Choice of two - (or more!)

[James T]

Hi all

I'm looking for an e-bike to make the daily 10 mile round trip a bit more pleasant and to add some acceleration safety to big London traffic light stops!

I think I've narrowed my choice down to two simple e-bikes. Cost is less important than positive reviews/experiences but I do need to be able to get the bike on the CycleToWork scheme so the bike needs to be available from someone who does that

1. First choice, the Free-Go Raptor - good looking but would probably consider the second battery.
http://freegoelectricbikes.com/electric-bikes/FreeGoBike?product_id=158
2. Momentum Upstart - looks heavier but more powerful - similar price if you factor in the second battery.
http://www.velorution.com/momentum-upstart-electric-bike/

Any thoughts on which would be a better buy for city use?

Thanks in advance!

James

 

[trex]

why these two models? what are your criteria?
The Momentum has torque sensor, that should make it more attractive to cyclists.

 

[James T]

Well to be honest I was initially looking at kits to convert my B-Twin Fit 5 road bike but then looking at the costs (and availability of CycleToWork scheme to cut the cost) it seemed more sensible to keep my B-Twin for leisure and get an Ebike instead. I'm not a massive fan of the MTB type bikes and i liked the simplicity of the two models I mentioned... But happy to be guided to better options!

Thanks for your reply by the way!

 

[trex]

I like the Upstart better but there is little to choose between the two.
If you out your requirements, distance, your weight, your city then others may suggest some other bikes to consider.

 

[James T]

OK so daily commute, 13 miles round trip, route through Central London, my weight is about 95kgs (down considerably from the peak!)

 

[trex]

range won't be a problem with either but your weight may be a problem because neither has any suspension. With e-bikes, you muscles don't work as hard or absorb as much shock as with normal bikes, plus you'll ride much faster, your back, wrists and shoulders take a lot more pounding than before. At over 75kgs, I'd get one with front suspension fork.

 

[2Lazy]

Not quite the same style as the two bikes in your OP but if you go with trex's advice and consider a bike with front suspension I'd recommend that you take a look at the Ezee bikes (Torq, Forza or Sprint), the Volt Pulse X and the Oxygen E-Mate City. The Ezee bikes have very good torque and power. The Volt Pulse X also has good power though not quite as much the Ezee's. The Oxygen E-mate City not as powerful the Ezee's or Pulse X but still more powerful than most and it comes in at a lower price point if bought under CycleScheme.

http://www.cyclezee.com/ezee-e-bikes--pedelecs.html

http://www.voltbikes.co.uk/pulse-x-hybrid-electric-bike.php

http://www.oxygenbicycles.com/e-bikes/e-mate-city

I should say that I am by no means an expert on Ebikes and there are others on here with much more knowledge than me. But I'm looking to buy an ebike myself and I've tested quite a few over the last couple of weeks. So fwiw those listed above are the bikes that have impressed me the most. I would also have suggested the Oxygen MTB 13ah but you specifically said you weren't keen on an MTB style bike. http://www.oxygenbicycles.com/e-bikes/e-mate-mtb-13ah

 

[trex]

As you are in London, go see LEBC and 50Cycles in Hampton Wick.
Test ride a few before buying.
http://londonelectricbike.com/
http://www.50cycles.com/

 

[Cyclezee]

As you are in London, go see LEBC and 50Cycles in Hampton Wick.
Test ride a few before buying.
http://londonelectricbike.com/
http://www.50cycles.com/

If you want to try an Ansmann, eZee or Heinzmann bike, Milton Keynes is just 35 minutes from London Euston by train, we can also meet people coming for test rides at Central Milton Keynes or Wolverton
stations

 

[Nationwide eBikes]

The FreeGo Raptor is now available with a 11Ah 2v Battery: RRP £999 over the old 5.5Ah model.
We have a New Showroom open in Sutton, South London with lots of models for test rides.

 

[Kudoscycles]

I realise the Raptor and Upstart are a particular niche style,but could I suggest a trip out to Hampton Wick,London Electric Bike Company, to try our Kudos Rapide,it is close to the sports style bike which you favour....light,30 gears,sports style frame,windcheating battery shape,hydraulic brakes...at our recent open day many testers remarked of all the e-bikes they tried,the Rapide was closest to a non assisted sports bike when the power is turned off.
Next door to our shop is Sigma Sport ,one of the best bike showrooms in London,down the road is 50 cycles,home of the Kalkhoff,plenty of options to raid the credit card,hehe!!
KudosDave

 

[eastman]

I think first choice the Free-Go Raptor is best both of them....

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

Personally I would go for the Momentum. It is a great bike for the money. Also you need to take into account that the FreeGo is single speed. Although the Momentum has no suspension I find it nice to ride, note I am 75kg. It is a great bike for city use. However the best advice is to try some out. We sell both FreeGo and Momentum Electric bikes.

Good luck.
David