Name: SONDORS Thin Review
Item: SONDORS Thin
Author: Court Rye

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SONDORS Thin Review

Sondors Thin 350 Watt 8fun Internally Geared Motor

Sondors Thin Custom Battery Box Panasonic Cells Controller Unit

Sondors Thin Aluminum Riser Bar Locking Ergonomic Grips

Sondors Thin Basic Led Control Panel Trigger Throttle

Sondors Thin 160 Mm Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes

Sondors Thin Generic Aluminum Platform Pedals

Sondors Thin Battery Box Rubber Plug Grommet On Off Switch

Sondors Thin Single Speed 16t Rear Sprocket 40t Front Chainring

Sondors Thin Plastic Triangle Battery Box With Thumb Screw

Sondors Thin 36 Volt 8 7 Amp Hour Panasonic Battery With Keys

Sondors Thin Truing Wheel Adjusting Spokes

Sondors Thin Unpacking Removing Cardboard And Foam

Sondors Thin Built By Velofix Mobile Bike Repair Service

Sondors Display Panel Instructions Page 1

Sondors Display Panel Instructions Page 2

An affordable, light weight, single speed electric bike launched on Indiegogo offering a geared hub motor with 350 watt power in the US and 250 watts in the EU
Available in two colors: black or white, one medium size (19 inches) and a traditional high-step diamond frame style, unique battery box hides the wires and contains a custom battery pack containing quality Panasonic cells
Responsive 8 magnet cadence sensor with basic LED console and trigger throttle for the US but no adjustability or LCD display included (sold separately for $99)
No refunds or warranty, limited support, assembly required and professional tuning recommended, stiffer ride experience with no suspension and all-Aluminum frame, heavier than expected at 46.5 lbs

Make:

SONDORS

Model:

Thin

Price:

$693 ($843 for Belt Drive Upgrade, $900+ for EU)

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Availability:

United States, Canada, Europe

Model Year:

2016

Total Weight:

46.5 lbs (21.09 kg)

Battery Weight:

4.9 lbs (2.22 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

19 in (48.26 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

19" Seat Tube, 21" Reach, 31" Stand Over Height, 72" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Gloss Black, Metallic White

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid

Frame Rear Details:

11 mm Skewer

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Rear Rack Bosses

Gearing Details:

1 (Single Speed) 16 Tooth Sprocket

Cranks:

Prowheel Cold Forged AOOC 170 Crank Arms, 40 Tooth Chainring with Plastic Chain Guide

Pedals:

Aluminum Alloy Platform

Headset:

Two Large Spacers Risers

Stem:

Aluminum, 88 mm Length, 31.8 mm Clamp, 1 1/8 Steerer

Handlebar:

Low-Rise Aluminum Alloy, 25" Length

Brake Details:

Tektro Mechanical Disc with 160 mm Rotors, 5 Star Levers with Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Ergonomic Rubber with Lockers

Saddle:

AIFEIT Hybrid Comfort

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Mid-Dish, 38 mm Deep

Spokes:

Stainless Steel 14G, Black

Tire Brand:

Generic Nylon, Hybrid Style, 700 x 38c (28" x 1 1/8" x 1 1/2")

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

44-73 PSI

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Side Mounted Kickstand, Pedal Reflectors, Front and Rear Tube Mount Reflectors, Plastic Wire Organizer Clips, Optional Belt Drive Upgrade $50, Optional LCD Display $99

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, 250 lb Maximum Load, Tires Rated for 350 lb, Recommended to Turn Battery Off When Charging and Between Use, Plug Charger Into Battery Pack Then Wall Outlet, 1.5 lb 2 Amp Charger

Motor Brand:

8Fun

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts (250 Watts in the EU)

Battery Brand:

Panasonic

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8.7 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

313.2 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

15 miles (24 km)

Estimated Max Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Display Type:

Fixed LED Console

Readouts:

Battery Charge Level (Green, Yellow, Red), Optional LCD Lists Power Level (4 Bars), Assist Level (0-5), Odometer, Trip Meter, Speed (mph or km/h), Voltage, Wattage, Ambient Temperature, Time

Display Accessories:

