It's hard to choose when you aren't a cyclist...

[damian]

Hi all

I've been looking at more bikes and I'm just becoming more confused! Or maybe more indecisive is a better way of putting it.
A physical shop seems like a good idea. Easy maintenance is another. But electric bikes all seem like such fun!

With the limited dealer options over here I visited the local Freego dealer (Full Cycle) again today and tried a Hawk, and Eagle and a Raptor. I really like the look of the Raptor - it's like a real bike. But the narrow tyres and harder seat took their toll on my backside. I know it'll be harder work to ride than the Eagle but I am fairly fit, not too heavy (70kg) and the ride to work is flat. Do you reckon I'd get used to it? If so the Woosh Karoo is also tempting because it seems similar but has disk brakes. It's an online buy though, and that puts me off a bit.
The guys at Full Cycle were helpful and friendly and that is comforting.

I'm buying on cycle to work, so can't buy until January. Chain Reaction Cycles have a Cube City bike that I like the look of, so I guess that I have another couple of months of indecision...

 

[trex]

take a look also at the woosh Krieger.

http:/wooshibkes.co.uk/?krieger

 

[Nealh]

The tyres and seat are easy to swap so no problem, narrow tyres from 28 - 38 mm should be able to fit speak to your LBS.
Woosh are a very honourable company you will have no problems dealing with them if you order from them, then and find you don't like the bike you will get a full refund lf the bike is not used. This time last year I paid a bit more then 600 for a BBS kit to fit my hybrid if the Karoo had been around I would have got that instead.
Hawk and Eagle are old styling of e-bike battery behind seat post making for a LWB and to me an unpleasing style of design, Raptor looks nice but is a fixie really only for the flat small 200w hub motor which will lack any power for any incline or hills.

 

[Geebee]

Your backside will take time to acclimatise to a bike seat even a softer one.
But it will adjust and as mentioned if you really want to swapping a seat is easy.
The raptor is low powered and with a small battery, more aimed at the cyclist that just wants and extra bit of assist.
The Karoo does look rather nice and the range with that battery should be impressive plus a more powerfull motor, if you intend to commute on it maybe add some mud guards to it down the track.

 

[acm2000]

My arse is slow getting used to my woosh Krieger, even though they kindly switched the saddle for a softer wider one when I bought it, like most things in life it starts out painful but keep pounding away the miles and you will slowly get past it.

Choice of underwear is also a factor, nothing with big seams across your cheeks.

 

[ajh2001]

Haven't cycled in a long time due to health until I hired a freego hawk recently. In three days I cycled 90km - not evenly split either and was absolutely fine. They did swap the seatpost for one with suspension, and put on a gel saddle, but the thing that made the biggest difference was the padded shorts. I have since ridden a couple of different bikes with and without power and the difference the shorts make is considerable. They weren't expensive, I got a cheap pair from amazon that had good reviews.

I fully understand your dilemma as I am in the same boat atm. One day I've decided on a full bike, the next a kit, the next something else again. The only thing I do know for sure is I want a grip twist throttle! Hope your search has a happy ending!

 

[Wingreen]

My arse is slow getting used to my woosh Krieger, even though they kindly switched the saddle for a softer wider one when I bought it, like most things in life it starts out painful but keep pounding away the miles and you will slowly get past it.

Choice of underwear is also a factor, nothing with big seams across your cheeks.

Try the padded underpants (with gel padding) - available on eBay. Doesnt cure it, but it helps:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/261554441802?adgroupid=13585920426&hlpht=true&hlpv=2&rlsatarget=kwd-119183056626&adtype=pla&ff3=1&lpid=122&poi=&ul_noapp=true&limghlpsr=true&ff19=0&device=c&chn=ps&campaignid=207297426&crdt=0&ff12=67&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff14=122&viphx=1&ops=true&ff13=80

 

[acm2000]

Try the padded underpants (with gel padding) - available on eBay. Doesnt cure it, but it helps:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/261554441802?adgroupid=13585920426&hlpht=true&hlpv=2&rlsatarget=kwd-119183056626&adtype=pla&ff3=1&lpid=122&poi=&ul_noapp=true&limghlpsr=true&ff19=0&device=c&chn=ps&campaignid=207297426&crdt=0&ff12=67&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff14=122&viphx=1&ops=true&ff13=80

i never said i didnt like it!

 

[damian]

I fully understand your dilemma as I am in the same boat atm. One day I've decided on a full bike, the next a kit, the next something else again. The only thing I do know for sure is I want a grip twist throttle! Hope your search has a happy ending!

Keep me up to date with with what you decide. I know that a kit doesn't appeal to me - you must be braver than I am.

I really liked the write up about this bike
http://www.smartmotionbikes.co.uk/e-urban.html

Anyone any experience or opinions (Once again no local dealer for me, which is a pity)