I just ordered a replacement battery for a 15 years old Wisper from Yose for £150. You can get them from Aliexpress for £108.
Hi from Fleet, Hampshire
- Thread starter steeveclarke
- Start date
While this years Giant/(insert established bike brand here) bike may not have the same battery format as next years model, (extra plastic knob/void, or incompatible s/w version) ..
With many branded bikes folk have a year or two trouble free cycling but when a problem occurs, and enquiries are made via a dealer, costs are generally high and your visit coincides with a sale making a new bike just 20% more than the service/fix costs that may not work....
Yes I am cynical, and no this is not my lived experience. But many folk have landed in here after similar experiences only to be met with suggestions to rip out the whole system and replace with generic kit without custom 'security' rich system firmware which still costs less than a dealer repair, though bikes with features such as embedded displays in the frame and no standard tubes/places to mount batteries on, and which looked the business rolling out of the showroom may not even be suitable for a refit.
With many branded bikes folk have a year or two trouble free cycling but when a problem occurs, and enquiries are made via a dealer, costs are generally high and your visit coincides with a sale making a new bike just 20% more than the service/fix costs that may not work....
Yes I am cynical, and no this is not my lived experience. But many folk have landed in here after similar experiences only to be met with suggestions to rip out the whole system and replace with generic kit without custom 'security' rich system firmware which still costs less than a dealer repair, though bikes with features such as embedded displays in the frame and no standard tubes/places to mount batteries on, and which looked the business rolling out of the showroom may not even be suitable for a refit.
Yes, we do see this here, but there are also a lot of members that love their elegant Bosch full suspension bikes ( and would be horrified to ride round on our "clunkers"
) and have done many miles with no problems and are happy to pay the bike shop service costs / any repair / new battery costs. I think all we can do is point out the potential risks and costs and alternatives and let people make the right decision for themself.Definitely horses for courses. At least two diametrically opposite but extremely content groups of users!
The 15 mid-drive bikes in the scheme with mine had two issues as delivered, solved under warranty, and no issues with any of the motors/ batteries / displays in the more than 3 years since.
If they are not abused or left in the rain for weeks, generally they have a long life and don't go wrong.
The 15 mid-drive bikes in the scheme with mine had two issues as delivered, solved under warranty, and no issues with any of the motors/ batteries / displays in the more than 3 years since.
If they are not abused or left in the rain for weeks, generally they have a long life and don't go wrong.
Regarding the Raleigh Motus, I have a Motus Grand Tour step through which I bought in the January sales in 2020. It’s a nice bike to ride and I’m happy with my choice. I’m about 100kg, late sixties when I bought it and mostly unfit. A couple of local hills that were hard work as a teenager standing on the peddles in first gear (Sturmey Archer) are very easy now. A longer 10%, that was get off and push climb as a teenager, is very doable but out of breath at the top.
I’ve ridden gravel cycle paths and bridle paths across fields all fine. Muddy paths where the mud sticks to the tyres and gets wedged under the mudguards are best avoided.
Bear in mind that my Motus experience is with an Action Line Plus motor which has 50Nm of torque. The Action Line is 40Nm.
I’ve ridden gravel cycle paths and bridle paths across fields all fine. Muddy paths where the mud sticks to the tyres and gets wedged under the mudguards are best avoided.
Bear in mind that my Motus experience is with an Action Line Plus motor which has 50Nm of torque. The Action Line is 40Nm.
Me being one.
My good bike - a full suss bosch, after 3 years needs a new drivetrain of cassette/chainring/chain, so I've been riding my commuter these past few months, with is a bafang rear hub drive. Its got a suss fork(if you can call it that) + I've upgraded the brakes, and as its a belt drive, theres no nasty oily chain and gears
The other day i took my good bike out for a spin. Utter luxuary, so comfortable, so smooth, it soaked up the bumps i was forced to endure on the commuter.
So it is very noticeable the difference from rigid to bouncy.
If you are wanting something suss, theres a great deal in the 'Bargains' thread
Steeveclarke, as a fellow Fleetonian, if you want to venture off road there is plenty local to Fleet, Caesers Camp, Hawley Lake, Minley Woods, Basingstoke Canal etc. I like exploring routes that don't involve busy roads. I started with a Cube Reaction Hybrid which is OK on the road but for more offroad riding I got a Cube Stereo Hybrid, both from Pedal Heaven. They aren't the cheapest bike shop but do give good service. Both my Cubes have been faultless, apart from normal transmission wear. The Reaction is coming up to 7years old and the Stereo is 3years old. At 73 my pedalecs renewed my enthusiasm for cycling it lets me do things I gave up years ago because they were geting too difficult e.g very steep hills. Good luck in your quest hope you find the right bike for you.
