love the bike! My cousin is sending me one as I type, excited!❤❤❤

[@rocketman7887]

Thanks for your informative and interesting review. I’m definitely going electric and based on your video, and the fact that I have owned and enjoyed 2 townies. I’m certainly gonna check the 7d out.

[@9amStudio]

I just wanna buy everything he reviews 😆

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Haha, me too!! I just get to test ride them for a little while, this was honestly one of my favorites because it's so chill and doesn't fill overwhelming ;)

[@5Flaash]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to share yourt insights with us all.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Looks like an ideal bike for a broad range of riders....very "approachable" indeed and well-priced. I live in a Florida beachside tourist town and these look like a perfect "fleet" e-bike for daily rentals.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Oh yeah, I think these would be great for something like that! Lots of people would be able to use them without feeling confused or overwhelmed by the power or weight like on some other bikes. I like how clean looking they are :)

[@nahnisjourney1406]

Next door here in Coastal Georgia. There are a couple bike rental companies that are owned by the same person in Tybee Island who might be interested in offering this particular style of eBike. They currently only offer regular manual fat tire bicycles. Some people are already riding eBikes on the island

[@stevecahill9106]

Not sure why Townie eliminated the front suspension fork that was on the older 21 speed model before the Trek acquisition. Suspension needed for senior riders!

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

I agree, we were just doing a comparison of my current 2005 Townie 21 speed and that’s the first thing my husband noticed. Love, love, love that bike but was hoping to upgrade to an e-bike. Found the original receipt, paid $399.00 in 2005. Seemed like a lot of money back then, now it’s a bargain!😊 The ride comfort of a peddle forward just can’t be beat. Thanks for the very thorough review!

[@exosluckyone]

i just got this bike for school and its my 1st electric bike and its so COOL. i have mine in guava

[@exosluckyone]

tbh im way over weight capacity but so far it works fine

[@JohnDubU]

Very helpful, thank you. We have a dealer relatively close, I think this might be a winner.

[@mcresearch]

Another excellent and thorough review as usual Court. The non-removable battery would be an issue for me as my garage bakes in summer and goes below 0 in winter.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thank you Charlieroy! Yeah, the non-removable battery is worth considering. The temperature angle is part of it, but I also imagine that commuting to a workplace with outside rack and nowhere to charge could be a concern. The range isn't super far by default, but at least it's not super heavy or difficult to pedal manually if it runs out of juice. I wonder if they could create a secondary battery like Specialized has done for their SL ebikes, like a range extender bottle battery to fit in a bottle cage there :D

[@resound3221]

Although it's Electra customized drive system, you can still connect it to Hyena's app to use the dashboard.

[@jonstudebaker1911]

It's sooooooooooo fun to ride! I LOVE IT! You only need to petal once and it takes off! Its like someone pushing you!

[@hellokt9101]

Thanks for your very informative video. Looking for my first pedal assist bike. Now to take one on a test ride to see if it fits my short frame.

[@Bobcouto2]

Awesome review, very comprehensive. I know it’s difficult to update these when you must do many but it would be nice to have seen an updated comment about the app……it is very helpful to use the app and it would be good to know how to obtain it. I was able to figure it out by scrolling through all the comments. The app adds great value to the bike, especially since it’s so minimalistic..

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes, I tend to focus on one bike at a time and go as deep as I can based on what is available… I see how the app coverage would bring a lot of value here. Perhaps there are other videos that focus specifically on the Hyena ebike app (I think it would be the same for both Trek and Electra models).

[@davidcantu5923]

Great review! Thank you!

[@paulomatematica9985]

electra townie is the best bicycle in the world, for transport and casual riding.

[@alysiaritschel3950]

Great review! Thank you! I just ordered mine.

[@patricecomedy]

Really good review! Thank you!

[@Lobodenoche2400]

Hi could you review the Loft go 7D EQ step over please ?(the new model)

[@lynnmoore9771]

I appreciate all the work you did to make this video but sadly I did not see you go up the hill and that’s what I was most important for me to see. Do you have any comment on the hill capacity?

[@jasonroberts9101]

Love your content- Your help and advice please - i’m trying to decide between this bike or the Momentum Vida E+ Low Step. Both Brand new and at the same price $2k Thanks so much

[@jasontether7196]

awesome informative review thanks very helpful

[@cindybalandiat7746]

Thank you for a great tutorial! Wondering what you used to keep the cables together in the front? Just got my bike together but the cables are super long and not housed together nicely. thanks!

[@kas8970]

Hyena is on the Jamis electric Hudson as well. It’s u.s. distribution is by Praxis is think…

[@Sicilian49]

Imagine riding this bike with an extra Range Extension battery at the rear rack.

[@kayemonaco9503]

I recently purchased this bike. It has many great features. However I am not real impressed with the assist going uphill. I am wondering if anyone else has noticed this. At this point I am thinking about returning it. Please let me know if you have experienced this. Maybe the bike is best for flat land cruising.