On/Off Button, Independent Button Pad

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (8 Magnet Pedelec Disc)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)(15.5 mph in EU)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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The Sondors Thin is a single speed urban style electric bike with an average sized motor and slightly below average sized battery priced very reasonably at $499… plus mandatory $194 shipping. It borrows from some of the earlier Sondors fat tire bikes sold through Indiegogo and Kickstarter in 2015. I purchased both of these prior models and was satisfied with the quality and shipping time, the team pretty much hit their targets for delivery and even though support has been very minimal or non-existent according to some buyers, the value is still there given the low price point and unique style. Sondors ebikes differentiate themselves by housing the control unit, battery pack and many of the cables inside a plastic frame box. It’s a practical approach that’s executed well and I love how easy to use the winged finger screw and swing-open door are. Inside, there’s a bit of extra space for hiding some money, keys or bandages and with the Thin model, the actual battery design is much sleeker and easier to fit. There are three rubber bumper pads placed specifically to reduce rattling noise and probably absorb shock as you ride along. Speaking of shock… this all-Aluminum bike does not come with suspension and uses hybrid 1.5″ wide tires so depending on road conditions it could get a little abrasive. I appreciated the comfort saddle, locking ergonomic grips and low-rise handlebar but would probably purchase a shorter riser stem and 27.2 mm seat post suspension and locking seat collar if I was using it to commute daily. The two trade offs I see with all of the frame-box designs so far from Sondors is that the top tube of the bike can no longer be used to hang on racks or lift (for those who live upstairs) and the battery locking mechanisms aren’t especially strong. I was able to unscrew the battery box and push down on the locking pin to remove the battery without using the key.

In terms of performance, the Thin delivers smooth comfortable power output but can still feel zippy and exciting in the highest level of assist (or when using the throttle). I love that in any of the five assist levels 1-5 the throttle overrides with full power (this is only applicable if you buy the $90 LCD panel upgrade). In its base form, the cadence sensor seems to default at assist level 1 which is very low… just enough to take off the edge of added weight of the bike and reach up to ~7 miles per hour if you pedal gently and rely mostly on the motor. Technically there’s no throttle only mode with or without the display panel but that lowest assist level isn’t that distracting or destabilizing so it’s not worth griping about. With the LCD installed you could use zero level as a way to read the cycle computer and track mileage, speed and battery capacity. The display is actually a big highlight for me as it delivers many readouts, comes with an easy to read manual and offers backlighting that you can shut off! Yes, it’s great to see the screen sometimes at night but some electric bikes don’t let you turn the light off and there are times when it can be very distracting.

Whether you run out of battery or just want some extra exercise, you can always shut the bike completely off and pedal under human power. And in my experience, as long as you’re already moving at 5+ mph it’s not too difficult. With a decent tuneup from a professional for my own Thin (who trued the wheels and and adjusted the disc brakes) the bike coasted effortlessly and having just one gear felt okay. Starting from complete standstill without power felt difficult because the bike is geared high in order to hit the 20 mph top assisted speed. In practice, I felt the motor back off around 19.5 mph and that’s alright. Again, you’re getting average performance here with a 350 watt motor and 36 volt battery but I love that the hardware in use is made by reputable brands including 8Fun and Panasonic. You do hear whirring as the motor operates as demonstrated in the video review above but it’s not as pronounced as some cheaper setups. Powering it all is a beautiful, compact and versatile battery box that’s very unique. I love that it includes a power level indicator but do note, the pack has to be switched to on in order for this to work. You can charge the pack on or off the bike thanks to the semi-locking mechanism discussed earlier and there are two holes on either side of the main frame box with removable rubber grommets creating passthrough points. Note that the instructions recommend turning the battery off, plugging the charger into the pack and then plugging the charger into the wall for the safest use.

