I was there on Saturday. Hadn't planned to go, but finished work unexpectedly early in the morning, snap decision made - so managed to arrive in time to squeeze in the last two hours before the 5pm deadline. Beautiful (and quiet) country lanes on the way up, mostly in sunshine - felt like a mini holiday.
Saw someone earnestly snapping photo after photo of the kit-car-like LiFEcar - as you've shown photos of it above - was that you John?
- And Tony Castles people (after a demo ride on two of their bikes) were offering me a 10% discount for Presteigne only, if I agreed to a Nano kit sale there and then that weekend. It's only because as said above, that after sampling so many offerings that I too, am more undecided than ever, that I declined, knowing that I may well buy in the future at a much higher price. Oh well. They took my address details anyway.
Biggest surprise of the show for me? The sheer comfort of the Pro Connect. (The first e-bike that sported a frame suitable for my 6' 2" frame). I was expecting a harsh ride as some comments on here over the last year appertaining to the 'harshness' of the ride with many ruminating on more comfortable tyres etc., Didn't notice, but it looked like the 24 spoke version . . . nah couldn't have been, but it was one of the management's own long-term personal bikes and looked as if it had seen some serious use. If so, the comfort I found was most welcome. I think a lot of retailers are losing out by offering restricted frame sizes; surely it can't be that expensive an option? Was expecting little motor help as the Pro Connect motor cadence is supposed to be set for the mid forties - and mine is in the mid seventies, but I seemed to receive assistance all the way. Impressed. As in, very.
Bit confused with the Cytronex. I was running out of time but I'm pretty sure the demonstrators I sampled were not on Trek frames (ie.,Cannodale?) Still, nice bowling along easily at 17mph in windy conditions on a what I assume is a not-available-to-the-public 210 rpm Cytronex motor, as the website only sells a lower 190rpm? off-road 'high speed' version of the wheel/motor as an accessory. Apparently they have over 150 pre-orders for the yet-to-be-unveiled Cytronex kit (expected Autumn). Checking the old posts on here that kit has been 'due soon' now, for over a year already.
Wisper stand looked deserted every time I passed; maybe they were busy, down on the road setting up the riders for their demo.
The stands area was that busy you couldn't just take-off, but had to practise your track-stands as you braked, to negotiate your way through bikes arrowing, hither and thither, in excitement. Never saw a collision but expected one with the throng of people/kids/cyclists crossing in front of each other without concern or observing what was barreling down on them out of their vision.
-Then, would you believe it? I took off on a Nano-Brompton, IN front off a speeding cyclist who just about managed to brake in time. Doh! Not me? Yes! I was nearly responsible for causing a collision.
Did everyone get a go on the Speed Heinzemann? Over 24mph! Again a deal was offered against list price because it was 'an ex-demo bike'. Terrific fun.
Once out on the open road, I found a short, but serious bit of climb, and was reminded that they are all assist-only. So much so, that I have discovered a new found respect for my 'cheapo' Sailsbury. I was expecting the experience to leave the Salisbury dead in the water. But it felt comparable to them all (on the climbs) - but then again I am 16/17 stone depending. I'd swear my Salisbury was the quietest motor of them all too, (maybe because the Salisbury motor is so under-stressed?) To be fair it was a very windy day on Saturday with the wind wiping my cap off smartly whilst motoring along on the super-fast 400watt, (ahem 'off-road') Speed Heinzemann.
Very enjoyable afternoon; well worth the effort.
