Halfords now stocking electric bikes!

[eddieo]

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


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

 

[flecc]

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.
.

 

[eTim]

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.

 

[eddieo]

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

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

 

[Haku]

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.

 

[eddieo]

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.
.

I was not suggesting Hellfords sell high end E bikes, it would be pointless as you say. Just to shave the weight would make the bikes more useful that is all

 

[eTim]

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

Then that will be a beauty to behold, especially if it goes off-road as well. Any photos anywhere.

I'll still be keeping the Cytronex as my fast 'I want to look normal' commuting/exercise bike.

 

[flecc]

I was not suggesting Hellfords sell high end E bikes, it would be pointless as you say. Just to shave the weight would make the bikes more useful that is all

True of course, I wasn't disputing that Eddie, just agreeing with Mark's general observations on the route they've taken.

P.S. I bet that 1006 with the smaller battery will be a lot more than 16 kg. I think that may be it's weight without a battery.
.

 

[Stumpi]

When's the 1006 being launched?

 

[flecc]

When's the 1006 being launched?

Year 2011.

It's only been announced as an indication of future plans, this year's Wisper big news is the front motor alternative range, the 906 and 806 models in various forms.
.

 

[alex_h]

just looked at the UM range, look too cheap to me and not good looking either, sorry

 

[Bigbee]

Some of you lot just live to be miserable! I believe that Keith the previous sales director/owner of UM and Mark put considerable efforts into the Halfords deal.In my opinion thats a HUGE step in getting ebikes main stream.Theyre not going to put £2k bikes in there are they?What theyve done is a big step,it wont be the last models of bikes that they introduce from UM.If Halfords do well ,who knows you may see a little Wisper in there some time.I wouldnt be suprised if David has made an approach already for the future

The bikes in Halford wont initially be the best or suit all tastes,but please applaud some one who has made huge in roads in an embryonic market place

Well done Mark and co!

 

[eTim]

Some of you lot just live to be miserable! I believe that Keith the previous sales director/owner of UM and Mark put considerable efforts into the Halfords deal.In my opinion thats a HUGE step in getting ebikes main stream.Theyre not going to put £2k bikes in there are they?What theyve done is a big step,it wont be the last models of bikes that they introduce from UM.If Halfords do well ,who knows you may see a little Wisper in there some time.I wouldnt be suprised if David has made an approach already for the future

The bikes in Halford wont initially be the best or suit all tastes,but please applaud some one who has made huge in roads in an embryonic market place

Well done Mark and co!

+1

I think that the UM bikes are a budget bike at a budget price and there is nothing wrong with that. It's refereshing to see that Halfrauds haven't exaggerated mileage claims also. For people who will be looking for a commuter on the ride to work scheme, means they could purchase an ebike for under £500. That's gotta be a good thing. And this is Halfords target market anyway.

BTW Halfords also do a lifetime warranty on their professional range of tools, a bargain!