Cycle2work scheme with budget up to 3000. Im 45yo 182cm/80kg. Want to get ebike with mid-drive motor, that looks like a bike and with weight below 20kg. Riding just for fun 10-30 miles a day and will glad to do more.
Before I start search ideally it was crosscountry hardtail and then I`ve found that most of them much higher than 3k. So current list is:
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0
Boardman HYB 8.9E
and just today found that prices goes down for Orbea Urrun 40.
Its my first ebike so any advices/recommendations highly appreciated.
Complete list from what I try to choose is
here
Of the bikes you've picked, theres no love for Shimano. They dont seem to be the Shimano of yesteryear and these days their stuff is quite poor, and TBH its kind of hit and miss as to whether it comes with built in problems or not.
Specialized, which a well known and loved brand of non mtb's, there isnt much interest in them or their chosen system, at least as far as i can see(on other ebike forums) So I'd maybe avoid them too.
Fazua, on the Boardman i've little experience in, but they do seem to be rated pretty well, so if it was down to motor on the 3 you've picked, i'd probably go for that one. However, if Bosch was included, that would be my choice for sure, over anything.
The review however here -
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/electric-bikes/boardman-hyb-8-9e-review doesnt really paint it in a user friendly light, and seems Boardman have chosen some weird features that to me seems pointless and not user friendly in the slightest.
Next point is why does it have to be 20kg or under ? OK probably glean a little more range, and be easier to stick it on a roof rack, but is your riding style something that has you horsing down the road nipping in and out of traffic, or just looking to plod along happy to take in the day ?
For comparison, I've a Emtb which weighs 23kg, and is a full suspension enduro bike, capable of pretty much anything, and thats only 3kg heavier. I hit a big pot hole I'll hardly notice it, one of the rigid of the ones you picked hit the same thing and you'll be lucky to stay upright. Lightweight fully rigid is stiff and responsive, but its a hell of a harsh ride, and even on smoothish offroad pathways you're going to find the ride jarring at best.
I'd maybe look at something like a front suspension hardtail, and with a good quality suspension seatpost. This should give you the best of all worlds. good for urban adventures, able to negotiate pot hole strewn roads and streets of tory Britain, and also comfortable should your adventures be a little more extreme, or on unpaved canal pathways or tracks.
There are stores available online that hold previous years models, sometimes at pretty well discounted prices. Paul's Cycles is a good spot to buy. They've been going since time began
Some examples that are under £3k, and Pauls do cycle to work schemes
<span>Built for explorers and the adventurous at heart, the Cube Reaction Hybrid Race 750 gives you the range you need to get you there.</span>
www.paulscycles.co.uk
<span>Don't bring a knife to a gunfight. With the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 750's fourth-generation Bosch power, sophisticated carbon main frame and reliable, trail-oriented components you'll be ready for anything.</span>
www.paulscycles.co.uk
<span>The Haibike AllMtn 1 Electric Bike is an entry-level model, powered by Yamaha. With a 630wh battery and Rockshox 35 forks, opening up an enormous range of possibilities.</span>
www.paulscycles.co.uk
<span>The Prime X is our hallmark urban cross model which lets you enjoy your bike in your own style with comfort and confidence.</span>
www.paulscycles.co.uk
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