Yes we have made a move to adopt the same policy. We will agree to replace factory plug and play components but nothing aftermarket and with a deposit . But even this policy is getting questionable . When we replace a component per customer request and it doesn't actually fix the bike. We find that customers don't like to pay for bike that doesn't work and it makes us look like we did something wrong.
I bought a Level 1 from a local store and I’m totally happy with it. 5,200 miles. The store has given me invaluable advice as I tweaked it over the years. I bought it at their suggestion after they got to know me and my intentions. I am so glad they didn’t upsell or undersell me.
It’s a fair policy. My LBS has it. I’ve had them do work on the mechanical components on a couple of e-bikes I bought DTC and I’ve worked on the electrical components. If you want to buy DTC, buy from DTC brands with a long reputation for good customer service. Ride1Up has been helpful to me whenever I’ve had an issue with my LMT’d. The main issue I have with many is most don’t participate in the Call2Recycle ebike battery program to make it more convenient to recycle worn ones, though you can find a local recycler that does take lithium-ion batteries. My LBS recently started carrying Denago to address the lower price range of e-bikes as they feel comfortable with the support they get from that brand. Their first ones were from Stromer, I think. Very high end, very expensive e-bikes, and it took a while to sell them. As you mentioned, Aventon seems to also support their LBS partners. Funny how your friend “borrowed” your trunk bag. Time to “recover” it, hahaha. He should try working with Ride1Up’s CS first. I’m sure they have an idea of what is causing the issue, and they’ve been expanding their network of regional CS representatives.
It’s a little funny that the electrician bought an e-bike and can’t fix it … “power stops” lol …. he’s gotta be messing with you a little ….. you should somehow drop your next household electric problem off on his porch with a similar note. 😂
I love my local LBShops. Great people, and all stand behind their products and work and go the extra mile - I’m more than happy to pay a little more for the peace-of-mind and sense of camaraderie- but as you say, they can’t stand behind internet-direct products. That should be common sense to most folks. But it isn’t. 🤷🏼♂️ Good luck brotha you’re a good dude. ☮️🤘🏻🚴🏻♂️
Maybe with these 25% tariffs coming down on EVs and ebikes will push more people into shops instead of the direct consumer stuff. Are your bikes going to be affected come June 14?
I was kind of disappointed you didn't go into more detail on what your actual problems are. The electrics? That I get. But be honest even on name brand ebikes you guys typically aren't really fixing anything. You are dropping the motor or battery and shipping off for warranty replacement. Which is fair enough, on cheaper DTC bikes customers are probably paying for their own shipping, waiting months or being just plaine shit out of luck. But regarding the bike mechanicals even on cheaper bikes most of the mechanical parts I have seen are still often name brand, just the cheapest in the product line up. But you pointed out on this bike it seems to use a generica brand hydraulic brake. I could see that being an issue. I'd rather hear more specifics about stuff like that that are problems to service. Because the most common problems, fix flats, tune the derailer is the same as any bike.
Local shops in my area won't work on DTC bikes. They also don't have much selection in stock. One store had ONE ebike in stock. It was a 350 watt older Velotric. Personally, I'm not interested in a premium brand e bike. They are underpowered and overpriced.
In our shop we will work on the bike side of these type of e-bikes but won't work on the electronic parts of it.
Yes we have made a move to adopt the same policy. We will agree to replace factory plug and play components but nothing aftermarket and with a deposit . But even this policy is getting questionable . When we replace a component per customer request and it doesn't actually fix the bike. We find that customers don't like to pay for bike that doesn't work and it makes us look like we did something wrong.
I bought a Level 1 from a local store and I’m totally happy with it. 5,200 miles. The store has given me invaluable advice as I tweaked it over the years. I bought it at their suggestion after they got to know me and my intentions. I am so glad they didn’t upsell or undersell me.
It’s a fair policy. My LBS has it. I’ve had them do work on the mechanical components on a couple of e-bikes I bought DTC and I’ve worked on the electrical components. If you want to buy DTC, buy from DTC brands with a long reputation for good customer service. Ride1Up has been helpful to me whenever I’ve had an issue with my LMT’d.
The main issue I have with many is most don’t participate in the Call2Recycle ebike battery program to make it more convenient to recycle worn ones, though you can find a local recycler that does take lithium-ion batteries.
My LBS recently started carrying Denago to address the lower price range of e-bikes as they feel comfortable with the support they get from that brand. Their first ones were from Stromer, I think. Very high end, very expensive e-bikes, and it took a while to sell them. As you mentioned, Aventon seems to also support their LBS partners.
Funny how your friend “borrowed” your trunk bag. Time to “recover” it, hahaha. He should try working with Ride1Up’s CS first. I’m sure they have an idea of what is causing the issue, and they’ve been expanding their network of regional CS representatives.
Good rant!
It’s a little funny that the electrician bought an e-bike and can’t fix it … “power stops” lol …. he’s gotta be messing with you a little ….. you should somehow drop your next household electric problem off on his porch with a similar note. 😂
I love my local LBShops. Great people, and all stand behind their products and work and go the extra mile - I’m more than happy to pay a little more for the peace-of-mind and sense of camaraderie- but as you say, they can’t stand behind internet-direct products. That should be common sense to most folks. But it isn’t. 🤷🏼♂️ Good luck brotha you’re a good dude. ☮️🤘🏻🚴🏻♂️
Maybe with these 25% tariffs coming down on EVs and ebikes will push more people into shops instead of the direct consumer stuff. Are your bikes going to be affected come June 14?
people that buy consumer direct should be able to build up the bike. And someone who rides $3K bike should be able to tune up the bike themselves.
I was kind of disappointed you didn't go into more detail on what your actual problems are. The electrics? That I get. But be honest even on name brand ebikes you guys typically aren't really fixing anything. You are dropping the motor or battery and shipping off for warranty replacement. Which is fair enough, on cheaper DTC bikes customers are probably paying for their own shipping, waiting months or being just plaine shit out of luck. But regarding the bike mechanicals even on cheaper bikes most of the mechanical parts I have seen are still often name brand, just the cheapest in the product line up. But you pointed out on this bike it seems to use a generica brand hydraulic brake. I could see that being an issue. I'd rather hear more specifics about stuff like that that are problems to service. Because the most common problems, fix flats, tune the derailer is the same as any bike.
Local shops in my area won't work on DTC bikes. They also don't have much selection in stock. One store had ONE ebike in stock. It was a 350 watt older Velotric.
Personally, I'm not interested in a premium brand e bike. They are underpowered and overpriced.
Why would anyone buy a 60 lb. electronic albatross on the internet? 🤦♂️