My New Bike! - Schwimm Tailwind

[flecc]

Don't be fooled by some of the reviews you can find on the web, all of them written in the context of it being a hi end priced bike. Which I think probably contributed to the model not doing well. Now you can pick them up for £500.00 or so (I got mine for £600) you have yourself a fantastic machine!

The other reason for reviewers being biased negatively was the very poor experience with the earlier Schwinn e-bike model. This was chaotically programmed, the motor overgeared and it suffered many controller failures. They've obviously learnt, but I would still criticise the choice of a battery type designed for e-cars. E-bikes need high capacity with minimum weight and bulk, and SCiB doesn't fulfil that criteria.

 

[fatboytrig]

Yes, the bike is a heavy one with or without the battery, actually. However, this kind of adds in some way to the smoothness of the ride. I can pick it up but then I'm a big strong boy.

I think they have made a few mods from the earlier version of this particular model, although I note you are referring to the reliability of even older models. for e.g. a criticism in a review from early on for the tailwind, it said about the battery rattling when going over bumps. I think they have now installed a battery lock to keep it in place as there is a lock that really secures it and no rattle as yet.

 

[flecc]

Yes, it was a very different model I was referring to, and it didn't have a 24 volt SCiB battery, just a 36 volt lithium-ion battery and potentially higher performance (until the controller burnt out).

 

[fatboytrig]

I have just been out again on it for a 5 miler and overtook my first drop handlebar brigade going up hill. Ha ha ha. it was great. Oh and didn't they try to keep up. I then went downhill and they still couldn't catch me... love it! I am the best! ner ner nu ner ner e.t.c.

 

[kitchenman]

UNBOXED video:

YouTube - ‪MOV00199.mp4‬‏

 

[PJM]

Well after months of hovering, on the strength of this topic I have bitten the bullet and ordered one at £499.00 with free delivery. My planned route is hilly but the dual purpose of the purchase is transport plus exercise. I would hope that if I can persist it will serve its purpose. The price is a great incentive as my occasional use, possibly only two or three times a week, was such that I could not justify anywhere from £1 - £2 K on a bike. I have gone for the step thru as I might be able to encourage the wife to have a go. The planned journey is only just over 6 miles so range is not really an issue. Fingers crossed and I will let you know how I get on.

 

[indalo]

At £499.00, the Schwinn Tailwind really is a lot of bike for the money. It's hardly state of the art but anyone looking for a full-size, Dutch-style bike would need to pay that kind of money for a good quality non-powered bike.

The fact that it has powered assistance on board, I see as a bonus so it has to be a "steal" at the money being asked. It's the price of a battery for a premium ebike and if it only lasts 2 years, like a battery, how can anyone complain about that?

Indalo

 

[flecc]

The fact that it has powered assistance on board, I see as a bonus so it has to be a "steal" at the money being asked. It's the price of a battery for a premium ebike and if it only lasts 2 years, like a battery, how can anyone complain about that?

Indalo

And there are indications that an SCiB battery may have a longer life than most common lithium types, possibly much longer. 6000 charge/discharge cycles with minimal capacity loss has been spoken of. It's just a pity about the low capacity to size and weight ratio.
.

 

[kitchenman]

Well after months of hovering, on the strength of this topic I have bitten the bullet and ordered one at £499.00 with free delivery. My planned route is hilly but the dual purpose of the purchase is transport plus exercise. I would hope that if I can persist it will serve its purpose. The price is a great incentive as my occasional use, possibly only two or three times a week, was such that I could not justify anywhere from £1 - £2 K on a bike. I have gone for the step thru as I might be able to encourage the wife to have a go. The planned journey is only just over 6 miles so range is not really an issue. Fingers crossed and I will let you know how I get on.

Hi PJM, Nice one. I almost ordered one today for my brother but my card is max's out! ..never mind ...nearly pay day! ..
Where did you get it? Chain reaction? Have you got the URL:

 

[PJM]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=55968

How long was the assembly time in your unboxing and what tools were required. It is being delivered to my office and I plan to build it and ride the 9 miles home.

 

[fatboytrig]

It comes mostly built. Just need to snip off the cable ties (although not all of them, so be careful), remove some protective cardboard, adjust the handle bars, a couple of other bits. Nothing major and you only need adjustable spanner, Allen key set. Screw on the peddles and you are done. First charge takes 30 - 40 minutes max and you are good to go. It was actually very easy.
Oh, yes and pump up the tyres ;-)

Have fun with it. I love mine!

 

[banbury frank]

Hi

A small tip Peddles have a left and right hand Thread They should be marked L and R

So one you have to screw in the way you wold normally Unscrew

Screw in by hand most off the way Don't force on

Frank

 

[kitchenman]

It comes mostly built. Just need to snip off the cable ties (although not all of them, so be careful), remove some protective cardboard, adjust the handle bars, a couple of other bits. Nothing major and you only need adjustable spanner, Allen key set. Screw on the peddles and you are done. First charge takes 30 - 40 minutes max and you are good to go. It was actually very easy.
Oh, yes and pump up the tyres ;-)

Have fun with it. I love mine!

I'd like to point out that fbt had organized a team of "specialists" who helped solve the various problems that are encounted. Like "why dont these pedals go on" and "whats this plastic stuff for" and "why are the handlebars loose" ....

 

[Graeme]

Interesting!
Does anyone have any ideas about replacement parts for this bike?
How much a replacement/spare battery would cost or if there is higher capacity batteries available?
I've had a search but no joy.
I presume there is no warranty at this price

 

[fatboytrig]

There certainly should be a warranty! I am yet to register mine but I will. Just because they are flogging them off cheap doesn't mean that they come without, ... does it?

As for replacement parts, I was not clever enough to look into that before purchasing. I just assumed that there would be as they are sold here.... didn't think about it :-(

Actually, come to think of it. I think I am an actual idiot.

 

[PJM]

I am working on the basis that all the cycle parts are probably replaceable with 'similar' items. Scwinn still exist and are big players in the states. I might try and see what the replacement battery deal is. However I am guessing that if it lasts for the '2000' charge cycles it will have paid for itself over and again and it will be interesting to see if this type of battery will have the '2 Year' cliff edge that others seem to fall off of. It would be interesting for one of the forum electronics experts to have a look and see what replacement motor options might be available.

 

[Graeme]

I'm thinking not only of replacement batteries when this one packs in, which will be some time I assume, but an additional battery (with greater capacity) to give further range.
It looks like a great bike but the 'engine' ie battery and motor, for me is my main concern.
£500 purchase price would definitely allow for the purchase of an additional battery, if they could be found!
;-)

 

[flecc]

I am working on the basis that all the cycle parts are probably replaceable with 'similar' items. Scwinn still exist and are big players in the states. I might try and see what the replacement battery deal is. However I am guessing that if it lasts for the '2000' charge cycles it will have paid for itself over and again and it will be interesting to see if this type of battery will have the '2 Year' cliff edge that others seem to fall off of. It would be interesting for one of the forum electronics experts to have a look and see what replacement motor options might be available.

As I posted above, the battery may last well into the future if forecasts prove accurate.

The existing controller isn't suitable for other motors and it woud be best not to attempt change of motor or controller. The existing setup is low power to suit the SCiB battery which has much less capacity than other lithium types. Changing to a more conventional motor and controller will result in a very short range and possibly a shortening of a potentially very long battery life, unless the battery is changed to a more conventional one at the same time.