Begode A2

[alcatraz]

You don't need it until you do. 

[mrelwood]

21 hours ago, Funky said:

I may get A2 batch 7 or 8.

Didn’t you want a wheel that doesn’t require tinkering and maintenance?  And I do recall you saying that you won’t get yourself a Begode. What changed? Other than the fact that no other new sub 20kg wheels exist?

 

[Funky]

1 hour ago, mrelwood said:

Didn’t you want a wheel that doesn’t require tinkering and maintenance?  And I do recall you saying that you won’t get yourself a Begode. What changed? Other than the fact that no other new sub 20kg wheels exist?

 

All before released begode models where shit. New ones also are kinda.. But there are no sub 20kg wheels out there, that are somewhat waterproof and has big diameter tire. As i want to install aftermarket M/C tire.

Does A2 needs to be tinkered/maintained a lot? I did say "may" get it. I still would like to have 12" rim at least, not 10"..

Also not a fan how the carry handle is connected to motherboard top cover.. All weight is carried true motherboard apartment crews. Over time the screws may loosen up and start letting water in. So i'm not really a fan of A2 also. But it's the only wheel that has been released in 20kg weight. Which as you know saddens me quit a lot.

I would prefer to get Inmotion & Kingsong wheel. But they both released their 16" in 30kg+ weight. Such a waste. They keep trying to make smaller wheels the same performance as big ones. 

Edited August 20 by Funky

[Mono]

1 hour ago, Funky said:

But it's the only wheel that has been released in 20kg weight.

The A2 weighs 21.1kg as can be seen here. The scale seems legit and I could myself replicate the seen weight of the new V8F from this scale too.

Edited August 20 by Mono

[Funky]

36 minutes ago, Mono said:

The A2 weighs 21.1kg as can be seen here. The scale seems legit and I could myself replicate the seen weight of the new V8F from this scale too.

Yeah saw it also.. Kinda dumb that manufacturer page says 19kg.. Same for most sellers. But real weight is over 20kg.  At 21kg it's to close to mine 26kg 18xl.. Meaning it isn't even worth considering then. 

[RetroThruster]

Hate all the bad press this wheel is getting but facts are facts, I was unsure what to do with mine (40t ewheels version), sell it or keep it, well, finally unboxed it and took her for a spin, I like it, I was looking for something to split the difference between my mten3 and Nik+, which is does very well.  I had the mcm5 v2 and have an mten3 84v and I'm not disappointed in the power of this wheel at all, no powerhouse but hauls my 215lbs just fine, glad I bought it now, just hope it treats me well...

[MixxMaster]

I've had mine for a few days, my other wheel is a V11.  This is a squirrely little bugger in comparison, especially at the proper 40 psi.  Also, not sure about how sturdy it is, as after a drop I was able to tap part of the side straight with a rubber mallet. I don't think it has a smart BMS, and no information shows up for the cells. 

Silly question for a Begode Newbie: Is there a way to manual set the alarms? It keeps going off at 20mph regardless of turning level 1 or 2 alarm off. 

[Funky]

A2 uses 10" rim right.. But what's it's whole tire diameter? Could someone who owns A2 measure tire diameter? 

Also width of the tire would be welcomed info. <3

Edited September 28 by Funky

[mrelwood]

3 hours ago, Funky said:

A2 uses 10" rim right.. But what's it's whole tire diameter?

As we’re waiting for someone to measure theirs… The outer Dian better should be as much over the rim diameter as other 3” knobbies. If a 14” rim with a knobby makes it close to 20”, a 10” rim with a knobby is close to 16” outer diameter. Within an inch from a 16x2.125” of a 16S.

[Funky]

8 hours ago, mrelwood said:

As we’re waiting for someone to measure theirs… The outer Dian better should be as much over the rim diameter as other 3” knobbies. If a 14” rim with a knobby makes it close to 20”, a 10” rim with a knobby is close to 16” outer diameter. Within an inch from a 16x2.125” of a 16S.

Thanks mrSherlock Holmes <3

Like i didn't know that.  That's why i wanted to know it's "real" diameter/size. (Remember i was searching tires for my 18xl.. I know what every measurement mean and how ducked up the sizing charts are, especial for knobbies and M/C tires..)

Edited September 28 by Funky

[RetroThruster]

I'm measuring 16" so mrelwood is correct

[Funky]

2 hours ago, RetroThruster said:

I'm measuring 16" so mrelwood is correct

40Cm right on mark? Hmm - Thanks.

And how wide is it?

Edited September 29 by Funky

[RetroThruster]

19 hours ago, Funky said:

40Cm right on mark? Hmm - Thanks.

And how wide is it?

Oops, 82mm

[Funky]

10 hours ago, RetroThruster said:

Oops, 82mm

Holy EUC. That's a thick boy.

