SONDORS Smart Step Review - $1.2k
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- The Smart Step is the first step-thru Ebike from SONDORS that is both approachable and easier to transport due to the unique foldable frame, covered by a one-year comprehensive warranty, and at a great price point of only $999. Great ride comfort for a value-priced bike thanks to the coil suspension fork, plus-sized tires, and the upright-relaxed riding position, control systems are simple and intuitive, the grayscale LCD screen is highly visible even in direct sunlight. A rear-mounted geared hub motor from Bafang provides reliable power at 350 watts and is activated by either a cadence sensor or variable thumb throttle, the Shimano Tourney is a reliable derailleur and shifts smoothly with the RevoShift 7 grip shifter, good stopping power from Tektro Aries mechanical disk brakes. No accessories are included which means an extra cost if there are any accessories that you need, CST tires do not include puncture protection or reflective sidewalls, only available in one frame size which means it won't be a good fit for tall riders. EBR collected a service fee to make this review possible. This is not an endorsement, we strive to be objective.
Full review with specs and comparison tool: electricbikere...
→ Become a Subscriber: www.youtube.co...
→ Instagram: / ebikereview
→ Facebook: / electricbikereview
→ Website: electricbikere...
→ My Channel Home Page: / electricbikereview
→ This is the first accessory I add to any electric bike: amzn.to/3aX2dKD
→ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
*If my video review was helpful, please give it a "thumbs up" and consider subscribing.*
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR.
Display and control systems: 7:20
Folding demonstration: 14:28
Battery overview and removal: 16:17
Ride test begins: 19:25, Comfort discussion: 22:25
Price was raised by 20%, I would have bought it if it were $999
Happy Birthday po Ka Eduardo.
It works exactly like the key display system on the Biria and Ride1Up. I have a tutorial on it on my page.
nice review but it's May 2022 now and this is recently selling at Costco for $1499.99, would like to know what changes made in past 2 years for the $500 dollar increase? . . . . e.g., still has 350 W motor, 36 V battery, no fenders or rack, no internal lighting or back light, no water bottle cage mounts.... e.g., compare options with say the ride1up 500 or lectric 2.0 models.
Inflation
You haven’t noticed that’s happened t lo everything?
@@zeusgaming3337 Saw it today at Costco. Currently $1449.99 with a $300 IRC, so 1149.99 until tomorrow, 11/07/22.
when you consider that Sondors sells the Costco returns as "refurbished" they cost $499 plus shipping - that should tell you how crazy $1,499 is. At $499 it's a bargain. At $1,499 it's a poor value.
Tyson.. I remember the first SODORS bike.. it looked like something you might create our of LEGO. They have a lot of experience and have really come a long way.. It is good to see American companies continuing to be creative and do well. bHr Robb
Hey Rob! I remember the first SONDORS as well, it was amazing how low the price was... people in the industry were doubting it was possible. Nice to see their continued innovation and enthusiasm. Hope you're well :)
Hehe... Still tiny in the World of Ebikes w/plenty of competition so lots of room to grow... although competition may include awkward stuff like "top quality"... and part of market includes bike stores still w/out a lot of staff trained in Ebike Trickery/Magic... (`Been rolling w/bettery-assist near 20 years...)
Arggh… there's so much to love about this bike -- I'm particularly in love with the fact that it's a folding bike that actually has 27.5+ tires. It's just so much nicer to be able to pack it in the back of my car without having to drop the seats and at the same time, not being limited exclusively to 20-inch fat tires.
...but then they put only a 350-watt motor in it. I can't imagine being able to climb the hills in my area on only 350 W. Granted, there are hills in this area that are trouble even for cars to climb, but I'm not including those. I'd have hoped for at least 500 W nominal to make it usable out here in the PNW.
do you know of a similarly convenient and light foldable with a similar frame (or not), but that is powerful enough for steep hills. im in your same boat
@@myiLLmind I wish. The only other folding ebikes I know of with full-size tires would be from Cyrusher. They have the XF770 which is a folding full-suspension with 26x2.2" tires. I see they also have some 750W options, but they're all fat tire bikes, so really heavy. They don't really work for my use case because they're high-step and are too large for my wife and/or in-laws who'd be using it. Interestingly, though, they actually put a front mech and 3x chainring on an ebike -- never seen that before.
