Did I miss options? - Comfortable/Easy going ride while still being at tiny bit sporty looking

[Solarstorm]

Hi,

After doing a bit of research on the forums and trying out a couple of bikes locally I’m wondering if I have missed any options as I haven’t quite found the perfect bike yet.

The main reason I’m looking for an electric bike is my current lack of energy being caused by chronic fatigue syndrome. My partner has finally managed to get around learning to cycle, and now she is getting out and about it would be nice to join her on rides, however my 15 year old specialised mountain bike isn’t really suitable for my current state, leaving me tired out and uncomfortable very quickly.

Still being fairly young (mid 30’s) I’m trying to find the sweet spot between something which is still fairly sporty looking, yet with a comfortable and relaxing ride, preferably with a more upright seating position but preferably a cross bar frame (something like a Wisper 905, but with the handlebars/seating position of the 705 if such a thing exists).

I found after trying a couple of Bosch and Shimano mid motor bikes that the energy I had to put in was higher than wanted, so I think most bikes built around those systems are out. I also managed to try out a Juicy Roller, but I didn’t find the assistance level to be as high as I wanted either. Maybe I need to stick to a cadence sensor, or at least something with a throttle override?

I also tried a Wisper 705SE (only Wisper model I could find to test ride locally) which seemed to provide a sufficient level of assistance, however I prefer the styling of the 905 – any comments as to how its seating position compares? I presume it is a less relaxing more forward leaning ride? Also would anyone be able to comment on the level of assistance the Wisper torque bikes offer? Based on my testing of other torque sensor bikes I’m a bit sceptical however the Wisper website does mention it can be used in cadence mode as well.

Woosh’s range of bikes seems interesting, however none of the models really stand out to me as the obvious pick.

Any suggestions for makes and models I may have overlooked would be most appreciated.

PS. As it may be relevant to the suggestions, I’m not particularly heavy or tall – about 72kg and 5 foot 10.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Hi Solarstorm,

The 905 and 705se bikes have exactly the same equipment as each other. The riding positions are similar too. If you like the 705 you will also get on with the 905. We can swap the handlebars for you to make the 905 more of an upright position. Feel free to give me a call anytime if you need me to arrange a test ride.

All the best, David

 

[Woosh]

Woosh’s range of bikes seems interesting, however none of the models really stand out to me as the obvious pick.

I would suggest the Santana 2018 crank drive.
It's quiet, refined, well equipped, 9-speed Deore, gearsensor, hydraulic brakes etc.
The battery can be silver or black.
If you like a straight bar, the Dutch style bar is easy to swap, takes about half an hour with just a couple of allen keys.


http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?santana-2018

 

[Solarstorm]

Hi Solarstorm,

The 905 and 705se bikes have exactly the same equipment as each other. The riding positions are similar too. If you like the 705 you will also get on with the 905. We can swap the handlebars for you to make the 905 more of an upright position. Feel free to give me a call anytime if you need me to arrange a test ride.

All the best, David

Hi David,

Thanks for the reply. How would you say the torque model compares with the SE in effort required to get a good level of electrical assistance to kick in? I'm a bit wary of torque sensors based on my test rides, however I hear the motor is more powerful on the torque vs the SE.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Hi David,

Thanks for the reply. How would you say the torque model compares with the SE in effort required to get a good level of electrical assistance to kick in? I'm a bit wary of torque sensors based on my test rides, however I hear the motor is more powerful on the torque vs the SE.

The Torque bikes, have a higher torque motor, a better controller, 8sp gears and a torque sensor in the B.B. The power kicks in the instant you push down on either pedal. The harder you push the more power you get from the motor. It’s a far more sophisticated bike.

All the best, David

 

[Solarstorm]

I would suggest the Santana 2018 crank drive.
It's quiet, refined, well equipped, 9-speed Deore, gearsensor, hydraulic brakes etc.
The battery can be silver or black.
If you like a straight bar, the Dutch style bar is easy to swap, takes about half an hour with just a couple of allen keys.


http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?santana-2018

Thanks for the suggestion, I think I actually prefer the dutch style handlebars from the comfort point of view.

 

[Artstu]

I would suggest the Santana 2018 crank drive.

Not what I'd call sporty looking though ?
A sporty hybrid is what is required I'd say, love my Bosch system, now in my 13th year with CFS.

