FINALLY got my bike!
Attached FileI went for a ~20 mile ride to get used to it a bit, and figure out what I need to adjust. I need to adjust the seat tilt, but the base is stuck. Apparently they assembled the post too soon after painting it, so the base is kinda glued in place. A good whack with a hammer should do the trick. The handle bars might need a little adjustment, too.
The CVT is interesting. Shifting is done with a twist on the base of the right grip. It's a bit stiff, but should get smoother as it breaks in. It's fascinating, a small adjustment is something you can easily feel. Shifting to a 'higher' gear ratio is really tough while pedaling, so I've figured out that it's best to stop pedaling for a second, twist the grip just a little bit, then pick up pedaling again. Shifting to a 'lower' ratio is very easy. It's also pretty easy to shift while the bike is stopped, although getting into the highest gear ratio is very stiff, the other way is easier... which works out since you'll usually want a lower 'gear' from a stop.
The electric assist is pretty nice. It can be set to 3, 5 or 9 levels, each offering finer granular control. At any assist level, it's going to put out a certain amount of power regardless of your speed. I have mine set to the 9-level assist, and found that level 2 is pretty good for level riding. 1 and 2 really just seem to overcome the weight of the bicycle and make it feel like you're handling a lighter bike. It's easy to tap the level up or down while riding, and it's probably best to be actively controlling it if you want to get the best range, since as long as the pedals are turning, the motor is providing power. If you don't need a lot, or any at all, drop the assist down.
The throttle only works when the pedals are not moving at all, which is a little weird to me. I'm not sure if that can be changed anywhere. I have another e-bike that has a throttle which works any time, and it's nice if you just need a quick bump in power. I don't use the throttle much at all, but if I really want to get through an intersection or something from a stop, putting the 'transmission' in a mid-range ratio and using the throttle will do it nicely.
Overall, I'm impressed with the quality and the ride is much more comfortable than the 20" fat tire folding ebike I already had. I think 20-40 miles will be super easy on this bike.
And yes, you ARE STILL DOING WORK on an ebike! I tracked my ride with my watch and found that my heart rate did not drop BELOW 122 or so the whole time, with a peak around 150.