Even otherwise, I'm of mixed opinions about Cyrusher. What I've seen of their regular (non-electric) bikes make me worried about the component reliability -- less worried about the electronics as I am about the mechanical parts, which historically look like they're just pulled at random from a parts bin... frequently, I've seen their bikes say one thing on the spec sheet and arrive with something else. Maybe this doesn't carry over to their ebikes, which are their actual focus as a company, but I'm not the sort to drop nearly $1800 to find out.
I have three Sondors. A fatty, a thin and this model in blaze orange which is a killer color they all ride differently and each has its own desire. For laps and good workout and speed is the thin. If you want off-road trek and more traction buy a fatty but it’s slower. The step is great for cruising around, getting snacks quickly at the store and taking slow when you just want to enjoy the day. It’s also easier to mount and dismount. If you have been hips or knees get a step through. The step on 7th gear is good and you can mod the display to get max speed. You can really just enjoy cycling more and they’re just damn fun! Sondors are simply the best bang for the buck bikes. 👍🏼
Sondors improved the bikes very well. For that price, it looks line a good package. I like this cockpit better than the Radrovers.
At 999$ it’s good to get more people on ebikes.
Yeah, it's a great price point! Good to have some competition keeping each company innovating ;)
"Sondors improved the bikes very well." Very glad to year. Early days popular topics in online forums included fixes and upgrades. [wink]
Thanks. Great review. I'm buying and trying tomorrow
Awesome review - learned a ton. Thank you! Cheers from San Diego. You just sold us a bike!
Thanks for the video.
Set my mind on other things....love to go outside and ride my bike 👍
✌️❤️Stay safe
Sure thing! We've got more videos in the works, stay safe bud :D
Looking forward to hopefully purchasing this bike. Most Sondors have at least a 28" croch level cross tube.
If you are on a good day 28" inseam or less dismounting is an adventure.
Hello. I bought this bicycle (torch color) and it arrived about a week ago. I love it a lot. I live on flat land and it works great for the price. I'd say downer for me is only the top speed is 20 mph. One thing about the torch one compared to the white in this review is that the torch kick stand is in the rear so I don't experience the crank arm issue. Other wise great review!
live itup great to hear about the kickstand! Maybe they’ve updated it for all their models, that would be a nice change
Hehe... " it works great for the price" how to damn with faint praise... ;)
@@lockhughes @live itup Sondors moved the kickstand from the rear to the front after the second (or third?) round of bikes were manufactured. They changed a couple things on the bike after the first model--as well as the name. Originally it was just called the Step, but they changed it to the Smart Step (not sure why). And along with that, there were some small changes to the frame and also the move of the kickstand to the forward position. So if your kickstand is in the rear, then you have an earlier model bike. That's where mine is too.
hi - any info on Sondors? theyre website and ph down. The pedal on my SmartStart broke. I’m looking for specs so I can get a replacement pedal. Any info appreciated 😅
Awesome video. We got ours for the Holidays and ended up putting it together the day after Christmas and it was super easy. Love it!
I just bought the bike myself at Costco for 1099 it was on sale I love it gets me up the hills I live just north of New York City very hilly area which I'm happy about
At 5'14" and 63 year old female, I am in love with this bike! Sadly the price is now $1199. Hopefully we get another stimulus check! I am diabetic and need to loose weight, improve my health and yet feel safe that I can get myself home!
Black Friday is coming hopefully they’ll put out a deal 😇
@@nvn2005 Now it’s $1500, in October 2022 “ yea , need 750w , power always decreases and I’m 76 years old with steep grades around my home. The Jupiter Defient from Costco online is $1250 plus tax makes it $1334.37 in so. Utah.
