This forum is so useful and I hope I am not overloading it with these thoughts and a request for opinions.
I’ve decided to buy an ebike because I need assistance to travel due to the inevitable limitations of maturity…… alright Im getting old and creaky!
I’ve read as much as possible, viewed endless websites and I’ve now tried 6 ebikes although only for a few minutes each.
I’m drawn towards the logic of a crank drive system using the gears on the bike, just as mopeds and motor bikes do.
I intend to use pedal assist to help keep fit but I will need a throttle for when the knees go on strike.
I’ve not come to this from being an enthusiastic cyclist so I don’t have an understanding of the finer points of frame design nor a requirement to match effort and cadence through a complex choice of gearing.
If I say that price is not an issue it doesn’t mean that I’m rich but that I would pay what it costs for the perfect solution. I’m probably looking in the range of £700 -£1500 which gives me a wide choice. More than that seems to only involve more exotic materials and brand names or is that just me parading my ignorance?
I’m not tall, 5’ 7” and weigh 80Kg. I have a small motorhome, an estate car and three dogs. I’ll buy a tow bar mounted carrier.
I live in Mid Devon so there will be hills but not mountains, I’ll be walking the dogs so I’ll use paths and country park trails and will need a slow speed capability at times (short legged dogs).
I think a folding bike would give me more carrying and perhaps storing options but that won’t include taking on public transport.
Folding is not essential if a non folder would suit me better. I would like mudguards and a carrier which I could fit myself.
I have tried a large dutch style bike which I found heavy and cumbersome, two 20” wheel folders which I found short and twitchy and one 24” wheel folder which was much better. I was impressed with the power of a Wisper (not subtle but fun) and not impressed with the very subtle power delivery of a Bosch system.
What I probably should do now is buy one, ride it, reassess my needs and opinions and then buy the second one as a keeper.
But which one:
Woosh Zephyr CDN which fulfils the folding and crank drive requirements but has 20” wheels although GloveMakingMan has been very reassuring in his reports. Not available until August 8th.
John Cade’s Woosh Sport which is available right now and would give me much needed experience but might not sell well later third hand.
Byocycle Chameleon XL with 24” wheels but it’s rear hub drive and I can find no reviews and no other bikes with 24” wheels.
After that I would go with any Kudos or Ezee bike recommendation simply because Dave and John are so accessible and willing to share expertise and opinions.
Help
Silas
I’ve decided to buy an ebike because I need assistance to travel due to the inevitable limitations of maturity…… alright Im getting old and creaky!
I’ve read as much as possible, viewed endless websites and I’ve now tried 6 ebikes although only for a few minutes each.
I’m drawn towards the logic of a crank drive system using the gears on the bike, just as mopeds and motor bikes do.
I intend to use pedal assist to help keep fit but I will need a throttle for when the knees go on strike.
I’ve not come to this from being an enthusiastic cyclist so I don’t have an understanding of the finer points of frame design nor a requirement to match effort and cadence through a complex choice of gearing.
If I say that price is not an issue it doesn’t mean that I’m rich but that I would pay what it costs for the perfect solution. I’m probably looking in the range of £700 -£1500 which gives me a wide choice. More than that seems to only involve more exotic materials and brand names or is that just me parading my ignorance?
I’m not tall, 5’ 7” and weigh 80Kg. I have a small motorhome, an estate car and three dogs. I’ll buy a tow bar mounted carrier.
I live in Mid Devon so there will be hills but not mountains, I’ll be walking the dogs so I’ll use paths and country park trails and will need a slow speed capability at times (short legged dogs).
I think a folding bike would give me more carrying and perhaps storing options but that won’t include taking on public transport.
Folding is not essential if a non folder would suit me better. I would like mudguards and a carrier which I could fit myself.
I have tried a large dutch style bike which I found heavy and cumbersome, two 20” wheel folders which I found short and twitchy and one 24” wheel folder which was much better. I was impressed with the power of a Wisper (not subtle but fun) and not impressed with the very subtle power delivery of a Bosch system.
What I probably should do now is buy one, ride it, reassess my needs and opinions and then buy the second one as a keeper.
But which one:
Woosh Zephyr CDN which fulfils the folding and crank drive requirements but has 20” wheels although GloveMakingMan has been very reassuring in his reports. Not available until August 8th.
John Cade’s Woosh Sport which is available right now and would give me much needed experience but might not sell well later third hand.
Byocycle Chameleon XL with 24” wheels but it’s rear hub drive and I can find no reviews and no other bikes with 24” wheels.
After that I would go with any Kudos or Ezee bike recommendation simply because Dave and John are so accessible and willing to share expertise and opinions.
Help
Silas
