Agattu first impressions

Please post your impressions in this thread!

So you've been out all day on your new wonderful machines, tell us poor souls who are still waiting for ours about them.

Please post your impressions in this thread!

 

So you've been out all day on your new wonderful machines, tell us poor souls who are still waiting for ours about them.

Lots of family commitments today.. but the sun shone for most of the day and I finally managed to grab a quick half hour on the bike.. First ride.. what can I say. It was electrifying:p The bike handled itself very well. A very comortable ride. I had a go at a couple of small steep hills near the house and the bike sailed up with little effort. In terms of gearing, I wasn't able to fully test each gear but I couldn't feel much difference between 6 and 7, and at one point I couldn't get it into 7, only to discover that that cable had slipped out of its pull socket.. I pushed it back in and 7th engaged OK. On the flat, I did feel that 6/7 were a little 'light' but I need to test fully.(and I may have forgotten to switch off the motor) Overall.. a brilliant half hour.. and the ride up those darn Bath hills.. childs play.. It's a trully 'bionic' experience.. 10/10 so far..More to follow..

BW

musicbooks

Anybody else eagerly awaiting the next instalment?

Come on Musicbooks, leave the Agattu alone a minute and get typing.

Hi Musicbooks,

If you find little difference with 6/7 gears, you may have a faulty gear hub?

Having the power on or off does not affect gearing.

I reported this 6/7 gear problem to 50 cycles a fortnight ago and I am expecting a replacement wheel and hub this week (fingers crossed). This problem was supposed to only affect an early batch of Agattus.

Otherwise, after changing to an 18tooth sprocket, I can't fault my step-thru.

I know you're going to enjoy your diamond frame - it looks great!

Otherwise, after changing to an 18tooth sprocket, I can't fault my step-thru.

I know you're going to enjoy your diamond frame - it looks great!

I want to hear more about gearing an Agattu for speed.

try here Erik:)

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/1750-rear-sproket-chain-modification-agattu.html?highlight=agattu

Paul

try here Erik:)

 

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/1750-rear-sproket-chain-modification-agattu.html?highlight=agattu

 

Paul

Not how to do it, but the results of it, namely speed and range.

Not how to do it, but the results of it, namely speed and range.

It's not really possible to judge from someone's results what the experience can be for anyone else, since the rider effort is exactly tracked by the motor effort, unique to these motor units and making comparative judgement even more difficult than in other e-bikes. Therefore the differences between riders are doubled in standard mode and even more in high power mode.

Obviously the results can be very different from one rider to the next due to this exaggeration of their input, so indications are potentially unreliable. That's why in my review I specified the ranges against the different rider types and different terrain types, a span of 30 to 50 miles. From those two numbers, you can see how wide the variation can be, over 60%.

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A de-lurk. (And thanks for all the advice, very interesting reading.)

Agattu first impressions.

Well, I got mine yesterday. A 49" diamond frame from the first batch.

Had a little shot yesterday to get used to the concept, then used it for real this morning for my commute.

Superb.

I took up cycling last year for a small, 2mile, commute. The problem is that 1mile of it is all up-hill. It's not a very steep hill, but it's very long and very discouraging. Especially because there is often also a head-wind.

(Of course, coming back home is a lot easier)

So this morning, when I saw the forecast 40kmph head-wind, I thought this is it, let's see how good this bike is.

Well, I said it already, superb.

I pretty much stayed in 7th gear all the way up that hill. At the end of the ride I felt exercised, but not knackered. (On my old bike, I'd have been very close to getting off and walking.)

A few additional points.

1. The bike came with a manual for the power system, and the front forks, but nothing generally about the bike itself. Not particularly a problem, but it would be nice to have received some instructions about the lights. (Are they just always on?)

2. 7th gear was a bit reluctant, but all it took was a quarter turn on the handlebar, er, "nipple"? to fix it.

3. The brakes are a lot more responsive than my old bike (which had hub brakes).

4. I developed a habit on my old bike such that when I was stationary, I kept my right foot on the pedal at ~2 o'clock. Letting a little weight onto that foot with the Agattu makes the bike want to take off. It'll take a bit of getting used to.

Well, that's that, my first impressions. It's very good, I'm very pleased.

Thanks & regards

Robin

A de-lurk. (And thanks for all the advice, very interesting reading.)

 

Agattu first impressions.

 

Well, I got mine yesterday. A 49" diamond frame from the first batch.

 

Had a little shot yesterday to get used to the concept, then used it for real this morning for my commute.

 

Superb.

