After much deliberation, trials and seeking advice, I finally bought a Rose Black Creek E6 pedelec using the big 70 birthday as an excuse. I thought I would emerge from under my stone to share my experience of the bike to date.
Price apart, buying the bike was made easy as I found Rose really helpful to deal with and any questions I had were answered efficiently, both by 'phone (free phone) and email. Delivery was quicker than expected and the bike arrived well-packaged with little to do other than positioning the handlebars and attaching the pedals. Unfortunately the BionX battery had suffered cosmetic damage in transit however it was promptly replaced when this was brought to their attention (Rose also offered a discount if I wanted to keep the damaged battery, however as I didn't want to spoil, even in a small way, the appearance of a superb bike, I opted for the replacement).
The bike has the matt-black finish and is, in my eyes, quite under-stated but beautiful. Although it weighs about 24 kg it feels light and responsive and is comfortable to ride thanks to Marathon Supreme tyres and suspension forks. The BionX system is silent in use and has 4 levels of assist. I have yet to use level 4. There are some short, steep hills around where I ride and to begin with I found that the motor took me comfortably up most of the way before assist faded when it was most needed. Initially I thought this was a "cadence" problem however I have found with experience, having now done over 350 miles, that selecting the right gear and assist level, in advance of the climb, produces the required assistance to the top.
I suspect the range is about 40 to 45 miles with economical use of assistance, however I have not put this fully to the test as my normal ride is no more than about 20 miles. I did 41 miles over two rides without a charge in between, however I don't think there was much left in the battery at the end. The BionX system has regeneration modes which I use when possible however I think this is more of a gimmick than a benefit - although to be fair on one occasion while using it I noticed the battery symbol go up a bar, showing that some charge had been restored.
Overall I'm delighted with the bike, however there is one fly in the ointment (isn't there always!). The bike produces a "ringing" noise from the rear when the pedals are under load. The noise was present from the first ride and initially I thought it was coming from the rear brake and would disappear with time - unfortunately it didn't. I then realised that when I stopped pedalling the noise stopped. I eventually contacted Rose about the noise and they immediately arranged for the bike to be returned to them to be checked out. I was a bit apprehensive about this however it went like clockwork and the bike was returned in just over a week. I was advised that the source of the noise was the chain guard which had been replaced. The bike had also been given an inspection service (gear adjustment, etc) at my request, the BionX system upgraded and a repair made to reconnect the wiring to the console mount which I had dislodged when trying to get the bike into the box for transit. Unfortunately, 7 miles into my next ride the noise returned, less than before but still there and that's how it remains. It's no big deal and I can put up with it but I'd obviously prefer to have it stopped; so if any one has any ideas or suggestions I'd appreciate them. I've described the noise as "ringing" for want of a better term but "harmonic" might be more appropriate as it's a steady note, similar to running a finger round the rim of a glass. As I've said the noise stops when pedalling stops and it also seems to be reduced and nearly stopped by changing down a gear or two.
Apologies for the length of this post.
Jim
Price apart, buying the bike was made easy as I found Rose really helpful to deal with and any questions I had were answered efficiently, both by 'phone (free phone) and email. Delivery was quicker than expected and the bike arrived well-packaged with little to do other than positioning the handlebars and attaching the pedals. Unfortunately the BionX battery had suffered cosmetic damage in transit however it was promptly replaced when this was brought to their attention (Rose also offered a discount if I wanted to keep the damaged battery, however as I didn't want to spoil, even in a small way, the appearance of a superb bike, I opted for the replacement).
The bike has the matt-black finish and is, in my eyes, quite under-stated but beautiful. Although it weighs about 24 kg it feels light and responsive and is comfortable to ride thanks to Marathon Supreme tyres and suspension forks. The BionX system is silent in use and has 4 levels of assist. I have yet to use level 4. There are some short, steep hills around where I ride and to begin with I found that the motor took me comfortably up most of the way before assist faded when it was most needed. Initially I thought this was a "cadence" problem however I have found with experience, having now done over 350 miles, that selecting the right gear and assist level, in advance of the climb, produces the required assistance to the top.
I suspect the range is about 40 to 45 miles with economical use of assistance, however I have not put this fully to the test as my normal ride is no more than about 20 miles. I did 41 miles over two rides without a charge in between, however I don't think there was much left in the battery at the end. The BionX system has regeneration modes which I use when possible however I think this is more of a gimmick than a benefit - although to be fair on one occasion while using it I noticed the battery symbol go up a bar, showing that some charge had been restored.
Overall I'm delighted with the bike, however there is one fly in the ointment (isn't there always!). The bike produces a "ringing" noise from the rear when the pedals are under load. The noise was present from the first ride and initially I thought it was coming from the rear brake and would disappear with time - unfortunately it didn't. I then realised that when I stopped pedalling the noise stopped. I eventually contacted Rose about the noise and they immediately arranged for the bike to be returned to them to be checked out. I was a bit apprehensive about this however it went like clockwork and the bike was returned in just over a week. I was advised that the source of the noise was the chain guard which had been replaced. The bike had also been given an inspection service (gear adjustment, etc) at my request, the BionX system upgraded and a repair made to reconnect the wiring to the console mount which I had dislodged when trying to get the bike into the box for transit. Unfortunately, 7 miles into my next ride the noise returned, less than before but still there and that's how it remains. It's no big deal and I can put up with it but I'd obviously prefer to have it stopped; so if any one has any ideas or suggestions I'd appreciate them. I've described the noise as "ringing" for want of a better term but "harmonic" might be more appropriate as it's a steady note, similar to running a finger round the rim of a glass. As I've said the noise stops when pedalling stops and it also seems to be reduced and nearly stopped by changing down a gear or two.
Apologies for the length of this post.
Jim
