Carrera Crosscity Electric Bike Vs B'TWIN Tilt 500 Folding Electric Bike

[Newbzord]

Hello everyone,

I am quite new to E-bikes, and I have been doing some research based on some parameters and was wondering if any of you who are more experienced would be able to share some insight.

I have tried comparing these 2 e bikes, and I cant seem to make up my mind on which one to go for. The Carrera is retailing at £850 but with the promotion they have during this month I can buy it for £680, whilst the Decathlon retails at £650.

They seem both very similar and to me the Carrera seems more adequate, specially if I manage to get it at almost the same price as the B'Twin.

Looking forward to hearing your comments, on which ones you would recommend and why

Links below:

B'Twin - https://www.decathlon.co.uk/tilt-500-folding-electric-bike-black-id_8500547.html

Carrera - https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/folding-bikes/carrera-crosscity-electric-bike

 

[Michael Price]

I bought my wife the carrera a few months ago - so I clearly have had to test it out to check it myself a few times
In my opinion it is a wonderful bike. The 'console' on the handlebars is very easy to use and the motor works well. As far as range is concerned - I tried to discharge it a couple of time by riding for over an hour on max power - up and down the few 'hills' round here. The result was zero response on the charge indicator - it still showed full power. It we assume that I was doing 12-15m.p.h most of this time then that means that I didabout 12 miles with no discharge registered on the monitor.
So I would assume that the range is at least as advertised - which is a lot better than my 8 years old Powacycle Salisbury!

 

[Nealh]

I bought my wife the carrera a few months ago - so I clearly have had to test it out to check it myself a few times
So I would assume that the range is at least as advertised - which is a lot better than my 8 years old Powacycle Salisbury!

Not a like for like comparison is it, comparing a brand new batteries range with a very old 8 year old one. A total mismatch.

 

[Michael Price]

OK - but when I got a new battery and rode the Powacycle on the same route then it would be down to 1 light after about 20-25 miles - the carrera seemed to stand up much better.
Anyway - the main point is that the Carrera's range seems to be good.

 

[Newbzord]

I bought my wife the carrera a few months ago - so I clearly have had to test it out to check it myself a few times
In my opinion it is a wonderful bike. The 'console' on the handlebars is very easy to use and the motor works well. As far as range is concerned - I tried to discharge it a couple of time by riding for over an hour on max power - up and down the few 'hills' round here. The result was zero response on the charge indicator - it still showed full power. It we assume that I was doing 12-15m.p.h most of this time then that means that I didabout 12 miles with no discharge registered on the monitor.
So I would assume that the range is at least as advertised - which is a lot better than my 8 years old Powacycle Salisbury!

I assume that must of been a massive improvement indeed!But from of them bikes I have mentioned which one you reckon would be a better buy? The B'Twin or the Carrera?

I was thinking of tweaking it a little bit aswell with a new suspension fork, and a bigger handlebar so I can use my bicycle cpu and phone holder.

Still am a bit confused which one is the better vakue for money.

 

[Newbzord]

OK - but when I got a new battery and rode the Powacycle on the same route then it would be down to 1 light after about 20-25 miles - the carrera seemed to stand up much better.
Anyway - the main point is that the Carrera's range seems to be good.

The range seems one of the pros indeed!

 

[RossG]

Have a look at the Seago Lite not the old version the latest one with the curved frame same as the Carrera.
If it's front suspension you're looking for the Seago has it already, disc brakes front and back as well as an Lcd display you can tweak up a bit.
Frankly it blows the other two mentioned clean out of the water, that's why I own one. Similar price range.

 

[Newbzord]

Have a look at the Seago Lite not the old version the latest one with the curved frame same as the Carrera.
If it's front suspension you're looking for the Seago has it already, disc brakes front and back as well as an Lcd display you can tweak up a bit.
Frankly it blows the other two mentioned clean out of the water, that's why I own one. Similar price range.

Just checked that one out!It seems to be exactly what I am looking for and i dont have to spend more money tweaking it from start.

A few questions though:

1- is the battery reliable?
2- when you fold the bike, does it come with the magnet so everything is more compact and doesnt wobble around if i have to shift trains?

Thanks!

 

[RossG]

It's got a LG battery hidden away inside easy enough to buy whenever the need arises. No magnets on the frame though, I suppose you could always fix one on the bike somewhere if need be.
It's certainly a well made machine I must say, and I've owned dozens of bikes (non-e) over the years.
A lot of nice features like the wide tyres, it's even got plastic sleeving in the frame so it doesn't scratch the paint on the seat tube...nice touch.
If you put " seago lite e bike manual " into google you can find a pdf of the manual for this bike and it's predecessor.

I got mine from ' pirate's cave ' BTW.

 

[Newbzord]

It's got a LG battery hidden away inside easy enough to buy whenever the need arises. No magnets on the frame though, I suppose you could always fix one on the bike somewhere if need be.
It's certainly a well made machine I must say, and I've owned dozens of bikes (non-e) over the years.
A lot of nice features like the wide tyres, it's even got plastic sleeving in the frame so it doesn't scratch the paint on the seat tube...nice touch.
If you put " seago lite e bike manual " into google you can find a pdf of the manual for this bike and it's predecessor.

I got mine from ' pirate's cave ' BTW.

Hi Ross, thank you so much for all the info!Your suggestion actually helped me a lot in my decision making. I did actually checked the manual available online, and came accross some other threads here all talking highly of SeaGo bike! I just ordered mine, i did check Pirate's cave, but ended up ordering from a retailer in Essex for £695 including transport bag and free delivery.

Thanks a lot for introducing me to this brand, im sure I will be pleased, and will let you know how i have gotten along with it!

All the best!!!

 

[RossG]

Just curious...was it the store in Burnham On Crouch in Essex ? if so it must be the earlier version Seago folder you purchased. That one is in fact a little cheaper than the Seago Lite which is the bike I have.
I don't think that one has the LCD display that you can mess with, I'm guessing you've seen them both and chosen the one you prefer out of the two. Both nice folders though.

 

[Newbzord]

Just curious...was it the store in Burnham On Crouch in Essex ? if so it must be the earlier version Seago folder you purchased. That one is in fact a little cheaper than the Seago Lite which is the bike I have.
I don't think that one has the LCD display that you can mess with, I'm guessing you've seen them both and chosen the one you prefer out of the two. Both nice folders though.

Sorry I should have elaborate a bit more.

That's the store indeed.

I was looking into the lite one vs the epower, and for my commuting needs i havent felt it would compensate me the extra money for the screen and the usb socket. And tbh for commute purposes, the small handle on the epower actually comes a bit more handy once i install a new magnet. But you are right, both are pretty amazing bikes! And i would never have got to know them if it wasnt for you and this community

 

[RossG]

Ah good, I just wanted to make sure you picked the right one that suits your needs. Surprisingly enough they sell the same models in the states for much more so the prices are a bargain .

 

[vfr400]

It's not as simple as just a difference in the control panel. The LCDs are often paired with a controller that gives a much better control system. Many of the cheaper ones with LED panels are quite agressive in the way the power comes in. Basically, they give full power as soon as you pedal, so you can't go slowly when you need to. You should test the bike to see if it does that.

 

[RossG]

I guess that's the big advantage of buying from a local store, you get to try the bike out first. But then you pay top dollar for that privilege.