Help! Advice (First Purchase)

[Schubert]

I would be very grateful for recommendations given my requirements.

My budget is 800-1200.

I am 6ft 80kg male (fairly fit) needing a bicycle for mainly commuting purposes (8km in total per day). I am based in Exeter (which is rather hilly).

My previous experience is with mountain bicycles (non-electric) but for my needs, I think a road bike will suit me fine or a hybrid. Of the brands I've considered, I've had a look at the Woosh Faro but didn't come across many reviews on here or on reddit etc.

I am also wary that prominent battery packs can be a theft risk. Is this an important factor when basing one's purchasing decision?

I am also considering whether to just buy a 'good' non-electric road bike or to go for the cheaper bracket e-bike as the prices would overlap. However, I don't know what the best way would to consider the pros and cons in such a situation.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

[Jonah]

I think the Woosh Faro would be an excellent choice. An alternative would be to fit a kit to a bike of your choice. £500-£600 each should give a reasonable range of bikes to choose from with a kit of your choice (I’ve recently fitted an Aikema 85SX supplied by Woosh which is lightweight, and I think the same as the motor on the Faro).

 

[Atlav4]

Woosh Faro, juicy ticket in that order for price, other way round for aesthetics (just). Think a stealth ebike ie battery hidden in down tube, would suit you down to the ground. I’m 6foot and a cream bun under 90kg and have the Faro which I think looks well,rides nicely and copes with hilly Durham no problems. Juicy ticket is a more costly option looks a little more refined and has a slightly bigger battery 8ah v 10ah.The option to use assist when required is almost priceless as you can use as little or as much as YOU decide, depending how you feel on any given day.

 

[Schubert]

Thank you for the replies.

Are there any other reputable brands that I should consider within the price bracket I mentioned? It seems to be difficult to come across reviews for most brands and models.

Also is having a discreet ebike a safer option in practice or does it make little difference?

 

[Atlav4]

As I transport my bike on a roof bar rack so had to weigh less than 17kg fully loaded. Not many around apart from expensive Orbea Boardmans or ribble. The Woosh Faro at 16kg perfect for me, and a nice riding bicycle to boot. If you have patience then after lock down then I foresee some affordable higher end stealth bikes becoming available, lightly used of course..

 

[sjpt]

8km a day is not that much. You don't say how old/fit your are, but you might well find that on a good quality non-ebike you get used to the hills in next to no time. (The killer is if there is a big uphill in the last mile to home.)

As to brands if you do choose an ebike: you've looked at Woosh. I think the other obvious contenders (Juicy, Wisper, Oxygen) all come in a little above your budget, but might be worth looking. Don't go for any of the Halfords low end bikes with Suntour electric drive; they have a very poor reliability record. (Crossfire is the one that comes up most, but there are others.)

Might be worth looking at Kudos. http://www.kudoscycles.com/index.php?intro=done. The have run down their stocks because of discriminatory tariffs on Chines imports and the models are not the most up to date, but some are very good value. I believe they are basic but decent quality. Several have LiFePO4 batteries which are a bit heavier then modern ones but (???) more long lasting. If you are interested somebody else here will give you more information of the pros and cons.

Depending as to where you might/might not park it and what you are doing in that time; most batteries are very easily removable. You could easily take the battery into work; but you wouldn't want to lug it around while shopping.

 

[Muddyfox]

Also is having a discreet ebike a safer option in practice or does it make little difference?
My battery is hardly discreet but it requires a key to remove from the bike. I never leave my battery or display on the bike if I park it up anywhere. Battery fits in rucksack and is carried . Even when in the garage at home the battery and display are removed.

 

[Schubert]

If I were to get wisper905se used for cheaper than the woosh faro new what would be the ideal choice?

 

[Atlav4]

Woosh, Wisper, Juicy, kudos and Oxygen get mentioned apart from value for money they have very good customer service and warranties. This should not be under estimated when purchase is intended and new over used always, budget applicable.

 

[Schubert]

Thank you for the feedback.

I've now narrowed it down to Woosh Faro vs Juciy Ticket.

Does anybody have experience with both?

They seem very similar on paper at least.