Help in buying a bike

[Andyblissett]

Hi. I’m Andy. 48, and haven’t cycled since I was a kid. I’m trying to get a bit healthier, so am looking at commuting to work on a bike. It’s 5 miles, mainly through a country park, which would be lovely.
im 5 foot 9
I’ve looked in Halfords at the crossfire e, and like it but am worried about some reviews, so decided to look around a bit more. My workplace do cycle to work vouchers that I think are with Halfords, but after doing a bit of reading it seems some other retailers accept Halfords vouchers.
I’ll mainly use tarmac, and can foresee me doing forest compacted stone. Not really interested in “proper” mountain biking (stupid inclines over logs, really deep mud and all that)

so any advice on a bike that might suit my needs?

 

[sjpt]

Sounds perfect. You don't say how steep any hills are on the commute. Most ebikes should be fine for that a forest tracks; just not the out and out road bikes. The Crossfuse if much better than the Crossfire as you have seen; the main issue being reliability/cutouts. I haven't seen any clear statements as to whether the current Crossfire is better than the old ones were. Once a model has a bad reputation it is difficult for it get rid of it even if the reason for it is long past.

Woosh and Whisper have excellent value bikes, but you may not be able to use the voucher?

I think some of the other retailers that might at part of the Halfords group (like Cycle Republic?), but I'm not sure there. https://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/ is a useful site because it has so many bikes, many at good prices. That can help you compare things even if you don't end up buying there. (No idea what their customer service is like)

 

[Woosh]

the Crossfuse has Bosch crank drive and is well worth considering.
Other than that, the Woosh Camino would suit your height very well and we can take Halfords vouchers and you can top it up.

Camino MTB electric bicycle from Woosh

The Woosh Camino, a very sturdy electric bike with hydraulic brakes 36V 15/17AH battery from Woosh. Price range: �£1049-�£1119.

wooshbikes.co.uk

 

[RobF]

Parkland is usually fairly flat.

If that's the case here, an ordinary push bike is worth considering.

In good conditions you could cruise a little above the cut off speed on a lightweight bike with easy rolling tyres.

If it has to be electric, Halfords has a range of budget ebikes which look excellent value at around £600.

The chunky hub motor and LED display technology is a little 'last year', but is proven.

 

[Andyblissett]

Thanks all. If I’m being perfectly honest with myself, I know that if it were a normal bike I wouldnt use it much. Where I live is reasonably hilly, and on section on the way home for my commute is a 2 mile continuous uphill beast. I don’t want a hobby where my lungs are busting. Think more like I’m happy to go on a brisk walk, rather than a jog. If that makes sense

 

[soundwave]

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[Andyblissett]

Thanks sound wave, but think I’d need to start selling internal organs to get one of those, then find new wife when she kicks me out !!

I’m thinking about 1,000 pounds. Give or take a little. Reason being I might not get into it you see. If I do, and it becomes part of a way of life then in a couple of years I might put something down like that.

cheers btw, I wasn’t clear.

 

[soundwave]

you need to spend a bit more and you will get alot better bike.

Cube Access Hybrid EXC 500 2019 Electric Mountain Bike Blue/Coral

only one size in stock tho but cube will be the best you will get entry level wise for bosch motors and lowest price point.

 

[Andyblissett]

I liked the Woosh Camino. Looks great and has more battery than the crossfire. About right on budget too. Plus I like the fact it’s got thingbi won’t have to buy as extras, such as mudguards, rack at the back, lights etc.
my only worry is I can’t test it to see if I like it, and Southend on sea is about 4 hours drive for me.

 

[RobF]

The lights on the Woosh are unlikely to be sufficient for year round commuting.

However, a decent rechargeable set is only about £50.

 

[Andyblissett]

Ok thanks for that. Could you recommend any ?

 

[RobF]

Ok thanks for that. Could you recommend any ?

Anything from a known brand which is designed as a road light, so the likes of Exposure, Cateye or Lezyne.

For the sake of other road users, avoid the cheap Cree floodlights sold online.

A properly designed light will have a beam pattern that shows you the way, but doesn't dazzle others.

Bike Lights | LED & Rechargeable Cycle Lights | Wiggle

Superb range of bike lights at Wiggle, the online cycle shop! Road and MTB, front and rear cycle lights with big name brands available to choose from.

www.wiggle.co.uk

 

[soundwave]

 

[Andyblissett]

 

[Andyblissett]

So I called Woosh and spoke to a helpful lady. Very interstated. Big problem though:saddle height.

so, while I’m 5 foot 9 and the states minimum height from them is 5 foot 8. However, I’ve got short legs. My crotch to floor height times 1.09 (recommended saddle height) is 89 cm. just short of the stated minimum on this bike of 90cm.
So, as much as I liked it, I’m going to have to keep shopping around for a commuter bike for someone with little legs