Kudos Secret vs Kudos K16

[flecc]

So this puts a big question mark on top of the K16 as I have never ridden in London weather without mudguards...

I am getting more and more confused every day about how to choose a folding e-bike that actually fits my need..

If I go for the Secret I get all the above but loose the opportunity to carry it on tube/train and it's heavier to lift up the stairs.

If I go for the K16 I got lightweight and portability but no mudguards/lights/bell.

This is a big problem for everyone with e-folders. A to B Magazine are folder and e-bike specialists with huge experience and their honest opinion is that no e-folder yet is truly portable, 15 kilos upwards being too much to carry for any length of time or up flights of stairs.

And even at 15 kilos there's lots of compromises like being ill-equipped and having small wheels. The only really universally good e-folders have full length frames, 20" wheels and full equipment. I had one, but it weighed over 25 kilos and was even difficult to put into the car boot.

It's a fundamental design problem with the materials available at sensible prices,
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[Floorfilla]

This is a big problem for everyone with e-folders. A to B Magazine are folder and e-bike specialists with huge experience and their honest opinion is that no e-folder yet is truly portable, 15 kilos upwards being too much to carry for any length of time or up flights of stairs.

And even at 15 kilos there's lots of compromises like being ill-equipped and having small wheels. The only really universally good e-folders have full length frames, 20" wheels and full equipment. I had one, but it weighed over 25 kilos and was even difficult to put into the car boot.

It's a fundamental design problem with the materials available at sensible prices,
.

What would you recommend in my situation?

I am relatively fit to carry an unfolded bike (14 to max 17-18kg) up the stairs.

 

[flecc]

It will have to be a folder, since full size e-bikes with mudguards and lights weighing under 18 kilos have to be more exotic and cost far more than £1000.

In the lower price ranges you're already looking at the best options.

The Secret is the only one that really matches what you want. Sensible wrap-around-the-wheels mudguards, lights and a decent gear range, but you have that weight penalty.

Go lighter and you'll either have to give up some benefits or spend far more.
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[Floorfilla]

It will have to be a folder, since full size e-bikes with mudguards and lights weighing under 18 kilos have to be more exotic and cost far more than £1000.

In the lower price ranges you're already looking at the best options.

The Secret is the only one that really matches what you want. Sensible wrap-around-the-wheels mudguards, lights and a decent gear range, but you have that weight penalty.

Go lighter and you'll either have to give up some benefits or spend far more.
.

What about the Cyclotricity Wallet?

At 16.8kg it's basically a compromise between the K16 and the Secret (with the same price of K16).

https://www.cyclotricity.com/uk/motor-homes/wallet-folding-e-bike-n.html

 

[sjpt]

Add mudguards and lights and it surprising how quickly the weight creeps up.

 

[flecc]

What about the Cyclotricity Wallet?

At 16.8kg it's basically a compromise between the K16 and the Secret (with the same price of K16).

https://www.cyclotricity.com/uk/motor-homes/wallet-folding-e-bike-n.html

I didn't know that one but it looks a good match for what you want, and at that reduced price even more attractive. No lights fitted though, so you'll need to add those which will add a little weight.
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[RevBob]

I own two kudos secrets, one is my wife's. They are 2017 versions with lights mudguards a rack and in my case full panniers. They are both fitted with a Bafang SWX02 motor. I have just ordered
A woosh Rio MTB on the strength of the superb hub motor (replacing my Xipi MTB daily ride). We use them for holidays and fun in fact in the peak district and north wales the hill climbing ability on pedal assist or throttle has really impressed me. I have added a suspension seat post and a comfortable saddle. The secret would make an excellent commuter and rides well nearly as good as my non electric dahon 20 inch folder which cost the same as the secret but weighs half as much at 9kg. The crunch is I am not going to carry a secret up 3 flights of stairs as I am 58 and not as fit as I was, my son who runs marathons and is 30 would have no problems. Taking on a train or tube is possible but as an everyday event not that practicable. If I was on a train everyday it would be a converted Brompton with a rucksack battery. To sum up the Kudos secret is superb, capable of distance commuting and climbing steep hills , it also is a bike I want to ride. Carrying the secret is easier because of the handle than my Dahon folder but the weight even into the back of our low slung Toyota estate can be an issue.

