Choices — Pedego Interceptor or Pedego City Commuter?

There are so many great Pedego Electric Bikes, that it can be tough choosing just one. Today’s post is a detailed comparison of our two most popular models, the Pedego Interceptor and the Pedego City Commuter.

Which one looks better?

The most obvious difference between the Interceptor and the City Commuter is their styling. The Interceptor has a cool, curvy, beach cruiser look, while the City Commuter has a more conservative, utilitarian design, more like a hybrid or city bike. Personal preference is the main factor here. Each is beautiful in its own way, but for some people, one just looks right.

Do they feel different?

With the Interceptor, you get a more laid-back riding position. You sit upright, with your feet somewhat forward, while the wide bars sweep back toward you. With the City Commuter, you’ll probably lean forward a bit. The pedals are almost directly under you, as with more traditional bikes. The handlebar position is variable thanks to the Commuter’s adjustable stem, so if you prefer to sit more upright, you can. I’ll discuss this stem in more detail later.

So, which bike is more comfortable?

This varies from person to person. Road cyclists and mountain bikers tend to find the City Commuter riding position more familiar. People with knee issues usually prefer the pedal position of the Interceptor. People with back pain often prefer the Interceptor, but many feel the opposite. Really, everyone is different. Riding them both is very important, so that you can judge for yourself. If you can, rent them for an hour to see how they are on longer rides. Many Pedego dealers will apply rental fees toward your purchase price.

Do they handle the same?

The angle of the City Commuter’s head tube is more vertical than the Interceptor, and the wheelbase of the City Commuter is shorter than the Interceptor. Did your eyes just glaze over? Basically, what this means is that the City Commuter is a little more nimble and turns a little more easily, but the Interceptor is a little more stable in a straight line at speed. It’s not a huge difference, but some people might notice it while riding.

What features are different?

Most features are the same, but there are a few differences. The City Commuter has an adjustable stem, while the Interceptor does not. The City Commuter comes standard with fenders, while the Interceptor’s are optional. Both come with chain guards, but the City Commuter’s has more coverage than the Interceptor’s. The standard tires on the City Commuter are a little narrower than the Interceptor. The wider tires make the Interceptor’s ride a little more comfortable at the expense of slightly higher rolling resistance, but it’s only a quarter inch, so it’s not a big difference. Both are available with high-powered 48-volt batteries, but the City Commuter is also available in a lower power 36-volt version. Our Pedego store is in a hilly area, so we rarely sell a 36V bike, but it might be worth considering if you’re a strong pedaler or live where it’s very flat with little wind.

What’s an adjustable stem?

The stem is the angled piece of metal that attaches the handle bars to the fork. That angle is adjustable on the City Commuter. Pop a lever after releasing a safety catch, and you can move the bars up and closer to you or lower and farther. Is your back sore, and you want to sit up straight? No problem. Want to lean forward like you’re racing in the Amgen Tour of California? Done! Most of us like it somewhere in between.

What about sizing and frame types?

The City Commuter is available in four frames and the Interceptor is available in three. From largest to smallest, the City Commuter comes in 28″ Classic, 28″ Step-Thru, 26″ Classic, and 26″ Step-Thru. The Interceptor, largest to smallest, is Classic, Step-Thru, and 24″ Step-Thru. If that’s confusing, read the next couple paragraphs and look at these lists again.

What’s the difference between Classic and Step-Thru bikes?

The obvious answer is that Classics have a high top tube (the bar you would hit if you slipped forward off the seat), and Step-Thrus have a low top tube, allowing you to step through when getting on the bike. Some people call Step-Thrus “girl bikes”, but that’s not really the case with Pedegos. Many men get them, too. They’re just so easy to get on and off! A less obvious difference is that Pedego makes Step-Thru frames a little smaller than Classics of the same tire size. People who prefer Step-Thrus often also want a smaller bike.

Which Step-Thru is easier to get on?

The top tubes of Step-Thru Interceptors and Step-Thru City Commuters dip down to make mounting easier, but the Interceptor’s tubes dip lower, making them easier to step over. If the Interceptor isn’t low enough, check out the ultra-low step through of the Pedego Boomerang! TIP: if the bottle holder is in your way when you step through, you can mount it to your handlebar with a commonly available bracket.

Then, what’s 24″ vs. 26″ vs. 28″?

These are nominal tire diameters, but they also represent the overall sizes of the bikes. When Pedego makes a version with a smaller or larger tire, we also make the frames smaller or larger. For example, a 26″ Classic City Commuter is lower in height and shorter in length than the 28″. By the way, except for the 24″ Step-Thru, Interceptors all have 26″ tires.

Which size bike is best for someone my height?

There’s no set answer. We all have different proportions and preferences, and the bikes have a fair amount of adjustability. I won’t list which bike size is right for every height, but here are a few examples. My wife is 5′ tall, and she prefers the smallest of each, the 24″ Step-Thru Interceptor and the 26″ Step-Thru City Commuter. I think we’ve put someone as small as 4′-9″ on the 24″ Interceptor. I’m 5′-6″, and I like the 26″ Classic City Commuter and the Classic Interceptor, although the Interceptor is actually too big for me. It’s more suited to someone 5’8″ to 6′ or so. Someone about 6’2″ might fit fine, but a longer seat post might be a good idea if you’re taller than that. I think we put someone about 6’4″ on a stock 28″ Classic City Commuter, and he’s very comfortable on it.

What colors do they come in?

Pedego is known for having lots of fun colors! Not every frame comes in every color, though. In general, the City Commuter comes in more conservative colors, and the Interceptor comes in brighter colors. Check out Pedego101.com for specifics.

This post is so awesome … do I really need to test ride one?

Yes! If possible. Text and photos can only do so much. Riding is more about feel. Both bikes are great for most, but it helps a lot to take them for a spin to see what feels right to you. In our store, we try to keep at least one of every model and size available for test rides, and we’re happy to adjust seats and bars to your liking.

Did we forget anything?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Then just give us a call at 805-379-9245 or visit our physical location.

(This info is current as of June 2016, and specifics might not apply to older or newer bikes.)

If you found this info helpful, please consider purchasing through our store, Pedego 101 of Westlake Village, California. If you don’t have a store near you, we would be happy to arrange shipping anywhere in the U.S.