Hi all,
Your expertise is required, I recently purchased a Carrera Crossfire 2 and I'm really happy with it. I have made a few additions to suit my personal preference.
However, I have decided to either convert my existing bike or purchase an off the peg bike and this is where I need your help.
Some details first, I live on an Island in the Thames Estuary, where some parts are below sea level and riding around the island is easy (no hills) but to get off the island there are two possible routes.
Both routes features hills, one is a 2 mile gradual gradient which is a 50 MPH single carriageway, the other is a steeper but shorter single carriageway that has a bend in the middle and is 60 MPH. The last thing you want to be doing on either route is snaking all over the road due to being knackered. The longer road doesn't even have a footpath.
I'm 51, 90 KGs and 5' 9" but with only a 28" inside leg. The bikes are used for casual recreation work only, as I don't commute.
The reason for considering the transition to pedelec is 1) to permit to go further, but also my wife can also use the eBike around the island and she will be able to keep up with me on my un-assisted bike.
We have two trips booked for a little later this year and I plan on taking two bikes to Germany and South Wales. The bikes will have to fit on a towball mount as my car is a coupe. Therefore weight is a consideration.
I have looked and various bikes on many, many web pages and one theme that seems fairly consistent is the bike manufacturers seem to have an excess of matt black paint. I would only be looking for a light coloured bike, like the one I already own.
I'm open to drive options although I have been advised to look at Rear hub or mid drive for overall usability.
Another important factor for me and in this order is usability (so needs to be an allrounder and able to climb hills), distance (ideally 50 mile range) and then speed at least be able to maintain 15 mph.
One thing I don't want to do is buy something and then have to spend more money on upgrading batteries etc. One bike that did appeal (except the colour) was the Greenway bike but they don't appear to be available currently.
Your expertise is required, I recently purchased a Carrera Crossfire 2 and I'm really happy with it. I have made a few additions to suit my personal preference.
However, I have decided to either convert my existing bike or purchase an off the peg bike and this is where I need your help.
Some details first, I live on an Island in the Thames Estuary, where some parts are below sea level and riding around the island is easy (no hills) but to get off the island there are two possible routes.
Both routes features hills, one is a 2 mile gradual gradient which is a 50 MPH single carriageway, the other is a steeper but shorter single carriageway that has a bend in the middle and is 60 MPH. The last thing you want to be doing on either route is snaking all over the road due to being knackered. The longer road doesn't even have a footpath.
I'm 51, 90 KGs and 5' 9" but with only a 28" inside leg. The bikes are used for casual recreation work only, as I don't commute.
The reason for considering the transition to pedelec is 1) to permit to go further, but also my wife can also use the eBike around the island and she will be able to keep up with me on my un-assisted bike.
We have two trips booked for a little later this year and I plan on taking two bikes to Germany and South Wales. The bikes will have to fit on a towball mount as my car is a coupe. Therefore weight is a consideration.
I have looked and various bikes on many, many web pages and one theme that seems fairly consistent is the bike manufacturers seem to have an excess of matt black paint. I would only be looking for a light coloured bike, like the one I already own.
I'm open to drive options although I have been advised to look at Rear hub or mid drive for overall usability.
Another important factor for me and in this order is usability (so needs to be an allrounder and able to climb hills), distance (ideally 50 mile range) and then speed at least be able to maintain 15 mph.
One thing I don't want to do is buy something and then have to spend more money on upgrading batteries etc. One bike that did appeal (except the colour) was the Greenway bike but they don't appear to be available currently.
