Stromer ST5 Pinon Review - The Ultimate High-Performance E-Bike?

[@iancharless]

The fact that the stem can't be changed is a deal breaker on a 10k dollar bike like the technician says. Ridiculous actually. They implement cool design at the sacrifice of modulation. Anyone who has experience with riding bicycles know you need the cockpit comfortable. Probably why most people don't ride bikes because they couldn't get comfortable.

[@shadowdance4666]

@@iancharless I agree however I personally also need torque for climbing hills where I live and 48Nm of torque would be a serious downgrade from my lowly 2018 Rad Rover at almost 8X the price

[@ElectricBikeReview]

For what it's worth - the Stromer climbs hills like a champ. It is pricey, I won't argue with that, but the performance of that motor is top-notch.

[@nastythomashobbs]

For street riding rear hubs are more fun but for off roading the centre motor is much better. Like rear wheel drive on a sports car. Being pushed is just more satisfying.

[@connellymark]

Honestly interested in who Stromer is designing this bike for? Wealthy people new to biking who want speed and tech and don’t care about practical items like suspension, cockpit design, stem, proper rack…list keeps going…for 10K!!😂 There are so many better choices for literally half this price. I think electric bike review might consider pointing out some more of these flaws if the goal is really an objective review.

[@shadowdance4666]

@@connellymark sounds like a paid endorsement piece more than anything else. What a shame. Loss of integrity or credibility are so difficult to regain once lost

[@petropoliskhan]

Hi, the motor is manufactured by TDCM ( Taiwan)for Stromer with Stromer spec . Syno is the model.

[@siucheong]

Love that you included mechanics perspective please include in all future reviews! Been watching and following Stromer for a long time and would like to see them improve on those things Ben mentioned. Would be a more complete package if they can improve the rack, kickstand and handlebar functionality. At this price point it should include the highest c1.12 pinion transmission. Similar price the new rm delite 5 includes the pinion mgu. But Stromer takes a huge cut for their app functionalities. Direct drive is an older technology but still has advantages in its simplicity, regenerative braking and quietness.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks so much! We love our grumpy mechanic! Very good points on the Stromer BTW - Mike

[@machinbidule299]

I started with an ST2, almost everything was changed on the bike. Practically under warranty but how many times did I find myself on the side of the road pushing it (I took out breakdown insurance because it was so serious). How many days off or hours of recovery did I have to take because I didn't arrive on time. How many days did the bike stay at the dealer (we're talking about months over 3 years). In principle I do 10,000 km/year I sold the bike with 28,000 km, when it should have had nearly 40,000 km!!! I still had to take care of a lot of repairs (fork bearings, front wheel bearings, ...) Info from the salesman, I was unlucky, it was Monday's bike. I keep the faith and after 4 years on the ST2, I buy an ST3 Woe to me, even more problems. The bike had not yet left the showroom that the front light did not work properly, the brakes were mounted upside down (front for the rear and vice versa). Today the bike has 9000 Km over 2 years, I should have had nearly 18,000Km It has stayed at the dealership an incredible number of times for non-stop repairs. Still the majority under warranty, but with always the same drawbacks. At my expense fork bearings at 2000Km, broken spokes on the front wheel (then it was replaced under warranty), recently, front wheel bearings. The bike is not even 2 years old and I am spending more than 500€ out of my pocket in repairs that should be covered by STROMER The bike is not an entry-level bike, I bought it for almost 9000€ I can only advise anyone not to buy a STROMER, they all have problems. And as long as you are under warranty, you will only have to pay a small amount :) Regularly you have to replace the motor wheel (1500€), the front wheel, the brake set, the motherboard, the control console, the V-shaped headlight,...

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for sharing, its hard to argue with first hand experience. Hopefully it can be worked out with Stromer. -Mike

[@egmjag]

I almost bought this same bike a few months ago after test riding the ST3. How do they compare to each other? And then I read about the ST7 and liked that it has longer range than the ST5. I’m looking for a daily commuter for the store and long rides up to 40 miles and more one way. I would get an extra battery despite the high cost. But I’m still undecided. There might be comparable bikes to the ST5 and even ST7, but at a cheaper price. I realize that the pinion system and belt drive increase the costs but it’s well worth it to me. I’m shopping around for an e-bike with those two systems because my e-bike will be a car replacement.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Both are great bikes, and if you're in the budget, I'd say go for the Stromer you like best. Reason: Stateside bikes in US don't have many options that carry both Pinion and Belt drive and the Stromer is a very refined bike that feels very good. With that said, there are less expensive version of similar bikes like the new Turbo Vado SL Carbon which is half the price and weight with more range, but, does not have a belt or pinion drive. Or, the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 that has a Brose mid-drive, a carbon belt drive and the Envolio CVT transmission and gets 50 miles of range with a price tag of $2,600. Those two are close, but still not fully meeting your needs.

[@egmjag]

@ I certainly thank ya. I’m waiting after Xmas because there may be better alternatives or the Stromer ST 5 or 7 may be discounted.

[@salahbelf6662]

Is look like turbo vado specialized

[@Ritte13]

For this money the fork should be full carbon,alloy are always harsh especially when they are so big 😮

[@billyrock8305]

Let’s see more Vado reviews! 😊

[@ElectricBikeReview]

We actually have one on its way soon - stay tuned!

