Alien Cruiser performance & build quality

[maca44]

As I am still not sure if a electric bike is going to suit me or I will be able to convert my MTB over to electric I have had a rethink so any feedback would be welcome.

I thought I might buy a Alien Cruiser which has the 36V alien kit on it then ride about for a while on that just to get the feel of the motor's power etc then if I am happy with it I could then use that hub kit & fit it to my MTB. I see the cruiser is on offer on ebay so is only £80 more than just the 36v kit alone. If I don't get on with the bike I could just sell the whole thing.

If your riding the cruiser then please give me some feedback on performance, distance & build quality etc.

Thanks

 

[flecc]

That course of action is one we often recommend and it makes a lot of sense since experience can be gained and the bike sold afterwards if necessary.

It's nearly impossible to gain a really informed opinion on e-bikes without at least some riding experience, and others experiences are not really relevant when the rider's own power is such an important part of the assessment. Only you can know if one is right for you.
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[eddieo]

There is something about this bike that I really like......shame they don't do a girly frame, then I could get it for the wife.

Lets face it no thieving hoody wearing barsteward is going to be seen dead on one lol

 

[drgcb]

I've had a Cruiser since July and commute a round trip of 8 miles a day on it. Please see the comments I made on this thread back in August. I'd add that I've had the front wheel rebuilt because the original rim just wasn't up to the task (my local bike shop weren't very complimentary about the quality) and couldn't be brought back into true. I've also had the V-brakes upgraded to Shimano Deore (the originals were frighteningly hopeless), and it stops really well now, even in the wet. I had an issue with water ingress into the throttle which I hope I've resolved (waiting for the next severe downpour to test this). The bike is excellent at zipping up long slow drags but will struggle as the gradient approaches 1 in 10, which is obviously not as good as other models.

Another forum member and myself have produced a joint full review, which we're waiting to be put up in the reviews section of this site. Please PM me if you want an advance copy.

I'm generally happy with the bike now, but have obviously had my fair share of issues and expense putting things right (as I guess you would expect to an extent). Having done an Alien conversion on my dad's bike (see this thread) I think if I could start over I'd probably go that way for myself.

Hope that helps.

Greg

 

[MR E]

Alien Crusier

Well , I have just bought one of these Alien crusiers for my wife as she liked my Torq , but it was a bit too big for her.

The price of the Alien ( on E-bay)was just a bit more than an Ezee battery , so I thought I would go for it, and almost the same price as the Alien kit.

It arrived on Monday of this week , and really pleased with it as we both went out last night ( in the freezing cold) for a test ride.me on my Torq and her on the Alien.

Very zippy- but early days and not an expensive bike if she decides later on that it electric bikes are not for her.

It is a fairly comfortable riding position , but the looks---cool

But what may be good for her , may not be good for someone else.

Alien have recently changed the spec , so the control box is now in a frame "bag" which does seem better and possibly more water resistant

The battery is also located on the rear carrier and is subject to some rattles , so have stuck some small rubber feet under the battery for now.

Will report back later , when I have had a chance to push it to the limits.