Bike for heavy user

[cyclebuddy]

The lovely thing about the Woosh "Warrior" is the use of the 350-watt Bafang Max-drive (as I'm sure Woosh confessed to in a recent post). It's a cracking bike for the money - if that's the style of e-bike you're looking for. Why haven't you listed that bike on your website, Woosh?

The real threat is the brands disappearing because the anti dumping measure makes Chinese bikes more expensive than German bikes.

Yes, that's grossly unfair. But why don't you source from cheaper (than German) EU territories? There are many manufacturers who have recently moved their manufacturing/assembly plants into Eastern Europe deliberately because of this threat engineered by the Germans, as it is the Germans who are (lets talk honestly) frankly incapable of manufacturing anything at a sensible price given their high wages, lax attitude to work, and extended paid holidays.

The Czech's and Romanians are making some superb mid-range e-bikes at sensible prices - no import duty, VAT, or delivery costs shipping to the UK either seeing as we're still in the EU (for now at least).

 

[Woosh]

Why haven't you listed that bike on your website, Woosh?

I sell 5 times more the Rio FB/Rio LS and 10 times more Rio MTBs than the more expensive Warrior.
the Warrior is great riding in snow last winter. It just does not snow much in the UK.

 

[cyclebuddy]

I sell 5 times more the Rio FB/Rio LS and 10 times more Rio MTBs than the more expensive Warrior.

So? It's still a great e-bike, suitable for some who would choose it where the Rio isn't a contender. It's still a great value e-bike, even if it is at the top end of your price range. You've already had a limited batch made. But you don't advertise it?

 

[Woosh]

I don't want to sell the Warrior all over the UK because of the support issue. I can personally look after those who live in or around Southend. When a bike goes on the website, I have to commit to higher production runs, spares, manuals, staff training, etc.
We will eventually fit the MaxDrive or one of its younger siblings (Bafang bring out lighter motors regularly) to the Rio MTB frame which has more mass appeal, then implement support and spares. All in all, an easier plan to organise because I am more certain of higher volume.

 

[cyclebuddy]

We will eventually fit the MaxDrive or one of its younger siblings (Bafang bring out lighter motors regularly) to the Rio MTB frame which has more mass appeal, then implement support and spares. All in all, an easier plan to organise because I am more certain of higher volume.

Well, I'll look forward to that. As it is, I'm having to look to Eastern Europe for a second Bafang MaxDrive bike. Nobody here in the UK has - yet - had the balls to pitch a decent range of Bafang MaxDrive e-bikes into the UK market against the usual over-priced/underpowered Bosch/Yamaha/Shimano suspects. In mainland Europe it's a different picture entirely... which may explain why (as confirmed in your EBMA Anti-Dumping thread) the German manufacturers are running scared.

 

[Jamie82]

Just had a test ride of the Haibike SDURO HardSeven 1.0 2018 thought it was brilliant but haven't got anything to compare it with yet. It has the yamaha motor. How does this compare with the bosch and bafang motors? It's also rated to 21.5st

 

[Woosh]

How does this compare with the bosch and bafang motors?

as in the Warrior? the Bafang motor in the Warrior has slightly higher torque, the battery in the Warrior is a 500WH against 400WH in the Sduro 1.0. As for the rest, the Haibike is lighter and the MTB tyres are much better on the road.

 

[Jamie82]

Thanks. I just meant the bosch and bafang motors in general. I'd be very interested in the warrior if only it could manage light trails. Literally flew up leigh hill though. Didn't break a sweat after 20mins of test riding so definitely sold on the ebike route

 

[Woosh]

I just meant the bosch and bafang motors in general.

Bafang make lots of motors for different types of riding.
The Bafang G33.350 in the Warrior is comparable to the Bosch CX and Yamaha PW motors in terms of torque and riding. I'd say the Bafang is a bit quieter than the Yamaha.
The Bafang BPM motor in the Big Bear has similar grunt but rides totally differently. Pop in my shop and borrow the bikes for 5 minutes now you know what e-bikes are like.

 

[soundwave]

you will also have to pay more for a bosch system on any bike but the batt costs more to replace at £850 for a 500w and bosch 500w is £700.

tho both can be recelled buy insat for about half the price when the time comes.

my bosch 2014 400w batt is still going but has lost about 25% in range even with a dongle fitted.

 

[Jamie82]

Thanks for your help . Would i be safe for an SDuro haibike or best opting for the xDuro ? Of which the cheapest is the
Haibike xDuro FatSix 8.0 2018 Yamaha

 

[soundwave]

if it floats ur boat then go for it as you can upgrade the parts at a later date if needed on both.

fat tyres are not cheap mind and on bosch fat bikes they need a special front sprocket and there 90 quid if needs replacing.

 

[Woosh]

something like this would probably suit your requirements:

https://www.50cycles.com/haibike-hardseven-7-0

 

[soundwave]

also check out the vids on embn
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Txz5nUDD14vCdNSU_JydQ

 

[Jamie82]

I'm trying to also find a trek powerfly 4 or 5 to ride as they are around the same price. Have you had any experience with Trek?
The haibike 1.0 is only £1650 online though, very tempting

 

[Jamie82]

Thanks. How is that one better than the 1.0? I can see the spec, just being a newb it doesn't mean anything to me

 

[soundwave]

the more it costs it will have better parts fitted forks dropper post brakes ect.

 

[Jamie82]

Is that an older model woosh? I'm seeing two types, one a grand more than the one you posted

 

[Woosh]

the 2017 models are better value for money.
You get a reasonably safe bike that you can play with.
Stay away from any bike with a QR skewer!
(because of your weight).

 

[Jamie82]

What is a qr skewer? Do the cheaper haibikes have them ?

I can only see the one you posted in a 52cm frame. Is that too big for me at 6ft1?