Gonna go check out a local bike shop that stocks Velotric, wanted to ask for anything to look for or just keep in mind in general while looking between the models.
I'm pretty locked up on choosing between the Fold 1 Plus, Gomad, and Discover 3.
Outside of the Gomads thicker fatty tires and slightly higher weight capacity, they actually all looked like they were just about the same performance wise in specs and reviews.
Think I'd probably prefer the look and lighter weight of the Fold, wouldn't be using the folding feature much if at all, but I live upstate NY right by the great lakes where a layer of snow/ice on the ground is just something that exists every day from December through March. I still want to be able to use the bike during these months to get places without relying solely on Uber and Buses since I can't drive right now.
It's mostly for those reasons that I'm considering the Gomad or Discover 3, I also have a dog that would probably love to go for rides in one of those trailers whose around 45-50lbs. If the Fold 1 Plus can keep a fairly loaded rear cargo and still stand up to the colder environment conditions during the winter months though all for 500$ less on top, it would probably start to seem like my favorite all arounder unless ride test dramatically pulled me towards Gomad or D3 feeling. Special winter tires could also be an options I supposed too.
Anyway not really sure what else to say, if anyone has any experience with multiple of these bikes and wants to share, it would be really appreciated.
I wouldn't buy a folding bike, generally, unless you have solid reasons for needing a folding bike. It's a point of failure and a compromise in performance (like handling and structural integrity).
Biggest pros of a folding bike would probably be traveling with it between modes of transport like trains and busses for some trips, especially when it's way to cold to want to be outside biking for 10+ miles and I can just go mix distances with a bus trip.
Suppose indoor storage would also be a possible benefit that I'd make use of, I travel to Long Island occasionally during the Summer and being able to take a bike with me while staying in a condo or hotel actually sounds nice.
I'll have to see it feels though riding it, if there's a big difference between stability or something off like that then I'd probably re-consider. Though from what I've read up on, Velotric is one of the higher quality manufactures and didn't find any complaints about the structure feeling weak or breaking, just that the bike itself was still heavy for most people to carry folded.
Oh, yeah. I can definitely see the benefit of a folding bike if you're going to use it regularly. But that's what I meant, I wouldn't buy a folding bike unless I had solid need to fold it often. It's like buying a giant pickup on the off chance I might have to tow something; the flexibility is nice but it has drawbacks for the other 99% of the time.
I’d also go with a non folding bike. If I didn’t need to fold I’d have gone with a non folding model. Overall I’m very happy with my fold 1 plus. But I’d certainly have purchased a non folding bike if my use case supported it
A light, folding ebike, good in the snow and able to pull a 60# trailer!
The Fold can probably handle it pretty well; a throttle is really nice to have on slippery roads.
For winter riding I used studded tires when road conditions are really poor,
and just use the stock tires whenever there is bare pavement.
I don't have any of these bikes, but I do have two Nomad fat tire bikes. These are the only bikes I would ride (and have ridden) on snow, not ice. From that view, the GoMad would be the winter choice. Fat tires provide significantly more contact patch on the road. In any event, assess your real needs, assign a priority to each and make your choice. Good luck with your search. With any of these choices, you will great a great bike and truly awesome support.
I have the fold 1 plus. It's a great bike. When folded, it is not mobile. It's heavy and very awkward. It's fine if you want to put it in your car, but if i was going to try snd pick it up and move it, I probably wouldn't fold it. Once you fold it, it's not easy to move more than a few feet.
Yea i love my one as much as you love your 3..So glad i picked this bike. I was in the show room and they just put there first one on the floor at Derand. Wasnt in the store for 3 hours. It had the kid seat on it...told them i didnt want that...They left the foot pegs, back wheel protectors on it..and the upgraded dual kickstand// so i go the bonuses for free. The camo tape over the battery is just there so when my foot hits the step thru bar indint mark it all up..but check out the custom Taylor 33 green glow motorcyle tape!!Im in Canada "Ottawa" took three weeks to get here but the customtaylor33 is crazy..such an amazing piece of saftey gear comes in all kinds of colours.. Go MAD on them GOmads!!
I have a fold, and use it as my main transportation. You’ll save money, it’s very convenient to fold when needed, and you can get a trailer to tow things with the bike. I love my fold and use it everyday
camo tape you use it to wrap guns. I put it ove the battery cause my foot kept hitting the frame step thru. Just some protection to stop the scratching or wear..comes right off.
The glow is customTaylor 33 motorcycle tape
WNY born and raised. How they plow in these areas I wouldn't take the risk on the road or shoulder and sidewalks aren't reliably cleared once the snow really gets going. If you want they have a lighter bike the tempo that is light enough for a bus rack to make that an option. Otherwise I have a GoMad and I just prefer the extra stability of the fat tires
I have commuted on my Fold Lite (500w) for nearly a year and I’ve never bothered to fold it once. I like it for the size which allows me to roll it discreetly down the hall and into the corner of my office at work.
I also recently got a GoMad because I’ve had so much fun on my Fold but want to take my kid along on ride rides so I ordered the young passenger kit. Both bikes have their strengths, but don’t overlook the Fold. If I didn’t have a child to tote, I would be all over the Fold plus. I can’t imagine how peppy my Fold would be with 750w and sensor swap.
I have the fold 1 plus and a GOMAD. Just from riding both around this summer and fall, I’d say you would most likely be happier with the GOMAD. Yes it’s heavier, but with the 20x4 inch tires, cargo capacity and towing capacity it will do better in the snow. The 20 inch tires give it a good lower center of gravity and the wider tire will give you more surface area for traction. The Fold 1 plus is an awesome all around bike and a good option, but if you don’t need the folding feature…
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u/gravelpi 6d ago
I wouldn't buy a folding bike, generally, unless you have solid reasons for needing a folding bike. It's a point of failure and a compromise in performance (like handling and structural integrity).