[@mikeward3147]

Are you using the 3rd level of assist?? I have a Townie Go and I do not have any problems with steep hills although I do have to use either the 2nd or 3rd level of assist at times in a lower gear. Gearing down and powering up should solve the issue.

[@mitosoltes1436]

I really like your reviews. Would you mind saying how tall are you? Im 6`6 and its very difficult to find the correct frame size bike. If you have any suggestions I would be very grateful

[@lyrisea1935]

I think he said in an older video he's something like 5'9.

[@lindaschoenherr482]

Nice job. Thank you.

[@joemcgee2918]

Any way to take the governor off this one or increase the amount of battery power without peddling?

[@treydrier3169]

I own several ebikes. If you like this one, I would also look at the Aventon Level 2 and Mokwheel Asphalt ST. Both have torque peddling (which is more bike-like than cadence peddling). The Mokwheel Asphalt ST comes with 7 gears, 500 watt motor with 14.4 Ah battery, fenders and a rear rack for $1,500. Honestly, don't buy any ebike based on a review. Make sure you test drive it. I'm not sold on this Electra Townie unless you want something super simple with limited motor and battery that will need to be recharged after every ride. The specs on it are relatively unimpressive as both the motor and battery are subpar as is the controller (no display) and there is no throttle for those steep hills. But it is a Trek and a cool looking 'beach' bike. I just think there are better options out there unless you're sold on its simplicity and the beachy look.

[@mr.shyryhud1659]

Just built mine and it’s not going?

[@mambiproductions8960]

Does it have cable plugs to make easy rear wheel removal to fix flats?

[@pacificostudios]

Yes. He mentioned it. The motor wires are a little vulnerable to damage.

[@kings7man]

why include the weight of the bike in the total load this is misleading it would be better to subtract the weight of the bike and state what it can carry

[@stvenkartes9373]

Does the battery charger come with the bike

[@robertmitchell6080]

It does.

[@arthurbutcher1973]

What's with the curbs and this guy

[@scottgaremko9870]

1.7 k for the minimal features is not that affordable ,there's a lot of other choices for value in my opinion.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I feel you, what are some of your favorite affordable ones?

[@MarcusWilliams-gw7iu]

Ebr won't charge

[@Chickennss]

Ride whatever bike you like. Who gives a sht what others think. 😂

[@rama567]

250$ bike + eMotor makes this bike cost more than car 😂

[@jamieryall8341]

It seems like you're trying to put lipstick on a pig. No fenders, lights, rack, shocks, 250 W, awkward battery, etc. & $1750. Too much for not much bike.

[@Beth31597]

I had the 2022 model with all the features you mentioned. It was 62 lbs and I couldn't hold it steady. I never felt safe on it. Hit the slightest bump or bit of gravel and I fell off. I traded it in for this much less expensive 2023 model with no fenders (the tires rubbed on them and if you fell - guess what? The fenders are the first thing to get scratched and show wear). It is 20 lbs lighter and I can actually lift it onto my bike rack. I took off right away on it. Absolutely the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden and so much better than last year's more expensive model.

[@jcoats5529]

Good for Sr. Citizens

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I can see that demographic enjoying this bike, but I also really like it. It's a lot closer to a normal bicycle experience than some of the really powerful bikes with heavier designs :)

[@mikeward3147]

I am 75 and I love mine

[@adrianayunda...scotland7713]

There's something wrong with the audio

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Adrian, it may seem to come mostly from the left side at times because I’m right handed and holding the Canada while using stereo mode. Does this explain it, or could you please be more specific by sharing a time stamp and other details so I can try to improve or fix it :)

[@jerrywaters4814]

Yeah right I bet you say that on every bike that you reviewed don't you

[@tomcatt1740]

nice girls bike

[@mcdoodles5460]

🙄

[@jellybeansi]

Imagine believing that the practical feature of not having to yank your leg over a middle bar and risk catching your balls on it means it's not a "man's" bike... Smdh...

[@markrhuett]

🚴‍♀️

[@micronious5747]

@@jellybeansi yes, the potential for disaster, lol

[@danielsonsthagen8970]

This bike is almost perfect. It was very easy to assemble. kzbin.infoUgkx2YFGCCEkXKgqCOH-7vlvgb4L4hg4IrXI The fit was great as well. I am 5'11" and 160 lbs with a longer torso and rather shorter legs, and 55cm is a perfect fit. Every component seems to be pretty decent and durable except the rear wheel. It was a bit lob-sided and also the freewheel component is either missing a ball bearing or under lubricated, which prevents the wheel from rotating freely. Because of that, it requires more pedaling and also climbing hills a lot harder than expected. Other than the back wheel, I like everything else about it. Affordable and well-built.** UPDATE **It turns out the sound was caused by the tight chain tension. Once I loosen it up by moving the backwheel a tad bit closer to the crankset, the sound went away.