Price is now $500 until tomorrow, I'm snatching one up!
What's your opinion on the SONDORS Fold X vs the SONDORS Smart Step? I want to buy one and cannot decide between the two, please help!
Picked one up last week at costco. A bit frustrated because we when I used it first time the pedaling using the gears would not work, but accelerating when using thumb button does. The chain seems to be on a sensor crank. So I moved the chain to the crank and pedaling gears work. Now what I'm upset is everytime I switch gears uphill to 3,2, or 1 the chain drops out and I have to get off the bike and re align. Hope theres a fix to this or I'm returning it to Costco.
How is actually pedalling on this bike? With your long legs? Would it kill your knees to ride un-assisted?
I like the frame and the folding feature but they need to make a upgraded version. Preferably 750W hub and adjustable stem to move the handlebar closer to the wheels when folded.
Same here I would also like to see a 48 volt battery it's a pretty nice bike and maybe come in a larger size also
@@philipcox5041 Yes it's the only 650b tire size folding e-bike in the market I have seen so far! Not to mention the most affordable.
If they do swap the rigid stem for an adjustable angle one, I just hope they choose a sturdy two-bolt or one of the nicer ones so it doesn't slip. That's a big complaint of mine for the value hardware you sometimes see. Otherwise yeah, always welcome an upgraded motor, especially with 48v support.
I can't believe they and went with a 350w motor and 36v 10.4ah battery on this size of bike. Should of at least put in a 500w motor with a 48v battery and a 20amp controller.
Nice bike and review man, I just seen this Ebike for $1,400 at Costco, I wonder what they have upgraded! Thank you sir.
Good question! I’d love to see the newest version and create an updated review. I’ll keep an eye out, which city/state did you see it in?
$1,200 now at Costco
Very thorough review.
Thanks for the comment! We definitely aim for thorough and objective... even the "affordable" ebikes still cost a lot, so it's our aim to provide answers and perspectives that can help people make a decision, and some cool tools like the comparison page here: electricbikereview.com/compare/
This thing is $1,699 now. I can understand a price increase of, at least, $200. But $700? GTHOH!!! Sonders bikes are ridiculously expensive nowadays.
What’s better for the price?
@@joe.nail1 Rad but they don’t fold.
It’s on sale for 500$ now for the past several days. Some “recycled” bikes, I’m assuming refurbished
@@slimdunkin117Costco returns, typically. I snagged two at that price, they've popped up to $699 now I believe.
@@GodsHeretic they’re always popping up just sign up for email notifications on their site..
I see them popping up all the time.. actually I see several models offered as refurbished, not only smarstep but fold, fold xs, madmods, and the 2 mountain ones I forgot their names
I sure would like to spend the day at that beautiful beach.
and their pier
Me too! Looked like Tyson had a blast during the visit ;)
what beach is that?
@@jeffbanky8828 He said Malibu. Not sure exactly but Malibu's not that big.
@@OrlandoStreets it's pretty big. like 20 something miles long.
How about showing the folding process? Also, there are times when putting the cam on a mini tripod rather than hand held (with a jerky perspecive) would really help the videography for both Court and Tyson's reviews.
Thanks for the feedback rik999!
what range do you get?
Great review. Costco has his bike for $1,200 bucks so I bought one
I am an RV owner and I was looking for something that would work on the beach to travel a couple miles to the road. I think you mentioned its not great for the sand and you wrer on the beach,but your review did not show any of the actual beach trials. The box shows pictures it it in the sand- does it work on the beach at all? Please advise if I should return or if it will do the trick to get to the road? What depth of sand /wet/dry can it work on?
Thanks
on hard packed sand, no problem. on the soft stuff, you'll get stuck
Yeah they have a 90day return if you don’t take them out of the box. No way to test ride, like buying a car without driving.
