Hello, looking for a commuter bike

matthewslack

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 26, 2021
1,966
1,416
Wow, what a difference a day makes!

Thanks for all the awesome replies. Very helpful. I've been spiralling out of control with options and budgets.

I spent the day planning the route to work. It's just over 14 miles, but 8 miles of it are along the canal - loving the no hills bit :D

Then I get a call and talk to an old colleague, and they talk about a job that is a serious offer and changes the goal posts. I could be moving jobs to Milton Keynes which is way out of my cycle range, but very commutable, with a 4-mile trip to the train station one end and a ten-minute walk the other. So now this really could be a folder, and the battery life not so vital.

But all the info you guys have posted is invaluable. I thought a 15-mile cycle on an electric bike would be more like a 10-mile ride with 5 miles of assistance. I'd still arrive hot, sweaty and nearly dead. But sounds like the right bike would eat up the miles for me.

Going to do some more research.
Often the effort is not the limiting factor, it is the time the journey takes. 15 miles of riding will be slightly over an hour, if all road, probably a bit more along the canal path as they tend to be less than smooth!
 

RollingChunder

Pedelecer
Dec 7, 2023
96
36
I never wore/wear them on a bicycle. The cape covers a lot of you. Mudguards keep most of the spray of your feet, so it's quite important that you have good ones. Over-trousers are no good for cycling. Your legs sweat and get wet inside them. I tried them in the beginning, but soon realised the problem. A cape is much better. With a cape, feet and shins can get a litlle wet, but it was never so bad that it bothered me.
Boots and overtrousers are caked in muddy water this morning. Maybe I need better mudguards. Unfortunately, I've used the mounting holes by the rear dropouts for my torque arms.
 

warlord0

Pedelecer
Jan 24, 2024
72
32
Midlands
Is it worth asking David if he can do those through a cycle to work scheme (I think the same ,probably not but worth asking ?)
I think by the time I try to set it up with a new employer, I'd miss the deal. Seeing what I can get the 806 for :)
 
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saneagle

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 10, 2010
7,005
3,241
Telford
Boots and overtrousers are caked in muddy water this morning. Maybe I need better mudguards. Unfortunately, I've used the mounting holes by the rear dropouts for my torque arms.
There are quite good stay-less mudguards, like Beavertail XL and Zefal Trail. An added mudflap helps a lot for winter commuting.
 

warlord0

Pedelecer
Jan 24, 2024
72
32
Midlands
Well, I've only gone and done it.

Ordered the ex-demo Wisper 806 Torque in Black with the 575Wh battery pack.

Thanks, David and Tim at Wisper for being so helpful.

It has a few dings and scrapes that I should be able to treat, but for the 40% discount and manufacturer warranty, it was now or never.
 

matthewslack

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 26, 2021
1,966
1,416
I look forward to your early experiences writeup!
 
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