another newbie - and another what bike

[fatfreddy]

Hi

I'm 64 and until 18 months ago considered myself reasonably fit and a regular bike rider. I had a bowel cancer tumour removed from my left lung and then radiotherapy which means I now have just 1 properly functioning lung. The best I can manage is about 8mph on the flat and I struggle into the wind and uphills. I've had enough after riding 10 miles. I'm not ready to hang up my cycle clips yet and so need some sort of electric assist. Wow - there's a lot of stuff out there. I had no idea.

I'm drawn to a conversion kit because I have 3 good bikes; Trek road bike, Thorn Raven Sport Tour and an On-One Inbred mountain bike. But - pedelec or non-pedelec? The Thorn has an eccentric bottom bracket to maintain chain tension (it has a Rolhoff hub gear) - can pedelec sensors work with EBBs?

I can't tell if someone in my position needs to pedal all the time or just needs something to take over when I'm out of breath. I need to do some pedalling myself to keep my remaining lung working properly.

I don't live in a particularly hilly area but may come across them if I manage to get out. I'd like to do day rides (up to 40miles say).

Both the Thorn and On-One have hub gears and so I'm thinking about a front wheel kit - just on one of the bikes to begin with to see how I get on.

A lot of questions, I know - any advice, tips would be most welcome.

Thanks
FF

 

[timidtom]

Welcome! As a 3A rider (three medical complaints beginning with 'A' !) myself I'd suggest that the addition of e-power is exactly what you want. A good set-up produces the impression that head-winds no longer blow and all the hills have been flattened. I would suggest that you try as many ebikes as possible and also that you look for one with a throttle - in the event that you feel rather too wobbly mid-ride you'll be able to get home safely.
Happy hunting!
Tom

 

[flecc]

As Tom says, try some first if at all possible. It's probably best to aim for a throttle controlled kit when you buy, since that will enable you to move the kit onto any of your existing bikes without pedelec disc worries. If any of your bikes has disc brakes, some kit motors can have those included.

Typical kit sources are the Orient like BMS Battery, UK internet closer to home like Alien Ocean, or for UK internet/phone plus fitting if required, Electric Wheel Company or CycleZee.

 

[bode]

My lungs are in a similar condition to yours. I was e-biking before I was ill, so I am in a position to compare what it felt like before and after, and the joy of it is that it doesn't seem so very different, even though these days I let the motor do more of the work.

I still pedal as much as I feel able to (still quite a lot, and necessarily up hills). I feel that a throttle is essential, as with it I can vary the amount of assistance very subtly, or let the motor take over completely at times (like after completing a stiff climb!). I do not have to tax myself unduly, but can put in more effort if I want to exercise my lungs a bit.

 

[kitchenman]

Hi FF, suggest you buddy up with some members who are local to you and go and look at their bikes and have a go. Most members would be delighted to have someone interested in them! ... if your in a 30 mile radius of where I live I would be very happy to meet up. I have a front hub motor based kit which I have stripped off a hybrid after riding it for a year virtually every day and fitted it to a recumbent which I am now riding virtually every day.
Welcome to the wonderful world of ebikes.

 

[JuicyBike]

Hi Freddy
Where are you?
If you happen to be near us you'd be more than welcome to have a closer look at our bikes and kits, and borrow one for a local ride.
Most dealers will offer this service and giving out your location will enable someone to point you to a decent stockist. There are many ways to solve the pedal sensor issue you mention and many kits, including ours, will work even if you do not fit the sensor. But you sound like you'd prefer to contribute usually, only using a throttle occasionally. Post a picture of your bottom bracket and a solution will be along shortly...

 

[NRG]

Given your health I would look at the more powerful kits and bikes. The Alien Aurora has greater power (though not legal) and the BPM kits from BMS battery will take you further. Best way to check is get to a dealer and try a few bikes and see how much power you need.

 

[fatfreddy]

Hi folks

thanks for all the suggestions. I'm based in north Bucks and there are a few dealers within a reasonable radius to check out.

best wishes

ff

 

[flecc]

You're not too far from Milton Keynes then, where CycleZee the eZee kit dealer is. You could try an eZee powered bike there and check out the kits.

 

[bode]

It sounds as if your lung condition is quite similar to mine and I ride an eZee Sprint, which suits me very well.