 

[Artstu]

still going strong after 5 years

 

[Woosh]

Not what I'd call sporty looking though ?

the crossbar version is not as well equipped.
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?krieger

 

[Solarstorm]

The Torque bikes, have a higher torque motor, a better controller, 8sp gears and a torque sensor in the B.B. The power kicks in the instant you push down on either pedal. The harder you push the more power you get from the motor. It’s a far more sophisticated bike.

All the best, David

Thanks - My main concern is losing the ability to peddle lightly and still get maximum assistance with the torque model. After doing a few quick searches I believe the 'F' mode on the torque model would do what I want though?

 

[Solarstorm]

Not what I'd call sporty looking though ?
A sporty hybrid is what is required I'd say, love my Bosch system, now in my 13th year with CFS.

Thanks for the suggestion, the Bosch system seems to require more effort than I'm able to put in at the moment though. Trying to derail the topic too much, but gave you stayed pretty stable over your time with CFS, or has the bike helped you increase your fitness over that time? I think something along the lines of what you have my be more suitable when/if I hopefully manage to get a bit more back on track.

Looks like the Woosh Krieger or Wisper 905 may be the best bet for now if I can sort out some test rides.

 

[Artstu]

but have you stayed pretty stable over your time with CFS, or has the bike helped you increase your fitness over that time? I think something along the lines of what you have my be more suitable when/if I hopefully manage to get a bit more back on track.

The bike has been a massive help to improving both my fitness and quality of life. I guess I was perhaps where you are now around 8 years ago, I bought a bike with a throttle so when I got weary I could use it, however I found it more tiring just sitting there.
Fingers crossed you'll gain from a bike in a similar way to me. Of the Woosh and Juicy bikes I've ridden they're very one dimensional and harsh in comparison to my bike. That suits some people, however I want a bike that works with me, and my bike does that, and I believe that also helps with the illness with the rewarding feeling it gives me.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Thanks - My main concern is losing the ability to peddle lightly and still get maximum assistance with the torque model. After doing a few quick searches I believe the 'F' mode on the torque model would do what I want though?

Uniquely the Torque bike has the facility of doing both. You can choose between torque sensor or cadence only. In cadence sensor mode (F) as long as the pedals are turning even without putting pressure into the gear set you get maximum power.

All the best, David

 

[Crockers]

Many on here also like the Oxygen ebikes. I have a Wisper and find it great .Interested to hear your views on crank drives as im leaning to changing to one .

 

[gray198]

Many on here also like the Oxygen ebikes. I have a Wisper and find it great .Interested to hear your views on crank drives as im leaning to changing to one .

I have found with my Oxygen ST cross that I am able to use it much more without power or minimum and am therefore getting fitter and stronger as a result. The crossbar version is the one I really fancied but due to a good deal and my advancing years had the ST. I would certainly think it would be a good choice for solarstorm for his needs. Throttle is supplied separately and is easy to fit

 

[Solarstorm]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

While it isn't exactly local, I have managed to find somewhere with both the Wisper 905 and Oxygen bikes available to try, so I'll be off a bit later for a trip into the Kent countryside to get a couple of test rides. I'll let you all know how I get on!

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Have a blast!

All the best, David

 

[Solarstorm]

After a few test rides I now have a Wisper 905 Torque on order. The Oxygen S-Cross was also pretty nice, however I preferred the more progressive feel of the assistance on Wisper which made it a bit more predictable to ride.

It was the first torque sensor bike I actually felt I got on with in my current state. The torque sensor crank drive bikes I tried while providing a nice progressive feel needed more rider input to achieve the same result.

Thanks for everyone's advice and input.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

After a few test rides I now have a Wisper 905 Torque on order. The Oxygen S-Cross was also pretty nice, however I preferred the more progressive feel of the assistance on Wisper which made it a bit more predictable to ride.

It was the first torque sensor bike I actually felt I got on with in my current state. The torque sensor crank drive bikes I tried while providing a nice progressive feel needed more rider input to achieve the same result.

Thanks for everyone's advice and input.

It was good to talk this morning. Thanks for the order, please let me know how you get on.

All the best, David

 

[Artstu]

I've not studied the Torque before, the bottom bracket certainly looks substantial, I wonder if the bearings are serviceable or does it require a whole new bottom bracket unit when worn David?