New (replacement) bike now purchased

[Pilton]

Having sadly seen the end of my 2001 Giant Lafree, I just bought a new pedelc - a Giant Lafree!! This must have been old stock and the bike has the original 3 gear set up but it is mint. My family and I attended the New Forest event and tried all the bikes but, I have to say none matched the quality of the Giant. However, I did have reservations about whether it could tackle the 1 in 5 half mile hill outside our Devon home. So my reasonably unfit partner went off this afternoon straight from the bike shop to give it a go. No problem - she reported. She was a little puffed but said it was 7 out of 10effort with no stopping. So we can't complain. I have fitted armadillo tyres and an enormous basket. So overall we are really pleased and still £500 cheaper that the Gazelle or F series. However, putting the old and new bike together is a bit sad. I really wish I could get the old one going. The battery is ok and the switch goes red and turns off as normal. I would like to investigate and take it apart - but is is worth it?

 

[flecc]

Glad you got fixed up without having to splash out on the Gazelle which I knew you were considering.

If the old one is completely dead or stuck in the weak Eco mode all the time, it's probably not worth trying as these are usually mainboard faults, and these are unrepairable, sealed into place and so wouldn't be replaceable even if they were available.

If it's a functional fault where it goes but doesn't work properly in relation to the pedal action, there are possibilities. Let me know which it is.
.

 

[Pilton]

Hi Flec

Thanks for your comments. I am hoping the new bike doesn't die as well! The old one was stuggling for some time on reduced power. Giant suggested I changed the on/off switch but this made no difference. The power then went completely and came back a week later, all be it again very reduced. Finally, after a strenuous climb, the next day the power was completely gone. So it looks fatal. The bike is in pretty good condition, I wonder if it is worth discussing this with Giant direct. I am of the opinion that the bike was not right from new (It was a demonstrator) but being new to electric bikes, I though the inconsistency was the norm. However, I am willing to take it to bits and play with your guidance!

 

[flecc]

OK, we can give it a try as there's just one repairable possibility, but it's a long shot so no guarantees. But first you'll need a couple of tools, a standard crank puller (from any good bike shop), circlip pliers, and a small 8 mm socket spanner or tube spanner, plus some other sockets and spanners for undoing the crank bolts and unbolting the motor unit from the frame. If you decide you want to equip with those tools, mail me and we can carry on from there.

 

[Pilton]

Thanks Flecc

I will get back to you when I have got the kit.