Complete Beginner, what should I buy?

[Stactix]

Hello,

I haven't cycled in quite some time bar the odd Beryl bike but have decided as a breakup treat to get an ebike via the cycle to work scheme.

I'm currently residing in Bournemouth, 5ft3 and weigh probably 8.5st at most.

Have looked at the Woosh Santana bike but not sure on the best way forward due to it being unlikely to test / not sure it's part of the cycle scheme anyway.
The limit I have for bike/Accessories is 3k via the scheme.

I have very little knowledge of bikes/maintenance required etc though I have built racing drones in the past so will enjoy getting to know the more techy details.

I'd want to use it for commuting/New Forest exploration perhaps some off road but nothing extreme.

Any reccomendations for places in Boumou and the bikes they sell?

Thank you!

 

[Stactix]

You've put yourself in some dilemmas. Folding bikes are convenient for storage, but or not very good for touring on riding longer distances. Non-folding bikes can be a bit awkward to carry up stairs. Light bikes are easy to carry, but have small batteries, so don't go far. Consealed batteries look great and are secure, but when it comes time to replace, you're probably going to wish you'd chosen something different.

If it helps, you can make any bike go flat to keep it from blocking gangways by fitting folding pedals and quick release screws for the stem clamps so that you can turn the handlebars in line with the wheel for storage. Neither of those things cost much.

With your very low body weight, you'll get much more range than us, so I think you'd be OK with a relatively small/light battery.

Thank you for the info!
I think what you're saying is that I may need multiple bikes to cover all angles?

I popped into Primera sports after work yesterday, really helpful guy did steer me towards the Haibike trekking mid 3, which spec wise/price wise looks perfect but think it would be a struggle to lug that up the stairs.

 

[Stactix]

Please let me know which Wisper you would like to try and I will make arrangements for your local dealer to have one in store for you.

All the best, David

Hey thank you for this,

I'm not 100% sure, I quite like the look of the Tailwind Trail Cross & City crossbar

5ft3 so height and also weight is a consideration due to 1st floor flat.

Would be used for commuting but hopefully long distance multi day trips etc in the future.

 

[Stactix]

A bit? LOL.

You want bike as easily accessible as possible. Small outdoor shed would be ideal.
I would really try to arrange something. Maybe talk to landlord?

Unfortunately not really possible, my current flat might have been due to them finally sorting out the area round the back and tiding it up but my new flat has a small drive/ no out door space and communal corridor shared with one other flat but wouldn't want to obstruct the minute I move in!