Hello Nigel from Winchester and i have just joined.

NigelU

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jul 30, 2017
15
5
64
Winchester
Hello, my name is Nigel I am in my late fifties, just over 6ft 3in tall. im also the wrong side of 18st!! so all in all a big lad. I have worked in the motor trade for 40yrs. Up until 2 months ago I was on the workshop floor physically working hard and burning off the bad things we all eat and drink. Now I am in a Training and teaching role which involves a lot of driving and little exercise. I feel the need to take up exercise to compensate for my less physical job. In my youth I was an active cyclist I even passed my cycling proficiency at school! But of late I have tried it again but not been able to "stick" with it. So I think it s time for an ebike!!
but which one?
So I start with my armchair shopping/research, and I find this forum, been lurking for a while here as a guest. I quickly learn that all the "nice" bikes are quite pricey, now that's not a moan that's just a realisation of the "better" quality components. I wont be commuting so it will be just for pleasure/exercise/fun. so I cant offset the cost against any savings made on travelling. Therefore justifications need to be made to her indoors.
Now for all the silly questions/conclusions I have come to;
  • I want to try and buy local so I can try for size before I buy,
  • I would like a crank drive if possible,
  • Happy with a pedal assist only but quite like the sound of a "throttle" to use if needed.
  • would prefer an upright riding position mtb? city bike? or a Hybrid?
  • I enjoy photography so rack/panniers to be able to combine hobbies would be desirable.
  • Thinking of going to cycle show at the NEC in Sept but think I might have too much to look at.
So to the bikes, First I was drawn to the GTECH Sport, but I think I have moved on from that now. I live in Winchester so I visited Cytronex walked around the shop for nearly 10 minutes and was ignored (shop empty) so walked out. quite like the look of the Carrera crossfire e but they are sold by Halfords! and appear to suffer problems. Finally I quite like the look of the Freego Martin City and they are only 12m away in Southampton so I think a visit to them is in order, But at £1500 might be at the top of my imposed budget.

So ANY criticism constructive or otherwise will be gratefully recieved
King Regards
Nigel
 
D

Deleted member 4366

Guest
Oxygen bikes are pretty good, and they're quite popular on the forum. They have dealers in Southampton/Eastleigh and Chichester
 

Gaz

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 14, 2016
720
556
54
Eastbourne
Hello Nigel :)

Similar boat to you. Mid fifties, 6'4" and a bit and 16 stone desk jockey. Got my e-bike Autumn last year and wish I'd done it ten years ago.

Aren't Cyclotricity near you too?:
http://www.cyclotricity.com/uk/

Gaz
 

NigelU

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jul 30, 2017
15
5
64
Winchester
Hello Nigel :)

Similar boat to you. Mid fifties, 6'4" and a bit and 16 stone desk jockey. Got my e-bike Autumn last year and wish I'd done it ten years ago.

Aren't Cyclotricity near you too?:
http://www.cyclotricity.com/uk/

Gaz
Yes Gaz they are in Bridge st that is the shop I went in. I think they have more than one trading name the card I picked up in there was cytronex
 

Gaz

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 14, 2016
720
556
54
Eastbourne
Gosh :( Crap customer care makes my blood boil :mad:

Serves 'em right if they've waved goodbye to you as a potential customer :rolleyes:

Gaz
 
  • Like
Reactions: NigelU

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,221
30,619
Yes Gaz they are in Bridge st that is the shop I went in. I think they have more than one trading name the card I picked up in there was cytronex
Cyclotricity and Cytronex are entirely different companies. The latter is a small scale very specialised setup converting high end lightweight bikes into light assist e-bikes intended for already quite fit riders. Currently they seem to be abandoning that and only selling the kit.

Cyclotricity on the other hand is a mainstream e-bike maker, currently distinguished by tryin g to make them as much as possible in the UK.
.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gaz

NigelU

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jul 30, 2017
15
5
64
Winchester
Cyclotricity and Cytronex are entirely different companies. The latter is a small scale very specialised setup converting high end lightweight bikes into light assist e-bikes intended for already quite fit riders. Currently they seem to be abandoning that and only selling the kit.

Cyclotricity on the other hand is a mainstream e-bike maker, currently distinguished by tryin g to make them as much as possible in the UK.
.
Thank you for pointing that out, I am finding that there is a lot to learn.
 

NigelU

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jul 30, 2017
15
5
64
Winchester
Well to conclude this thread, I didn't get to see the freego or oxygen bikes as I decided I wanted a hybrid with a crankdrive. Saw a lovely Giant dirt e+1 but it was "reduced" to £2300. Then I saw a Cube reaction hybrid HPA pro400
that was "reduced" to £1619.00. Took it for a test ride and was impressed it felt comfortable and I then purchased it so am now a happy ebiker.
So thank you for your help and as I put miles on it I will report back
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gaz