I ‘upgraded’ to the E-go Max+ from the E-go Max I’d ordered because at the time the Max+ was readily available while the Max had become subject to a longer lead time.
The service I received from the Eco Bike Co during the purchasing process was excellent and the bike was with me just a few days after ordering. Full marks to Jarred and to Sasha for keeping me well informed throughout.
I viewed the change as a sound substitution because I’m a bit “Max+” myself, weighing in at around 104 kg; the fat tyres are said to support heavier riders well. What I didn’t understand at the time was the extent to which the 4.25” tyres and wide mudguards would add character to the bike. I love the way it looks - low-slung and somehow purposeful in its low-sheen black paint finish. However, it comes at a cost. Replacement tyres are about the same price as the average car tyre and are, as I’ve discovered, nigh on impossible to source in UK. I’ve purchased one (an Innova of similar type to those fitted as OE) along with an inner tube, against the eventuality of tyre failure; it came from Berlin. I’ve also put green slime into the tyres to offset the risk of punctures.
There’s not a great deal to do to get the bike on the road - having said that, I found assembly took longer than I expected. The most challenging part, for me, was fitting the hooped struts to the mudguards - you don’t have to be afraid to stretch the hoops apart so that they’ll accommodate the mudguard. The rear rack, which came as a promotional extra, was also a bit tricky, but this was because the one I received was severely distorted and needed to be pulled back into shape before it would go anywhere near the bike.
An essentially similar bike is marketed in the USA as the 350w “Qualisports Beluga” and the information on-line is a great help when it comes to completing assembly. I’m grateful to an earlier respondent, Mr Jason Low, for pointing the way to those and other resources.
As the owner of a “fat tyre bike” you come to realise that you’ve joined the ranks of a particular breed of cyclist - one that puts the accent on off-road. There’s a bit of science attached to working out what tyre pressures to run, but no definitive answers; pressures in these high volume tyres can be quite low and need to be managed according to rider weight and nature of terrain. My first impression of handling was of a strange combination of understeer and oversteer when cornering. I’ve gradually increased pressures to about 25 psi rear and 22 psi front and the machine has become much more stable on ordinary tarmac roads.
I’ve bought a Sold Secure Gold U-lock of sufficient size for the bike, as security is obviously a concern, although at 2 kg it’s a lot of extra weight to haul around. I’ve also fitted an audible alarm. It does concern me, though, that the battery remains potentially vulnerable if left on the bike.
I really enjoy riding the E-go Max+. As someone having less vigour now than 55 years ago, I got it - as many will - to get a bit fitter and there’s no doubt it goes places where I’d normally be getting off to push - and so increases my range. It’s surprising what a boost the motor gives and it’s a real asset on uphill stretches. It’s also interesting learning how to balance the motor with the dérailleur gears, in order to get the best blend of exercise and assistance. It’s a heavy machine - according to the manufacturer’s leaflet 28 kg - but on reasonably level ground it’s easy enough to propel without help from the motor.
I’ve not needed to fold it yet (except by way of experimentation) but I plan to take it with me when I start to go places in the Summer. If I keep up the cycling in the meantime, I should become fit enough, by then, to lift it in and out of the car.