At the end of the day, I feel that the Sondors team really delivered with this e-bike. It looks great, is priced well, comes in two colors and with the option of a belt drive (which I hear is a bit cheaper, being Nylon vs. carbon lined like Gates) and an LCD display screen. I was hoping to install a two speed internally geared bottom bracket on my bike but discovered that it was too short… Most bicycles have 68 mm to 73 mm bottom brackets but the Sondors Thin has an 80 mm size and this is not listed anywhere on the website. I went in blind and decided to try it out for fun but came up short. All of the other specs I could find are listed in this review including the frame geometry which only comes in one style of high-step and one size. I love that the frame has mounting points for fenders and a rear rack but you don’t get space for a water bottle so consider a bar cage like this or a cheap hydration pack. Of course, a helmet and lights are important… or maybe a helmet with a light in it? And since you’re not purchasing this from a bike shop where you can try them on, it may be worth taking a trip to a big box retailer or local bike shop separately. In any case, I was very satisfied with the metallic white paint and reflective decals and rims on the Thin I chose even though it arrived much later than the black models which were more popular. The wires and cables would probably blend in better with black and I’m guessing the belt drive is slightly lighter and quieter but it adds to the cost. The Sondors bikes are getting more and more refined and I noticed and appreciated the wire clips up front for example. The front wheel didn’t offer quick release which was shown on the Indiegogo campaign but otherwise things looked pretty good. Whether you use a mobile bike repair service Velofix or go to a local shop, I felt that the $80 build cost on this bike was well worth it. My wheels were setup to run smooth, some grease was removed from the bottom bracket spindle and grease was applied on the BB casing and pedals to help the bike run smoothly. The alternative might be a DIY setup and that’s cool but could cost much more up front. I’m planning to do a tutorial on that at a later date but the video above provides a lot of guidance and just a stand and basic tools would go a long way but the bike does come with its own set of allen keys and multi-wrench.

Pros:

I was impressed with the overall aesthetic including the plastic battery box that’s color matched to the frame and the new battery design that’s a custom triangle vs. cylinder
Inside the battery box are three rubber bumpers that reduce rattling and provide a snug fit for the pack, I like that there are holes with rubber caps on both sides of the box allowing you to charge and switch the pack on or off without opening the box
Excellent choice of pedals, they’re large, stiff and grippy even though they aren’t name brand, they resemble my favorite Wellgo pedals. Same thing with the grips, I love that they chose ergonomic models with lockers for strength and stability
Solid braking power here thanks to Tektro mechanical disc brakes, 160 mm is about the right size on the rotors and once they were bedded the squeal went away and they provided good stopping power (they should work better in wet conditions than rim brakes and won’t mar the wheelset)
This is still one of the more affordable electric bikes on the market, priced at $499 it sounds amazing but even with the required shipping of $194 it’s still a solid deal at ~$700 and the $99 display panel also brings a lot of value, I appreciate the additional levels of assist and readouts
The bike arrived on time, had the colors and specs I requested and was packaged well so there were very few dings or scratches (just one tiny slash on the headset and the over-tight seat tube which made inserting the seat post difficult)
I like that the frame has a kickstand mount and that it’s positioned far back enough on the left chainstay that you can pedal backwards without colliding the crank arms, this is useful when walking the bike around or performing maintenance without a stand
Much more efficient and light weight than the original Sondors fat bikes, the tires appear to be hybrid designs so you won’t have the drag of increased surface area or knobs but you also won’t have the comfort or traction
Simple and intuitive controls, just turn the bike on, start pedaling and you’ll get assist… the lack of display keeps the handlebar area clear and is less distracting and possibly more durable
Most of the wires are run through the frame box which improves aesthetic and reduces the potential for snags when riding or transporting the bike
The thin battery box design looks nice and hides the controller, perhaps protecting it and the battery from dust and water, it also keeps some of the weight low and centered on the frame vs. a rear rack style battery

Cons:

