I test rode some bikes yesterday and this was the standout bike. I have submitted a "cycle to work scheme" for it.
Discover the new Estarli e28.X lightweight e-bike, featuring an integrated 2-speed automatic gearbox with belt drive for seamless gear changes and a high-tech torque sensor for optimal power output. Book a test ride or video call to learn more about the Estarli e28.X.
www.thecyclecompany.co.uk
Thank you to everyone here who helped me with advice.
Thats pretty much the Buzzbike - And with Buzzbike shutting, i think this is where the stock is going.
Having got one - £500 in the CRC shut down sale, my long term review is it is pretty good, You'll possibly have to charge it more as the battery is smallish, but i use mine on max and probably get 15 miles on it.
The 2 speed gearbox works fine, and on the higher speed(harder to turn) its not too hard and seems if anything to be quite a sweet spot.
With only 2 gears, long steep hills arent really its thing, and while it will do them, you'll possibly have to stand up on the bike, but on the flat it is excellent. Gentle inclines are no problem.
The belt drive** is good, its my first foray into a belt drive from 30+ chain driven bikes, and i certainly dont miss them.
The wheels are fine, not the best but more than adequate.
Brakes are two pots, which i've found arent that powerful, I've swopped out my front for a much better shimano 4 pot
I've also swopped out my fork for a cheapo sus, though I wouldnt recommend that as its a bit of a nightmare in the headset department with some very odd sizes and getting a headset to fit wasnt easy. If you dont mind sticking to rigid, I'd stick to rigid.
TIP 1- On the buzzbike, which is what this is, they recommend removing the battery to charge it. So I remove. You probably can charge it in the frame, and it has the function, but they recommended out, so just following orders.
TIP 2- Due to the belt needing to be extremely tight, i would avoid needing to remove the rear wheel unless absolutely necessary so make sure whatever tyre you have fitted is a good quality puncture protected. If you ever do have to remove and refit, It looks like a two person job - to pull the wheel backwards while one person does up thee nuts/bolts
**Try to keep the belt free from damage. Its a gates belt and replacements are pretty damn expensive.
I've 2 bikes. one is £5k, the other is £500 and im finding this, the 500 one a very capable urban townie bike. So not everything needs to cost the earth to give you good service.
Enjoy
