Halfords now stocking electric bikes!

Hi all

 

Just incase you guys have missed the press relating to this New Pictures: Halfords Go Electric - BikeRadar Halfords are now stocking two urban mover electric bikes in 80 stores. One is a dutch style step through at £649.99 and the other is a MTB style at £849.99. Both are aluminium framed electric bikes with 26V lithium ion batteries.

 

Illl keep you informed how well they go!

 

Cheers

I guess that means people are going to quickly realise how valuable the batteries are

 

Regards

 

Jerry

Yes do you think people will steal them ?

Yes do you think people will steal them ?

 

At £200 to over £500 each, batteries will be a big risk as they become mass market.

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shame its not 36v...nice looking bike

i see yes we have them locked into the bike instore, or do you mean you think thefts will happen in the street?

I think the street could become a risk if they can force a battery out of it's mounting, but in-store batteries will need to watched eventually. I could even see a bike being worth stealing from the street just for the battery at those sort of prices.

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Hey guys,

 

We're really excited by the addition of the UM bikes to Halfords, they represent great value and Halfords are playing a big part in developing the market.

 

On the battery issue, this was noted- all in-store bikes have the batteries locked into place. They weigh less than 2kg's so we always suggest that people take their batteries with them!

 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy them. Any feedback on changes you would like to see are always welcomed

 

Mark

36 V bigger battery's and less weight:D

Eddie- I'm sure we'll get there. But the bikes they offer at the moment have the 26v to provide an entry price point for new consumers.

 

I hope we see some 36 or 48v bikes soon!

Eddie- I'm sure we'll get there. But the bikes they offer at the moment have the 26v to provide an entry price point for new consumers.

 

I hope we see some 36 or 48v bikes soon!

 

enlightened and fussy consumers? Unfortunately old hat before they start...would maybe OK if they weighed less:rolleyes:

Give one a try, you maybe impressed....!

Hey guys,

 

We're really excited by the addition of the UM bikes to Halfords, they represent great value and Halfords are playing a big part in developing the market.

 

On the battery issue, this was noted- all in-store bikes have the batteries locked into place. They weigh less than 2kg's so we always suggest that people take their batteries with them!

 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy them. Any feedback on changes you would like to see are always welcomed

 

Mark

 

I'd have to question the statement : '19" frame size for taller riders'.

 

I think this is a bit misleading. My Alien GSII has a 21" frame and despite being one of the larger framed electric bikes at the lower price range of the market, it is only just big enough for me.

 

I would really not purchase a bike with a smaller frame than I currently have.

 

A range of frame sizes would be very welcome, we are on an island with an extremely diverse population, I am 6'5" tall, I have a friend who is just over 5' tall. The one size fits all frame option just feels fundamentally wrong, if trousers were sold in the same way we would be a nation of baggy's, clowns & nudists.......now there's a thought

E bike manufacturers should try and supply at least a choice of two sizes I would think. I mean normal bikes can be sometimes had in four sizes.

Hi

 

I have tried the 19" im 6.1 it fitted fine good seat raise, but fair enoguh might not be the best for a 6.5 guy but it seems quite good for number of riders.

 

the battery is now locked to the bike instore!

At least they haven't overstated the battery range and kept it at 20 miles. They are probably good value budget bikes for people that need to commute under 10 miles each way. i wonder what they will be like to pedal when the battery runs out

At least they haven't overstated the battery range and kept it at 20 miles. They are probably good value budget bikes for people that need to commute under 10 miles each way. i wonder what they will be like to pedal when the battery runs out

 

 

Low power and heavy just don't cut it IMO. if it was low power and light weight it could be a different proposition........

Well they seem fine without assist. But im biased as ai work in a Halfords store!

I believe that stage one for Halfords was just to get the bikes in store, with two designs (they differ in frame size). From there they can test the market for design, size, spec, and then tailor the offering as the market develops.

 

I think they have made a wise choice with the models they have chosen and they will listen to customer feedback for future models.

 

On weight, they are quite easy to ride with no power. They have good quality components and narrow tyres. Pop into a store and give it a go!

Low power and heavy just don't cut it IMO. if it was low power and light weight it could be a different proposition........

 

Ed, I think there are some simple equations that can be applied to ebikes (ignoring other factors such as component spec and bling factor):

 

1. Low power and heavy = lowest cost

2. Mid power middleweight = medium cost

3. High power and lightweight = Highest cost

 

You pays your money for what hopefully meets your needs/expectations. I think the Halford UM's fall into Category 1. I'm sure you will find some exceptions to my simple equations though

Ed, I think there are some simple equations that can be applied to ebikes (ignoring other factors such as component spec and bling factor):

 

1. Low power and heavy = lowest cost

2. Mid power middleweight = medium cost

3. High power and lightweight = Highest cost

 

You pays your money for what hopefully meets your needs/expectations. I think the Halford UM's fall into Category 1. I'm sure you will find some exceptions to my simple equations though

 

 

to hit the mainstream fings a gotta get better:p

 

 

But makes sense unfortunately......and why I am waiting for a wisper 1006 - decidedly Cat 3!

Edited March 19, 201016 yr by eddieo

I tend to agree with Mark that it's a sensible way for Halfords to start, better by far than the abortive try with the Carrera Sparc of a year ago.

 

Halfords primary market is the budget one and at present high end e-bikes would just clutter the floorspace with stock that scarcely moved. It will need far greater mass market penetration for Halfords to move into the high price e-bike area.

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and why I am waiting for a wisper 1006 - decidedly Cat 3!

 

You hope! It could end up as high power and heavy = high cost, as with the 906xc.

 

Hmm Cat 3a for that one.

Previously quoted that 1006 is under 20kg with the heavier of the two batteries, and under 16kg with smaller one. (watch out cytronex:D)

 

I have seen bikes double the 906 price, and heavier then its 23kg:confused:

Edited March 19, 201016 yr by eddieo

There's enough space in the top of a 26v lithium UM battery to fit a GPS tracker, which could easily be powered from the battery itself.

 

If you give a strong enough kick to the side of a UM battery locked into the frame, could it snap the mounting pegs off the battery and come off the bike?

 

 

Not greatly impressed with the outside covering on the UM saddle, first one started deteriorating after a year, got another one and now 2 years later one side has a large gaping hole with exposed sponge.

 

Good to see the larger frame size, my UM36 is the original 'small' size and had to buy the longest seapost I could to make the ride comfortable, as well as an extended handlebar stem to raise that up too.

 

Oh and the logo on my frame has faded from orange to yellow

 

 

"they are quite easy to ride with no power" - only on the flat, get to a hill and you need motor power or have to walk. Was a bit disappointed to find that when the motor isn't powered, ie you're pedalling over 15mph or have the battery switched off, you're pedalling against the motor.