Carrera Sparc - a few more questions
- Thread starter Mattyduk
- Start date
well looks like a spoke too soon!Halfords were well cheeky trying to palm off the display model on you. Still, it sounds like you're going to get a good resolution and I'm pleased to hear you're generally happy with the bike. Good work fella.
Halford's rang me before lunch and said they haven't got any new ones in the country, they are all display/demo as this model is now obsolete
, so they offered to get a replacement part and get one of their "mechanics" to fit it.Basically I've had enough and don't trust them or the state of the battery/bike, so I'm going to demand a full refund and take it back tonight
great shame, as the bike performed well this morning.
There is a 2009 Carerra sparc model coming out, so I'll see what that is like (as long as it's not an ex demo!) or maybe the infineum might actually materialise in the next 6 months
well it does get better.
rang Halfords to confirm I will be bringing it back this evening, and the guy tried to claim that I knew it was the last one in the shop and that's why they gave me some discount
The actual discount he is referring to is the 10% discount when ordering off the web (finished yesterday), and even then, when I looked through the bill they haven't taken off my £5 voucher (for the accessories) !
The bl**dy cheek of it !!!!
They better not give me any trouble this evening. never buying a bike from Halfords again !!
rang Halfords to confirm I will be bringing it back this evening, and the guy tried to claim that I knew it was the last one in the shop and that's why they gave me some discount
The actual discount he is referring to is the 10% discount when ordering off the web (finished yesterday), and even then, when I looked through the bill they haven't taken off my £5 voucher (for the accessories) !
The bl**dy cheek of it !!!!
They better not give me any trouble this evening. never buying a bike from Halfords again !!
Simply not fit for purpose under the Sale of Goods act should be sufficient, since clearly the bike was not working correctly and they have already accepted that by agreeing to get you a free replacement. Since that offer was for full replacement and they cannot fulfill it, the equivalent is full replacement of its cost.
.
.
bike has now been refunded. They didn't kick up any fuss, but I was dealing with the manager last night, rather than the cocky kid who couldn't add up
A shame really as I thought this bike might be the answer, but all I got was a load of grief, wasted my last bit of holiday, and a bit more exercise walking too and from Halfords.
On reflection, after using a non ebike for a year and a half, it must have improved my fitness levels, as although I could feel the little bit of extra help given by the Carerra Sparc on hills, it wasn't as massive a change as I expected
From the reviews, it wasn't amazing on hills anyway, but it's a shame I didn't get to have a go on it in head wind conditions as today and this morning (back on the manual), it's been pretty calm. I do miss it's comfy seat, weight and suspension though !!!
Anyway, the search continues
A shame really as I thought this bike might be the answer, but all I got was a load of grief, wasted my last bit of holiday, and a bit more exercise walking too and from Halfords.
On reflection, after using a non ebike for a year and a half, it must have improved my fitness levels, as although I could feel the little bit of extra help given by the Carerra Sparc on hills, it wasn't as massive a change as I expected
From the reviews, it wasn't amazing on hills anyway, but it's a shame I didn't get to have a go on it in head wind conditions as today and this morning (back on the manual), it's been pretty calm. I do miss it's comfy seat, weight and suspension though !!!
Anyway, the search continues
no spec known at the moment, it was just mentioned by the Halfords guy as an excuse as to why they didn't have any new ones about - so no date, spec or anything.Is there any spec on new model?
It could have been worse....you could have bought a wisper
I was tempted to get a wisper.... but I think I will wait now for the infineum and new cytronex reviews.
Eddeio
Hi Eddeio
I really do not understand your extraordinary attitude.
You bought a second hand Wisper bike and we are honoring the Warranty to get a few spokes sorted out. I think we need to meet face to face.
Please call me on 07733226906 as I have asked you to do several times and we will sort out any grievance you have, which considering your behavior on this forum is more than good of us.
Best regards David
Hi Eddeio
I really do not understand your extraordinary attitude.
You bought a second hand Wisper bike and we are honoring the Warranty to get a few spokes sorted out. I think we need to meet face to face.
Please call me on 07733226906 as I have asked you to do several times and we will sort out any grievance you have, which considering your behavior on this forum is more than good of us.
Best regards David
Mattyduk
Sorry to hear about your problems with Halfords. It must be very dissappointing and a load of hassle you could do without.
Personally I would certainly not write off the Wisper. Both the company and the bike have an excellent reputation on this forum. Also I was very impressed when I saw it at Presteigne and it was one of the few bikes I managed to have a go on. From what I can tell bikes like the Wisper are excellent for speed distance and comfort.
My Cytronex has been first rate for me. I've done 20 miles on it today with no problems and no issues since I bought it. I was going to write a review but there doesn't seem much point since the new model comes out soon. If you're still interested I'd give it a score of 9.5 out of 10. Certainly no buyers remorse whatsoever. The only weaknesses with the Cytronex don't really affect me. The first one is comfort. Like most aluminium bikes without suspension they are a little unforgiving on rough surfaces. On real rough surfaces they can be bone shakers.
The second is speed and distance. I'm getting well over 20 miles from a single charge but that's with plenty of input from myself. I don't think you'll have any problem with distance.
