14" wheel recommendation for a beginner

[Namrak]

I've been reading through the forum and watching some videos, and I'm ready to get my feet wet.  I was hoping someone could guide me/give a recommendation for what to buy.  My main concerns are size, portability, and price.  I think the following things would be most important to me (listed from most to least important): (1) total range of at least 10 miles (comfortably); (2) 14" wheel size for portability and lightness; (3) power and ability to handle inclines; (4) (relatively smooth ride (I've heard this will be compromised with a smaller tire but a wider tire can help compensate for this); (4) Headlight; (5) extra bells/whistles (Led lights, app integration, charging speed).  

 

I thought I had it narrowed down to a KS 14D, but then I started looking at a Gotway 14" (which may have a wider tire and can better handle inclines? not sure).  Now I'm kind of unsure what would best fit what I'm looking for.  What should I get?

 

Price would also be a limiting factor - not looking to drop 1k so I think I would go used.  I've read through similar posts asking for advice, so if this is too redundant please feel free to delete.  

[meepmeepmayer]

The 14D (or 14S which is a bigger battery version) is the best 14 incher right after the glorious Gotway MCM5 Not sure how the MCM4 is, but it's quite old and the 14D/S is going to be better. I don't know, but I believe the tires are all the same width.

What's your weight? Unless that's above 100kg, I'd say the 14D is perfectly fine (for higher weights I'd go for the added safety of the 14S's bigger battery), the MCM5 is brand new and will be quite expensive, but you might find a few 14D/S used opportunities for a really good price.

[Marty Backe]

What Meep said 

[Namrak]

7 hours ago, meepmeepmayer said:

The 14D (or 14S which is a bigger battery version) is the best 14 incher right after the glorious Gotway MCM5 Not sure how the MCM4 is, but it's quite old and the 14D/S is going to be better. I don't know, but I believe the tires are all the same width.

What's your weight? Unless that's above 100kg, I'd say the 14D is perfectly fine (for higher weights I'd go for the added safety of the 14S's bigger battery), the MCM5 is brand new and will be quite expensive, but you might find a few 14D/S used opportunities for a really good price.

Thank you very much for your help.  Do you think the 14D would fit in a normal backpack with some room to spare?  What would you peg as a good used price (it's okay if you don't want to answer this - I read some previous posts for new and used 14D's at the same price @$450-$500, which seems off)? 

 

[Marty Backe]

1 minute ago, Namrak said:

Thank you very much for your help.  Do you think the 14D would fit in a normal backpack with some room to spare?  What would you peg as a good used price (it's okay if you don't want to answer this - I read some previous posts for new and used 14D's at the same price @$450-$500, which seems off)? 

 

I know that the MCM5 barely fits (zero room to spare) in a backpack that is sized for carry-on luggage. It's a slimmer wheel than the KS14. I'm sure you could find a backpack, but carrying either wheel in one would not be my idea of fun. Make sure you pad the hell out of the backpack.

Pricing used wheels is really tough. It so much depends on the condition of the wheel and the rarity of the wheel. And some people think their wheels are worth more than they are. And quite often it can almost be impossible to find a specific used wheel within a desired timeframe. You can use this Forum, Facebook, and Craigs List to search. You may find one tomorrow or 4-months from now.

[maltocs]

A standard carry on is 22x14x9, so if you think about it a 14in wheel will be slightly bigger than 14 in. That's a pretty big backpack! I am able to get my 14 in mcm5 into an ebags weekend convertible carry on backpack but technically it is wider than a carry on.... And heavy!

My 10 inch mTen3 fits nicely into a large backpack. I'm using a 5-11 brand which can easily handle the 22 lb weight.

 

[meepmeepmayer]

9 hours ago, Namrak said:

Thank you very much for your help.  Do you think the 14D would fit in a normal backpack with some room to spare?  What would you peg as a good used price (it's okay if you don't want to answer this - I read some previous posts for new and used 14D's at the same price @$450-$500, which seems off)?

Backpack.. eh. I think you underestimate how bulky these wheels are - both their shape and their weight. I don't think putting it in a backpack is going to be very convenient for everyday use, if it works at all size-wise. The width is probably going to be the problem. The idea is, you trolley them with the built-in handle, or worst case, carry them like a briefcase. On trains etc, you put them between your legs.

The only wheel that is actually fun to carry and also fits in a (bigger) backpack would be the IPS i5. But it's quite slow (20km/h - 13mph) and not very strong, so I don't know how much it fits your requirements. You won't find this used, so that would have to be a new buy: https://www.ewheels.com/product/new-ips-i5-245wh-feather-weight/

Prices are complicated, but anything under $450 would be quite the nice deal for a 14D (if it's in good shape).

[Esper]

On 9/6/2018 at 10:40 PM, maltocs said:

A standard carry on is 22x14x9, so if you think about it a 14in wheel will be slightly bigger than 14 in. That's a pretty big backpack! I am able to get my 14 in mcm5 into an ebags weekend convertible carry on backpack but technically it is wider than a carry on.... And heavy!

My 10 inch mTen3 fits nicely into a large backpack. I'm using a 5-11 brand which can easily handle the 22 lb weight.

 

Do you have a picture of this bag with your wheel in it? I'm highly considering getting one.

[maltocs]

 

1 hour ago, Esper said:

Do you have a picture of this bag with your wheel in it? I'm highly considering getting one.

I'll take a picture of it later today, after 7pm PST when i get home. I can tell you what kind it is, it's the 511 25L Covrt pack. https://www.511tactical.com/covrt-18-backpack.html

[maltocs]

7 hours ago, Esper said:

Do you have a picture of this bag with your wheel in it? I'm highly considering getting one.

Here's the link to the pictures https://photos.app.goo.gl/QjMJgtQjjCdgv6Ek9

Here are some pictures of the MTen3 in the 5-11 Backpack. Excuse all the tape, my 5 year old is learning on MTen3. If you missed the video, here's the proud dad link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOpsDBmFyWk&t=3s

The pics are empty backpack side by side with wheel, pack with wheel in it, and me wearing the pack. The MTen3 is totally manageable. I usually stick some small wrist guards and knee pads in the pack as well. It all fits. 

I also did the same with the MCM5 with an eWheels weekend convertible backpack. I'm not gonna lie, it's heavy due to the fact the backpack doesn't have thick waist supports.