-Thanks.

 

Generally 16" wheel then.. Just ~30mm wider.  As @mrelwood Holmes said.

[Phonoman]

I wonder if there are gonna be any updates done for the A2 - like  "V2" versions or they're gonna fully focus on the Extreme and next new wheels. I really want it for the safer winter riding and riding in rainy days because of the wide knobby, waterproofing (vs the V8F), but not sure if there's any point of waiting before ordering. 

Sucks I'm gonna have to give up the lightweight and skinny V8F, tho. A2 prolly won't be as good for the rare "take it with you in __ official place or up a lot of stairs as a short commuter" as it's also ~6 kg more than V8F, but wheels nowadays don't give you all you want. x) 

[Funky]

Only thing A2 has going for it - is big wide tire and "somewhat" waterproof.

 At 1 more kg you could get ks18l which is 31mph wheel with 18" tire and much bigger battery, motor.

[RetroThruster]

I've labeled mine as a yard/training wheel, haven't used it for the later but for getting a quick fix in your yard and surrounding area, it's perfect.

[Funky]

For some even V5, KS14D, or Mten4 (the smaller wheels in general) can be the one and only wheel they would ever need. Be for commuting to job daily or simply goofing off.

Sure - most of the people that are on this forum have multiple wheels, or have one of those "monster" euc's that goes xx fast and have xx range.. (Most of the new wheels.)

Only the user can choose which wheel is perfect for their needs.

 

I personally haven't found the "perfect" euc yet.. Simply because every single new euc is around 30kg or heavier. A2 and Mten4 was the only 2 new wheels released in past ~4 years that was lighter than 25kg.

I'm still waiting something to be released in ~20kg weight class. Be with/without suspension - i don't really care. Just release something lighter..  Most new wheels now come with real smart BMS and stronger hollow bore motor. Those two upgrades alone would make all rest "older" models not worth looking at even. Add water rating.. And that new sub 20kg wheel would sell like cupcakes. 

If begode didn't simply put Mten4 motor/battery inside A2, but actually made new/stronger one. Then A2 would have sold/done much better.

Edited October 1 by Funky

[Phonoman]

I mean wide knobby tire on a wheel with some good water resistance, spiked hollow pedals and not being 30kgs is exactly what you (I) want for a winter salt/snow/slush/rain wheel..  It would also give my girl more range and stability than the V8F..  If I wasn't looking for a winter/rain wheel, then yeah, it would not make much sense in taking A2 over KS18L.

I don't know of any other real options for those shit conditions that would provide maximum support out of the box for bad weather traction this year.  I just know the skinny V8F in the snows/slushes/ice patches was quite exhausting last winter even when riding just 3-5km to the office and I think A2 perks should be an incredible upgrade.

Edited October 3 by Phonoman

[Funky]

1 hour ago, Phonoman said:

I mean wide knobby tire on a wheel with some good water resistance, spiked hollow pedals and not being 30kgs is exactly what you (I) want for a winter salt/snow/slush/rain wheel..  It would also give my girl more range and stability than the V8F..  If I wasn't looking for a winter/rain wheel, then yeah, it would not make much sense in taking A2 over KS18L.

I don't know of any other real options for those shit conditions that would provide maximum support out of the box for bad weather traction this year.  I just know the skinny V8F in the snows/slushes/ice patches was quite exhausting last winter even when riding just 3-5km to the office and I think A2 perks should be an incredible upgrade.

I had a chance to look at A2 in person today. Was in euc store.. (Also Mten4. It's so small compared to A2) Dam that tire is so wide and huge. Just love it!  You can simply screw in some big studs for winter and you are set.. Having studded tire for winter.

Dam i love how A2 looks in life! Sad that it's 21kg.. If it where 19kg - i would have bought it.

 

V11Y comes to mind with IP6X (or what ever it had) rating for water. But at ~30kg it's simply to huge and heavy. (Side by side V11 to my 18xl - it's so big..)

Edited October 3 by Funky

[mrelwood]

22 hours ago, Phonoman said:

I think A2 perks should be an incredible upgrade.

To the V8 it surely is. But I hope you get to try a 18/20” knobby one day to feel what really works well in the winter! The wheel diameter really is a big deal.

[OldSolo]

This ended up being my beginner wheel, ordered from EUCdeals - great price and shipped quickly.  As many seem to have, the first week+ I thought I would never learn to ride the thing.  Now I am mid-60s, but was competing nationally racing MTBs into my late 40s, have been quite skilled on standup Jet Skis (I could even ride the first gen => narrow, twitchy, slidey things!), motorcycles (on & offroad), and other such endeavors.  I did have one concern as I had ankle fusion surgery 3 yrs ago (severely degenerated joint) and wondered how the loss of movement would impact my riding.  But the nature of these things is just ... strange!  My early 'training' was indoors on hardwood just rocking back & forth in a doorway, then crawling down alongside a wall.  Left a NICE burnout by picking up the wheel once (oops!), got MOST of the rubber up but a little is there until sanding/refinishing is done.  That's okay, better than scars on me!

