electic bike in halfords and bike hut

[rooel]

I cannot say anything about the bike but I certainly have no desire for a throttle on my own Sram Sparc systems fitted to Dahon folders. I simply could not be bothered keeping a throttle turned all the time, and I think it would be something of an inconvenience when "pulling" on the handlebars to exert more force on the pedals when required.

My preference for the pedal controlled motor speed may of course also be influenced both by the apparent novelty of the Sram Sparc "pedelec" control compared with others. On the Sram Sparc there is no sensor round the pedal cranks or indeed anywhere else. As far as I can work it out the circuit board inside the motor hub senses via the gears the wheelspeed (created initially and then contributed to by pedalling) and adjusts the motor output accordingly. The response is well-nigh instantaneous: the motor starts as soon as the wheel speed equals 2mph and stops at a wheel speed of just under 15 mph. More importantly, the motor does not run on when pedalling stops so that there is no need for an off switch on the brake levers (as is often provided with other pedelec systems because the sensor does not cut the motor immediately pedalling stops).

 

[alex]

In reply to JimBlob's comments I think it is true to say that ALL batteries are rather lumpen, I quite like the rear carrier mounted battery. In my case the fact that the Carrera Sparc has a NiMh battery is a positive feature as I have more confidence in the performance of NiMh over several years. From what I read capacity of lithium batteries can drop dramatically after a year or two & after heavy hillclimbing cutouts are a possibility.

 

[flecc]

From what I read capacity of lithium batteries can drop dramatically after a year or two

33% of the capacity at the start of each year is the likely figure, and the oldest batteries out there have been returning as much as 35% drop in the first year. Many users will find it impossible to use a lithium battery for two years or more due to the capacity loss, typically 40 to 45% capacity left at the two year point.
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[davidro]

Where is the sparc review?

Hi, I can't find the Alex's review of the Sparc on the site. Does anyone know where it is?

thanks

david

 

[flecc]

I'm checking this with Site Admin David, it might appear in the next couple of days if it is around somewhere.
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[Critical Mass]

Its where it should be- in the user reviews, under 'Halfords ' .

 

[flecc]

Its where it should be- in the user reviews, under 'Halfords ' .

In fact it's just gone in following my check. It was delayed due to the recent server changes and the following problems, plus some difficulty in getting admin time for updating.
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