Pendleton Somerby pre 2019

I am looking to buy a replacement battery for my Pendleton Somerby but main suppliers don’t stock due to age, it seems. Any suggestions please?

I am looking to buy a replacement battery for my Pendleton Somerby but main suppliers don’t stock due to age, it seems. Any suggestions please?

Halfords sell them here. Yose sell them here. It's a standard Phylion/Joycube battery (SF03 IIRC - double check the case profile) used by thousands of e-bikes across Europe, so my guess is it'll likely be around for many years yet.

Edited June 28, 20232 yr by cyclebuddy

Thank you. I will check it out but Halfords (store) say they cannot supply.

Halfords sell them here. Yose sell them here. It's a standard Phylion/Joycube battery (SF03 IIRC - double check the case profile) used by thousands of e-bikes across Europe, so my guess is it'll likely be around for many years yet.

No links!

No links!

Yes, sorry about that. Working with a new laptop with all the right keys in the wrong places. Now added.

Our local Halfords still sell the Pendleton....

Our local Halfords still sell the Pendleton....

Yes, but the battery maker/style changed in 2018/19. Newer Pendletons use a sleeved battery. Both Halfords and Yose sell both types.

Yes, but the battery maker/style changed in 2018/19. Newer Pendletons use a sleeved battery. Both Halfords and Yose sell both types.

That's interesting......I have just bought one, and am trying to find out what year it is.........

That Halfords price of £300 is ridiculous. You can buy a complete new battery with much better cells, rack and a much better controller with LCD for less than that.

That Halfords price of £300 is ridiculous. You can buy a complete new battery with much better cells...

The price may be a bit fruity, but IMHO it's not so bad. Phylion use pukka Samsung/Panasonic/LG cells. Being 8.8Ah it compares fairly well to say MiRiders Samsung 7Ah also at £300 or any Bosch/Yamaha et al using similarly branded cells. An original Phylion 11Ah version of the OP's battery in the EU is currently 360 euros, but that supplier no longer ships here since Brexit.

 

The Yose uses DMEGC cells, compared by the Vape guy as a pretty decent if cheaper Samsung cell equivalent. One of my own e-bikes uses these and they seem okay, if not spectacular.

 

If you want to be really cheap about it, you can buy ready assembled cell packs of unknown provenance from Alibaba that fit; for some that may be perfectly adequate.

...and am trying to find out what year it is...

Make date is often included/embedded within serial/model markings on (for example) the motor, controller label, or the serial number stamped into the bike frame itself.

The price may be a bit fruity, but IMHO it's not so bad. Phylion use pukka Samsung/Panasonic/LG cells. Being 8.8Ah it compares fairly well to say MiRiders Samsung 7Ah also at £300 or any Bosch/Yamaha et al using similarly branded cells. An original Phylion 11Ah version of the OP's battery in the EU is currently 360 euros, but that supplier no longer ships here since Brexit.

 

The Yose uses DMEGC cells, compared by the Vape guy as a pretty decent if cheaper Samsung cell equivalent. One of my own e-bikes uses these and they seem okay, if not spectacular.

 

If you want to be really cheap about it, you can buy ready assembled cell packs of unknown provenance from Alibaba that fit; for some that may be perfectly adequate.

Phylion batteries have never been much good, as demonstrated by OP's needing replacement. We've had many other people on this forum asking about replacement too, and Pendletons haven't been round that long, and they're probably not used much. If it were my bike, I'd get a different battery.

Phylion batteries have never been much good, as demonstrated by OP's needing replacement.

I've got two Phylion batteries, both from 2016, each rated 10.4Ah/374Wh, Samsung Pinkies. They still measure (very near) that on a full measured charge/discharge cycle. To be fair they don't get daily use, nor do I demand too much given their modest rated discharge. As often the case it depends how you store/look after/use them, and I'd argue that a typical Halfords Customer probably/often doesn't know how or really care.

 

Also worth stating, mine aren't the "smart BMS" variety, which appear to be the ones with a reputation for cutting out mid-ride. Mine have NEVER cut out like that.

 

They're not a top-flight premium battery for sure, but fairly respectable given the sea of Chinese tat that seems to pervade much of the "affordable" market.

 

I bought a new cloned/Chinese Bosch power tool battery off Amazon last week, rated at 3600mAh both in the advert/listing and on the battery label itself. It weighs probably half that against a proper one, and measured 1200mAh when cycled.

Phylion batteries a

I've got two Phylion batteries, both from 2016, each rated 10.4Ah/374Wh, Samsung Pinkies. They still measure (very near) that on a full measured charge/discharge cycle. To be fair they don't get daily use, nor do I demand too much given their modest rated discharge. As often the case it depends how you store/look after/use them, and I'd argue that a typical Halfords Customer probably/often doesn't know how or really care.

 

Also worth stating, mine aren't the "smart BMS" variety, which appear to be the ones with a reputation for cutting out mid-ride. Mine have NEVER cut out like that.

 

They're not a top-flight premium battery for sure, but fairly respectable given the sea of Chinese tat that seems to pervade much of the "affordable" market.

 

I bought a new cloned/Chinese Bosch power tool battery off Amazon last week, rated at 3600mAh both in the advert/listing and on the battery label itself. It weighs probably half that against a proper one, and measured 1200mAh when cycled.

Phylion batteries always seem to give full voltage. It's the current they cant give when they wear out. They're OK, but nothing special. The very old ones with prismatic cells were terrible.

