Cube town hybrid suitable?

[hu.me]

So looks like I'm going to be switching jobs and am considering getting an electric bike to commute to work. Its a 28 mile round trip and I don't know if I'll be able to charge in work so ideally I'd like a bike that would do the round journey in 1 charge. I weigh 95kg and there is a 67m climb over 7 miles one direction and a 107m climb over the other 7, there are no serious hills it's all fairly gradual. I am fairly unfit at the minute but hope to build this up.

Was looking at this. Anyone got any input, would it be up to the job, or would I be likely to run out of power? Thanks

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Think the range will be tight unless you use eco-tour mode a lot. Think you'll struggle with your weight and climbs if using Turbo etc. Charger is tiny, why not take it to work with you just to be sure?..
Also depends on how tall you are as these come in larger sizes if I remember rightly.

Not overly impressed with the finish / welding when I saw these at a recent show.
Might be worth going to look at one in the flesh before you decide.

Regards
Martin

 

[trex]

I reckon the SR NEX fork won't last 6 months.
For this sort of mileage (8-9,000 miles a year), you would be better off with a BPM motor, 15AH battery and steel fork.

 

[Cyclezee]

eZee bikes have batteries available with 4 capacities up to 28Ah (1,008Wh), the 21Ah (756Wh) would be capable of that kind of return journey.

 

[RobF]

Finishing kit on that Cube looks a bit average.

I see it has a double chainstay.

Looks to me like they tried to Bosch an ordinary frame, found the rear trial flexed too much and slapped on a couple of extra tubes.

I usually like Cubes, but don't think this is their finest effort.

The OP's relatively benign 28 miles should be fine on one charge of a Bosch bike.

One with a down tube mounted battery will handle better, and allow more stuff to be carried at the rear before handling is totally knackered.

Col might be able to recommend a KTM.

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Finishing kit on that Cube looks a bit average.
One with a down tube mounted battery will handle better, and allow more stuff to be carried at the rear before handling is totally knackered.

One a bit like this with the extra gearing for the OP's commute. Also extra torque / assistance for the weight and climbs with the Performance system over the basic Active..

Martin

 

[RobF]

One a bit like this with the extra gearing for the OP's commute. Also extra torque / assistance for the weight and climbs with the Performance system over the basic Active..

Martin

Properly specced for commuting.

I'm not sure the OP needs extra gearing over and above an 'ordinary' Bosch bike, but no harm in having a wide range.

Looks like this bike also has the performance motor which, I think I'm right in saying, means a bit more torque.

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Yep exactly that. You can view more in depth article on my blog pages.

Or visit my new YouTube channel that gives an overview of each bike and explains the different Bosch Active & Performance drives in more detail.

This stuff takes ages to do, its all informative, let me know what you think

All the best.

Martin

 

[hu.me]

Thanks for all the advice... that haibike looks great but don't know if I'd be able to afford it. Any opinions on the BH neo cross would that be suitable at all?

 

[JohnCade]

I would do some research and get a feel for what's available at what price level. Then go and ride a couple if it's possible.

Trex has made a good suggestion. But if you want to spend a bit more for better quality Kalkhoff make very good reliable commuter bikes with long ranges. 50 Cycles has a 55cm discontinued model Agattu i8 HS going for a very good price on their website.

 

[Phil1701]

Have you considered the Wisper 905? I use one for a daily 12 mile round trip commute and only charge it every 3 or 4 days. I ran it once for about 60 miles between charges. Admittedly it's not very hilly and I weigh only a modest 71 kg but it does the job superbly. It is well built with some good quality components and I would say good value for money.

 

[hu.me]

Hey all just to update so was going to go for kalkhoff sahel i360, 50cycles have some on clearance at the moment, but the exchange rate pushed it outside my price range at the last minute (based in Ireland) so decided to go with a shop based here in Dublin. They have a Staiger Sinus BT20 ( http://www.staiger-fahrrad.de/produkte_detail_de,9775,22196,detail.html?css=staiger ) Seems to come from the same parent company that makes Haibike (winora). Any opinions? Tried it out and seems to be a lovely smooth ride.

 

[RobF]

Tried it out and seems to be a lovely smooth ride.

You've answered your own question.

Staiger is not well-known in the UK, but there are a lot of other good quality German ebike brands in a similar position.

There's a lot to be said for local dealer support, so as I said at the start of this post....