New to forum - currently researching bikes with a view to buying.

[Tomwal]

Hi, I am in the process of doing research into the best bike to buy. I am expecting to buy in the next few weeks (70th birthday present to myself !). At present one of the best makes seem to be Kalkhoff. I like the idea of the crank drive. I am inclined to buy a top of the range bike straight away rather than opt for a cheaper bike first and then be a bit dissatisfied and have to upgrade later. I have a Freego dealer very near me and they seem to have a good reputation. I have been cycling all my life and am also a motorcyclist and scooter rider. I prefer 2 wheels to 4 whenever possible particularly given the congestion in the South of England and especially in London where I live. It is so bad in London that it is now even a hassle riding a motorcycle. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks, Tom

 

[soundwave]

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/clacking-noise-kalkhoff-impulse-2-motor.22024/page-11#post-296313

 

[Kudoscycles]

Hi, I am in the process of doing research into the best bike to buy. I am expecting to buy in the next few weeks (70th birthday present to myself !). At present one of the best makes seem to be Kalkhoff. I like the idea of the crank drive. I am inclined to buy a top of the range bike straight away rather than opt for a cheaper bike first and then be a bit dissatisfied and have to upgrade later. I have a Freego dealer very near me and they seem to have a good reputation. I have been cycling all my life and am also a motorcyclist and scooter rider. I prefer 2 wheels to 4 whenever possible particularly given the congestion in the South of England and especially in London where I live. It is so bad in London that it is now even a hassle riding a motorcycle. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks, Tom

Tom....there is no substitute for trying some bikes....Kalkhoff (50 cycles) are in West London,the London Electric Bike Company are in Hampton Wick,they sell KTM,Haibike and Kudos, a little further out.
Having tested from both those dealers you will know which type of bike you prefer.
Why do you think you prefer crank drive?
KudosDave

 

[Tomwal]

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/clacking-noise-kalkhoff-impulse-2-motor.22024/page-11#post-296313

It looks much neater and and seems a better mechanical solution. Also if you have suspension it means you have less unsprung weight than a hub drive.
The suspension will therefore function better.

 

[soundwave]

too many ppl reporting problems with the impluse motor so id not even bother looking at them.

 

[Croxden]

I remember when I was approaching 70 & thinking an ebike was for me. The first I came accross was the Cytronix, I thought it was ideal, just a bit of boost on the hills that were becoming a problem. Further research showed it to be unsuitable, I had by then joined this forum, the first reply was from Kudos Dave that gave me a leg-up on the knowledge available on here.

When he did the shows around the country I attended the one at Manifold. I am ashamed to say I didn't care for the Kudos bike I tried, the one I needed to try was not available at the time but he had some KDM and I ready liked them, the Macina Bold particularly. It was above my proposed budget but got me thinking.
Prior to that trial I had discounted the Bosch mid drives in favour of the hub types I had tested but having tested them on the hill at Manifold they found favour.

Not that I bought one, my tastes may differ from the norm and ended up with a Grace MX that failed after 1000 odd miles.
I still owe a debt of gratitude to Dave for what I gained from his efforts to promote ebikes, he seems to put more into it than most.

I can only say, you must try each and every type there is. You cannot guess what you want or need. I hope you soon find the one for you.

 

[Tomwal]

I remember when I was approaching 70 & thinking an ebike was for me. The first I came accross was the Cytronix, I thought it was ideal, just a bit of boost on the hills that were becoming a problem. Further research showed it to be unsuitable, I had by then joined this forum, the first reply was from Kudos Dave that gave me a leg-up on the knowledge available on here.

When he did the shows around the country I attended the one at Manifold. I am ashamed to say I didn't care for the Kudos bike I tried, the one I needed to try was not available at the time but he had some KDM and I ready liked them, the Macina Bold particularly. It was above my proposed budget but got me thinking.
Prior to that trial I had discounted the Bosch mid drives in favour of the hub types I had tested but having tested them on the hill at Manifold they found favour.

Not that I bought one, my tastes may differ from the norm and ended up with a Grace MX that failed after 1000 odd miles.
I still owe a debt of gratitude to Dave for what I gained from his efforts to promote ebikes, he seems to put more into it than most.

I can only say, you must try each and every type there is. You cannot guess what you want or need. I hope you soon find the one for you.

Thanks very much for the information. I must say I am getting more and more pessimistic the more I read....

 

[soundwave]

how much do you think a top of the range bike is.

take a look at this add up the parts and see what you get for the money
https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/Electric-Bikes-UK-Dealer/Full-Suspension-eBikes/Haibike-xDuro-Full-Seven-Carbon-Ultimate-2016

then take a 3k wheel to halfords and get them to fit a new tyre, not going to happen.

 

[Croxden]

Crikey lad, choosing is part of the fun. I intended to have one by my 70th but was way past it before I got one. I started at aged 68 to give a bit of a run in. I never like rash decisions, they are nearly always wrong. Take your time & chose well. There is no right or wrong, just what's suits you.

 

[JuicyBike]

Thanks very much for the information. I must say I am getting more and more pessimistic the more I read....

Don't be pessimistic - electric bikes are actually really great and when you find the one that suits you provide a whole new prospect for fun (or saving money, time or whatever measurable justification you need to excuse the initial expense).
But do try some - attempting to choose on the basis of others' opinions is simply guessing at what's right for you.
I'd only question any preference for a centre drive. Hub drives do very well in our neck of the woods, which is a very hilly one.
Enjoy your test rides!