Giant Twist Lite

[Namder]

Just purchased a Giant Twist Lite 2014 and following a couple of shortish test rides I noticed the following:

If riding with battery assist turned off and turn it on whilst pedalling up an incline, nothing happens. If I stop pedalling whilst coasting(not always possible uphill) and turn the battery assist on and commence pedalling, everything is fine. If I turn the assist on before I set off and keep it turned on it works perfectly. Is this how it is supposed to work? There was nothing in the two weighty manuals supplied or on the Giant website, to indicate how it should be used.

The retailer thought it should be turned on all the time but was unsure so is going to contact Giant. Anyone got any thoughts on this.

Thank you

 

[ta11guy]

Hi Namder,
I am very inexperienced with electric bicycles but I have experience of both bikes and motorcycles and that's why I'll give my thoughts.

It sounds to me that this how it is designed to work. And you'll be used to that in no time. It's a Pedal assist bike and sound like one with a torque sensor.

If you switch it on it while pedaling, you'll need to increase your torque/power so that the sensor picks it up.

It doesn't sound much of a problem. Just predict circumstances and activate it before you need it. Even before the hill. You should be fine. I wouldn't be bothered with it and I am actually considering buying the same bike.

Will you please give us more feedback on your first impressions?
How long does the battery last? How powerful is the motor, especially on steep hills?
How does it ride otherwise? People who used previous models were complaining about the brakes. How do you find them?

Finally, I am quite unfit and quite big and tall (6'7" and 135 kilos or 21 stones). Do you think that this bike is tall enough and powerful enough to suit me?

Enjoy your new bike and I am looking forward to hear your thoughts.
Regards

 

[Namder]

Thank you for your response. I've had feedback from a member of staff at the authorised dealers who owns the same model and confirms that my experiences with the bike are the same on his.

The brakes on my bike are very good but I only weigh 12 stone. My bike is the medium but they also do a large which I am sure you will need.

I live in a very hilly area and I've been very pleased with the performance on the steepest. You have to put in quite a lot of effort on the steepest but much easier than a traditional bike. I haven't used mine enough yet to gauge its mileage between charges, there are also too many factors but the employee tells me he rides to work every day, 8 miles mainly downhill there and 8 miles home uphill mainly into the wind on the sport setting. A single charge lasts with some to spare.

For the price - discounted from £1200 to £719 - this is a fantastic bargain.

Regards
John