New old bloke.

[GrandadJohn]

Hello all. My name is John, I'm a 69 years old (70 in August) retired service engineer, and until recently I was cycling 10 miles a day.
I own a Cube Touring that I've done 3,500 miles on. So, as you can deduce, I like cycling. I also own a Raleigh folding bike with 20" wheels and 7 gears, which I bought to try travelling to further destinations by train.
I can now see why regular commuters would buy a Brompton! Also, having had to push the Raleigh up some Cumbrian hills, I can see why one would buy a Brompton ebike.
Being nearly 70, a bit asthmatic, and having had covid this year, I think that an ebike would make sense for me. I moved out of Hertfordshire (in the UK) to Cambridgeshire in February 2023. It's much flatter here but, despite that, I was pretty tired after cycling 23 miles two days ago. I was looking at Trek bikes: They have some bikes in their range that have belt drive (I strongly dislike chains) and Enviolo? gears. Trouble is, all the suppliers I have looked at online show 'Out of stock' for the Allante? range. I need a relaxed riding postion - like a vicar's or midwife's bike in a 1950's tv drama - because I experience elbow pain when riding the Cube. Long range is another preference. I find the huge range of ebikes available too daunting, and I'd rather avoid anything made in China (sorry China; Your leaders are just too nasty).
I would very much welcome any pointers about ebikes. Thank you in advance.

 

[flecc]

I'd rather avoid anything made in China (sorry China; Your leaders are just too nasty).

Welcome to the forum John.

Even when nominally not made in China, most bikes are largely built from Chinese parts. And almost all national leaders are nasty when it suits, it's a necessary part of the job spec.
Information Link

The Enviolo hub gear has more drag than conventional hub gears. Some are more sensitive than others to this so best try one first before buying. Indeed always best to try before buying if you tire when cycling, since there's a big difference between cadence and torque sensing for applying the assist power. The latter only gives power in proportion to your input effort. Sorry I can't give any recommendations for current belt drive e-bikes since I'm not up to date on them.
.

 

[simonbarnett]

Welcome to the forum John.

Even when nominally not made in China, most bikes are largely built from Chinese parts. And almost all national leaders are nasty when it suits, it's a necessary part of the job spec.
Information Link

The Enviolo hub gear has more drag than conventional hub gears. Some are more sensitive than others to this so best try one first before buying. Indeed always best to try before buying if you tire when cycling, since there's a big difference between cadence and torque sensing for applying the assist power. The latter only gives power in proportion to your input effort. Sorry I can't give any recommendations for current belt drive e-bikes since I'm not up to date on them.
.

I looked at a lot of hub geared bikes before settling on a derailleur reluctantly.
But given John’s needs (and that the Trek is £4600) I’d have a look at the Gazelle range.
The Grenoble C5 HMB @ £3279 low step looks perfect for him.
And they’re well built and have dealers in Cambridgeshire for service.

 

[flecc]

Link:

Grenoble C5 HMB
.

 

[egroover]

you dont fancy another Cube?

Cube Supreme Hybrid EXC 625 Low Step Through Hybrid Electric Bike in Flashwhite/Black

<span>A great bike just blends seamlessly into your life.</span>

www.electricbikesales.co.uk

 

[GrandadJohn]

Thank you for all the speedy, and helpful, replies. I shall investigate your suggestions and return with any results thereof.

 

[Bikemad2]

Hello all. My name is John, I'm a 69 years old (70 in August) retired service engineer, and until recently I was cycling 10 miles a day.
I own a Cube Touring that I've done 3,500 miles on. So, as you can deduce, I like cycling. I also own a Raleigh folding bike with 20" wheels and 7 gears, which I bought to try travelling to further destinations by train.
I can now see why regular commuters would buy a Brompton! Also, having had to push the Raleigh up some Cumbrian hills, I can see why one would buy a Brompton ebike.
Being nearly 70, a bit asthmatic, and having had covid this year, I think that an ebike would make sense for me. I moved out of Hertfordshire (in the UK) to Cambridgeshire in February 2023. It's much flatter here but, despite that, I was pretty tired after cycling 23 miles two days ago. I was looking at Trek bikes: They have some bikes in their range that have belt drive (I strongly dislike chains) and Enviolo? gears. Trouble is, all the suppliers I have looked at online show 'Out of stock' for the Allante? range. I need a relaxed riding postion - like a vicar's or midwife's bike in a 1950's tv drama - because I experience elbow pain when riding the Cube. Long range is another preference. I find the huge range of ebikes available too daunting, and I'd rather avoid anything made in China (sorry China; Your leaders are just too nasty).
I would very much welcome any pointers about ebikes. Thank you in advance.

Wow John, as one retired service engineer to another well done
I just trying to get started cycling again, and finding this whole pedal assist this a little daunting, I like you want a belt drive, not that I dislike chains belts are just cleaner, and I'm trying to convince the wife to start riding, as she's not taken to a normal pedal cycle, nd the obvious choice to make it more desirable is a pedal assist version, I'm trying to keeo is as simple as possible and there's my issue