I thought choosing an electric bike would be easy. I assumed I would just spend a few days researching & then go "I want that one". However, 2 weeks later & I have drifted from one bike that ticks all the boxes to the next, and the next and the next............ The budget kept going higher & higher & the a reality check made me question spending £2500 on a bike when one for £1500 will be plenty for me & not forgetting the wife as she needs one so that's two bikes so the budget is a consideration.
My favorites have included a few of the Kalkhoffs (the 17AH motor got me hooked in initially) the the Freego Martin with 20ah, the Oxygen which seems to get good reviews here, then one from the juicy bike stable etc. etc, etc.. Another day, another favourite & today the thought dawned on me why not buy a good spec bike & put a kit on it. Surely that would get me the best overall bike & within budget but is that a realistic option.
The plan is for me & the wife to buy a couple of electric bikes & have long weekends away (taking the bikes with us in the back of the van staying at B&B's) exploring places like the lake district, new forest, Scotland etc..& if we get really into it them maybe France so all being well we will be looking for some good quality bikes that will last maybe 5 to 10 years doing say a 1000 miles a year on average. No commuting, just fair weather bikers assisted by electric here & there exploring places we wouldn't normally have access to.
Things I would like or prefer on a bike if I were to build one or just buy one ready made:
Anyone here custom built a bike & was it worth it. Any savings to be had or not worth the bother ? I was thinking perhaps up to a grand on a bike & up to a grand on the electrics or just buy one & take advantage of the 0% interest free credit.
Just seen a Volt pulse X.......................
Decisions decisions
My favorites have included a few of the Kalkhoffs (the 17AH motor got me hooked in initially) the the Freego Martin with 20ah, the Oxygen which seems to get good reviews here, then one from the juicy bike stable etc. etc, etc.. Another day, another favourite & today the thought dawned on me why not buy a good spec bike & put a kit on it. Surely that would get me the best overall bike & within budget but is that a realistic option.
The plan is for me & the wife to buy a couple of electric bikes & have long weekends away (taking the bikes with us in the back of the van staying at B&B's) exploring places like the lake district, new forest, Scotland etc..& if we get really into it them maybe France so all being well we will be looking for some good quality bikes that will last maybe 5 to 10 years doing say a 1000 miles a year on average. No commuting, just fair weather bikers assisted by electric here & there exploring places we wouldn't normally have access to.
Things I would like or prefer on a bike if I were to build one or just buy one ready made:
- A decent Battery of 15AH + not bothered about speed just a decent range touring at a steady amble at 10mph up hill & down dale taking in the scenery
- 50 mile + range (thinking of the future if we get hooked)
- Hybrid for me with panniers to carry the food, drink, waterproofs, locks etc..& probably a step through for the wife with panniers. A sort of his & hers.
- I would prefer a crank drive
- I like the idea of a belt drive coupled to an alfine hub - not fussed about derailleurs
- Not interested in lots of gears - just plodding along
- Would like the chunkier tyres for the rough tracks we will encounter
- Budget £1500 on each bike but could easily spend more but not going to let my heart rule my head on this one.
- Both 50 ish, overweight & unfit (currently) - I am 5'8" wife is 5'2"
Anyone here custom built a bike & was it worth it. Any savings to be had or not worth the bother ? I was thinking perhaps up to a grand on a bike & up to a grand on the electrics or just buy one & take advantage of the 0% interest free credit.
Just seen a Volt pulse X.......................
Decisions decisions