I Love this Gorgeous Ebike - Hovsco HovAlpha with Torque Sensor

[@tennysonclothing5795]

Haven't been here in ages I remember when you had only a couple k subscribers when you was building your ebike.. I was addicted to those videos.. Well done on over 30k now

[@jbar3337]

That is a nice looking

[@CitizenCycle925]

Thanks for circling back :) I need to get working on some more upgrade videos!!

[@tennysonclothing5795]

@@CitizenCycle925 bro please do.. When you built that ebike I remember you doing loads of upgrades to it and it was super fast.. Was a labour of love, hope you still have that bike

[@CitizenCycle925]

​@tennysonclothing5795 Yes, the citizen cycle is in version 4.0, and is ridiculously fast now.

[@224chingon]

That beautiful color sold me out. Getting mine soon.

[@54john2]

You are my favorite Podcaster👍. I’m waiting for you to do a video on this bike. I bought my first e-bike ever 2 weeks ago and got the Fabulous EMX Xtreme 60v dual 750w and love it,got 173kms on it..yes I did unlocked it.😊

[@54john2]

@sr_laingarciacalvo1..telegraam hey just wondering if you will be doing a video on the EMX Xtreme 60v dual 750w.

[@nonamehawg7068]

When you review a fat tire bike, the adventure 2 is always my unit of measurement. So far, I am still winning. Great review.

[@jfly2249]

If you like pedal strikes and hitting the front tire when you pedal. Why can’t Aventon fix this? Why no UL listing?

[@rayrussell6258]

@@jfly2249 that's petty, just move your feet on the pedals so you won't hit the tire; I "fixed" that problem 15 minutes after I started riding the Aventure 2.

[@nonamehawg7068]

@jfly2249 I am glad you decided to list the negative things about this bike. They are NOT deal breakers. However, if you decided to list the positive things about this bike, you would still be typing. Happy trails. 👋

[@jfly2249]

Aventure has a weak 48v system, small 15ah battery, and no rear suspension. Good torque sensor and paint job. Torque sensor requires you to actually work to achieve class 3 speeds which many can’t or don’t want to do. Also, it has a thumb throttle which are tiring and hard to control and it’s limited to 20mph. That’s in addition to a frame design which is inherently dangerous due to pedal strikes. Hard pass.

[@rayrussell6258]

@@jfly2249 All who own one reach and exceed the 28 mph legal limit on their Aventure 2 easily, in Class 3 mode, and so far I have 35 miles ridden and 20% still left on battery indicator, using a mix of PAS Sport setting and throttle, and have not recharged battery yet, so nothing wrong with the system or battery. Move your foot, doop, and no pedal strikes. The frame design is very comfortable. I'm no fan of any torque sensors, but it does help improve battery range. Aventure 1 has cadence sensor, and Aventon dealers still have a few left for those who prefer it. The rest of what you say is just more of your pettiness we've read elsewhere, not real issues. Maybe you should work out more, so your thumb doesn't get tired. 😉 Put jfly on ignore, people. He is just a sour puss, who thinks he sounds important!

[@kcovert3]

Glad putting it together worked for you. As a first time ebike owner I found the pictures and instructions inadequate and among other things mounted the front fork backwards.

[@CitizenCycle925]

I guess I have put a lot of these together... Might be a little harder if its your first time.

[@dp9324]

Impressive specs, battery, a gorgeous paint job, with a cool app to boot. An integrated rear light is essential gear though, and as an older rider I would have liked to have seen the much more comfortable cadence sensor. Great review!

[@neutron-man]

Thanks for mentioning seat height and standover height. Always my first question

[@CitizenCycle925]

Happy to help

[@Seafariireland]

A very Celtic colour scheme!

