Help!..Ave MH7 v Kalkhoff Sahel Compact v blueLABEL PONY?

[NY-EBikes]

Hello Pedelec Community,

As a long standing 'lurker', I felt that it was about time I officially registered here in order to enjoy the full benefits of this excellent forum.....and also so I could 'pick your brains' to aid my impending bike purchase!

As I have somewhat specific needs in terms of storage space I have focussed my search on the small wheel (20") category of bike and think I have managed to narrow the selection down to the aforementioned thread titled bikes: Ave MH-7; Kalkhoff Sahel Compact; and the blueLABEL PONY.

Not fully conversant with all the technicalities of these e-bikes the only thing I appear to readily recognise is the difference in £'s.

Our needs are relatively simple (other than the storage aspect) and include: moderate social bike riding to include continental cycle paths, town centre visiting, touristy sights, local supermarket trips, possibly a few hill climbs, and no more than say 40 miles per journey before re-charge.

So, I'd be very grateful if anyone could vouch for - either in terms of direct experience, or their professional knowledge - any of the above bikes?

They all appear to be very well made, suit our proposed uses and would easily match are storage space issue...but what really set's them apart?

I see the Kalkhoff appears to have the better battery capacity, but then does the Bosch system in the other two bikes hold an advantage in other respects?

A key factor for us may also be in the sales / after-sales aspect of the purchase and how the relative retailers are in dealing with their customers. I'm somewhat un-nerved by companies that appear to have a monopoly of the market.

Anyway, thanks in advance for taking the time to (a) read and hopefully (b) respond.

Cheers

Motoroamer.

 

[Motoroaming]

Just thought I would add the final chapter to this post which began back in May in our quest for two bikes to take with us on our Motorhome travels.

Yesterday, we picked up our two new ponies from OnBike in Worcester and gave them a run-out at the local racetrack.....where else!

I've posted some images of the two bikes on their first run out. The NuVinci has been reviewed on this site and my other half opted for the striking orange colour.

I opted for the black version and was pleased to get the very first frame of 2016 with the new N380 NuVinci hub and hope you agree it was well worth the 3 month wait!

I've also posted a pic of our motorhome garage so hopefully you can appreciate the reasoning behind our choice of this model ebike. I can honestly say that they could not have worked out better for storage and transportation. I opted for removable pedals and with the seat post removed, handlebars dropped and twisted as designed they both slide into the rear of the van perfectly.

Back home in Yorkshire today so not no exercise today....but I'll definitely be giving them a run out soon.

I'd just like to finally say a big thank you to Mike and Martin at OnBike for their efforts, patience and service. If anyone is in the market for an ebike I can certainly recommend these guys as your starting point and hopefully your finishing point!

Thanks also to everyone who contributed to this thread and aided in the decision making process.

 

[martin@onbike]

Hi Motoroaming,
I'm glad you're both pleased with the bikes. Definitely the right bikes for the job...particularly with regards to the garage space! Thank you for the kind words, it was a pleasure to deal with you.
All the best, Martin

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Thanks for the business Motoroaming, we all wish you many years happy cycling!

All the best

David

 

[Wisper Bikes]

I should also say thanks for you patience, last year's Pony's sold out very quickly hence the long wait. Again they are selling well with the new frame and gear systems, fortunately RM have doubled the stock of frames for 2016. So waiting times should be about three weeks again this year.

RM build all thier bikes to order for each and every customer, much like a new quality car, so they are exactly what our customers order in terms of specs. This normally takes about three weeks.

Thanks again and enjoy your bikes!

David

 

[Elsie]

Really interesting as I am sort of looking and need the bike to go in our motorhome garage. So can you tell me the actual height of your garage opening ?
I know ours is a meter high but looks narrower than yours- lovely looking bikes by the way , this is one on my list to try
Thanks
Elsie

 

[Motoroaming]

Really interesting as I am sort of looking and need the bike to go in our motorhome garage. So can you tell me the actual height of your garage opening ?
I know ours is a meter high but looks narrower than yours- lovely looking bikes by the way , this is one on my list to try
Thanks
Elsie

Hi Elsie,

Our motorhome door measures approx 70cm wide by 80cm high.

Once inside through the opening the bikes stand up at a height of 90cm.

The bike quest is quite something and took us several hundred miles and many months research to arrive at our choice!

We did the NEC Motorhome show last October, the BlackForest in Germany, Bike Higher in Devon and lastly OnBike in Worcester.

If you think you might be in the market for a top quality 20" electric bike, with the folding capabilities of the Pony, then I seriously recommend that you contact Mike or Martin at OnBike to arrange a test ride when one becomes available.

Hope this helps and good luck in your search!

Andy

 

[Elsie]

Andy thank you so much for the fast and very helpful reply, you have helped a great deal. I am looking at all the bikes from your first post! Great minds and all that.
Next to try them out for real, once again thank you
Elsie

 

[Motoroaming]

Andy thank you so much for the fast and very helpful reply, you have helped a great deal. I am looking at all the bikes from your first post! Great minds and all that.
Next to try them out for real, once again thank you
Elsie

No problem.....happy hunting!!