However, BionX was around, with their I2C torque sensing motors, so there’s at least some better stuff available. There are four or five pieces of plastic that clip together to seal this thing up very well. Road or trail grit will stay out, and chain oil will stay in. They can do this because all the shifting is done in the rear hub – so it’s a straight, simple chainline with nothing other than two sprockets and a chain. I really, really like this feature – I can ride it in long pants and not get dirty, and if I take it on a dusty trail, the chain will stay clean and grit-free. This is awesome, and I’d love to see more bikes doing something like this.
Different components are present through the Mendocino, including the Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and Shimano REVOSHIFT 6-speed, twist shifters. The crank is a three-piece 42T, mounted on the 6061 aluminum frame with internal cable routing. Slightly different again is the fork which is a 26” Hi-Ten steel, 100mm bolt-on. With a top speed of 20mph and the choice of pedal-assist or throttle power modes, you will have plenty of choices when it comes to unleashing the power of the motor.
This estimate may vary depending on model, rider height/weight, and riding conditions. Our Coston and Marshall lines have an optional extended-life battery available that lets you go up to 80 miles per charge. These bikes are best on pavement, and offer a super comfortable ride and totally upright position, making them ideal for older riders or those with limited mobility.
When riding with level 5 assistance my pedals were free-spinning most of the time even on the highest gear. Of course, some of that weight is in the 288-watt battery which Schwinn adversities as being good for up to 35 miles of range. We’ll get into the range in a moment, but the rest of the bike is fairly standard fare for any bike. You get a 7-speed gear system on the rear wheel with a single gear on the front.
The rear brake, if a bit springy, will get you stopped, and the front chimes in quickly to bring you down in a hurry if you need to. The most obvious thing about riding this bike is the riding position. Imagine you’re an 80 year old man. Get your pants hiked up to just below your sternum. Put on your best loafers, your town cruising hat, and carefully step onto this bike.
These frames also feature a step-through design which makes it super easy to get onto or off of the saddle. Use the included charging cable to connect the battery to a standard household outlet. Charging the battery fully will take 2 to 4 hours.
For seniors, we recommend an e-bike with a step-thru frame and upright riding position. This frame style makes it easier to get on and off the bike, and an upright riding position is easier on the lower back. The frame is also designed to be lighter for easier handling, and includes wider tires for extra stability.
Overall, given the fundamental shift I have seen in my personal bike riding habits this past summer, I very much enjoy having an e-bike. The Coston schwinn mountain bicycles e-bike is a good example of that in a much more approachable price range than some others. But a lot of the nicer features also have drawbacks.