Hill climbing ability and range

[Conal]

Bike size

Mussels

I agree - intially I felt that the 26" wheels and the shorter frame (than my non-electric bike) would be a problem but now I am used to it and do not have a problem. I am 5' 9" with a long back.

The upside is that even with the elongated frame to accomodate the battery behind the seat post, the bike just fits in my estate (car that is!).

 

[Scatty]

I tried many different e-bikes before i settled for the Giant twist 2009 model but i wish id of waited for a couple of months & bought one of these Mantra City 36v New 2010 Model (Powered and Electric Bikes Largest Range In UK)
which i tried recently & it was absolutly brilliant on the hills i would say better than the giant & the 14ah wisper which i tried when i was in bristol a couple of months ago. if only i had the money

 

[eddieo]

I want a lighter bike not a heavier one......Why I am considering a kit. should end up with a much better bike and around 20kg as well

 

[flecc]

Does Panasonic = Kalkhoff?

Yes, nearly every Kalkhoff e-bike uses the Panasonic chain drive system.

The Panasonic index page on my website shows the makes which use the old and new Panasonic units:

Panasonic advice Index Page
.

 

[drago35uk]

I think I like the look of the Emotion Cross. I can see £1400 in the high quality components used there. It climbs hills too

 

[eddieo]

I think I like the look of the Emotion Cross. I can see £1400 in the high quality components used there. It climbs hills too

Good choice I think for a non hub motor bike, I will get around to trying one.

a year ago when I started this I used the throttle all the time I hardly use it these days.......

 

[alex_h]

what about Heinzmann???

why is Heinzmann not being so popular here in the UK. they offer such a greatly sophisticated system with really professional gearing system and the highest torque I ve seen so far. or is it something that the Brits don't really like German hub motors?

I also heard that the Heinzmann motors are so reliable that can last easily couple of years, if something goes wrong you can get it serviced and every spare part for the motor is available. That sounds good as to me!

 

[Mussels]

Am I right in thinking that the best ready made bike to achieve the best of both the above is the Wisper 14A?
My commute is 25miles involving crossing the Pennines(2 long climbs each way)
Thanks
Mike

I've assumed that you mean 25 miles each way, is it that or 25 miles round trip?

 

[AndyOfTheSouth]

alex_h: agree, it is a bit mysterious about the lack of enthusiasm for the Heinzmann motors.

I tried out some bikes fitted with them at Presteigne. Was very impressed with their torque - much more powerful than most other systems. This was particularly true of the (noisy) steel geared versions, though the nylon geared ones were very good too. They do seem rather expensive, which is a bit off-putting.

Nonetheless, if they also have very low motor drag (which I think they do, though I stand to be corrected on this), then they do offer something which is quite attractive.

If you want a hub motor with the best hill-climbing capability, Heinzmann is the one.

 

[flecc]

why is Heinzmann not being so popular here in the UK. they offer such a greatly sophisticated system with really professional gearing system and the highest torque I ve seen so far. or is it something that the Brits don't really like German hub motors?

I also heard that the Heinzmann motors are so reliable that can last easily couple of years, if something goes wrong you can get it serviced and every spare part for the motor is available. That sounds good as to me!

They are well made, but high prices for what they are doesn't help, and they can hardly be called sophisticated.

They are an very old design brush motor system and drive is assymetric with a single spur gear, somewhat noisy especially on the steel geared high powered versions. Today's motors are generally Hall effect brushless types with symmetrical epicyclic gear reduction. A couple of members in here have mentioned needing new brushes on Heinzmann motors after two years service, which doesn't compare favourably with brushless motors which generally run for at least four to five years with regular use without need for maintenance.
.

 

[Marky T]

Hi all,

I love my Rush Trek, maybe not up there with the others but I think a good all rounder, totally bias though.

 

[alex_h]

They are well made, but high prices for what they are doesn't help, and they can hardly be called sophisticated.

They are an very old design brush motor system and drive is assymetric with a single spur gear, somewhat noisy especially on the steel geared high powered versions. Today's motors are generally Hall effect brushless types with symmetrical epicyclic gear reduction. A couple of members in here have mentioned needing new brushes on Heinzmann motors after two years service, which doesn't compare favourably with brushless motors which generally run for at least four to five years with regular use without need for maintenance.
.

ok, i'm new to the topic so i wont argue here with you Flecc, I rather think that even the old designs can be better than many other ones. I think Heinzmann is really something worth to consider particularly if you have already your favourite bike

 

[fishingpaul]

Hi all,

I love my Rush Trek, maybe not up there with the others but I think a good all rounder, totally bias though.

I have not seen any of these on ebay recently, do you know if they are still being sold.

 

[fishingpaul]

That looks like a nice bike then, the 9 speed cassette has a better range of gears and it has decent components. Not enough to tempt me away from the 906 though as it's still too small.

How about the torq, it is a bigger bike with the same motor i think and now has the 14ah battery.

 

[fatts]

Try the Powabyke X bike range I find them good

 

[Mussels]

How about the torq, it is a bigger bike with the same motor i think and now has the 14ah battery.

Good suggestion but the gear range is restricted compared to the 906 and I have doubts about support, Ezee themselves are a company I'd trust but issues with importers put me off. My bikes have a hard life and if there's a design weakness I'm likely to find it (Ezee have had them too), Wisper have put them all right and changed their designs to prevent it happening again. Downtime is expensive for me so the local support from Wisper is a big plus point, plus David Miall is closer to me than any ebike retailer.

 

[drago35uk]

I've assumed that you mean 25 miles each way, is it that or 25 miles round trip?

Yes each way.

 

[Mussels]

Yes each way.

Then I think you will need a quick bike with a large battery, it takes me about an hour and a half for 20 miles. The obvious choices are Wisper or Ezee but they may not give you the help you need on the hills depending how fit you are. The hub motors do help a lot even on steep hills, I find I can manage twice the speed of cyclists much fitter than me on steeper hills and gentle hills they can go quicker than me.
Have you tried it on a normal bike and how long did it take?

 

[jkirkebo]

I have an Ezee Forza and would definately buy one again. It's built like a tank. Good quality gear components (Deore etc.), rims and motors. No problems so far in the first 1000 miles.

The seat was horrible though (a large gel-filled thing), and the seat post way too short (small frame). I therefore bought a new seat and seatpost and also a straight handle bar as I prefer a more forward riding position.

You can also get a 350W 20mph US version if you don't care too much about it being strictly legal

 

[drago35uk]

Rightly or wrongly after quizzing the chap at Valley Scooters in Bolton again (very helpful chap) we now own a Wisper Sport 14A and a Powacycle Windsor 10 A.