 

I took up cycling last year for a small, 2mile, commute. The problem is that 1mile of it is all up-hill. It's not a very steep hill, but it's very long and very discouraging. Especially because there is often also a head-wind.

 

(Of course, coming back home is a lot easier)

 

So this morning, when I saw the forecast 40kmph head-wind, I thought this is it, let's see how good this bike is.

 

Well, I said it already, superb.

 

I pretty much stayed in 7th gear all the way up that hill. At the end of the ride I felt exercised, but not knackered. (On my old bike, I'd have been very close to getting off and walking.)

 

A few additional points.

 

1. The bike came with a manual for the power system, and the front forks, but nothing generally about the bike itself. Not particularly a problem, but it would be nice to have received some instructions about the lights. (Are they just always on?)

 

2. 7th gear was a bit reluctant, but all it took was a quarter turn on the handlebar, er, "nipple"? to fix it.

 

3. The brakes are a lot more responsive than my old bike (which had hub brakes).

 

4. I developed a habit on my old bike such that when I was stationary, I kept my right foot on the pedal at ~2 o'clock. Letting a little weight onto that foot with the Agattu makes the bike want to take off. It'll take a bit of getting used to.

 

Well, that's that, my first impressions. It's very good, I'm very pleased.

 

Thanks & regards

 

Robin

Hi Robin,

I've only been out for a couple of short runs and it was, as you say, fantastic. But I am now a little concerned about 7th gear as I didn't notice much difference.. between 6th and 7th, but I need to test fully before I know if there is a problem. I have very similar riding conditions. My commute is about 2 miles up a very steep hill (Bath) with a stretch of flat quiet road ( a good spot to check 7th gear). When I do the first run to work, I'll post again..

I agree by the way about general imstructions manual. It would be good too if the bike came supplied with a couple of or universal allen key to adjust seat and generally check tightness etc.

Re: lights..I spotted what I think is the light switch on the rear of the front light (There are three settings and I don't know what they do) and on the back light, there is a red button that says 'off' but again, I don't know what that does.

Could you explain your 'nipple' tuck on the handlebars?

BW

musicbooks

 

Could you explain your 'nipple' tuck on the handlebars?

 

BW

musicbooks

This will be the adjuster at the handlebar end of the gear change cable.

There isn't a large difference between the two top gears, but if you find no difference, try tweaking the adjustment just a little each way to try to get it to change. In any event, with a new hub pause your pedalling for the changes, and even back pedal a fraction at the change to ease through the change.

Once run in the change gets much slicker.

.

This will be the adjuster at the handlebar end of the gear change cable.

 

There isn't a large difference between the two top gears, but if you find no difference, try tweaking the adjustment just a little each way to try to get it to change. In any event, with a new hub pause your pedalling for the changes, and even back pedal a fraction at the change to ease through the change.

 

Once run in the change gets much slicker.

.

Thanks Flecc, I'll give it a go..

p.s. not allowed out on my bike without a helmet.. so awaiting its arrival.. Until then I'm cycling round the garden with my 4 year old daughter on her Angelina Ballerina tricycle ( probably looks a bit like your wave effort..

At the end of the day you can have all the legislation in the world and argue till the cows come home but 'spouse law' is universal:D

 

At the end of the day you can have all the legislation in the world and argue till the cows come home but 'spouse law' is universal:D

What a great argument for polygamy, the ability to get a second opinion (and more) on a ruling.

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There are some Shimano Nexus Inter-7 adjustment instructions available through our website here

Text below:

The adjustment is made with the shifter in 4th (middle) gear. On the right side of the hub, just outboard of the sprocket, there is a "cassette joint pulley" which the cable moves back and forth as the gears are changed. Next to this is the "cassette joint bracket" which is stationary. Both the pulley and the bracket have red index marks, and gear adjustment is correct when the marks on the two parts align with the shifter in 4th gear.

There are two sets of these red marks, one on top, the other on the bottom. This lets you see one set of marks whether the bike is right side up or upside down.

If the red lines on the hub’s pulley and the cog joint bracket do not line

up when the shifter is in 4th gear, adjust the gear cable tension. Rotate the

shifter barrel adjuster until this alignment is achieved. Shift to 1st gear, then back to 4th, and recheck the adjustment.

There are some Shimano Nexus Inter-7 adjustment instructions available through our website here

 

Text below:

 

The adjustment is made with the shifter in 4th (middle) gear. On the right side of the hub, just outboard of the sprocket, there is a "cassette joint pulley" which the cable moves back and forth as the gears are changed. Next to this is the "cassette joint bracket" which is stationary. Both the pulley and the bracket have red index marks, and gear adjustment is correct when the marks on the two parts align with the shifter in 4th gear.

