As we already have two formal, and favourable, Mistral reviews on the site with both of which I agree, the following is a description of some modifications I have made rather than a review:
The photo (Upgraded Mistral) shows the Mistral with various
upgrades which I have added, but I should like to make it clear that I
found the Mistral to be a very competent electric bike straight out of
the box (after assembly!). The upgrades just make it more
sophisticated, safer perhaps, and pleasanter to ride, but not to a
marked degree, so that some may think spending around £250 to upgrade
a £400 bike is a bit foolish, but the end result, in my opinion, is
comparable, and in some cases better than, other examples only available
for twice the upgraded price (many of which are described and discussed on this site).
The upgrades are as follows: the "tractor" tyres replaced by Marathon
Plus for their puncture resistance, and smoother ride; the front wheel and useless rim dynamo replaced by a hub dynamo wheel for continuous, and continuously
available, lighting; the gear block replaced by a Shimano Megarange for
the 13 tooth high gear rather than the 34 tooth bottom gear, although
the latter can be occasionally useful; the rear lamp replaced by a Busch
and Muller stand light which remains lit when stationary; Electron
flashers added to the seatpost and handlebars; seatpost replaced with a
black one with graduated markings to facilitate setting for use by
different-sized members of the family; and the cushion seat replaced by
something more manly (although it suits female riders very well too);
pinger bell; speedometer/odometer added to monitor speed and better
judge battery range, and the most essential safety item, a bar mirror
(Mirrycle). I also replaced the pedals with folding ones to facilitate loading on to motorised transport.
Also, not visible in the photo, is a break in the power cable under the
rear chain stay. This has been remade with connectors so that it will
be easier to remove the rear wheel if the Marathon Plus tyres do not
live up to their manufacturer's claims.
The photo (Upgraded Mistral) shows the Mistral with various
upgrades which I have added, but I should like to make it clear that I
found the Mistral to be a very competent electric bike straight out of
the box (after assembly!). The upgrades just make it more
sophisticated, safer perhaps, and pleasanter to ride, but not to a
marked degree, so that some may think spending around £250 to upgrade
a £400 bike is a bit foolish, but the end result, in my opinion, is
comparable, and in some cases better than, other examples only available
for twice the upgraded price (many of which are described and discussed on this site).
The upgrades are as follows: the "tractor" tyres replaced by Marathon
Plus for their puncture resistance, and smoother ride; the front wheel and useless rim dynamo replaced by a hub dynamo wheel for continuous, and continuously
available, lighting; the gear block replaced by a Shimano Megarange for
the 13 tooth high gear rather than the 34 tooth bottom gear, although
the latter can be occasionally useful; the rear lamp replaced by a Busch
and Muller stand light which remains lit when stationary; Electron
flashers added to the seatpost and handlebars; seatpost replaced with a
black one with graduated markings to facilitate setting for use by
different-sized members of the family; and the cushion seat replaced by
something more manly (although it suits female riders very well too);
pinger bell; speedometer/odometer added to monitor speed and better
judge battery range, and the most essential safety item, a bar mirror
(Mirrycle). I also replaced the pedals with folding ones to facilitate loading on to motorised transport.
Also, not visible in the photo, is a break in the power cable under the
rear chain stay. This has been remade with connectors so that it will
be easier to remove the rear wheel if the Marathon Plus tyres do not
live up to their manufacturer's claims.