Hi Wavy
Thanks. I have ridden along Basingstoke canal, Vemead Woods and around Fleet Pond occasionally on my non-electric Specialized. I don't do a lot of off road to be honest.
A looked at Cube ebikes in Pedal Heaven but my upper limit for budget is around £2k and the only available affordable Cube ebike is a large which I think is too big for 5'9" me. All their other ebikes are way out of my price range.
Another concern in potentially owning an expensive ebike is the possibility of it being a target for theft.
The only "desirable to thieves" bike I have ever owned is my trusty old Brompton 6-speed which I protected from being nicked by always taking it with me into offices and cafes so it was never out of my sight.
For this reason, I might get something like the Estarli 20.8 folding ebike which will hopefully tackle the hills of the routes I want to ride and some light trails as well as being kept with me on rides into town in the same way the Brompton was.
My thinking here is that I will claw a lot more money back selling the Brompton if I replaced it with an ebike folder than I would the Specialized.
Estarli e20.8 Play: Lightweight Foldable E-bike | The Cycle Company
I have booked a test ride at The Cycle Company in Shawford, Winchester on Monday, so I should get a clearer idea of the suitability (or lack of) of the bike I have in mind.
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I hardly ever leave my bike anywhere, but when I do, wherever possible I make sure it remains in sight, with the GPS tracker light primed to send me a text if movement is detected. I carry my 20" wheeled Dahon Helios P8 mid-drive conversion into supermarmarkets and offices etc. Gatekeepers don't mind, particularly if it's bagged, especially if they can't see what it is. I've never carried a Brompton, but I fancy it's a heck of a lot more luggable than a 20" folder, therefore I strongly suggest you test the viability of your significantly bulkier and heavier Estrali carry plan.
These "El Bolso" bags very occasionally turn up on ebay - simply lay the bag flat, lift the bike on, heave it onto your shoulder. There are no zips to be fouled up by the weight or break:
World Wheels - The No 1 internet source for Dahon Folding Bikes in UK and EU
World Wheels: Online Retailer of Dahon folding bicycles. We carry Dahon's complete line of portable folding bicycles and folding bike accessories.
www.cyclemotion.co.uk
BTW, that's a Dahon Helios P8 depicted bagged above, the inferior version without mudguards and pannier rack.
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Cant deny full suspension becomes more attractive on an ebike with the extra time spent in the saddle. And a suspension seat post is high on my wish list as a consequence. While i may have been a tad hyperbolic in presenting the downsides of some branded machines, the general intent was just to highlight possible pitfalls for the OP..
And granted my tastes run cheap, not everyone is the same..
Hope the test ride is illuminating @steveclarke The single thing that threw me getting on an ebike was the difference in control from what i expected after riding motorcycles. While a throttle of sorts was fitted (thumb trigger) it was operable for walk mode alone and the selection of a PAS level 1 through to 5 sets the assistance level or the speed cap at witch the motor cuts out. So with pas level1 selected for example on pedalling detected the motor applies full power until the level 1 pas speed cap is hit at which point motor assistance stops.
Precise motor control under these circumstances is however very easily achieved with simple application of the brake cut off sensors, cracking a brake lever to cut the motor without engaging brakes is a knack you will pick up in minutes ...
Still if unaware its a bit of a shock, was for me at least ... this was with a system that uses a cadence based pas sensor which is by far the most prevalent, however some bikes use torque sensors and apply power more in proportion to the actual pedal input, which on paper sounds better, but the brake crack knack will probably still develop.
Btw Bromptons are popular for conversions too and iirc Woosh do kits tailored for them - ok-- will get my coat..
And granted my tastes run cheap, not everyone is the same..
Hope the test ride is illuminating @steveclarke The single thing that threw me getting on an ebike was the difference in control from what i expected after riding motorcycles. While a throttle of sorts was fitted (thumb trigger) it was operable for walk mode alone and the selection of a PAS level 1 through to 5 sets the assistance level or the speed cap at witch the motor cuts out. So with pas level1 selected for example on pedalling detected the motor applies full power until the level 1 pas speed cap is hit at which point motor assistance stops.
Precise motor control under these circumstances is however very easily achieved with simple application of the brake cut off sensors, cracking a brake lever to cut the motor without engaging brakes is a knack you will pick up in minutes ...
Still if unaware its a bit of a shock, was for me at least ... this was with a system that uses a cadence based pas sensor which is by far the most prevalent, however some bikes use torque sensors and apply power more in proportion to the actual pedal input, which on paper sounds better, but the brake crack knack will probably still develop.
Btw Bromptons are popular for conversions too and iirc Woosh do kits tailored for them
- ok-- will get my coat..