[@escheidl]

I just want to thank you for a very insightful and honest review of this bike. I agree with everything you have to say about it. Most of the other reviews on it are full of a lot of hype and don't point out the weaknesses. But you did. And it mostly has to do with the gearing. If I had seen this before I bought it my decision may have been different. I got this very bike about a month ago. My first e-bike. I did a lot of research before buying it and I thought I had things figured out, but in the end I made a lot of mistakes. It is a beautiful bike, mine is in the army green also and it get's a lot of compliments. Beautiful build quality and very solid feeling. I really wish I got the step thru though because I'm 66 years old and getting my leg up and over the seat is a bit of a challenge. I haven't ridden a bike in over 30 years so that was an eye opener for me. I ended up getting a dropper post so once I get on I can easily raise my seat height to more where it should be. Of course then I have to lower it before I can get off. I thought I was really going to like the torque sensor because I got it mainly for exercise and activity. And I would have, if only it had taller gearing. But with the gearing they provide and the torque sensor that requires pedal pressure to attain assist, this is truly only a 20 mph bike for me. Because I feel I'm already ghost peddling at around 20 mph. I can reach a top speed of 25 if I peddle like a mad man. But at my age I can only do that for a few seconds. So 28 mph is just a dream for me. And yes, it is unlocked. If it had a cadence sensor it would just take me to 28 mph. My average speed at my comfortable cadence is around 13-14 mph. Which isn't bad until you try to mingle with traffic. So when I get around cars, I just use the throttle so I can at least average 20 mph with them. It's very frustrating. I've ordered a 48 tooth ring gear setup for it so I hope that helps. It comes with a 42 tooth and I would have liked to go bigger than 48 but that's the biggest ring gear I think there's room for on the frame. We'll see how it works. I don't really want to get into the cassette too. If I had taken it for a test drive first I would have ended up moving on. But it's mine now so I'm going to try do my best to make it work for me. At least it is a really good looking bike and it does have pretty good power for managing the hills. It also has excellent brakes and rides and handles really nice too. I did get the "Chaunts" seat sold on Amazon and it is really comfy. Even nicer than the Cloud 9 Cruiser I had tried prior. 🙂 Oh well, as they say, live and learn. And that's why I wrote this long comment so that others can make a wise choice. Thanks again for a great review. I wish I could have clicked on you link so you could have got the recognition when I got the $100.00 discount. 👍👌

[@CitizenCycle925]

Thank you for the insightful comments, I'm sure it will help others! I hope you can tailor the bike to suit you better.

[@escheidl]

@@CitizenCycle925 Your welcome and thank you. I'll comment on how well the 48 tooth ring gear works out.

[@Gc-gy3kr]

@@CitizenCycle925, any recommendations on a torque sensor bike besides the Hovsco? It will be my 1st e-bike. Thanks

[@escheidl]

@@CitizenCycle925 So I was able to fit a 52T chainring on there to replace the 42T. It's VERY close but doesn't touch so that's all that matters. I also went ahead and changed out the 14-28 freewheel and replaced it with a 11-34 one. Now the bike performs as it should and I have no problem getting power from the e-motor because I can now apply pressure to the torque sensor clear up to the 28 mph limit. No more ghost peddling! These are the gears the bike should have came with. If anyone reading this that has a HovAlpha or fat tire bike with limited chainring clearance like I do, here are the links to what I got to save you the hassle I went through to find them. The 52T chainring kit is the most important one. This kit provides all you need to make it work, - the 52T chainring, the guard, and the 5 washers necessary to keep the guard from rubbing the frame. You have to part it out because you can't use the 1 piece hub/crank assembly it comes with. But this is the only way I found to get a guard that will work with the 52T chainring. And the price isn't any more than buying a separate 52T chainring and guard anyway. Plus it includes the necessary flat washers. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B6PNFP5H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1 And here is the link to the freewheel I bought. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XYPH5BG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 The Hovsco HovAlpha is a really nice and beautiful e-bike plagued only by the insufficient gearing it comes with. For about $75.00 in parts you can make it perfect. I did also have to add 22 extra links to the chain.

[@DKINTHEWILD]

Great review yet again do you have or are you planning on doing a review of the mokwheel basalt

[@havasuonthelake3816]

Thoughts on the DENAGO FAT TIRE BIKE? I know you like fat tire bikes - Adventure.2 - Cobra (suspension) - and now Hovsco. I think the DENAGO looks great and has a top tier build quality compared to Aventon. Surprised you have not reviewed it yet. Thanks for your great and honest reviews!