Hi I'm new to ebikes, please if you have to choose between the specialized turbo vado 4.0 vs Yamaha cross connect wich one you prefer? and why I will appreciate I just watched a bunch of your UA-cam videos great work keep going thanks.
I want to transport the bike in my SUV. Can anybody give me the length, width and height when it is folded?
Good review Tyson
Hey, thank you! That you Houshmand?
Yes, looking forward to your visit soon.
Hehe... ""a pretty big name in ebikes".. May wish to rephrase in future?
I’m 5 8. My wife is 5 1. Would she be able to stay on seat with foot on ground when stopping? Also does Sonders in Malibu have showroom that we could see it in person to make sure we like it? We live in Las Vegas.
with the seat at it's lowest she can touch the ground with her tippy toes.
Would this bike fit in car truck once fold?
Looks like they raised the price to $1,199 + tax/shipping....anyone know why?
Supply and demand . . . the bottom line needs to be strongly in the black.
@@RebeccaAuge ~~Try $1499 plus tax
Hi, will you be doing a review on the SONDORS MXS?
Yes, that one is coming soon! As well as the Fold XS, and the XS itself... stay tuned :)
Would you mind saying what helmet you have?
Thanks I was most of the video maybe I missed it but most people want to know how far it will go what it will cruise at speeds
The sondors website says this is a good bike for small to average riders. Im 5'9. Am i too tall for this bike?
Late reply, but I am the same height and the bike is fine. Seat is highly adjustable
There is nothing like stating the obvious if you lower the seat a shorter person will fit on the bicycle if you raise the seat up a taller person will fit just fine.
thanks for the great review 👍🏼
My wife is 5' and considering this bike... Two questions, do you feel it is adjustable enough for her height?
Also are the tires wide enough to ride on a beach(with letting the air out of the tires a bit).. thanks ahead of time!
Did you find an answer to your question? The website states this model is good for small to average riders. Im 5'9 and Im wondering im too tall.
@@me-if2bj Not too tall.
My wife is 5' 1" and while she can ride this bike, she is reaching up and out for the handle bars. It works, but there are better frame sizes with other brands that fit better.
I love my bike ! I have this bike I love it ! 💕💕💕
Great review as always!
Their site says 2A charger, not 3A one.
Ebike Updates thanks for the info! I noticed their site still shows stock photos of it with different tires as well, and a few other minor things. I think the site has not been updated as they’ve refined the bike a bit, I shall let the SONDORS folks know so they can update it :)
@@TysonRoehrkasse Cool, that will help them and their future customers. Thanks for updating on the same!
Nothing kills cells faster than "fast" charging... Ideally slow-er-ish while working/eating/sleeping... ie done right, takes no time at all... (unless you wish to sit and watch the little lights...
@@lockhughes I have heard this too, although I think 3 amps is a sweet spot since it's a bit faster but not getting too crazy
Aloha, i wanted to know where did you purchase your Bike helmet ?
I got it at the Electric Bicycle Center in Fullerton, CA. I actually lost it on that trip, so I have something different now!
I figured it out actually! It's this one: www.serfas.com/shop/products/helmets/ht-500-504-kilowatt-e-bike-helmet-nta-8776-certified/
I think you should be able to upgrade the motor, and the battery packs. They need to be more open minded on modification.
Good price at 1K. bad at $1200 to me. Current price is $1200.
When you pedal does it recharge the battery?
Unfortunately no, I'm not sure of any ebikes that do this. But it would be a cool feature maybe if pedal assist was off.
@@choffman9915 ~~There’s some that have Regeneration .
Love the speed bumps!
Hey Cort, we haven't seen Mikey around for quite awhile and wondered what happened to him. Like him, I'm from Salt Lake County and I loved his rides along the Jordan River Parkway. Will he be back?
Great question, Phil! Mikey is working with electrek now. He started with them last year part time and you can see one of his videos here: ua-cam.com/video/sD5tdyhAOYE/v-deo.html
Thanks, Cort. I'll miss him but EBR rocks the most!
