****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This model should be named The Beast, although The Hammer is pretty intimidating, as is the bike itself. These bikes need to come in a 24" wheel option, they are too tall with 26" wheels for anyone less than 6' something, unless they are used to riding motorX motorcycles and tippy-toeing. I'm 5'11" and had to replace the suspension seat post to get the seat low enough to mount the ride on tippy-toes (added expense #1 of several).The Hammer is not a ride to be considered usable without the epower, it's beyond "sturdy". With the battery on the bike, it is too heavy to lift out of the box safely. TAKE THE BATTERY OFF WHILE IT IS STILL IN THE BOX, or rip off the side of the box. You might as well get the charger out and start charging the battery straight away.The assembly is uncomplicated enough to be done on a 6 pack after me and Tom did the NFL and PGA on a Sunday afternoon. Though check your work in the morning, after you are fully lucid and the battery has charged overnight. When you slide the charged battery onto its rail in the morning, you must make sure the rail is properly adjusted so that THE BATTERY SEATS FULLY FLAT ON THE CONTROLLER WITH THE PRONGS FULLY INSERTED. This is critical since the rail may not come adjusted in the box and may lead to trying something silly like opening the control box looking for loose wires.THE HANDLE-BARS ARE A PROBLEM! Either the headset can't be tightened to keep from moving or the handlebars themselves slip in the bracket. I was able to tighten the handle-bars enough (it takes nearly snapping the hex wrench), although I ended up using epoxy to secure the headset angle. This is not right and the manufacturers need to correct the issue.Riding the Hammer is a blast, it goes off-road with ease, though the chain rattles too much for rock hopping. There is a learning curve to get the riding technique right. It's too heavy to safely, in traffic, go from a full stop without using the throttle by only gearing down. The ride is closer to riding a moped than riding a bicycle and it is easy to get into trouble by thinking you are riding a bicycle. 20 mph sounds slow, yet for someone without motorcycle experience, it's fast for a bicycle. For those with motorcycle experience, you will want more speed after your first ride and be looking for how you can remove the 20mph speed restrictor. I'm looking at adding a powered fat tire front wheel as well, though I should likely just ride the 250 thumper if getting there fast is an issue. Excercise wise-fagitaboutit making a difference on your iWatch. You will burn more calories than you do on the couch, but you'd burn more by cooking and serving dinner for four, or walking your dog down the street and back. Word up.The Hammer is a fun, fun, fun machine, other ebikes are better suited to commuting and shopping. They won't inspire the tendencies of adventurous individuals to see how far it will go. I can't imagine what my husband would do to my new Hammer.By all means, when it comes to getting the brakes and derailleur set up perfectly, take it to your local bike shop to professionally get 'er done right. Or order the expert assembly. Getting the brakes to not rub is critical, although the 7 gears are really not that important. The bike is not ridable for long on human power alone. Maybe at 70, I have a different perspective than you will about that.First and foremost, buy a helmet and protective gear, never ride the Hammer without proper footwearand clothing. Think of it as a motorcycle, 20 mph road rash is serious, your head will split if it hits the pavement or a boulder at 20mph. You will need fenders, I was covered in sand after a beach ride (super fun), if it were mud it would not have been so fun. I ordered after-market fat tire mountain bike fenders, they look like motorX fenders. You will likely want a rack on the back, and most definitely something louder than the insulting little bell included. No real woman or man would ever attach that insipid bell to any bike-unless it's used to goose pretty girls and boys on the beach. I bought a horn from Amazon. You will want a lock that is up to protecting your substantial investment-nothing stops an angle grinder though, so you should be aware that your Hammer will be lusted after, and take appropriate cautionary measures. You might be lusted after as well-or more lusted after, as in my case- as you ride your beast. THIS IS A SERIOUSLY COOL MACHINE, I can't wait to get rid of the goofy race decals and paint it camo to match my boat AND ditch the speed restrictor. I might even get Tom off his Harley if it will go faster.In conclusion, The Hammer was a 70th birthday present from my husband. It is not a "plug and play" machine, ladies-you might need your man, I did not. I am a big girl and my sweety pie can't turn a wrench without skinning up his knuckles and cant play golf. You should expect to spend up to $500 after you put it together. YET, IT IS WELL MADE AND WELL DESIGNED! It should last for many years as a beefy adventure bike and an eye-catcher. JUST LIKE YOU!!!
