Greetings from Liverpool

[adrianJB]

I'm the delighted long-term owner of a Giant Expression. Now being 60, fatty and unfit after neglecting my hourly power rides along the prom, tall, 60 with bad knees, I am interested in a pedelec. Not sure if I will afford one as I am self-employed and work may dry up soon, but keeping budget options open with Giant and Wispers at top of my range. Batribikes, Claud Butler, Kudos etc. midrange and Salisbury absolute minimum. While hoping to shed extra pounds, maximum load is a key factor so am looking for bike with specs over 110 Kg. Also, would prefer to buy from dealer so, from Liverpool, Giant, Wisper (at Edinburgh Cycle Co-operative in Manchester), Batribike and Claud Butler top the list. Anyway, have started a blog to keep track of my researches at UK Electric Bikes

I think pedelecs is a wonderful site, not just because it has given me so much advice and information in my search, but also because members' enthusiasm, willingness to help and friendliness are a breath of fresh air.

 

[flecc]

Hi Adrian, I've left a comment on your blog, awaiting moderation at present.

 

[adrianJB]

Thanks Tony. Giant still way up there! Been to your site, and am impressed with Quando 2. Hadn't considered a folder but will think hard about this.

 

[Cyclezee]

Good evening Adrian, I too have left a comment on blog.

Regards,

 

[indalo]

keeping budget options open with Giant and Wispers at top of my range. Batribikes, Claud Butler, Kudos etc. midrange and Salisbury absolute minimum. While hoping to shed extra pounds, maximum load is a key factor so am looking for bike with specs over 110 Kg. Also, would prefer to buy from dealer

Hi Adrian.

I haven't read your blog but neither have I read anybody else's blog on this site so don't feel discriminated against in that regard.

Budget dictates most of the things many of us do and I understand your caution given the employment situation. While the bikes you have mentioned are all capable machines, for just a little more money, (as is always the case) there are some even more capable bikes with, I would suggest, a greater satisfaction and enjoyment factor.

You may well have already considered and possibly discarded the Kalkhoff range but there is a "heavy duty" model in their Agattu line-up. Currently, their biggest dealer here, 50Cycles, have a sale on and there are some decent reductions on a variety of models. Some on here might suggest that simply brings their prices down to extortionate but I believe, by and large, one gets what one pays for and the ebike scene is no different from other niche product areas.

The last thing I want to do is coax you into stretching your budget on an ebike but on the other hand, I'd hate to see you pay a sizeable sum of money on a bike only for you to start wishing you had bought something slightly better after the initial thrill has worn off.

There are quite a few Kalkhoff owners among forum members and from memory, I can't recall anyone ever saying anything disparaging about them. Their 11-speed hub-geared Agattu is one I find very tempting at its current sale price. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll get lots of enjoyment from cycling with a little help on the difficult bits. I know I do.

Indalo

 

[adrianJB]

Thanks very much, Indalo.

I had sort of rejected Kalkhoff because of price. However, I checked out the 50Cycles autumn discount of 15% and see that I can get a big batteried, big load bearing Agattu for less than £2000, at a price similar to the Raleigh Dover deluxe and Giant 2013 Double which I have considered. I shall, therefore, add Kalkhoff to my list.

I am aware more and more that the quality of the bike stripped of its electrics is very important in the long term, and if I have the cash I will pay for that quality.

Adrian