Powering the bike on to ride is a multi-step process… First you have to switch the battery to on if it has been charging (they recommend charging it in the off position), then you have to press the rubber button at the base of the trigger throttle and if you have the optional LCD display in stalled you have to hit power there as well. Also, the throttle unit will no longer work until the LCD has been powered up
The bottom bracket width measures 80 mm which is larger than the standard 68 mm to 73 mm and this prevented us from installing an internally geared transmission… it may inhibit other BB upgrades or limit your choices, this detail was not listed on the website so we went in guessing
Given that it’s a single speed ebike, I thought it was going to be a little lighter than 46.5 lbs total, the Indiegogo campaign listed the battery at 5 lbs and I weighed it at 4.9 lbs which is great but they state that the bike is just 38 lbs and I weighed it at 41.5 lbs (perhaps the belt drive version is slightly lighter?)
The wheels required some truing on arrival which isn’t so bad but the seam on the front rim actually didn’t line up perfectly so even with spoke adjustment it was unbalanced
I’m not sure there is any sort of warranty for the bike and have had difficulty reaching Sondors for support ongoing (and heard this from other buyers as well)
I like that the battery pack features an integrated locking core but felt concerned that it only secures to a thin piece of plastic in the battery box, this is weaker and less secure than most of the other electric bikes I’ve tested, it seemed more about stabilizing the battery vs. true theft prevention
As we assembled the bike Travis from Velofix noticed that there was no grease in the bottom bracket shell (which could lead to creaking) but there was grease on the spindle (and there’s not supposed to be any on a square tapered spindle because it could press on too far or come loose more easily)
The Sondors Thin model (and I believe most of the other fat bikes they’ve been selling prior to 2016) only come in one size, since it’s a high step this might be difficult to stand over for shorter riders
The Sondors electric bikes look cool because of the plastic battery box but this also makes them stand out more, they just aren’t as stealthy as some of the other cylinder or rear rack battery solutions and that could attract unwanted attention
This electric bike likely requires assembly (though it should be fairly easy), many shops are charging ~$80 for this service and will do a better job of alignment, greasing and tightening (but not over-tightening) that should help the bike last, I used a mobile bike repair service called Velofix this time
This is a single speed bicycle which means it requires more pedal energy to start and may be difficult to climb with on steeper terrain, at higher speeds around 20 mph it felt comfortable
The nylon belt drive option is cool and reduces oil, weight and noise but is a very basic design that will be more prone to sliding off than something like the Gates Carbon CDX with center-tracking
Only available in one color choice for the belt drive option… I love the white and wish I could get it with a belt because it creates a larger visual footprint for safer nighttime riding
There are no refunds being offered and the backer is responsible for taxes duties and VAT so be sure to record and pay this independently
As with most crowd funded and online electric bicycles you might have a difficult time locating and test riding before deciding to purchase vs. going into a shop, I also had to wait ~4 months to get my bike and might have chosen a different color had I known it would ship earlier (they usually ship based on popularity of color/size from Sondors)

Resources:

Official Site: http://gosondors.com/
Official Indiegogo Page: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sondors-thin-electric-bike#/
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/AzbA4TJG6MQCc9ge7

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

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Bob Deloyd

9 years ago

It is too bad it is the thin tires. I live in the desert and I was hoping to get one of the fat tired ones, but I can’t seem to locate where to buy them. One problem is having only one gear though. I think I might be looking at the Rad Rover or the VoltBike Yukon fat bike. Hopefully one of those will go on sell or another Fat Ebike will fit my needs. If you have any advice I’d sure like to hear it. Love your videos :)

Court Rye

Hi Bob! Yeah… It appears that both the Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaigns for the Sondors Fat Bikes are closed and even the Indiegogo “in demand” feature that used to let you buy ongoing has been closed. I know that Myron’s Electric Bicycle Center in Fullerton California has two of them (the bikes I bought for these reviews) but your point about only having one gear remains. Both the RadRover and Yukon impressed me, I’ve seen a few email promotions from Rad Power Bikes if you go to their site and sign up for alerts. Glad you’ve enjoyed my videos and reviews here, good luck :D

Joshua Swanson

8 years ago

You can buy the fat tire bikes on the gosondors.com website right now and get delivery by August.

satya

video is not available, can you kindly add it again

Thanks for the heads up Satya! The Sondors Thin has not arrived yet, this post is a placeholder containing all of the information publicly available (and some insights based on past Sondors electric bikes). I do have one on order and will post a review video as soon as it arrives and I’m able to shoot so keep an eye out later this year May/June.

P E

Even though I know that this is a place holder, is it possible to upgrade the rear wheel from the single-speed to a three speed???

Great question P E, I’m guessing no. It is not possible on the other Sondors fat bike model and from the images here it appears that the dropout width is only large enough to fit the motor, a single sprocket and the disc brake rotor. You might be able to get more gears on this thing by installing an Efneo bottom bracket gearbox or something similar but I have never seen/tested one of these before outside of the Schlumpf drive. Also, I just stumbled across this on Amazon which achieves the same sort of thing and is actually for sale and somewhat affordable.

