New bike, possibly E-Bike or convert DIY

[CLW]

Hello everyone,

after my good old mountain bike has been stolen in BKK four years ago I was thinking to buy a new one.

Mostly for getting around the neighborhood and short tours.'

After I tried an e-bike back home at my parents I am also keen on possibly buying one.

Here is the first problem.

Since Thailand is still stuck in the dark ages regarding electric mobility and its ridiculous import taxes, e-bikes or parts of them are quite expensive.

I've found a few shops in Bangkok with prices for a ready to ride e-bike around 20k THB.

https://www.bkkebike.com/mountaine-bike-350e

 

The conversion kits from those shops are also on the higher price range (7.000 THB)

On lazada a 250 or 350 W conversion kit can be found for around 5.000 THB, from Thailand only.

I don't bother with shipping from China and possible problems with customs and import tax.

 

To the bike now, I set a price limit for 5.000 THB for it.

Those two models caught my attention.

https://www.decathlon.co.th/en/p/8550625_riverside-100-matt-bike.html#our_promise_banner

http://www.trinx.in.th/index.php/s/detail/98

 

I am leaning towards the Trinx bike since it has hydraulic disk brakes and front suspension.

The decathlon bike however has a single speed gear and probably less maintenance issues.

 

This one seems to be a good DIY conversion kit, however I am not sure if it includes the battery which is another 3.000 THB to add on.

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/e-bike-kit-750w-48v-135mm-26-559mm-i262965404-s405998848.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlistcategory.list.7.12c76b03sEdmbm&search=1

 

That would make approximately 15k at maximum for DIY compared to 20k for a store-bought E-bike.

 

Any suggestions or comments are welcome!

Best regards

 

 

 

[bobfish]

No experience with e-motors.

But, bike wise I'd choose the Riverside. At that price you're not getting great quality, especially the woeful front fork and mechanical [not hydraulic] disc brakes on the Trinx.  Best keep it simple.