 

[Floorfilla]

I own two kudos secrets, one is my wife's. They are 2017 versions with lights mudguards a rack and in my case full panniers. They are both fitted with a Bafang SWX02 motor. I have just ordered
A woosh Rio MTB on the strength of the superb hub motor (replacing my Xipi MTB daily ride). We use them for holidays and fun in fact in the peak district and north wales the hill climbing ability on pedal assist or throttle has really impressed me. I have added a suspension seat post and a comfortable saddle. The secret would make an excellent commuter and rides well nearly as good as my non electric dahon 20 inch folder which cost the same as the secret but weighs half as much at 9kg. The crunch is I am not going to carry a secret up 3 flights of stairs as I am 58 and not as fit as I was, my son who runs marathons and is 30 would have no problems. Taking on a train or tube is possible but as an everyday event not that practicable. If I was on a train everyday it would be a converted Brompton with a rucksack battery. To sum up the Kudos secret is superb, capable of distance commuting and climbing steep hills , it also is a bike I want to ride. Carrying the secret is easier because of the handle than my Dahon folder but the weight even into the back of our low slung Toyota estate can be an issue.

Thank you for your feedback RevBob.

I have no doubt that with a lift I would have chosen the Kudos Secret as it just seems exceptional value for money and I do not need to take it to a train/bus on a daily basis.

However carrying its 20 kg every day up and down the stairs, even for a 31 years old like me, it'd probably cause more inconvenience than just having a normal bike locked on the buildings racks.

The brompton is £2.5k so out of discussion.

I wish I could find more info on this Ciclotricity... the issue with most of these e-bikes is that there are no review whatsoever and it's hard to realise whether it could be a good value for money.

I think I should probably stick with the K16 and compromise on lights with some reflectors and a hi-vis jacket, and using overtrousers to avoid getting splashed without the mudguards...

 

[RevBob]

Thank you for your feedback RevBob.

I have no doubt that with a lift I would have chosen the Kudos Secret as it just seems exceptional value for money and I do not need to take it to a train/bus on a daily basis.

However carrying its 20 kg every day up and down the stairs, even for a 31 years old like me, it'd probably cause more inconvenience than just having a normal bike locked on the buildings racks.

The brompton is £2.5k so out of discussion.

I wish I could find more info on this Ciclotricity... the issue with most of these e-bikes is that there are no review whatsoever and it's hard to realise whether it could be a good value for money.

I think I should probably stick with the K16 and compromise on lights with some reflectors and a hi-vis jacket, and using overtrousers to avoid getting splashed without the mudguards...

I did look at the K16 when buying the secret, I did not like the front wheel drive or the 16 inch wheels as per a brompton ( I rode an american imported bmx in the 60's with 20 inch wheels) I feel 20 inch wheels give you a better pothole experience although it still hurts. I would find the nearest Kudos stockist or go and see Kudos in Kent on the coast, have a seaside day out . At Rallye design they are very helpful. It does pay to try before you buy. If it is any help the build quality of the Kudos bikes are in fact very good and the service with spares etc from Kudos direct is superb. Google Kudos and give them a ring.

 

[RevBob]

On further study of my secret taking the battery out and putting it in my rucksack does make a difference to the weight and may just tip the scales. Remember the all up weight of the secret includes the stdfit rack and mud guards add these to a k16 and the difference is very small.

 

[Floorfilla]

On further study of my secret taking the battery out and putting it in my rucksack does make a difference to the weight and may just tip the scales. Remember the all up weight of the secret includes the stdfit rack and mud guards add these to a k16 and the difference is very small.

Which leads me back to the Cyclotricity Wallet. They do accept cyclescheme voucher so the Wallet with its 16.8kg, 18" wheels and mudguards becomes a strong candidate..

Do you know how much is the weight of the Secret' s battery exactly?

 

[Floorfilla]

After much consideration, I have realised the the most important feature in the choice of my e-bike is portability.

I live very central in east-london (zone 2) and I am covering a very short commute at the moment. I may not know if in 3 months I'll be working 20 miles from home, so I have to decide for something that can cover 10 miles per day with the opportunity of being able to carry in the tube/bus.

I believe the only e-bike that I could actually carry in the tube/bus and up 3 flights of stairs is the Kudos K16. I can easily remedy the light issue with some reflector and a high vis jacket.
In respect of the mudguards, when it's raining I would be wearing overtrousers and waterproof jacket, so any accidental splash wouldn't worry too much.

But it's 10.4aH battery and only 15kgs, makes it the best choice for me.

So thank you all for your advice, I just ordered one!

Looking forward to post a review.

 

[Kelliana]

the K16 is easy to carry but single speed, the Secret is more comfortable to ride but not to carry. If you don't pedal much then K16, if you enjoy pedaling, then the Secret.
Both are excellent value for money.

Hello, I'm a bit late to this thread. Can you help me understand what you mean by "if you like pedalling?"
I'm looking for an e bike. I used to cycle 45 mins every day and then I moved to the suburbs. I need to get myself up a massive hill which is why I'm looking for an ebike but there plenty of bits that I would be able to cycle on a normal push bike.
Thanks, Kelliana