[@garysgambati4849]

Love the paint job and the inner frame battery, but for 1699 which is the same as the philodo h8 dual 1000 watt motors, I feel that is the ultimate deal. The hovsco with no bike rack, brake lights, basic hard seat, handlebars more forward which can be corrected with an adjustable handle riser at your cost. I just don't see the value in this bike. Again it is BEAUTIFUL looking 👍 It's just my opinion and also a fantastic review by you citizen 👌, but we always expect that lol

[@jbar3337]

I ordered the phelodo H8 a white and black one is due on the 12th to the 18th I'll be voiding the warranty the first day I get it swapped without controllers and setting it up so I have control over the front-wheel-drive as it is stock you can't turn on or off the front motor or the rear motor motor . Front motor only kicks in under throttle. plus I'm throwing a 35 amp controller to the rear motor w/lcd8h display 135 bucks I'll be something the front wheel controller in throwing on a thumb throttle on my left side of my handlebars and the original display for the front motor beyond so totally different systems. The stock battery the 22 ah hour battery will be dedicated to the rear motor whereas the front I have a 48 volt 15 ah. The question for me is can I use a parallel battery balancer on two separate battery controller systems.

[@garysgambati4849]

I started a philodo h8 forum on face book

[@jbar3337]

@@garysgambati4849 and how do I find it

[@JR-to8sn]

One of the things, if you notice, are that ALL of the weld points are grinded down for a smooth look, no one else I've seen do that. Looks like a more expensive bike than it is.

[@peaksandpieces]

Seems bare bones. I don't spend that kind of money to pedal. It's a hard pass for me. Pretty paint, but that's it. Thank you for the review ~ always look forward to your videos.

[@TonyTesoriero]

Does the motor control the speed? Pedal assist 1 only 10 miles an hour if you want to go any faster you must change to pedal assist 2

[@100K-v9y]

ENGWEX26 OR HOVSCO ALPHA if you had to choose??

[@paulh6517]

What aftermarket seat do you recommend? I am older 60+ and I am looking for the most comfortable seat since my Wired Step through (hardtail) is on order. I appreciate your answer as well as others. Springy and soft is what I am looking for.

[@CitizenCycle925]

I usually buy Bikeroo seats with the metal springs. I find them comfy.

[@paulh6517]

@@CitizenCycle925 I appreciate ya, THANKS.

[@terrynelson2385]

Brian, Mr. Citizen, Would you please do your timed hill test again using different gears. We need to settle a dispute between me and RayRussell. I think using a lower gear would make it faster than high gear for that SHORT distance up your hill. I'm not talking about shifting, just a gear all the way up.

[@CitizenCycle925]

It's a hub motor and I'm not pedaling so the gear is irrelevant. Wouldn't make a difference either way.

[@terrynelson2385]

@@CitizenCycle925 OHH, I was thinking it was a mid-drive motor. Oops my big mistake. So sorry, open mouth insert foot.

[@stevejones5373]

Hey Brian, so after all the e-bikes you have tried out now, assuming you didn't have one, based on your personal preferences (I know you like speed haha) which would you personally buy for yourself? if money was not a factor, just which do you like best? Right out of the box, with no upgrades. I bought a Rad Rover in 2018 and have modified it as much as you have, but I don't think I would buy one now if I was doing it again. Competition has improved a lot. Just curious.

[@iamsozo2529]

Me Too, 2018 Rover...If only I waited. BUT, at the time it was a pretty solid choice.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Im always looking for a good around town and light trail bike that is not moped style has dual suspension that really works. Just a handful of options that go 28mph and over. Just a couple with a suspension that really works. Well a couple that are not mid drives anyway.

[@jfly2249]

The new frame on the Wired freedom gives plenty of clearance and works pretty darn well. Even the old style works much better than it looks. But I agree with your sentiment and hope someone comes comes out with a bike as powerful and lightweight as the Freedom but with the suspension of the Himiway Cobra but with better components. How much would you pay for something like that?

[@CitizenCycle925]

@jfly2249 I a bike in my garage that matches this description, video coming end of September... 😁 you are going to want to see that one!!!

[@jfly2249]

That would be a game changer. I will keep my eyes open for your review. Hopefully it comes in under 3k 😅

[@goldbearbunny4787]

It is stunning 😍

[@EbikeReviews]

Looks amazing, wish the gearing was better.

