Hi All
Well I just got my first pedelec.
I changed my original ideas, after some good advice from the experts here, and bought a used, well known brand as a first step, instead of a kit or self build.
I found a nearly new, good condition, Giant Suede for not much more than an e-bay import or kit.
I got it from Hilderthorpe Cycles and their support and assistance so far has been great.
The build quality of everything I can see is very good and there is nothing to rust at all. All of the features I need are there and the electric parts and harness are neatly encased.
I know the Suede is not the 'pick of the crop' here but it will get me started, at a price that will allow me to tinker with it later.
The power on demand modification from andrewelecricbike1 looks particularly interesting!
The Sanyo motor drag hopefully won't be a problem as I will only use the Suede unassisted in an emergency.
The battery life seems to be the only potential future problem, based on comments here and elsewhere, but the battery box is large so hopefully I will be able to fit newer technology or better quality cells in there when the need arises.
My Suede has a new battery so hopefully I will get a reasonable life from it.
The bike weighs 20kg without battery, only 4kg more than my old Raleigh push bike. This is important as it will be strapped to the back of my motorhome. The battery will be charged in the 'van using an inverter while I drive around, or on-site at night.
I take a bike with me when I travel in my motorhome, which I do quite a lot, so my forthcoming eight week trip to France and Spain should give it a good test. Tough work but somebodies got to do it!
I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks for all you help.
Well I just got my first pedelec.
I changed my original ideas, after some good advice from the experts here, and bought a used, well known brand as a first step, instead of a kit or self build.
I found a nearly new, good condition, Giant Suede for not much more than an e-bay import or kit.
I got it from Hilderthorpe Cycles and their support and assistance so far has been great.
The build quality of everything I can see is very good and there is nothing to rust at all. All of the features I need are there and the electric parts and harness are neatly encased.
I know the Suede is not the 'pick of the crop' here but it will get me started, at a price that will allow me to tinker with it later.
The power on demand modification from andrewelecricbike1 looks particularly interesting!
The Sanyo motor drag hopefully won't be a problem as I will only use the Suede unassisted in an emergency.
The battery life seems to be the only potential future problem, based on comments here and elsewhere, but the battery box is large so hopefully I will be able to fit newer technology or better quality cells in there when the need arises.
My Suede has a new battery so hopefully I will get a reasonable life from it.
The bike weighs 20kg without battery, only 4kg more than my old Raleigh push bike. This is important as it will be strapped to the back of my motorhome. The battery will be charged in the 'van using an inverter while I drive around, or on-site at night.
I take a bike with me when I travel in my motorhome, which I do quite a lot, so my forthcoming eight week trip to France and Spain should give it a good test. Tough work but somebodies got to do it!
I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks for all you help.
