I'm thinking of buying a couple of electric bikes starting to feel my age, anyone got any advice or experience they could pass on please many thanks Jeff.
We recently bought two and have just come back from a week on the Somme, our first real test of the usefulness and capabilities. One of our main reasons for buying was that with a motorhome we felt restricted whilst on site. Most sites have a supermarket within a reasonable distance a bit too far for a comfortable walk but within our cycling capabilities. So, how did it go? We both feel it was success, shopping was good and visits to restaurants/cafes pleasant without fatigue. We had days of very strong winds, the cyclists dread,but with powered assistance it was easy. Our bikes have "Sturmey Archer" type hub gears, we were advised that with lifting them on and off the bike rack it's too easy to cause misalignment on derailleur types. Weight wise they are heavier than our others so we went for a chassis mounted rack which is much lower and very manageable. In short, for us, a thumbs up.
The G-Tech eBike is being widely advertised on TV at the moment and look quite good. My problem with any bike is where can you put them where they won't get nicked when you visit a pub, restaurant, or shops?
We have a couple of folding electric bikes from Pro Rider. We have not used them this year yet but we did use them quite a bit in Austria last year. They are handy for getting around locally. Ours are pedal assist or throttle control. Margaret gets on fine with the bike but if I were buying again I would be more inclined towards a full size bike with more gears. Even though they are smaller than our previous push bikes they are still heavier even without the batteries.
they are pricey but we do about 600 miles a year when touring. You can pop to the supermarkets but also bomb along the "voie verts "in France. With 6 gears and 5 different levels of assistance from the motor when used, there are very few hills beyond our capability.
Thankyou all for that very interesting.I did see the advert for the g tech bikes which got me thinking,decisions,decisions I guess it's a case of suck it and see,many thanksJeff.
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 28/6/2017The G-Tech eBike is being widely advertised on TV at the moment and look quite good. My problem with any bike is where can you put them where they won't get nicked when you visit a pub, restaurant, or shops?
My thoughts exactly. It's one of the reasons I went for a 110cc scooter. Much cheaper to buy (£1000). Less likely to get nicked. Much longer range. Much faster(60mph).
The disadvantages are £17 road tax and £70 insurance although if I'd spent 2 grand on a push bike that would need insurance too.
Ebike's are definatley getting more popular, I see plenty whilst out on the trails in my area.
My choice would be Hybrid style, with Crank Drive motor, and internal Hub gearing, along with hydraulic disc brakes.
Although most Ebikes come with derailleur gears, but that can easily be changed for igh if required.
Have a look at the Greenway Cross ebike, being sold new on eBay/Amazon for around £1000.
Greenway cycles have a retail shop in London, although the website is a bit clunky.
The Greenway is a decent commuter ebike, and comes with the "Bafang Max Drive" Crank Drive motor, which has more torque than the Yamaha and Bosch Crank Drive motors.
It's rumoured that Halfords are soon to offer a Crank Drive ebike, and I suspect it will be using the "Bafang Max Drive" CD motor.
Nothing wrong with Hub drive Ebikes, I just prefer the idea of Crank Drive.
We have normal Bromptons, but OH is waiting for the electric 'add-on', due quite soon, apparently. We manage very well at the mo', but the motors will make a huge difference.
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Topic: Electric bikes