My average speed today for example was 14.8 MPH. On my commutes, with far more stops and starts, it's about 11.8 MPH. To be honest I don't see how it can be much better without derestriction, which I don't want to do (even if I could) and a bigger battery to provide the required extra power.
It'll be interesting to see if Cytronex stick with the NIMH battery.
I'm not sure where I saw it but the Infineum looked to be about £1200. Good luck anyway.
Sorry to hear about your problems with Halfords.
It must be very dissappointing and a load of hassle you could do without.Personally I would certainly not write off the Wisper. Both the company and the bike have an excellent reputation on this forum. Also I was very impressed when I saw it at Presteigne and it was one of the few bikes I managed to have a go on. From what I can tell bikes like the Wisper are excellent for speed distance and comfort.
My Cytronex has been first rate for me. I've done 20 miles on it today with no problems and no issues since I bought it. I was going to write a review but there doesn't seem much point since the new model comes out soon. If you're still interested I'd give it a score of 9.5 out of 10. Certainly no buyers remorse whatsoever. The only weaknesses with the Cytronex don't really affect me. The first one is comfort. Like most aluminium bikes without suspension they are a little unforgiving on rough surfaces. On real rough surfaces they can be bone shakers.
The second is speed and distance. I'm getting well over 20 miles from a single charge but that's with plenty of input from myself. I don't think you'll have any problem with distance.
My average speed today for example was 14.8 MPH. On my commutes, with far more stops and starts, it's about 11.8 MPH. To be honest I don't see how it can be much better without derestriction, which I don't want to do (even if I could) and a bigger battery to provide the required extra power.
It'll be interesting to see if Cytronex stick with the NIMH battery.
I'm not sure where I saw it but the Infineum looked to be about £1200. Good luck anyway.
In all the posts about the Carrera Sparc, I haven't heard any mention of the how noisy the motor is. I have a earlier Sparc (bought from a forum member) fitted to a Raleigh folding bike. Although, the motor isn't what you'd call powerful, it's fine for commuting or leisure rides where I live, provided I don't tackle any major hills. The bike is also relatively light for carrying which is it's big strength.
The Sparc is fairly noisy though & has been known to turn heads. Just wondered whether the 2008 models were any quieter with no-one mentioning anything about motor noise?
The Sparc is fairly noisy though & has been known to turn heads. Just wondered whether the 2008 models were any quieter with no-one mentioning anything about motor noise?
They're the same. There have only been two Sparc versions, the early one only briefly on the market before redesign. The system and twin motors used are fundamentally more noisy than hub motors in general, and more like the Currie Electrodrive where noise is concerned.
.
thanks for the replies.
Yes, the Sparc was a bit noisy, even more so than I remember my first gen e-bike, the built like a tank, synergie extreme. In fact I found myself looking ahead to see if there were any people around to see whether I should "engage" the motor !
I'm ok with people knowing I'm using an e-bike, it's just that this one was a bit too noisy and I don't think I was getting enough power compared to the noise that was being generated. On the plus side, I like the look and feel of the sparc, very comfortable, and a nice paint job !
As for other options, I'd wait to see the reviews the Infineum if it turns up pre xmas (unlikely), and I'm still interested in the new Cytronex next year
In the meantime, I'm investigating the Kalkhoff pro connect, which I've heard is a good hill climber, quiet and has a good range. Quite expensive, but I'm seeing whether my MD will partake in the Cycle to work scheme, to shave a bit off the costs.
Yes, the Sparc was a bit noisy, even more so than I remember my first gen e-bike, the built like a tank, synergie extreme. In fact I found myself looking ahead to see if there were any people around to see whether I should "engage" the motor !
I'm ok with people knowing I'm using an e-bike, it's just that this one was a bit too noisy and I don't think I was getting enough power compared to the noise that was being generated
. On the plus side, I like the look and feel of the sparc, very comfortable, and a nice paint job !As for other options, I'd wait to see the reviews the Infineum if it turns up pre xmas (unlikely), and I'm still interested in the new Cytronex next year
In the meantime, I'm investigating the Kalkhoff pro connect, which I've heard is a good hill climber, quiet and has a good range. Quite expensive, but I'm seeing whether my MD will partake in the Cycle to work scheme, to shave a bit off the costs.
Unfortunately you can't use the cycle to work scheme as a part payment Matty. You aren't allowed to top up the allowance and if what you buy comes to a total below the value of your letter of collection you don't get the difference either. Sucks, but otherwise it can be viewed as a taxable benefit.
Oh.. I was reading the 50cycle site here
Buying an electric bike using the Cycle to Work Scheme - save money buying an electric bicycle from 50cycles UK
and it seems it was quite feasible. Is this not the case ? i.e I pay the difference between the 1000 and 1495 ?
Last edited:
Related Articles
-
MTF Enterprises announces acquisition of EMU Electric Bikes- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Wisper 806T folding bike wins Which? ‘Best Buy’- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Sustrans calls for protected cycle lanes- Started by: Pedelecs
-
Amazon launch their first UK e-cargo micromobility hub- Started by: Pedelecs
