new BH Neo range available in June 2011

[whibbles52]

I've been away from the forum for a while but searched through the posts and couldn't find of mention of the new BH Neo range available in June 2011 ?

YouTube - bh neo emotion bicis electrica
The range of electric bikes: BH bikes catalog | BH E-Motion

I would be very interested to hear any comments from the Forum experts.

 

[Blew it]

Strangely attractive machines. Interesting to note the use of in-frame battery allowing a triple chain-wheel giving a very useful range of 24 gears.

It appears assistance is controlled by a chain-tension sensor in the rear drop-outs. There is mention of regenerative braking which may not be welcome, unless of course it can switched off if preferred.

This type of machine will probably appeal to the younger and fitter riders who are now taking an interest in electric bikes.

Regards
Bob

 

[z0mb13e]

I like the look of these with the battery forming part of the frame. Very nicely done, especially this one

36v 9Ah is a decent enough capacity if the batteries aren't ridiculously expensive I will give these serious consideration if/when I next look at a new bike.


Edit: It really deserves a picture...

 

[carpetbagger]

nice,people won't look at one on the street and think 'thats an electric bike,i'll have that'..it will be 'thats a nice bike ,i will have that' and when they realise they will be doubly pleased !

 

[tillson]

A very attractive bike and innovative use of the battery.

With the battery forming such a major part to the look of the frame / bike, they really will have the customer by the gooleys when it comes to replacement time. This will result in the owner being very vulnerable to exploitation over the battery price. I wouldn't be comfortable with that situation. Rather a shame really.

 

[z0mb13e]

nice,people won't look at one on the street and think 'thats an electric bike,i'll have that'..it will be 'thats a nice bike ,i will have that' and when they realise they will be doubly pleased !

I did think it looked very nick-able! Still, once it is decked out with panniers it won't look half so desirable

 

[indalo]

Yes, I too think it's a smart-looking bike but there's nothing new about hiding the battery in the frame. That's been done before; Sparta is one company which readily springs to mind.

The good point, of course, is that it negates the frame extension required for behind the seatpost battery mounting. Because of that extra wheelbase, my ebike is not only too heavy for the bike rack channels on my motorhome; it's also too long so that the wheel contact points don't sit fully within the channels.

Regards,
Indalo

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I think this type of battery storage looks really nice: However, a replacement battery is sure to be very expensive because you'll need to pay for the special housing. Those rectangular aluminium cased batteries that fit on the rear rack don't look so nice, but you can buy them from China for about £150.

 

[z0mb13e]

Expensive will be relative. After all I am looking at £500 odd for a replacement for my current Whisper as it likely won't have much oomph left for next winter.

 

[gerryscott]

The weight of 24kg is surprising,looking at it,I thought it would be less.

 

[flecc]

It's basically following the same route as Kalkhoff, as they did with the Panasonic powered bikes. This time it's with the BionX motor, the same as the Kalkhoff Image model. Of course that is a switchable regenerating motor, but very few owners find the regen worth bothering with.

The in-frame battery is a bit better than the same looking Sparta one that Indalo mentions, since unlike that, it can be swapped easily just like any other e-bike battery.

 

[RoadieRoger]

The trouble with looking pretty is that maintenance and accessibility is poor . Think of the sleek faired- in Pacific steam locos of the Southern Railway in the 1950`s .They soon removed the fancy tinwork and went back to practicality . They called them re-built afterwards .