Choosing the right bike! Which one?

[2Lazy]

I think the Zephyr B could be ideal especially if you need or might need the option of a folder. I commute on an ebike and a pannier rack is super useful. The Zephyr B doesn't have a rack as standard but I'm guessing it might accept a seat post mounted beam rack on which you could put a top trunk bag. I use a trunk bag and I find it perfectly adequate for commuting. In it I keep my waterproof overtrousers, lock and sunglasses etc.

Integrated lights are also very useful for commuting. Again the Zephyr B doesn't have these but USB rechargeable LED lights are now dirt cheap so it's not the end of the world, it just means you have have remember to charge them up every so often.

I would not get too focused in on derestricting. I was like that when I was looking at bikes and I bought a bike that could be derestricted but in the end I never bothered with it. Partly because I prefer to stay legal and partly because 15.5mph almost always feels fast enough. That said I am cycling mostly on shared use cycle paths so anything faster than 15.5mph begins to feel a little unsafe.

I would not recommend buying a bike from Halfords of any of the big high st / chain shops. Much better to go with a local independent or a manufacturer that sells direct to the public like Woosh. If you're in Cambridge check out https://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/ even you end up buying a bike elsewhere they can help you with servicing and repairs.

 

[Baneli]

I think the Zephyr B could be ideal especially if you need or might need the option of a folder. I commute on an ebike and a pannier rack is super useful. The Zephyr B doesn't have a rack as standard but I'm guessing it might accept a seat post mounted beam rack on which you could put a top trunk bag. I use a trunk bag and I find it perfectly adequate for commuting. In it I keep my waterproof overtrousers, lock and sunglasses etc.

Integrated lights are also very useful for commuting. Again the Zephyr B doesn't have these but USB rechargeable LED lights are now dirt cheap so it's not the end of the world, it just means you have have remember to charge them up every so often.

I would not get too focused in on derestricting. I was like that when I was looking at bikes and I bought a bike that could be derestricted but in the end I never bothered with it. Partly because I prefer to stay legal and partly because 15.5mph almost always feels fast enough. That said I am cycling mostly on shared use cycle paths so anything faster than 15.5mph begins to feel a little unsafe.

I would not recommend buying a bike from Halfords of any of the big high st / chain shops. Much better to go with a local independent or a manufacturer that sells direct to the public like Woosh. If you're in Cambridge check out https://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/ even you end up buying a bike elsewhere they can help you with servicing and repairs.

I have actually checked out that website already.. are they based in Cambridge then? Unfortunately they are all out of my price range really as I would rather get a mountain bike to have fun on at the weekends!

I have checked the train that I would be going on and there is no bike restriction at all, and some of the trains actually have bike racks inside one of the carts so hopefully everything there will be fine actually!

I am going to want a rack to put a bag in I think, going to need my waterproofs and things! I have dreadlocks and the worst thing in the world is wet dreads good to work so I need that hooded waterproof coat I can hide in!

Of course I'm not to worried if I can de-restrict it or not, I wouldn't mind the option for my weekend fun rides and I will of course follow the rules but I just feel cheated out of power but it's all for good reason of course!

 

[2Lazy]

I have actually checked out that website already.. are they based in Cambridge then? Unfortunately they are all out of my price range really as I would rather get a mountain bike to have fun on at the weekends!

I have checked the train that I would be going on and there is no bike restriction at all, and some of the trains actually have bike racks inside one of the carts so hopefully everything there will be fine actually!

I am going to want a rack to put a bag in I think, going to need my waterproofs and things! I have dreadlocks and the worst thing in the world is wet dreads good to work so I need that hooded waterproof coat I can hide in!

Of course I'm not to worried if I can de-restrict it or not, I wouldn't mind the option for my weekend fun rides and I will of course follow the rules but I just feel cheated out of power but it's all for good reason of course!

Yes https://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/ have several branches one of which is in Cambridge. Coincidentally I was there today as I'm buying an eMTB from them! It might be worth a visit in any case, they might have bikes available which aren't on the website or they might be able to order something in for you, if nothing else it's useful to have a local specialist ebike shop for servicing and repairs.

Another place worth mentioning is e-bikes direct. They have a wide selection of bikes under £1000 http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Items/Electric_Bikes/Bikes_Under_£1000/Bikes_Under_£1000_List.aspx it's a bit of a trek from Cambridge and you need a car to get there but they have a great range of bikes available and set-up to test ride and they're based on a rural industrial park which has a huge car park area perfect for test riding.

Also, since you're looking for a hub drive mountain bike check out Kudos, they have a few bikes in your price range and I think they're generally regarded as good quality. https://www.kudoscycles.com/

And bear in mind that with the exception of the big high street stores the ticket price is often negotiable. Look out for bikes on sale, ex-demo models etc., and always try to do a deal, ask for a discount or price match on a better offer, or maybe get some accessories thrown in. That might afford you the option of buying a bike which would otherwise be over your budget.