2000-2700 budget

[flecc]

Tony, Swiss Flyer are using 250 watt version of new 36 v pana drive and it is getting very good reviews

That's good Eddie. I don't think anyone stocks these in the UK but the agents could probably order one in. At a price of course, knowing BikeTec Flyer very high prices and the high price of the 36 volt Panansonic unit now! Well over Toondoom's £2700 top end I'm sure.

 

[Toondoom]

Thanks to everyone for their input. It is much needed!

I tried a couple hub bikes and did not enjoy the ride. The bike was controlling me rather than the correct way round!

I have tried the kalkhoff c11 and thought it was excellent. I probably would have parted with cash if the bike was there! Thanks to the guys at 50 cycles today, excellent service. I'm now going to try the Haibike RC. Not the same range but James assures me it will cover my journey fine, plus the battery has 2 year warranty if it starts to fail.

For everyone out there in my boat can I reiterate what Eddieo and every one else says... try the bikes. I could have drove myself insane browsing the internet reading threads etc about what is the best etc etc... talking to the dealers and trying makes things so much easier. I cannot wait to get a bike now which ever one it turns out to be.

 

[eddieo]

Can i also ad best not to take money or cards with you until you have tried all bikes on your short list!

For a long commute I would think a Haibike trekking a better choice then an MTB.....More comfortable. Bob (Blew it) a member on here has one on order....

 

[Toondoom]

Just a quick update. I went for the haibike in the end. I preferred the ride on this compared to the kalkhoff.

The first bike I look the suspension failed to hold pressure so swapped bike for another.

The second one a car collided with on first commute breaking the front wheel! Quite amusing looking back. The lady who drive into me for some reason started getting angry and talked her self into a driving without due care and attention charge and paying for repairs through insurance rather than just paying for the wheel!

So I got new wheels now.

Impressions are generally good. I had to change the seat. It seems with less weight going through the pedals and more going through my **** the seat is very important!

Hill climbing is very good. Little effort and I maintain 27kmph. The flat is probably the most frustrating part. I am slower on this than on my ordinary bike. Down hill is fine. 23miles route takes about 90 mins and I arrive without sweat. I took the bike off road last weekend and it was great fun.

If I was ever in a rush this bike would drive me nuts. If you want to ride faster than the top end it very hard. 27-30 takes a lot of effort. Probably a combination of getting used to the assistance and the extra friction.

If I could change anything it would be the speed restriction. It is about right for city riding but I have an 8 mile section on fast roads. On those I think 20-22ish would be a more appropriate speed. I guess legally those sort of adjustments would be impossible to control which is a shame. A flat 15.5 in any environment just does not fit.

 

[Cakey]

On the flat section I cannot keep my storck below 23mph. Can be anything upto 30 mph.
Must be because I ride like a Norse god or the bike is sooo good

 

[eddieo]

well toon that's the price of riding a legal bike......There is a work around to de restrict the Bosch unit with a you tube video in German that shows how to do it.....I'm down in Spain at moment on travel laptop so no access to PC. But if you do a search on here it should be on here somewhere, that being said the search function not that great....

My de restricted Daahub also does 20-23mph, but I really enjoy the Bosch system and it is a joy to ride...But I'm not commuting, so that is were you are getting frustrated. E bikes hold a unique position in law and it would be a shame to loose this......

 

[Toondoom]

well toon that's the price of riding a legal bike......There is a work around to de restrict the Bosch unit with a you tube video in German that shows how to do it.....I'm down in Spain at moment on travel laptop so no access to PC. But if you do a search on here it should be on here somewhere, that being said the search function not that great....

My de restricted Daahub also does 20-23mph, but I really enjoy the Bosch system and it is a joy to ride...But I'm not commuting, so that is were you are getting frustrated. E bikes hold a unique position in law and it would be a shame to loose this......

I've taken a look at that video. I had a quick play with putting the magnet on the pedel and move the sensor bit the motor just keeps cutting out and I get an error 102. May have a another play some time. Or if anyone has any hints

I'm not sure I would run it derestricted even if I could. After the accident the police were there. If the bike was illegal could have been in some issues!

 

[flecc]

I've taken a look at that video. I had a quick play with putting the magnet on the pedel and move the sensor bit the motor just keeps cutting out and I get an error 102. May have a another play some time. Or if anyone has any hints

I'm not sure I would run it derestricted even if I could. After the accident the police were there. If the bike was illegal could have been in some issues!

I believe Bosch made changes to make that form of derestriction difficult.

You're sensible to keep it restricted, there is increasing evidence that police traffic officers are more aware of e-bike law and acting against illegal e-bikes after accidents.

 

[Mussels]

My commute varies between 15 and 20 miles each way of urban riding. It's a long way and will stress the bike, if you don't like or don't have the room for frequent servicing then think carefully about how much maintenance different bikes will need.
If you ride already then you'll probably prefer the hub motor, crank motors need a different pedaling style to get the most from them. I found rear hub motors felt slightly better but restrict the available gear choices, this made a front hub motor my favorite choice with a Alfine hub gears at the back to give a good range with minimal servicing required. I'll second the 14ah 36v battery as the smallest you want.

 

[eddieo]

No better bike then a Wisper for commuting, and latest SEL a great bike with XT gearing, powerful Dapush motor and big battery...It's why I recommended it. The Haibike MTB not really a commuter bike, more leisure I would think. The trekking probably more suitable

 

[Toondoom]

Well after 4 months of doing the commute the nights are cutting in and I'm going to go back to my brompton and do the train. I don't think I'm going to continue next yeah for a couple reasons:

I'm getting bored of the long cycle each day so do not want to do it everyday anymore.
If I'm just doing it on odd days I can cycle the distance in the same time on my road bike.

It's a shame as if the commute was about an hour I would have carried on but 1 1/2 hours each way is just too much... maybe I need to move closer!

Anyway I will probably be selling the bike. Has anyone got any advice for best places to try? I'm guessing ebay but any advice appreciated.

 

[eddieo]

Thats a shame.....I guess you dont fancy keeping it for pure enjoyment and holidays etc... Ebay and classified section on here I guess. 3 hrs in the saddle in all weathers + a days work a bit much I think

 

[Toondoom]

Thats a shame.....I guess you dont fancy keeping it for pure enjoyment and holidays etc... Ebay and classified section on here I guess. 3 hrs in the saddle in all weathers + a days work a bit much I think

Yep 3 hours is too much. I justified it for a while as it is not much longer than my overall commute if I take the train. But I'm thinking that I'd rather do the commute say 2-3 days a week on my road bike and then the train the other days.

In terms of keeping it for enjoyment I get more buzz out of my standard road bike. The electric one was needed as physically I could not do 50 miles a day 5 days a week! I tried and by Thursday I am struggling to walk! Overall my experience of ebikes has been a positive one and if I every have a 15 mile commute I'd consider getting another. It has been fun, if for nothing else, having arguments in pubs with people half as fit as me as to why anyone would own an ebike!