A few days ago I was out in the driveway, moving between a cargo trailer and truck (about 8-10 ft, trailer isn't attached), and finally just said 'screw it' and leaned into it ... and I was RIDING!  YAY!!!  It is an amazing sensation, hard to compare to other sports.  I quickly decided to turn left up the sidewalk.  Rode up to my neighbor's driveway, up to it & dismounted by his garage door.  He was sitting in a chair, resting in the midst of mowing (he's late 70s & a bit frail).  He was grinning & asked WHAT IS THAT?!?!  Going back down his drive & turning onto the sidewalk was a misfire, but I have some foam & ducttape on the wheel - it's got a few scuffs but nothing serious.  I have only had one small tumble, generally I am able to hop off & generally even control the wheel.  Learning to free-mount is next.

With that out of the way, so far I am quite impressed with the build of this thing.  I have seen NOTHING of concern, but I do think the firmware is a bit 'off'.  If I dump it over & it does its 'beep beep' thing, when I stand it upright SOME OF THE TIME it gets an odd "herky-jerky" feel, like it cannot decide what is the correct position up & down.  Also I am not sure that the calibration is actually working, or rather "holding" to the new setting.  I didn't register the app yet (freakin' INTRUSIVE company!) but will likely do so today, and then update the firmware. 

One observation: I charged the battery upon receiving it, and thus far has only dropped ONE BAR.  Now I don't mess with it for long, maybe 5 min at a time.  I'm doing major work on my ancient (2000) 7.3 diesel (new turbo, injectors, intercooler boots, up pipes, etc) as well as normal 'around the house tasks' and working a day or two here & there.  It's been GREAT as I am climbing all over the engine compartment to get at things, then take a break.  Stretch, drink some water, jump on the wheel, then back to it.  So I may ride it 5-6 times during the day, just a few minutes at a time.  I do think I will have to run the pedals slightly 'tilted up' as my left ankle limits "dorsiflexion" (the motion used when pushing in a clutch, extending the toes downward).  Just the "lean over" thing still feels awkward, and I absolutely have to work on looking WHERE I want to go, not at obstacles!  I KNOW THIS from years racing mountain bikes - I have run off the side of a mountain from 'target fixation' about 20 years ago, but still tend to do it!

I also find riding uphill in grass is tough, it is going too slow.  Leaning forward at such a slow speed on uneven ground is a little intimidating.  I can see that more power would be better for 'instant' response, but I need to get this one down better.  My plan is for either an Extreme or Inmotion V14.  I think a slightly larger diameter, POWERFUL, suspension wheel is the endpoint.  You see, I TERRIBLY miss mountain biking!  With the ankle surgery I can no longer ride a bike and THIS looks to be a decent replacement.  I also have a Husky TE449 dirtbike, but that thing will KILL ME one day!  Too much power & suspension = way too fast, way too quick!  At least I already have a good bit of protective gear, and bought skateboard wrist guards.

So much for my 'brief post' - and I am too new so it requires approval anyway.  But I'll let it stand, thanks for reading!

[Jamez]

I’m on the fence about buying an A2. I’m a new rider about 3-4 hours of experience.  I have an Mten4 getting use to it but feel a larger wheel would be more stable for longer rides. I don’t want to spend much for a second wheel and don’t feel suspension ie necessary for the type of riding I’m interested In. Mostly riding around the neighbourhood.  Would you recommend the A2?    

[Funky]

12 hours ago, Jamez said:

I’m on the fence about buying an A2. I’m a new rider about 3-4 hours of experience.  I have an Mten4 getting use to it but feel a larger wheel would be more stable for longer rides. I don’t want to spend much for a second wheel and don’t feel suspension ie necessary for the type of riding I’m interested In. Mostly riding around the neighbourhood.  Would you recommend the A2?    

I'm personally waiting for kingsong S14.  (All new wheels are simply 2 big.. And 2 heavy..)

 

But yeah A2 will be much, much better ride than Mten4.. Bigger wheel/tire = better. BUT performance will be worse than Mten4. As A2 has the same battery/motor as Mten4.

They simply took same setup and put bigger case/wheel..

Also check out KS18L.. It's 18" wheel, with more speed/range and only 1kg heavier than A2. If looks doesn't matter to you - it's simply right out better wheel than A2.

[Cerbera]

23 minutes ago, Funky said:

(All new wheels are simply 2 big.. And 2 heavy..)

You should mention that more often  lols...