Had a friend bought them for his entire family from Costco and they all ended up going back.
Nice beach location. Chemical skies - can't believe they are still spraying chemicals in the sky during the quarantine!
James McDANIEL this was a bit before the quarantine, filmed on March 5th. It was a beautiful beach, first time I’ve been there!
@@TysonRoehrkasse Thanks!
Chemicals? Give me a break. The lines are caused by condensation that occurs when the air gets warm from the turbine, and then cools off. Really.
@@supermikeb All jets have bypass technology that practically eliminates contrails. See geoengineeringwatch for the details. Wikipedia is misinforming you.
@@shepatown ... so high octane exhause from burning now perfectly fine! Great to hear!
I live in Denver Colorado and this poor bike no good for up hills I need 500 watts motor
Im 5’11 this bike is perfect for me costco selling it for 1400 👀
What is the weight of this bike ?
Hey Tanvir, I weighed it at 55.6 pounds. You can see the full specs here: electricbikereview.com/sondors/smart-step/
@@TysonRoehrkasse It weighs more than that, much more.
@@robertleftwich1122 Why don't you tell us how much it weighs then? 😂
I don’t know of any bikes with good customer service unless you pay top price at a local dealer..
where was this video filmed...its a nice beach I would like to visit...thanks Jeff
Malibu I think
999? We paid 1149 at Costco and that.was.a.300 dollar rebate price..
You have to remove the lid of the power button ! I don't know why anyone knows that basic ! Anyone ! ??
What helmet is that
This one: www.serfas.com/shop/products/helmets/ht-500-504-kilowatt-e-bike-helmet-nta-8776-certified/
anyone ever find their serial number?
Got a lifetime warranty thru Costco 😀😃
$1499 at costco
Pure crap customer service. We have bought 4 of these bikes. Done. They dont care. No parts, they dont answer the phone. Buy something else. Terrible company.
Its a nice bike but I hate the fact that you pay $999 now, but you will have to wait until June to get your bike 🙉 That's redicoulous.
This bike it’s not $1000 it’s $1699
$1,200 now!
I don't see the value from this bike..
Bro the bike cost 900 now damm it’s cheaper
(SONDORS:) "a pretty big name in ebikes"... so cute... Now curious how many SONDORS bikes were sold in Germany last year? Germany is now buying over one million electric bikes a year now... next door Holland the Dutch have bought more electrics for the last two years in a row than any other type of bicycle... in a bike-loving nation... how many sondors sold in the Netherlands last year? Possible faux paux mon ami... ;)
Noob, how about telling us the top speed; which is what many people want to know.
Don't care for folding bikes
30 minute review for such an average bike. Sondors must of dropped a few extra COIN for your time?
Nah, we charge the same nominal rate for every company... and most reviews run long, that's just our style. Hope the timestamps helped!
No fenders no lights👎
Damn it. I'm 6'5" so I'm too big.
That's a bummer :( I feel you, tough for us tall guys to find stuff that fits!
@@TysonRoehrkasse What is your inseam length, please? I suppose that one could find an extra-long seatpost, if necessary.
David Uribe I wear 34/34 pants, which I assume is a 34 inseam? A longer seatpost would work! You might end up with a more forward riding position, but it should still be pretty comfy
@@TysonRoehrkasse I agree, thank you!
I'm 6'6". I have a Haibike Trekking in an xl, and a Haibike Race in a 62cm. Stromer makes XL too. Over 10k miles on my bikes combined and never a had a problem. Also, with two I can take an extra battery on long trips. I got mine at Crazy Lenny's ebikes, and think I got a good price. Most repairs can be done at a regular bike shop, but if you have a problem with the electronics, or frame, some local shops don't like to work on mail order bikes.
SO IT HAS A 5 YEAR POWER TRAIN WARRENTY RIGHT ? FOR $1750.00 IT DAMM SHUR SHOULD HAVE !
What is your inseam?