[@CitizenCycle925]

I only really noticed the gearing at 24 mph and higher, rest of the time was fine.

[@Onetindrum]

Hey Citizen…..When will your fat front hub kits be for sale?

[@joshpointoh]

I wonder why we don't see more eAhora. Their Romeo and Juliette bikes seem to be better versions of this, at around the same price, on the Juliette at least, but then the Romeo Pro can do 40 and looks gorgeous and has a 60ah battery, which is insane. I wonder if there is a quality problem that keeps them from being more popular or they just don't advertise

[@brentpolk8331]

How do you feel about dual motors vs single rear hubs? I have a dual 1Kw 48v Philodo now and I'm looking at 52v-1.2Kw+ rear hub ebikes.

[@18andlikeit]

I've always liked the looks of that bike, but that's about it. I'd have to spend to much extra money on it to make all the changes I'd need to be happy with it. The gearing is horrible imo, 42t chainring to a 14t as the highest gear? Why do they do this? You're spinning your legs off at 26mph. So I'd have to change the chainring and/or cassette. I also like a almost full leg extension on the down stroke which means is have to adjust the seat way higher than you have it. This means that I'd be leaning forward WAY to much so I'd have to change the stem and handle bars to sit more upright. Also prefer cadence sensor.

[@Hoggdoc1946]

I really dislike all these companies limiting the max speed on throttle. That would be a deal breaker for me. Also the torque sensor is a no go for me as well.

[@rayrussell6258]

Max speed of throttle is 20 mph, because that's the legal requirement in about all 50 States, it isn't the "fault" of the bike companies .... since they must limit it by law. Throttle must not exceed 20 mph, and 28 mph with PAS is legal limit for any Class 3 ebike. If you have throttle that goes faster than 20 mph, don't talk about it ... or the regulators might force the bike company to recall your bike. I do agree with you on torque sensor.

[@jfly2249]

I will give up my throttle when they pry it from my cold dead hands. Easily the most nonsensical part of the classification regime. How is it safer to be ghost pedaling at 28mph than simply using a throttle? Thank goodness many manufacturers disregard this stupidity by offering off road modes. I will never buy a bike with a limited throttle and the chance of being pulled over and given a ticket for using a throttle above 20mph is about zero.

[@rayrussell6258]

@@jfly2249 Chance of pullover and ticket WAS zero, but with the increasing popularity of ebikes recently, they are getting more government notice. It won't be long before regulators will have more enforcement, you can count on it. The difference in safety is that even with ghost pedaling, most riders would do less miles at top speed, get tired and back off the speed, but humans being lazy, they would continually ride longer miles at top speed if all they have to do is hold down a thumb throttle. One thing overlooked in the regulations is type of tire on the ebike. I think fat tires are safer at higher speeds, you hold contact with road surface better than the harder skinny tires, but there is no distinction for that in current 50-State regulations.

[@jfly2249]

Don’t hold your breath, the police can’t even keep the mobs of thieves out of retail stores they aren’t enforcing some silly throttle technicality.

[@ZGoddessLola]

Question: After unlocking it; Would deleting the app cause it to be returning to class 2?

[@CitizenCycle925]

No I don't think so

[@ZGoddessLola]

@@CitizenCycle925 Thank you 😊

[@CitizenCycle925]

@ZGoddessLola I unlocked it and never turned the app on again. I don't even have my phone Bluetooth turned on and the bike is still class 3 so I don't think deleting the app would have any effect.

[@ZGoddessLola]

@@CitizenCycle925 Great. Thank you 😊

[@-redacted_by_youtube]

Do you have a recommendation for an ebike that can go over 20mph for around 5 to 800? Im in florida so no hills. Just need to get to work. Any tips will help.

[@walktowhere8880]

Hovsco HovCity 28mph, 999

[@davidhuggins3892]

If you were doing a 26inch Fat Tire conversion to an Ebike would you go Front Hub or mid-drive?

[@CitizenCycle925]

Mid drive will have way more power. Front hub will be way easier to do. I guess it depends if you like mid drive motors or not. I think front hub would be my last choice. I do rear hub or middrive before I did front hub.

[@davidhuggins3892]

@@CitizenCycle925 I will look into Mid-drive motors , thanks.