Charles

Court, I have view most of your reviews on various ebike and other electric vehicles. I have enjoyed almost everyone of them. You have a talent for detail and I agreed with most of your content. We part opinion on this bike. I own one. First let me say that for many of us this will be our first of many e-vehicles. The quality of the components is good value for dollar. Yes, you take a chance with the warranty. I’m a risk taker. About assembly. You have complained about the fact the the bike had to be put together. Come on, It took longer to take the packaging off than it did to attach the front tire and brake cable. I was done with the process in less than 20 minutes. The entire rest of the bike was perfect, I checked! You also mentioned the pedal assist. It really does not exist unless you get the LCD. I just include that in the price of the bike. So for $800, you get a very attractive (folks on the bike path think so) 350w, light e-bike. This is what LL Bean charges for an “LL Bean” bike. Their bike does not have a battery and electric motor. I think you might want to rethink how you review this bike, once you do a full review. Not everyone has $1,500 for an entry level ebike from the big guys with center pull brakes and a battery over the back tire. Let’s be fair. For $800 this is a very nice first ebike.

I love your work.

Thanks for the feedback on your Thin Charles! Wish I had ordered the black one so it would be here by now :P I see you sandwiched your critical feedback with support and compliments and that’s cool, I can take direct hits and not take it personally. Sometimes I list lots of cons just to be fair and help justify bikes that cost more but do not require assembly… offer more gears… have warranties etc. It’s meant to draw attention to the differences and perhaps “considerations” would be a more appropriate section title vs. cons ;) I should have my Sondors Thin soon and am excited to check it out and update this review! Thanks again for sharing your experiences so far and have fun!

Hugh

From experience I’d recommend the LCD display for just $99. This accessory takes the basic Thin to a much higher level of fun and performance. 37 pounds (or less) is a mark all Manufacturer’s should aim deliver – easier to hoss about though you’ll loose some rugged off road capability. Sondors makes great entry level ebikes. They arrive well packaged and are easy to assemble.

Hi Hugh! I just received my Thin and the LCD arrived a bit later. Planning to assemble and review it soon, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the bike and tips about the accessory :)

robert noah

thanks, a pretty good review.

Sure thing, glad you enjoyed it Robert

Tim in Seattle

I live in a very hilly area of Seattle (Capitol Hill). I hear that the fat tire version of this bike performs poorly on hills and I was curious how this bike works on hills? The hill I live nearby is around a 26% grade and I’m hoping this bike will make life a little easier. Comments and thoughts are very appreciated.

Hi Tim! In my opinion it will definitely make the hill at least a little bit easier. Depending on your weight and willingness to pedal along it will either make it no problem or struggle to move you at all (especially if you like stop half way up the hill and try to only move under throttle power). I like the LCD display a lot because it opens up assist and you can add power with the throttle. The single gear is a bit of a bummer (and does make starting from rest difficult) but if you approach hills at an angle when accelerating then help out I think it would work alright. If this ebike appeals to you visually and price wise then go for it but there are others for sale in the same range that will have gears, fenders, racks, lights etc. and I’m publishing one of them tomorrow (called the Vilano Pulse). Keep an eye out for other affordable models here on the site or consider a kit that could be added to any bike you already own.

Satra

You mention the tight seat tube in the video, but were eventually able to get it in. Any pointers as to what changes you made? We just assembled the bike and the seat post does not go in. When you mention that you were going to pry it open what kind of tools were used?

Hi Satra! Glad to hear my tight seat tube was not an isolated incident… We just loosened the collar all the way then forced the seat tube in but you could probably bend it more open by inserting a narrower metal or wood rod and bending it back and forth a bit. The guy I had working on the bike from VeloFix was stronger than me and had some other tools so maybe he used a long wrench or other metal tool to loosen it?

Steve

With the fat bike and hills you’ll find that the 1 and only assist level isn’t strong enough (even on level ground with a strong head wind as we get on the coast) so you will modulate the thumb throttle with pedaling.

I’d recommend the display upgrade in order to get more levels of assist boost for situations like that. For me it’s the better option for balanced uphill pedaling. The Thin is likely to be similar even at ~14lbs lighter.

i couldn’t figure out where to reply to the comment. i was able to get the seat in (and another seat from my older bike that had the same diameter). in both cases, i had to keep jiggling and rotating the seat and eventually it went it. i did not have to pry open the collar.

