Help - there's too much choice!!

[buzzybee]

Hi there,

In our twenties, my husband and I were keen cyclists and went on several cycle touring holidays. Three kids, thirty years and some joint problems later and cycling is much more of a struggle. I hired a Raleigh Velo Trail for a day last year and loved it - it was great to be in the lead sometimes instead of 'tail end Charlie'. We wanted to buy the XC version with the longer range but it seemed to disappear from the shops (as does the normal Raleigh VeloTrail bike). With retirement looming for my husband, I'd like to be able to go out with him on day trips (or longer) but hills kill me. Can anyone advise on a Low Step eBike that will cope with forest trails (not overly rough) as well as paths and roads, has the smoothness of the Raleigh Trail, has a range of ~40+ miles and is around the £1000 mark.

I know I'm probably asking for too much but I don't even know where to start looking - none of the brand names are familiar to me (apart from Raleigh).

Many thanks.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi there,

In our twenties, my husband and I were keen cyclists and went on several cycle touring holidays. Three kids, thirty years and some joint problems later and cycling is much more of a struggle. I hired a Raleigh Velo Trail for a day last year and loved it - it was great to be in the lead sometimes instead of 'tail end Charlie'. We wanted to buy the XC version with the longer range but it seemed to disappear from the shops (as does the normal Raleigh VeloTrail bike). With retirement looming for my husband, I'd like to be able to go out with him on day trips (or longer) but hills kill me. Can anyone advise on a Low Step eBike that will cope with forest trails (not overly rough) as well as paths and roads, has the smoothness of the Raleigh Trail, has a range of ~40+ miles and is around the £1000 mark.

I know I'm probably asking for too much but I don't even know where to start looking - none of the brand names are familiar to me (apart from Raleigh).

Many thanks.

Hi Buzzybee,

Welcome to the forum.

Cyclezee have that are within your budget and would fit the bill

The eZee Sprint Primo LDS http://www.cyclezee.com/ezee-sprint-primo.html

and the Ansmann FC1 Plus http://www.cyclezee.com/ansmann-fc1-plus.html

 

[Osho]

Buzzybee. Welcome, you'll find lots of useful advice and help on this forum. I was advised to ensure that I purchased from a local dealer and now wish that I'd taken note. Ignore 'We are just a phone call away' -you'll need to pop into the dealer especially when you first get your bikes for adjustments etc and ebikes are vastly different from push bikes of 20 or more years ago.

 

[buzzybee]

Thanks, Osho, I would love to take your advice but we live in Aberdeen and our closest dedicated eBike retailer is 80 miles away. We've tried local bike shops but usually get blank stares, combined with a faint look of disgust, when we mention eBikes. Halfords are the only local retailer but they have a limited stock, if any.

We'll keep looking...

 

[Cyclezee]

We ship bikes all over the UK and as we don't have a dealer network our prices are much lower than they would be otherwise.

In the case of a problem or warranty issues a customer can ship a bike back to us in the original carton for £27.50. In the case of a warranty issue that cost will be refunded.

Good local bike shops are quite capable of servicing the normal cycle parts.

The Ansmann brand that we sell has the best warranty available, 3 year battery, 4 years motor and 5 years on the frame.

 

[D C]

Thanks, Osho, I would love to take your advice but we live in Aberdeen and our closest dedicated eBike retailer is 80 miles away. We've tried local bike shops but usually get blank stares, combined with a faint look of disgust, when we mention eBikes. Halfords are the only local retailer but they have a limited stock, if any.

We'll keep looking...

It really is very difficult for us folks in the north to try electric bikes and I personally would never buy a bike unless I'd tried it for a few miles.
For the reasons you mention, I eventually bought a new (non electric) bike which I was happy with then fitted a kit to it.
It may not be what you want to do but may be worth considering, it's not difficult if you have reasonable DIY skills and should come well below your budget.
A lady member in Shetland recently followed this course and is very happy with the resulting bike.
Might be worth a read of this post
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/shetland-woman-looking-to-find-my-perfect-ebike-need-help-please.19895/
Dave.

 

[trex]

buzzybee, both the woosh Santana CD (crank drive) and the Big Bear LS (hub drive) fit your criteria

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?santana-cd

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?bigbear-ls

 

[buzzybee]

Thanks for all your comments.

I have taken your advice, Osho, and bought from our local (80 miles away) dealer. We went down to visit him, tried out a couple of bikes and settled on the new Raleigh Forge.

It should arrive some time next week so I'll let you all know what I think of it once I've had a few outings on it.

 

[Osho]

I hope that you'll be very happy with your choice buzzybee. I've now done 300 miles on my bike and it has taken me this many miles to feel totally comfortable on my bike. Adjustments here and there, tightening this and that have all been part of my learning process-enjoy!