In January 2020, driven by curiosity and the need for an alternative mode of transport, I purchased a Kent 700c step-through electric bike from Walmart. As someone who appreciates meticulous attention to detail, my first step was a thorough inspection and tune-up of the bike. This involved everything from adjusting the brakes and derailleur to tightening every nut, screw, and bolt, even applying thread lock for added security. I meticulously tightened and trued the wheels, and went as far as disassembling the front forks, headset, pedal bearings, and front wheel hub bearings to ensure they were properly greased, replacing the factory grease with my own high-quality lubricant despite finding ample grease already present. The forks, manufactured by Mode, were basic, featuring a single coil spring and a damping adjustment, reflecting the bike’s budget-friendly nature.
To enhance my riding experience, I made a few personal upgrades. I swapped out the stock seat for a more comfortable one, added a rear rack for practicality, installed lights for safety, and incorporated a Ranico PC commuter to accurately track distance and mileage. Despite its affordability, the Ranico computer proved surprisingly reliable when compared to my car’s odometer and cycling apps on the same routes. My typical riding routine involves daily commutes of 10 to 20 miles, weather permitting. Frequently, I explore Houston’s scenic greenway paths along the bayous. On one occasion, this bike impressively covered 27 miles on a single charge in Mode 1 before the path ended, with two battery bars still remaining. I’ve noticed that using Mode 2 or 3 significantly reduces battery life, and the frequent stops and starts during my fishing trips along the bayous also seem to impact battery longevity. As of this writing, my Kent e-bike has accumulated over 1100 trouble-free miles. I have experienced no flat tires, chain issues, or electrical malfunctions during this period. When I contacted Kent for replacement brake pads, I learned that only complete caliper replacements were available. For a reasonable $20, including shipping, I received both front and rear calipers with pads.
Visually, the frame of my Kent e-bike bears a striking resemblance to the Espin Flow ebike. Consistent with good maintenance practices, I regularly service the bike, and it has proven to be exceptionally dependable. Its comfortable ride, quiet operation, and zippy performance are particularly appealing – a noisy bike is something I try to avoid. Initially, I was troubled by a persistent rattle that seemed to originate from the front of the bike. Despite extensive troubleshooting, I couldn’t pinpoint the source. However, one day, after removing the battery post-ride, I noticed a slight knocking sound. It turned out that the battery was moving within its enclosure. To resolve this, I carefully opened the battery case and strategically inserted plastic straws to cushion the battery against the Reention case, effectively dampening the knocking noise. While I understand that opening the battery likely voided the warranty, my curiosity compelled me to examine its internal components and construction. Kent claims to use Samsung batteries, which, based on the battery color, might be accurate, although I didn’t remove the battery cells from their casing to confirm.
When I inquired about purchasing a second battery from Kent, the price was quoted at $325, including shipping. Fortuitously, in February 2020, the bike went on sale for $598 for a brief period. I seized the opportunity and acquired a second bike, which I store for spare parts and, importantly, an extra battery. Recently, I encountered an issue while charging my battery; the charger displayed a blinking red and green light. Initially, I suspected a battery problem. However, using my spare charger resolved the issue. According to the charger manual, a flashing red and green light indicates either a shorted coil or a broken rectifier tube. I plan to contact Kent to inquire about a charger replacement. In the accompanying images, you might notice a 2-inch Velcro strap around the battery. This is simply an additional security measure for my peace of mind while riding. How much longer will this bike last? Only time will tell, but I will continue to provide updates on any new developments.