[@josephpowell3949]

Nice!

[@terrynelson2385]

I'm guessing you did the hill test in high gear; bet it would have gone up faster if you had it in a lower gear.

[@rayrussell6258]

I think he does hill test with throttle, not shifting gears or using PAS. So if you're in lower gear with throttle, you will not increase speed further after you hit the max for the lower gear. In high gear, the motor can push you to higher speeds - to as high as 20 mph - after initial start-up.

[@terrynelson2385]

PAS only applies if you are pedaling. I meant if he was to start out in a lower gear and leave it there for the SHORT ride up the hill. And yes it was throttle only, no shifting.@@rayrussell6258

[@rayrussell6258]

@@terrynelson2385 I said not using PAS, read again. No, the lower gear would limit your speed, it only helps for the first few yards at start-up, then it costs you speed the rest of the way.

[@terrynelson2385]

@@rayrussell6258 See my request to Mr. Citizen. Let him show us by using different gears going his short hill!

[@rayrussell6258]

@@terrynelson2385 It would be interesting to see.

[@gonerydin4225]

Looks like a de-contented Aventure.2 for about same $.

[@Gwatts78]

I like be these guys hydroformed framing

[@jasonmax5759]

Why do companies create weird names for e-bikes? I’d name them things like Reaper 3000 or Land Slayer etc… 😂

[@sonicstep]

It's Chinese..

[@CitizenCycle925]

Maybe they just try to be unique. I mean how many bikes are named adventure...

[@rayrussell6258]

Looks like someone targeted the Aventon Aventure 2. I wouldn't even be surprised if this is built in the same China factory as the Aventon. I'm not liking the off brand rear hub motor, long term that might be hard to find its replacement, and I never care for plastic fenders. Aventon has metal. I prefer cadence sensor; I live with torque on my Aventon, but only because Aventon packaged a rear rack and lights/turn signals with the torque sensor. This bike has none of that --- so that is a negative. But the biggest drawback here is the app, and the need to give your email ID and location away to get it to Class 3. That kills the deal, for me. Plus, the bike is slower top speed than the Aventure 2.

[@jluzi1]

The motor is a Bafang just rebranded by the company. This bike has all kind of torque, I seek out the steepest hill rides in my county.

[@rayrussell6258]

@@jluzi1 somehow that re-branding makes me even more leary of it; sounds like a knock-off, something that China allows to happen all the time, because they don't recognize intellectual property or patents. Bafang would have no reason to re-brand.

[@jluzi1]

Sutto is a subsidiary of Bafang. @@rayrussell6258

[@jodymccartney7643]

Do they offer front wheels that aren't quick release?

[@CitizenCycle925]

Yep, I've had several bikes where the front wheel bolts on.

[@donwilson350]

That would be an absolute deal-breaker for me no tail light no brake light and they want over $1,600 for this that's no deal at all didn't even come with a rack in the back no good sorry

[@jfly2249]

Reminds me of why the Wired Freedom is such a great value. This is just a direct Chinese Aventon Aventure clone. Thumb throttle, 48v, no rack, no rear suspension, leaned over riding position and 28mph top speed are all a non starter. Gotta say you ruined me with the 60v Freedom, everything else seems boring, underpowered, uncomfortable and overpriced in comparison.

[@bunit8]

I’m in the same boat. I’m just waiting to see what bike will rival the 60v freedom 🤔

[@sp33dybiscuit]

I'm just waiting on my wired cruiser to deliver 🎉

[@bunit8]

@@sp33dybiscuit November right?

[@sp33dybiscuit]

@@bunit8 yes November

[@CamTheMan8]

Seems like your just lazy

[@anthonyv.4935]

The unicorn 🦄 logo gotta go

[@RockstarKevin1X]

I’m trying to sell my mint condition RadRover 5 for $700 and nobody will buy it. I guess people are broke as a joke these days.

[@CitizenCycle925]

Or they don't want a Radrover...😂 it's worth 700 just for the parts!

[@RockstarKevin1X]

@@CitizenCycle925 lol i think it's a great deal. Even has a rear rack i added. I have a lot people asking if they could come test ride it then they back out. I'm not dropping it to $500

[@gloombastic]

would buy if I could remove the logo.. Stupid name