Hello, i'm a new eBiker

[GloveMakingMan]

Hello, after 40+ years of travelling on four wheels i've now given up the car and gone back to a bicycle (ebike). Making the decision on which make and model bike to buy was difficult and took me several weeks. I narrowed down my requirements and decided that i needed to go for a small folding bike that would cope well with very hilly North Devon without using a derailleur. I did not get on well with derailleurs when i last rode bikes some fifty years ago but that's just me! Advice given to me was to go for a crank drive with Nexus gears and after much searching i found a new model - the Zephyr CDN from some very nice people at Woosh Bikes. I've had it two weeks and i find it suits me perfect. It goes up our very steep hills with the greatest of ease. Photo shows my Zephyr CDN with a few extras that i've added.

 

[Artstu]

Nice, how are you getting on with the gear changes I wonder?

 

[GloveMakingMan]

Hi, the Nexus gears are just fantastic. It's only 3-speed but that's all i will ever need. Gear changing can be done when stationary too, such as at traffic lights, great!

 

[Artstu]

That's good then, I hadn't realised it was only 3-speed. My Nexus 8 isn't happy changing gear under load, but is fine when you pause pedalling briefly to change gear.

 

[trex]

That's good then, I hadn't realised it was only 3-speed. My Nexus 8 isn't happy changing gear under load, but is fine when you pause pedalling briefly to change gear.

Nexus 3 is a good choice for folding bikes.
Small wheels put less strain on the gearbox, gear change should be easier too.
the £699 Woosh CDN could be the best small bike for cities.
cwah, you should ask Hatti to let you do a review before they all sell out.

 

[GloveMakingMan]

Yes, much like the old Sturmey Archer gears, pause pedalling when changing and don't forget to also brake momentarily to cut the motor power.

 

[GloveMakingMan]

It"s only from the left side that the Woosh Zephyr CDN http://www.wooshbikes.co.uk/electric-bikes/zephyr-cdn/ can be seen to be an electric bike! The crank motor is visible. The battery is hidden inside the frame. Photo shows my bike with some added extras.

 

[Willber G]

Looks good. I have the hub-powered Zephyr but that's fine for me.
Where did you get that carrier on the back?

ETA: I've just noticed you have the wireless indicators below the saddle - work well, don't they?

 

[GloveMakingMan]

Looks good. I have the hub-powered Zephyr but that's fine for me.
Where did you get that carrier on the back?

ETA: I've just noticed you have the wireless indicators below the saddle - work well, don't they?

Hi, thanks, the carrier is on eBay > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111002384741?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Yes, i am pleased with the wireless indicators, shame it didn't include ones for the front too!

 

[Willber G]

Thanks for the link, I'll have a look.
I tried the Winkku mirror indicator but couldn't get on with it. I am now waiting for delivery of a Bicygnals set from US Amazon. It's a shame Halfords stopped selling them here.

 

[GloveMakingMan]

Thanks for the link, I'll have a look.
I tried the Winkku mirror indicator but couldn't get on with it. I am now waiting for delivery of a Bicygnals set from US Amazon. It's a shame Halfords stopped selling them here.

Looks good, front and back too! Please let us know how they work, thanks.

 

[Willber G]

I shall do if they ever turn up - delivery due at the end of this month, not despatched yet, and Amazon now has them listed as unavailable...

 

[RobF]

I would be very wary of relying on indicators.

They are an unusual non-standard item and motorists may not recognise their meaning.

I stick my arm out which, linked to a classic cyclists' backwards glance and wobble, leaves a car driver in no doubt I'm about to do something, even if it's only fall off.

 

[jackhandy]

I stick my arm out which, linked to a classic cyclists' backwards glance and wobble, leaves a car driver in no doubt I'm about to do something, even if it's only fall off.

I thought it was just me that wobbles when I look back - Most embarassing, but nearly always happens: I have to be careful when braking with an arm struck out too.

 

[peerjay56]

Never look back. Never give in, never surrender. Die young.

 

[D C]

Never look back. Never give in, never surrender. Die young.

Well I can manage the first three......

 

[peerjay56]

Well I can manage the first three......

Actually, I don't think you (any of us) can. Pretty sure 4 is the consequence of 1 to 3

 

[Croxden]

If you only wobble you have an advantage over me, I manage to change direction too.

 

[Willber G]

I would be very wary of relying on indicators.

They are an unusual non-standard item and motorists may not recognise their meaning.

I stick my arm out which, linked to a classic cyclists' backwards glance and wobble, leaves a car driver in no doubt I'm about to do something, even if it's only fall off.

I check my mirror, turn the indicator on, check my mirror, signal with my arm, check mirror again, move across with indicator on and leave it on until I have completed the manoeuvre. The indicators are very bright and animated so as to be as noticeable as possible. I find they work well and I have often had cars flash me acknowledgement even before my arm signal.

 

[GloveMakingMan]

I check my mirror, turn the indicator on, check my mirror, signal with my arm, check mirror again, move across with indicator on and leave it on until I have completed the manoeuvre. The indicators are very bright and animated so as to be as noticeable as possible. I find they work well and I have often had cars flash me acknowledgement even before my arm signal.

Exactly how it should be done, using normal hand signals, the indicators are used to 'be seen' and confirm your direction when you have to put both hands on the handlebars to complete the turn. Talking about mirrors... i've found most mirrors on the market are too short for these ebikes and only show your arm in them. I've had to cut mine and fit an extension piece in the middle, perfect now!