Awesome! Glad everything worked out, hope you enjoy the bike :)

Andy

Good afternoon. I live in Ukraine, browsing the Internet for information about electric bikes I saw a link to your website. I really liked Sondors Thin Revev. Please tell me whether it is possible to send this bike in Ukraine. What are the dimensions of the boxes in which the bike is packed.

Hi Andy! I have no idea if they ship to Ukraine but last I heard the crowd funding campaigns were open globally… Might be worth checking out if you go to the Indiegogo or Kickstarter campaigns. There is an official Sondors website too at: GoSondors.com with a buy now option. I did not measure the box when I got mine, sorry…

Brad

For what it’s worth, we bought a Thin and took delivery in August. I wasn’t really sure where this bike was going to fit into our lives at first but after a month of my wife using it to commute to work and seeing the car sit in the driveway everyday I have a better idea. Having an E bike has changed the way we look at getting to work, going to the store or the bank etc. Now we look forward to those errands. The bike is fun to ride and it serves our needs as a commuter/grocery-getter.

I think it is important that I characterize the kind of commute we have for anyone that is considering this bike- it’s about 3 miles one way and it’s basically flat at first then steep downhill for the the last 75%. Of course this means coming home it’s steep uphill most of the way- upwards of 5% grade. For sure you need to pedal but I pass people on road bikes on the way up. The bike deals with it fine although I think it’s not great for the motor to go without pedaling. Totally pleased with the hill performance because we were not looking for a scooter and after a day at work it is great to pedal a little bit. I think the range estimates by Sondors are way over sold but it doesn’t affect us. We charge it on Sunday and maybe again on Thursday to be safe so we are getting roughly 20 hilly miles on a charge.

A couple of other notes- we have a 15 month old that gets dropped at daycare on the way to work. He rides on the bike (loves it) in a Wee Ride which fits across the top tube. We have a Thule Chariot that I would like to afix to the bike but I think I would have to take the connector to a machine shop

Nice! Sounds like a really cute setup with your kid :D not sure if this part would help with the Chariot specifically but it does seem to be made for adapting child carriers to bikes. Thanks for sharing how the bike is working for you guys and what kind of range, hill climbing performance etc. it is getting.

my comment continued.. I would have to take the Thule attachment to a machine shop to make it fit the thicker axel. Regardless we are able to transport the extra poundage of the child (me at 155 and him at 22lbs) easily including up hills and even with the Wee Ride which can make pedaling a little awkward.

We didn’t get the LCD and I don’t feel the need to purchase it. It does seem that the components are not amazing but they should hold up. The real proof will be in the pudding on this bike as we see what the lifetime of the battery and the motor are in the coming years. So far very happy with the purchase. Nice review you did here too.

Thanks again Brad! I’d love to hear your long term thoughts on the bike to see just how well the batteries hold up etc. if you remember in a year or whatever. Also, I’ve heard that batteries don’t offer as much power or range when it gets cold out so maybe some seasonal feedback. It’s cool to hear how your family uses the bike… maybe someone in the forums could custom engineer the attachment to fit your axle? I think I’ve heard people say they made a custom plate with a larger hole but used the rest of their standard parts but I haven’t done it myself.

Arnaud

Thanks for posting your comments, I am also living in a Hilly environment, So your experience was very valuable for me.

Preamble – still very pleased with over 3000 Km on my beautifully engineered, zero problems 2012 SMART ebike. So thought I’d take a chance and WEB order A Sondors Thin with nylon belt plus LCD display for a change of pace. 20 pounds lighter and $2000 less were the main motivators. Not surprisingly “you get what you pay for” applies per usual. Love the lighter weight an lower price, but, less range, less uphill power, noisy motor, noisy belt, fiddly charging/on/off, weaker brakes, no lights, no fenders, no Kevlar belted tires, no reflecting side walls … well you see what I mean. Sondors delivered on time, well packaged, with an excellent DIY assembly video. The SMART was hand delivered to my doorstep by the parts manager – fully charged/assembled/immediately drivable from the back of a brand new (impressive) MB wagon. I say again “you get what you pay for” – I think both bikes are good value.

