Help with bike choice for old guy :-)

[Blaster Bates]

Hi
I am after a bit of advice from this group who will know a lot better than me. I am mid sixties and reasonably, but not tremendously, fit. I do cycle now but enjoy being outdoors longer and taking in different places, I have spoke to a couple of people with E bikes on my travels and they have convinced me to purchase one.
My typical ride would be 2-3 hours and around 20-25 miles, I try to stay off road as much as possible but most of the cycle paths I use tend to be asphalted anyway, the roughest terrain I encounter will be canal tow path or a bit of gravel,
I am 5-8in (175cm) and 12st. Should frame and wheel size be an important factor ?

I have done some digging around and have found I can probably get something to suit my needs for around £1000 as it does not have to be anything special.
Most of the kit seems pretty standard but I am unsure of the finer points to make a decision, I want something reasonably comfortable, able to use without the assist and reliable elecs/battery.
I have got it down to a choice of 3 but am very open to suggestion for something more suitable :-

Woosh MTB
Focus Whistler from Sprockets cycles
S2 from Emovement

Thanks in advance for any help at all.

Blaster

 

[Blaster Bates]

Hi Woosh thanks for taking the time to add the detailed reply, the Faro and Camino look like nice bikes. The Faro being in stock is appealing but the tyres are my concern. Do you intend to restock with the Camino as it could be worth waiting.
Thanks.

 

[Woosh]

Do you intend to restock with the Camino as it could be worth waiting.

yes, the new batch will be here mid/end of July.
Alongside the same Camino that I have been selling since last year, there will be a new batch of Camino MTB.
The fork and motor on the new Camino MTB have been upgraded, front suspension is with bolt through maxle, rear new motor has torque arms to prevent detaching wheels when downhilling. Fixed stem, new handlebars, new saddle, 11T-34T cassette, same 15AH/17AH battery.

 

[Albert12]

10ah/360wh battery capacity is the minimum you should be looking at.

 

[Blaster Bates]

Many thanks for all your replies so far, the advice and information has really helped as I realise my £1000 means any Ebike I consider will have some negatives.
I am still not a great deal further on for several reasons, the current situation means shops are closed for browsing which is not ideal also some of the bikes I considered are out of stock.
I have dismissed the kite.
The emovement S2 is still a possibility.
I have spoken to Woosh who were very approachable and helpful but the bike is not due until late July.

Others have thrown suggestions into the mix such as the "Moscow NCM" which appears not to be available,
cyclotricity stealth, decathlon riverside.

My limited knowledge coupled with the advice leads me to believe that the important features for what I need are going to be the elecs (minimum 10ah 36v ?) and the wheels/tyres which need to be suited to my needs.
I may be wrong but on a bike of this cost the brakes and gears etc will all be much of the same quality and do a similar job so not a major consideration.

Once again thanks for the help and advice.

 

[Atlav4]

One thing I have learned is is the weight of the bike is more important when peddling above assist in which case the woosh faro will be my future choice I'm sure 32c tyres (any cx type) would smooth out light tow and gravel tracks allowing you to explore But if your ride is to sit at assistance speed then weight is not as significant and out and out comfort more important

 

[Blaster Bates]

One thing I have learned is is the weight of the bike is more important when peddling above assist in which case the woosh faro will be my future choice I'm sure 32c tyres (any cx type) would smooth out light tow and gravel tracks allowing you to explore But if your ride is to sit at assistance speed then weight is not as significant and out and out comfort more important

I really like the looks of the Faro and available with 17ah at my budget, and in stock so wouldn't have to take waiting 3 months into consideration (as with Camino).
It was Woosh themselves in here (fair play to them for that) that mentioned and confirmed my reservations with the tyres for what I need (would they also be more prone to puncture on tow path and light gravel ? )
The tyres fitted to the Faro are advertised as 700c x 28cst , are you suggesting I could change them for something more substantial and if so what would you recommend and approx cost ?
If this is an option I could be close to a solution

Thanks for taking the time to advise me.

 

[Woosh]

The tyres fitted to the Faro are advertised as 700c x 28cst , are you suggesting I could change them for something more substantial and if so what would you recommend and approx cost ?

The supplied tyres are Maxxis Detonator 700 x 28C.
They are good tyres. You can always find better such as Schwalbe Marathon Plus
The fork and frame can take slightly larger 32C tyres.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/maxxis-detonator-folding-road-tyre/rp-prod175014

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-tyres/schwalbe-marathon-plus-reflex-tyre-700x28c-130016.html

 

[sjpt]

Woosh's main concern with Faro was bumpiness on things like forest tracks ... OK for the riding you initially asked for. I'm sure you could use something like Marathon Plus of the same size which would resolve the puncture issue, but wouldn't improve the ride.

 

[Atlav4]

You will have to check with woosh but I'm guessing that 32c will fit (mudguard and frame clearance) A lot of high price gravel and cyclocross bikes fit 32s for off-road use As for types there are many many with prices wide ranging But I'd strongly recommend puncture protect types again there are numerous Don't get me wrong this set up is not for serious muddy or rocky off-roading for that you'll need 40c or more at a low tyre pressure and suspension I personally think for light trails and cycle tracks front suspension is not really helpful (I often leave my roc shocks locked out) just pick a better line just nothing too scary or really fast and you'll be fine

 

[Blaster Bates]

You will have to check with woosh but I'm guessing that 32c will fit (mudguard and frame clearance) A lot of high price gravel and cyclocross bikes fit 32s for off-road use As for types there are many many with prices wide ranging But I'd strongly recommend puncture protect types again there are numerous Don't get me wrong this set up is not for serious muddy or rocky off-roading for that you'll need 40c or more at a low tyre pressure and suspension I personally think for light trails and cycle tracks front suspension is not really helpful (I often leave my roc shocks locked out) just pick a better line just nothing too scary or really fast and you'll be fine

Looks promising, thanks for your input. Woosh have replied above that I could fit a 32 and having just checked I can can get a decent pair for a reasonable £50+. What would I expect to pay to get a bike shop to swap them, guessing nothing too horrendous ?

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out