Hi All,
Just signed up on this forum so let me start with a big "Hello !!" and a request to go easy on my noob questions.
A bit about me :
1) I am not an avid cycler. I only use bikes for :
a. Primary Commute : 4-5 miles (round trip) on roads/pavements to/from the station....max 10-15 degree inclines
b. Occasional Leisure : Occasional weekend leisure rides (<5miles) with kids. Very occasionally, we do go cycling by the riverside on dry grass or unpaved pathways.
2) I am 6 ft 1 inch tall, weigh around 100kgs and have an inside leg measurement of 32-33"
3) I am reasonably fit and peddle aggressively.
4) I have recently started commuting to London. Here's how my commute looks :
Home = Bike 10mins => Start Station => 1hr 20mins => End Station => Walk 10mins => Work
5) I leave my bike in the enclosed bike shed. Due to bike restrictions on train, I cannot take a full-sized bike on the train. However, I am allowed to take a folding bike on the train.
6) My existing bike needs to be replaced and my employer is enrolled for the Cycle Hire scheme.
What I'm looking for :
1) I want to cut my commute time and have some energy left after reaching home to keep me motivated to continue my gym regime. Ever since I started the long commute, by the time I get home, I am tired enough to skip the gym.
2) I want to get a new bike preferably within £1000 which is the Cycle Hire scheme limit from my employer.
Options I am considering :
1) Buy a regular road bike (Giant Defy 5) and convert to electric.
Pros : Total cost : £300+£500=£800 for a 15-16kg decent bike. Cons : I'll have to leave the bike at the Station and walk at the other end (or use a Hoverboard that I just ordered !!). Moreover, I can't get the conversion kit through the Cycle Hire scheme.
2) Buy a pre-built Folding bike
Pros : Can take it on board the train. Can be put in the car boot on a rainy day when my better half picks me up from the station.
Cons : May not be good for leisure rides on unpaved pathways by the riverside. Heavy to carry on the train. Expensive.
3) Buy a lightweight folding bike (Brompton) and convert to electric
Pros : Can take on board. Easy to carry on train. Can be carried in car boot.
Cons : Not good for country roads, expensive. Can't take the conversion through Cyclehire scheme.
And finally, my questions...
1) Given my requirements above, what do you think is the best option above?
2 ) Any recommendations for the bike make/model/spec that ?
3) There are folding electric bikes under £1000 but at 20kgs aren't these quite heavy to be lugged around the station
4) Will the folding bikes work OK on the occasional ride on country roads?
Just signed up on this forum so let me start with a big "Hello !!" and a request to go easy on my noob questions.
A bit about me :
1) I am not an avid cycler. I only use bikes for :
a. Primary Commute : 4-5 miles (round trip) on roads/pavements to/from the station....max 10-15 degree inclines
b. Occasional Leisure : Occasional weekend leisure rides (<5miles) with kids. Very occasionally, we do go cycling by the riverside on dry grass or unpaved pathways.
2) I am 6 ft 1 inch tall, weigh around 100kgs and have an inside leg measurement of 32-33"
3) I am reasonably fit and peddle aggressively.
4) I have recently started commuting to London. Here's how my commute looks :
Home = Bike 10mins => Start Station => 1hr 20mins => End Station => Walk 10mins => Work
5) I leave my bike in the enclosed bike shed. Due to bike restrictions on train, I cannot take a full-sized bike on the train. However, I am allowed to take a folding bike on the train.
6) My existing bike needs to be replaced and my employer is enrolled for the Cycle Hire scheme.
What I'm looking for :
1) I want to cut my commute time and have some energy left after reaching home to keep me motivated to continue my gym regime. Ever since I started the long commute, by the time I get home, I am tired enough to skip the gym.
2) I want to get a new bike preferably within £1000 which is the Cycle Hire scheme limit from my employer.
Options I am considering :
1) Buy a regular road bike (Giant Defy 5) and convert to electric.
Pros : Total cost : £300+£500=£800 for a 15-16kg decent bike. Cons : I'll have to leave the bike at the Station and walk at the other end (or use a Hoverboard that I just ordered !!). Moreover, I can't get the conversion kit through the Cycle Hire scheme.
2) Buy a pre-built Folding bike
Pros : Can take it on board the train. Can be put in the car boot on a rainy day when my better half picks me up from the station.
Cons : May not be good for leisure rides on unpaved pathways by the riverside. Heavy to carry on the train. Expensive.
3) Buy a lightweight folding bike (Brompton) and convert to electric
Pros : Can take on board. Easy to carry on train. Can be carried in car boot.
Cons : Not good for country roads, expensive. Can't take the conversion through Cyclehire scheme.
And finally, my questions...
1) Given my requirements above, what do you think is the best option above?
2 ) Any recommendations for the bike make/model/spec that ?
3) There are folding electric bikes under £1000 but at 20kgs aren't these quite heavy to be lugged around the station
4) Will the folding bikes work OK on the occasional ride on country roads?