There are two sets of these red marks, one on top, the other on the bottom. This lets you see one set of marks whether the bike is right side up or upside down.

If the red lines on the hub’s pulley and the cog joint bracket do not line

up when the shifter is in 4th gear, adjust the gear cable tension. Rotate the

shifter barrel adjuster until this alignment is achieved. Shift to 1st gear, then back to 4th, and recheck the adjustment.

Thanks Tim for the advice.. As I say, I'm not sure anything needs adjusting but I'll have a look and make the adjustment if necessary.

BW

Tom

musicbooks

Agattu Lights

The front light switch has 3 positions:- Off, On and Auto. Auto is the middle setting and is controlled by a light sensor ie lights come on as daylight diminishes.

The rear light remains lit for approx 4mins after the bike is stopped eg at traffic lights. The off switch simply does what it says - not sure what the point of that is for?

As you rightly say, the info supplied with the bike is minimal. I had a very comprehensive booklet along with the bike, but it is all in German!!

The front light switch has 3 positions:- Off, On and Auto. Auto is the middle setting and is controlled by a light sensor ie lights come on as daylight diminishes.

The rear light remains lit for approx 4mins after the bike is stopped eg at traffic lights. The off switch simply does what it says - not sure what the point of that is for?

As you rightly say, the info supplied with the bike is minimal. I had a very comprehensive booklet along with the bike, but it is all in German!!

My Agattu just has two switch positions which are on and off. Am I missing something? An auto setting would be useful and I would certainly use it if I have it.

No middle click at all Tony?

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I want to hear more about gearing an Agattu for speed.

When I get my 6/7 gears sorted out , I'll let you know. I also can't wait to see any top-end improvement.

There certainly has been an improvement in the lower gears without any noticeable loss in battery range. In ideal conditions I've got 40+ miles from a full "Flecc" charge.

No middle click at all Tony?

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No - just the two positions on and off. I've just been out to check once again and there is no doubt at all about it. Were there the three on your test bike, Flecc? Not a great matter as after all switching on after dark isn't hard, but rather strange perhaps that mine should be different.

Edited April 1, 200818 yr by tgame

Yes, mine had the three position with auto in the centre. Ironically I prefer to just switch on and off only, as the auto is inclined to come on at all sorts of times when the daylight is dimmed for some reason, like wheeling it into a garage. I know it's only the standlight then, but it still irritated me. Guess I'm just a control freak at heart.

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Yes, mine had the three position with auto in the centre. Ironically I prefer to just switch on and off only, as the auto is inclined to come on at all sorts of times when the daylight is dimmed for some reason, like wheeling it into a garage. I know it's only the standlight then, but it still irritated me. Guess I'm just a control freak at heart.

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I have a feeling that I too prefer this so I'm lucky. It isn't in any sense a faulty switch as the two positions are marked on and off beside the switch.

It's a far cry from my first dynamo proudly owned just after the war - a Sunbeam I remember. It took me about half an hour to get the front off the first time the bulb went. The auto voltage system was so good that the bulb went once a night ride as regularly as clockwork!

What was your first lighting sytem, Flecc? Can you remember?

Yes, the usual standard Ever Ready battery bike lights. Can't remember the battery number of the front one, but it was two cells side by side with brass strip contacts, and a screw-in knob on top to make contact. The rear one used the forerunner of the D cell, then called U2, and to switch that on the lens end of the body was screwed inwards onto the other, then bringing the bulb tip into contact with the battery. Many a journey ended with the discovery that the rear one had been off for goodness knows how long.

Awful things that rusted and would go out at the most awkward moments. Similar types shown below. There were hub dynos around with huge drag, and the bottle dynamos were as bad.

Front lamp, Rear lamp.

Bike lighting was not a strong point of 1946.

.

Edited April 1, 200818 yr by flecc

 

What was your first lighting sytem, Flecc? Can you remember?

A candle?

As an aside Tony, the dynamo on my Agattu has 3 positions - top=on, middle=auto, bottom=off

 

A candle?

Actually I did own an acetylene headlamp at one time in my motor trade days, one step up from a candle.

Prior to 1946 there was no need to have lights of course, strongly discouraged by the authorities during WW2 as they'd be spotted by enemy aircraft. Headlamps were blanked off, leaving only a small glimmer showing at the bottom of the lens.

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