Excellent feedback Hugh! Especially since you also own the SMART ebike… one of the coolest I’ve tried over the years. Glad to hear you’re enjoying both, thanks again for your time :)

John A.

Hi Court, I began researching ebikes a month ago and have relied heavily on your site for my education. You’ve really helped me a lot and for that, thank you very much. I live just outside Austin TX, and since you once lived there, you might be the best person to ask this question. Would a bike such as the Gadis ejoe be sufficiently powerful to handle the hills downtown, or would I need more power? I weigh 210 lbs. and have very weak legs due to an illness many years ago (I am 64) so there’s no way I can climb the streets here in Austin without assistance. I also doubt I could get my leg over a high step bike, hence the Gadis. I am 6′ 3″, so I wonder if this bike would fit me comfortably. If this bike is not the right fit, could you make a suggestion of what I would require in other ebikes in terms of size and power. I am comfortable with the price of the Gadis, but I could go maybe a couple hundred more. Any advice you can give me would be a big help.

Hi John! Happy to help… I really enjoyed the Gadis for all the reasons you mentioned (lower price and low-step frame that’s easy to mount). I often choose or recommend electric bike products based on where a person lives. There is a lot of overlap in price point these days with models that are very similar but having one that’s close and supported by a shop can make a huge difference over the life of your purchase. Is there a shop in town that sells the Gadis? If so, I think the power would just enough. Remember, you can pedal to help and this thing has a 350 watt motor with 48 volt battery (vs. 36 volt). You are heavier and taller than average but the Gadis has an adjustable stem and the seat post can be raised. I think it would work as well if not better than a lot of other $2k electric bikes. The extra couple hundred dollars wouldn’t take you to products that are significantly different. I hope this helps, it seems like you did a great job searching and narrowing down to a model that’s approachable but still sturdy.

Adam

Sondors sent and email today saying they have a new, more powerful bike — and their “largest ever” product launch — coming soon.

court

Wow! Thanks for the heads up Adam, I just signed up for their email (though I thought I already had before?) can’t wait to see what it is :D

Denise

7 years ago

I just came across your review of the Sondors Thin – I’ve had my bike almost a year now and I LOVE IT!!! This is by far the best investment I have made in years. I wanted an ebike for so long but counldnt afford to spend $2000 + for the ones on the market so took a gamble on the Sondors Thin because I had seen how successful the fattie bike was and how happy (despite the early backer grumbling about how long it took to get their Sondors Fattie bike). I put my money down on Indiegogo in June (mid) and got my Sondors thin in August – I was thrilled – most Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaigns run well over but it felt like Sondors had already nailed the process in the first successfull campaign and got it all in place for the Thin launch. I love my bike – its brought me unbelievable and endless joy – getting around DC, Maryland and Virginia and going places I wouldnt get to without a car (I dont have a car nor do I need one now). My bike takes me to work and I am cycling over 60 miles a week now thanks to my Sondors Thin. I pedal all the time (to get some exercise!) and I get over 55 miles on one charge! When I bought my bike I joined a Sondors Thin Backers Group on Facebook and highly recommend you join these groups if you buy a Sondors bike now or in the future. The amount I have learned in that group is insane!! I can upgrade and customize my LCD since I bought that as well and I’m getting greater scope out of my bike thanks to advice within my group. We have people in the group who have upgraded their bikes, added gears, changed wheels, put on suspension systems front an back, upgraded motors, you name it someone has done it and everyone is so kind and giving of advice to newbies! We share advice, support each other and learn so much. I recently (last week) upgarded my LCD and controller and now get even more power out of my bike going up hills – its stonger, faster and moves better than before and all for investing only another $100.00 – this bike is a wonderful investment. I highly recommend it. If you’re someone used to love to bike but doesnt feel fit enough, or strong enough or has arthritis or aches and pains in your knees, this bike can give you a new lease of life! There are a lot more crazies on the road so you need to be careful but this bike gives you a new lease of life and takes you places you wouldnt go without public transport. It’s the best investment I have made and I am beyond happy with my bike. I’ve already decided when it is getting old or tired I will sell it and get a great price and I’ll upgrade to the stronger bike that they just released on their website which has a stronger motor, battery and speed system. Right now, I have no need to do anything other than enjoy commuting to and from work daily and getting out and about DC on weekends. The Thin Sondors is PERFECT for city dwellers and those who have nice bike trails around them and fits in perfect. The fattie bike to me is more suitable for those near the coast/beaches and mountain trails – i think it would look funny in the city which is why I’m sticking with my Sondors Thin- if they bring out another Sondors FOLD (folding fattie bike) I’ll be on it like a rash!!! I honestly believe you will not be disappointed with this bike – its super value for money and the shipping is gone down to $140 now so for $800 you have an amazing bike that cannot be beat!!!

