Noobie with query

[John L]

Hi everyone

I had a brain wave a couple of weeks ago about getting an electric bike and the more I thought about it the better the idea came. So after searching the web I came across this site. Given that there is very little out there on ebikes it was great to come across a forum with knowledgeable people that are helpful to all. Makes me even more enthusiastic!

The problem is that here in Ireland there seems to be only two ebike distributors - one dealing in synergie bikes the other in the urban mover range. I have read previous posts relating to the synergie mistral and the UM 36 and while I understand that they are not top of the range bikes I'm wondering if either bike would be suitable to carry my 6'1" 15 stone frame on a 16 mile each way commute 3 days a week!!

I could buy a bike from the UK (the ezee torq looks like an ideal model) but I'm concerned about aftersales service etc.. As I mentioned I read previous threads including the one discussing sustaincycles (synergie range) and the quality of cheaper bikes but if anyone has anthing to add I would be delighted to hear from them.

John

 

[flecc]

Cheaper bikes aren't necessarily unreliable John, their main shortcoming being cheaper manufacture leading to shorter life and some build quality issues like poor finish and loose items needing attention. As long as you're able to carry out the odd cycle repairs and adjustments yourself you could be ok.

On the evidence of all the posts in this forum from the beginning, of the two makes you mention, the better Synergie models have a record of less complaints than the UM bikes, those suffering from a supplier whose support leaves much to be desired. In contrast, the efforts of Synergie have been praised on a number of occasions.

If you don't have very steep hills the very high geared Torq is a fine fast commuter and generally reliable, but I understand your concerns at a more remote location. The only defence that might be mounted is to ask 50 cycles to give a very thorough check and long road test of the bike they supply you with.

In nearly all cases the range won't permit you to reliably do the two way journey on one charge, and you'd need to charge at work end as well.

On both the range and reliability issue, you might consider the newly introduced Kalkhoff Agutta pedelec from 50cycles. It's Panasonic power unit is a very well tried and reliable system which will almost certainly run for years troublefree, and it has the latest long range battery. Since this bike can be ridden with the power off on the flat due to the free running unit, that together with the large capacity battery might well cover your two way journey if you have a reasonable proportion of flat to ride on without power.
.

 

[John L]

Hi Flecc

Many thanks for that. I used to cycle alot - a few years ago now! - so doing a bit of work on a bike is no problem. I'm inclined towards the synergie mistral but its only made in a 17" frame and its difficult to know whether it will fit my frame (the avanti has a 19" frame but as it has rear shocks I gather a rack can't be fitted).

I figured I'd need to charge on both legs of the journey and that would be fine. I live in Celbridge Co Kildare which is to the west of Dublin and on the river Liffey. The morning trip is essentially downhill with the prevailing wind but the trip home in the evening is uphill (nothing very steep) into the wind. My only hesitation about an ebike is the fact that I have to negotiate a very tricky junction which involves emerging into the middle of 4 lanes of traffic (admittedly the traffic is normally heavy so not going too fast)!!

The torq looks the part alright but the gents version of the agutta, on the face of it, seems to be a very fine bike (the step through version to my mind isn't as attractive). Did I read that you'll be checking the bike out shortly?

John

 

[flecc]

Hi John

There won't be any gents Aguttas until next Spring unfortunately, so that's out at present. A pity since they come in various frame sizes, and the virtually guaranteed long term reliability would have been a valuable asset.

The Torq would suit that trip and it suits taller riders as well. If run in it's normal restricted form as supplied it would have no trouble with the one way range, though if run derestricted the battery might only just make a one way trip. Also, Li-ion batteries don't appreciate being run right down to empty as it shortens their life. Each trip charging is the recommended way, generally charging as often as possible.

Small size is frequently a problem on these bikes, the similarly styled Wisper also being a small bike like the Synergie. I suspect that in the efforts to claim a light weight, an extra kilo is removed in that way.
.

 

[Grizzly Bear]

Hi John
buy a Mistral, my Missus has got one and it's great, it's very good quality, don't be put off by the lithium ion battery as it has never cut out, and it has amazing range(it did 28 miles with loads left in the battery). The Torq I might add is also a Chinese import, and has it's problems as posted on this forum, the Mistral has been faultless in our experience.

Griz

 

[John L]

Hi Flecc

It will be the new year before I buy a bike so I might hold off to see if the gents agutta makes an appearance. The other thing I find about the MTBs in generel is that it is difficult to judge frame size as they come in all shapes nowadays and longer seats posts or a saddle that will move backwards or forwards can do a lot.

John

 

[John L]

Hi Griz

Thanks for that. Just wondering if you know how long the seat post is that comes with the mistral. Its probably standard equipment so I imagine it would be easily replaced with a longer version and a less springy saddle (although I don't want to look as if I'm sitting on a pole!) The mistral is well priced here so is very tempting but fit is very important if I'm going to use it regularly.

John

 

[flecc]

I fully agree John, the sloping crossbar frame style and the odd proportions that can result from squeezing a battery behind the seat post can make judgment very difficult.

Hopefully the gents Aguttas won't be too long in arriving. As sometimes happens, a shortage of components due to strong growth in cycle markets is impeding production and causing delays.
.

 

[Grizzly Bear]

Hi John
I changed the standard seat post for one that's got suspension, so I can't help you with that I'm sorry. The Mistral is a very substantial machine, and I'm sure there's enough adjustment for it to fit you. Perhaps you could visit your dealer in Ireland and try one for size, everyone who's riden ours absolutely loved it.

Griz

 

[giguana]

depends how much money you have, you can go all out and get a fully customised bike which takes a couple of days to fix up using your own frame and basically the own bike of your choice, else check nearest first on eBay see if you can try one out close to you.

 

[John L]

Hi Griz

Thats encouraging. Yep - I hope to make a trip to Limerick before Christmas to have a go - until I do its all theory!

John

 

[John L]

Hi Giguana

I thought about getting a kit and fitting it to my road bike. I'm not sure if a road bike is strong enough or even if its possible to get a kit that will fit it. It would have very good freewheeling ability and I can imagine that it would move well with a bit of push from a motor!

E-bay is a possibility as well but my expereince of e-bay generally is that most of the items I'm interested in are sourced in the UK and usually the cost of delivery makes it less attractive. I'll check it out though. Thanks

John

 

[MaryinScotland]

My only hesitation about an ebike is the fact that I have to negotiate a very tricky junction which involves emerging into the middle of 4 lanes of traffic (admittedly the traffic is normally heavy so not going too fast)!!

I have one awkward junction on my commute, although not as big as yours. If I'm going to cycle through it, I'd much rather do it on my electric bike (UM55) than on my unpowered Brompton. With the motor helping, I have better acceleration, which is useful when trying to claim your place in the traffic flow. If I'm on the Brompton, I often chicken out and walk round on the footpath.

Mary

 

[John L]

Hi Mary

Thats exactly what I'm hoping The new junction layout also means that my road will emerge into the traffic from an uphill slope!! (new road goes below the existing junction) Could very dangerous without the extra power!

In fact the only reason why I'm considering getting back on a bike at all is the extra boost from the motor that I'll get as I pass this junction to and from work.

John