Yes indeedy, if a Brompton can cope with light trails, the OP's could be transformed into an eBrompton like @StuartsProjects:Btw Bromptons are popular for conversions too and iirc Woosh do kits tailored for them
eBrompton Build
Why build an eBrompton ? The Brompton is a good bike for shopping or commuting and short range leisure trips. The neatness and compactness of the fold is a compelling advantage, you wont have trouble taking it on public transport or storing it in a corner etc. Fitted with a decent set of ‘easy’...
www.pedelecs.co.uk
Looks nice - I'm building one along the same lines , 20*2.15 puncture resistant multi surface, all season tyres with hydraulic disc brakes. I think being to fold it up and take it with you into work is a real advantage. Dead easy to stick in the boot, drive somewhere, have a ride around. Easier to take on train too.
Gets good reviews https://ebiketips.road.cc/content/reviews/folding-e-bike/estarli-e207-original-pro-4575
I think you might enjoy it so much that you end up needing the battery range extender !
Please let us know how it goes
Steeve when you test that Estarli on Monday take it on some rougher ground that you might ride in the future like towpaths etc. The front forks do not have suspension and the seat tube carries the batteries, so will not take a seat suspension post which always softens the ride for the posterior .The battery capacity is poor at 7Ah for a decent range and the range extender looks to be essential for the rides that you might undertake as also pointed out by Peter above . In any event enquire about the availability and price of a standard battery in case you need a spare .
Their publicity blurb is flowery and they don`t dwell on the technical aspects much . For instance is that a thumb throttle on the handlebar ? What is the battery capacity of the range extender ? Be satisfied that it meets your requirements as it is at the top of the price range for what`s on offer . I suppose assembled in the UK would justify some of the premium . Also make sure the model you are interested in is equipped with mudguards , otherwise puddles will give you a lapfull of water . My Fat Tyre with skimpy mudguards is not so good in Winter for this reason .
Their publicity blurb is flowery and they don`t dwell on the technical aspects much . For instance is that a thumb throttle on the handlebar ? What is the battery capacity of the range extender ? Be satisfied that it meets your requirements as it is at the top of the price range for what`s on offer . I suppose assembled in the UK would justify some of the premium . Also make sure the model you are interested in is equipped with mudguards , otherwise puddles will give you a lapfull of water . My Fat Tyre with skimpy mudguards is not so good in Winter for this reason .
You don't understand economics. You take an £800 bike and offer it for £1200 to make a good profit. People think it's a bit expensive, so you have to make it easier for them to buy it. You therefore increase the cost to £1600 and offer the Cycle to work scheme, so that they can get a 30% discount and have the money taken from their wages. You still get your £1200 and the buyer saves £400, so everybody wins.
Thanks Roger
The Estarli folder is not the only option I'm considering, they also do an Estarli 28 inch wheel bike available in the same store.
Estarli E28.9 Lightweight Hybrid Electric Bike
Introducing the Estarli e28.9 - the ultimate lightweight hybrid electric bike. Perfect for both gravel tracks and city commuting.
www.thecyclecompany.co.uk
If I go non-folder, I think spending some money on heavy locks and an alarm would be advisable which I'll have to factor into the overall cost.
There is also a Cube bike at Pedal Heaven which I haven't ruled out
2025 Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 500 Night Black
The <strong>Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 500</strong> offers an unbeatable combination of power, agility, and cutting-edge technology.Designed for those who want to venture off the beaten path or cruise through city streets with ease, this versatile e-bike comes equipped with the latest...
www.pedalheaven.co.uk
The Cube will be difficult to fit mudguards and a rack to so that one is a very much a backup plan if I hate the Estarlis after test riding them.
I'm not sure in what way the Estarli folder is "insanely overpriced". The cheapest Brompton I've seen is £2,900.00.
There are very many lower priced Chinese ebike folders but I want something my local bike shop will service.
I'm hoping to be able to test ride on a mix of terrain on Monday. I'll report back once I'm done.
Long story short - shite components at extortionate price. If you insist on splashing out money on ready made disposable bike at least shop around more. Check this one
Rocky Mountain Fusion PowerPlay 30 Electric Mountain Bike Black/Red
From busy commutes, to gravel exploring to singletrack cruising, the Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay is your hardtail multi-tool.
www.paulscycles.co.uk
or even better deal:
Raymon TrailRay 160e 10.0 29 Electric Mountain Bike Deep Red
Proper power and endurance: the R Raymon TrailRay 160e 10.0 is your riding companion for off-road adventures.
www.paulscycles.co.uk
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Except this Estrali might be worth maybe max £400. At £250 it would be a good deal.
https://ebiketips.road.cc/content/reviews/folding-e-bike/estarli-e207-original-pro-4575
Zoom up pictures from review posted by Peter to see a lot of rust.
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Yes I noticed the rust on the sprockets and spindle nut , but thought` it can`t be `. The Tester seems to have it it for 6 months and seems far too big for it .
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