Hi Denise! I appreciate your enthusiastic comment and all of the details from your past year of riding. It sounds like the Sondors Thin has changed your life in a lot of positive ways and I hope to review some of their other models in the future. The folding model does look cool, I wonder if they will make a Thin folder someday?

I wondered the same thing about the FOLD (fat wheel) and I emailed them 2 weeks ago to see are they planning one – they said “not right now but maybe” I told them I would be really keen if they do as having a folding ebike with the Sondors trust I have would be great. I’m currently investing in another Folding Ebike on Indiegogo called MATE (out of Denmark) – would be great if you could review that bike as it looks awesome – mine is due to arrive in the next few weeks after a lot of delays but thats the deal with crowdfunding for the most part – i got lucky with Sondors on how fast they did it and am Hoping MATE lives upto its hype. If you could review it, I think that would give the brand and the backers a lot of confidence as you’re reviews are awesome :)

Michelle

Hi Court and other reviewers! Was wondering if anyone has any more recent opinions on their Sondors. All I can find is stuff from 2014-2015, and there was a lot of controversy back then due to the IndieGoGo campaign. I’d like to know if anyone has kept their bike for a while and is happy with it. These days they’re selling it for $879 with LCD, and I was hoping to get your thoughts on whether it’s worth it. I’m looking at bikes under $1000, so my price limit keeps my options limited.

Thanks for all the great videos! I’ve watched 6-7 and you’ve helped me weed out a bunch of bikes and focus in on some better ones.

Hi Michelle! There’s a Sondors Facebook group that seems to be active, and some posts in the Sondors Forums here. I’m glad that EBR has been helpful for you and can suggest exploring the affordable category or using the price filter on the advanced search to narrow down by price further :)

mikial

6 years ago

I fried the controller going a long gradual hill on my sonder thin. The bike only had 600 miles on it. replaced in w/ a 12 amp controller and wires won’t let me activate the led panel. felt like I got what I payed for; a cheap e-bike

Court

Bummer, thanks for the feedback Mikial! It’s always tough presenting the trade-off between price and quality when I review brand new ebikes, your comment might help others who are considering the Thin and wondering how hard they can push it. Where did you get the replacement controller?

petros petrou

Hello, I wanted to ask you if you ship to Cyprus and if so what is the shipping and handling costs. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply. Best wishes – Petros Petrou

Kelly

5 years ago

When was this video originally published? We are looking into e-bikes and came across Sondors on a YouTube that recommended the brand as one of the top 5 affordable e-bikes available. Your price you paid is listed as $499, plus the extra shipping at $194. The Sondors site is selling the Thin for $1099. Still a good deal? This bike will be for my son to use at college, back and forth from his house to school (2 mile trip) and to run to the store occasionally. What are your thoughts today on this bike before he drops the cash he has saved up.

Hi Kelly! Sorry for the little delay, responding to your comment. I usually try to buy from a local shop before going online. SONDORS has earned a pretty good reputation over the years, but you might still want to check the SONDORS ebike forums and consider the price of having a local shop provide a full tuneup, to make sure the wheels are aligned and the bike is operating smoothly. Here are some other cheap ebike options. I like Rad Power Bikes a lot, but they cost more than SONDORS. Some of the folding models can be cheap and portable, so he could store the bike in his dorm if it gets wet and cold outside (ebike batteries are best kept at cool temperatures for long lifespan). I hope this helps, I realize there are many considerations to make. Maybe the SONDORS has gotten a little nicer, validating the higher price? I didn’t love the single-speed drivetrain, but the bike did alright and looked pretty cool for the price :)