Making a shortlist!

[Angelnorth]

Hello all - there seems to be a whole host of experience and expertise here so I'm hoping you might be able to help me out a little. I've read lots of threads, reviews etc and I'm trying to build up a shortlist so I can figure out whether/where I might be able to test ride various models.

I live in Hadrian's Wall country - if I want to cycle from my front door, there's always going to be a hill and that's meant I haven't cycled since living here. My dad has just bought an electric bike which set me thinking...

I'm 5' 8", late 40s, female, slim/average build but totally unfit! I used to cycle-commute to work 20 years ago but haven't cycled at all for 15 years or so.

I think I need a step-through frame as some health issues mean I can't guarantee enough "lift" to swing a leg over a cross bar. I'd be leisure riding, mostly on country lanes, maybe the odd bridle way but no real off-road stuff. The area's pretty hilly. I'd like to get up to around the 20 mile range as fitness improves.

Budget is around £1000.

I've looked at:

• Batribike Diamond (there's a stockist at Hexham so this would be easy to try out)
• Juicy Classic Click

Any advice on anything else I might add to that list? Anybody from Juicy advise me on whether there are any stockists closer than York?

Thanks for reading!

 

[trex]

add the woosh Santana to your shortlist.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?santana2

 

[Angelnorth]

Thank you!

Am I right in thinking that Southend is the only place I could see one "in the flesh", it's web sales other than that?

Also - and this is probably a dumb question - is there an advantage to a mixed approach to brakes? (I see the Santana has disc at the front, V at the back.)

 

[trex]

is there an advantage to a mixed approach to brakes? (I see the Santana has disc at the front, V at the back.)

Yes.
Disc brakes are usually most effective at the front where most of the braking is done, so it pays to have for a good set of brakes in the front. The Santana has SRAM Avid disc brakes fitted, they are usually considered the best brand in the business and they comparatively have larger pads than products in the same class. The front wheel also has quick release. If you have V-brakes at the front, you will have to loosen the V-brakes first, it's a bit messy to do if you are not used to. With disc brakes, it's quick and simple, loosen the quick release skewer and the wheel drops out without further ado.
The rear V-brakes are Tektro's. One of the best brands. V-brakes are less brutal on the bike spokes. The Santana has rear wheel motor, so less stressful braking is a good thing.

 

[JuicyBike]

Anybody from Juicy advise me on whether there are any stockists closer than York?

You're dead right to try before you buy as each bike is different for each rider.

I am away right now and can not check stock at York, Whitby or Edinburgh, but those may be equally far from you. At least all three locations are well worth a visit in their own right. The Batribike is similar in terms of power and size - I'm not sure if their reach is as easily adjustable as our Classic.

If you can make the extra effort to get to the Peak District then we can give you a bike to try out amongst our own brand of hills - worth it just for the fun of experiencing a new set of sights and smells. I think our hills compare well with your own. And you can make your own mind up without any pressure selling from us.

 

[Angelnorth]

Thanks for the extra info, Trex.

Thanks Bob - yes, York, Whitby and Edinburgh are all a bit of a distance but could be doable if I twist hubby's arm a bit. Come to think of it I might be able to piggy-back on a business trip of his to either York or Edinburgh if I could wrangle the timing. You're in New Mills, yes? Shame we don't still live in Glossop! We do have family in Cheshire and further south in Derbyshire though so maybe we could fix up a combined visit to them and trip over to you.

 

[wightrider]

I've got an AXCEES/FREEGO step thru (through budget not choice) and take it over some rough tracks as well as cycle track and roads on my commute. Considering it's an ex-hire bike it is coping really well with my demands. Mine is rear wheel drive with rear disc. I know it should be, but, the rear disc is no more effective than V brakes I find and yes it is adjusted correctly. The fronts are the traditional V and work very well with front suspension. I carry pannier bags on mine and the only thing I would warn about is that these bikes are heavier than normal bikes and that extra weight can cause punctures on tracks which may not hurt normal bikes. I now avoid those tracks AND have added puncture resistant tyres with SLIME added to the inner tubes and so far I've been ok. Good luck with your search, ebikes are a great way to get about and make cycling over distance so much more pleasurable.

 

[JuicyBike]

Thanks Bob - yes, York, Whitby and Edinburgh are all a bit of a distance but could be doable if I twist hubby's arm a bit. Come to think of it I might be able to piggy-back on a business trip of his to either York or Edinburgh if I could wrangle the timing. You're in New Mills, yes? Shame we don't still live in Glossop! We do have family in Cheshire and further south in Derbyshire though so maybe we could fix up a combined visit to them and trip over to you.

You'd be very welcome, but do call those shops first to check stock. At this time of year sales are at their peak and bikes are flying out - we can usually replenish within days but it would be wise to check before you set off. Wherever you head for, have a safe journey.

 

[cyberdyne_systems]

Good luck with the search, I'm embarking on a similar thing myself.

 

[Angelnorth]

Thanks for the input Wightrider, I'd thought about extra weight but not in terms of its potential for extra punctures!

Yes, a phone call would be wise I agree, Bob!

Good luck to you, too Cyberdyne - there seems to be lots of useful info here so hopefully we'll both be able to reach conclusions to suit.

 

[D8ve]

Read learn then test ride as many bikes as you can.

 

[Electric Transport Shop]

Hi AngelNorth
I agree with D8ve - test riding is the most important thing and you can do plenty of that at our York store: https://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/yorkstore
If I can help further just let me know.
KR
Eddie

 

[Angelnorth]

Thank you - I'll have a good look through the site to see what makes/models you stock and see if there's anything I'd like to add to the list of possibilities!