Much needed advice please!

[summers]

Good Morning

I am nearing the end of an 8 week motor-home trip of Central Europe and during our time we have come across many fellow motor-homers with bicycles and quite a number of them with electric bicycles.

These seem an excellent way of getting around once parked up on a site and would also provide some much needed exercise.

Now being a desperately unfit and overweight (23 + stone) near 59 year old, the thought of jumping on a bicycle of any type fills me with dread - however talking to some of the electric bicycle owners and then finding this site/forum set me thinking that a pedal assisted bicycle would be the ideal option to get me on the road and also go some way to improving my weight/health situation.

I realise that many bicycles on the market would collapse under my weight so finding something suitable would be the first criteria. How much should I expect to pay? Are there dealers/shops who have test bicycles I could try out? And finally could anyone recommend a suitable electric bicycle for my 51 year old, 12 stone partner who says she would also like to join me in my new pastime.

Many thanks in advance.

Peter

 

[torrent99]

Good Morning

I am nearing the end of an 8 week motor-home trip of Central Europe and during our time we have come across many fellow motor-homers with bicycles and quite a number of them with electric bicycles.

These seem an excellent way of getting around once parked up on a site and would also provide some much needed exercise.

Now being a desperately unfit and overweight (23 + stone) near 59 year old, the thought of jumping on a bicycle of any type fills me with dread - however talking to some of the electric bicycle owners and then finding this site/forum set me thinking that a pedal assisted bicycle would be the ideal option to get me on the road and also go some way to improving my weight/health situation.

I realise that many bicycles on the market would collapse under my weight so finding something suitable would be the first criteria. How much should I expect to pay? Are there dealers/shops who have test bicycles I could try out? And finally could anyone recommend a suitable electric bicycle for my 51 year old, 12 stone partner who says she would also like to join me in my new pastime.

Many thanks in advance.

Peter

Although they won't quote it in their official specs, many e-bikes are solid enough to take a good weight. Wisper 905 springs to mind just ask David the MD of Wisper (Wisper Bikes on this forum)!

Some of the Powacycle and Powabyke ranges look pretty robust too. In fact so do the some of the Kalkhof range (good robust German engineering).

Reasonable bikes seem to start at around the £500 mark, and extend way up to around £1400.... Generally to be avoided are the cheap imports you see on Ebay, although there can be some unnoticed gems there, but best to do your research carefully before commiting to a supposed "bargain".

It all depends on what you want it for really. What distance you are likely to be cycling, how hilly, how much effort you will be contributing etc.

 

[eddieo]

we have a motorhome and 2 wisper e bikes, there are some pictures on
"NEW 705SE first impressions" thread.

I think the only bike for your weight is probably a wisper......... have you a garage? how would you carry the bikes?

 

[Tim]

The Kalkhoff Agattu XXL is specially designed for larger riders - reinforced frame, rims and a more firmly sprung seatpost.

The XXL tag is a bit of a red herring as they come in the usual frame sizes 45cm, 49cm, 53cm and 57cm, all step through. Pretty much indestructible and the only example of a reinforced electric bike on the market, but with the excellent ride quality you'd expect on an Agattu.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Although they won't quote it in their official specs, many e-bikes are solid enough to take a good weight. Wisper 905 springs to mind just ask David the MD of Wisper (Wisper Bikes on this forum)!

Thanks Torrent!

Here is an image of me on a 705se just the bike I would recommend for your partner.



The 905se Sport has been built with heavier riders in mind, I float between 20 and 21 stone and am very happy on mine..... and the health is gradually getting better.



We hand weld all our bikes and if you look at the frame there are extra webs built in to facilitate the heavier rider.

If you would like to have a test run please let me know your address and I will arrange something for you.

All the best David

 

[summers]

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my queries.

David at Wisper - thanks for the offer of a trial ride - I will contact you when we finally return to the UK from our trip which should be in a couple of weeks time.

Peter

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Trial

Enjoy your holiday!

I look forward to hearing from you on your return.

All the best David