[@billyrock8305]

@@ElectricBikeReview AWESOME! It’s like the Toyota RAV4 of ebikes- everybody wants one! Which model? 4.0 vs IGH seems to be the battleground now

[@shadowdance4666]

@@billyrock8305 I have a 1998 rav4 for sale. First generation had the center locking differential which makes it absolutely awesome on bad terrain. I made it uphill in almost 8” of mud with that vehicle. CRV’s can’t claim that

[@EugeneLopez-tp5hb]

Cool e-bike but don't ever buy a bicycle that you can not adjust the handle bars and handle bar stem, you will hate it, especially after spending $11,000

[@Yogi5D]

Why not just put the Pinion MGU in it?

[@shadowdance4666]

48 Nm torque and a rear hub with no suspension for 11K?!? That’s a joke right. I wouldn’t even pay 3K for that bike

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Different (pedal) strokes for different folks!

[@cadriver2570]

As they said, those torque figures are not comparable to the way most manufacturers measure torque. This is also an ultra premium product. The people buying this don't see $11k as a lot of cash.

[@shadowdance4666]

@@cadriver2570 what do they use fuzzy math to calculate the torque

[@shadowdance4666]

@@cadriver2570 fuzzy math to calculate torque

[@jcoats5529]

It's a beauty.

[@Nickpaintbrush]

Why not a mid drive?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Likely due to the bike having regenerative braking and that would be lost with a mid-drive, plus this rear hub is highly refined and feels very good, much like a mid-drive in terms of 'feel'.

[@shadowdance4666]

@@ElectricBikeReview although rare I believe that mid drive with regenerative braking is possible which might justify the price but the having only really anti lock brakes and cableless gear shifting does not though I would love to see that technology trickle down to affordable bikes before the close of this decade

[@cadriver2570]

This is like 5X quieter than any mid drive.

[@shadowdance4666]

@@cadriver2570 do you actually own one or are just taking this as here say info

[@zeveroarerules]

I had to settle on an ST3 pinion :( The ST5 was just out of budget.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

That's a great bike too!

[@RedBeardedRabbit]

25:36 Mechanic's thoughts - love that you're including this. I'm just hoping this is honest and not holding back due to affiliate links (not even sponsorships) or similar potential conflicts of interest.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Ben doesn't hold back. We do make sure we use constructive language, however. The reason for that is so brands actually listen to us and make changes. If we just go rip on someone they aren't going to listen and they aren't going to change anything. Also, no affiliate links (sadly) with this Stromer. This review was done simply out of the good our hearts!

[@shadowdance4666]

@@ElectricBikeReview rolling eyes

[@大木良一-z5f]

日本で取り扱いの有る所が知りたいです。金額も知りたいです。

[@drill_fiend1097]

Should have gone with Pinion MGU instead of this weird hub motor setup.

[@antifugazi]

E bikes are just toooo much, I could get a car or two for the price of one decent bike

[@tres311]

You can get a decent one for $1500, this things wildly over priced. I’d buy a $6k Yamaha if I was gonna blow some money on a spec’d out EB.

[@RedBeardedRabbit]

Come on man, be honest, you haven't given this any thought at all. That's OK, here you go: You're not buying a new car even for the price of this extremely high-end luxury e-bike. Quick google says average total MONTHLY cost to own & operate a vehicle (including payments) is around $1,000 or $12K PER YEAR. Even if you've already paid for it, you're likely still spending $5K+ PER YEAR on a vehicle. The total cost of ownership of even high-end e-bikes like a Tern or Gazelle or whatever (even these crazy Stromers) is still going to be maybe 10-20% as much. Even high-end e-Bikes are hella cheap compared to vehicles.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

So sad that this statement is true. I paid $4k for my first car back in 2002. I then turned around and spend $20K on a car for my kids that's kind of the same kind of car (not luxury brand, no bells and whistles, good fuel economy, etc.). If you truly use something like this Stromer (or any e-bike) as a car replacement, then you also save a lot of money on insurance alone (which is included in your total cost calculation, I just wanted to point that one cost out specifically).

[@Videomorgue]

I'm not going to pay motorcycle prices for a bicycle. Theft, accidents, and lack of insurance make these expensive bikes more of a liability than a mode of transportation. Prices need to come down by 50% before I would consider this bicycle.

[@shadowdance4666]

@@Videomorgue more like 75%. I’m looking at the Honda CRF 300L Rally with antilock brakes for under 6.5K almost half because good bicycle pricing is ridiculous. In the end it’s an A to B tool regardless of anything else although I do like riding bikes

[@cadriver2570]

Most bicycle riders have zero interest in owning or riding motorcycles. Somethign to keep in mind. Think about the advantages of a bicycle, and the fact that this is dead silent.

[@shadowdance4666]

@@cadriver2570 nothing is dead silent except the dead. I guess I’m just the only exception. I will miss riding bike. But not the night leg cramps after riding 75 miles in a day.

[@gepardtilly]

This bike looks like too overengineered and too far away from common components. Must be a real headache to maintain it.

[@shushuyu]

10:30 its even worse if you're using a single speed lmao nice detailed review of the product. unfortunately..12k?!?!! thats as much as a pinarello dogma f lol🤯

[@ElectricBikeReview]

It's definitely more a of a 'niche' bike for those who want something high-tech and unique.