I've got two Phylion batteries, both from 2016, each rated 10.4Ah/374Wh, Samsung Pinkies. They still measure (very near) that on a full measured charge/discharge cycle. To be fair they don't get daily use, nor do I demand too much given their modest rated discharge. As often the case it depends how you store/look after/use them, and I'd argue that a typical Halfords Customer probably/often doesn't know how or really care.

 

Also worth stating, mine aren't the "smart BMS" variety, which appear to be the ones with a reputation for cutting out mid-ride. Mine have NEVER cut out like that.

 

They're not a top-flight premium battery for sure, but fairly respectable given the sea of Chinese tat that seems to pervade much of the "affordable" market.

 

I bought a new cloned/Chinese Bosch power tool battery off Amazon last week, rated at 3600mAh both in the advert/listing and on the battery label itself. It weighs probably half that against a proper one, and measured 1200mAh when cycled.

Thank you so much for taking the time to give such a useful reply. I am delighted that there are so many on here that genuinely want to help me find a solution!

 

To give more background on what I seek. I bought a Pendelton Somerby ebike second hand in 2020, during lockdown and have never actually used it but have had it fully serviced by Halfords but they cannot supply a new battery for this age of bike - I dont how old it is. I am awaiting 2 x total knee replacements and feel that cycling will help me to strengthen the muscles around the knees to give me a chance of a quicker recovery, so my use of the bike will not be extreme!

 

I cannot claim to understand the technical descriptions of the batteries and all I want is one to give me enough charge for short trips.

 

If the batteries you have will definitely fit my bike, I would appreciate discussing this further.

 

Many thanks again.

Diane

What is actually wrong with your battery? Did you try to wake it up?

What is actually wrong with your battery? Did you try to wake it up?

Hi

All I know is what Halfords told me when I took it in after charging it overnight. They said that the battery wasn't charging, but the charger was not faulty. Its not helped by the fact that I have lost the key for the battery so cannot take it off the bike. If there is a chance of getting a replacement battery, I am happy to get a locksmith to remove the battery for me.

You can probably unlock it with a set of jiggler keys. You sort of rake and jiggle the key while turning it slightly, and the lock opens. I've opened loads of ebike batteries with them. They seem to be designed for ebikes. I just tried my latest battery and couldn't open it after trying for about 5 mins, so it's not guaranteed.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285268065422?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338986375&customid=Cj0KCQjw1_SkBhDwARIsANbGpFvm5CW_fPMaPAnwgTtBgI-ULYAzW9hlXu2-cc1ZuTzS7vrTya9KLhAaAv0GEALw_wcB&toolid=20006

Edited June 29, 20232 yr by saneagle

You can probably unlock it with a set of jiggler keys. You sort of rake and jiggle the key while turning it slightly, and the lock opens. i've opened loads of ebike batteries with them. They seem to be designed for ebikes.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285268065422?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338986375&customid=Cj0KCQjw1_SkBhDwARIsANbGpFvm5CW_fPMaPAnwgTtBgI-ULYAzW9hlXu2-cc1ZuTzS7vrTya9KLhAaAv0GEALw_wcB&toolid=20006

That’s really useful information. Will order and give it a go. Thank you!

Make date is often included/embedded within serial/model markings on (for example) the motor, controller label, or the serial number stamped into the bike frame itself.

Thank you.....this one appears to be a 2018 model.....

That’s really useful information. Will order and give it a go. Thank you!

Note that I updated my post to say that they don't always work.

...I bought a Pendelton Somerby ebike second hand in 2020, during lockdown and have never actually used it...

 

If the batteries you have will definitely fit my bike, I would appreciate discussing this further.

It's quite likely that a bike battery that's been sitting unused/uncharged since 2020 will be damaged by now. If you try the suggested jiggler keys to remove it, there are some battery repair guys around who may be able/prepared to open it up and test it for you to see if it can be recovered, and/or re-cell it as an option (put new battery cells into it).

 

Otherwise, I'd check the dimensions, size, profile etc of your battery against the Yose one linked in post#2 (there are other options). For £188, it has respectable cells and a little more range than an original Halfords one. It comes with new keys, charger, and mounting hardware, so if needed you could drill the existing lock to remove your old battery.

 

My own Phylion batteries are a different profile than the one you need and are still in use, so not for sale I'm afraid. I was simply pointing out than if a Phylion battery is looked after they're quite respectable and can have a long service life. Ideally, if you're not likely to use your bike for an extended period, leave the battery at between 50%-70% charge, check it every 3 months or so and top it up if need be; don't leave it for 3 years unchecked because it will almost certainly drain to a point that damages it.

 

Many here appear to have health issues of one sort or another, and a very good reason for turning to e-bikes; how knee operations would impact your ability to cycle I don't know though.

It's quite likely that a bike battery that's been sitting unused/uncharged since 2020 will be damaged by now. If you try the suggested jiggler keys to remove it, there are some battery repair guys around who may be able/prepared to open it up and test it for you to see if it can be recovered, and/or re-cell it as an option (put new battery cells into it).

 

Otherwise, I'd check the dimensions, size, profile etc of your battery against the Yose one linked in post#2 (there are other options). For £188, it has respectable cells and a little more range than an original Halfords one. It comes with new keys, charger, and mounting hardware, so if needed you could drill the existing lock to remove your old battery.

 

My own Phylion batteries are a different profile than the one you need and are still in use, so not for sale I'm afraid. I was simply pointing out than if a Phylion battery is looked after they're quite respectable and can have a long service life. Ideally, if you're not likely to use your bike for an extended period, leave the battery at between 50%-70% charge, check it every 3 months or so and top it up if need be; don't leave it for 3 years unchecked because it will almost certainly drain to a point that damages it.

 

Many here appear to have health issues of one sort or another, and a very good reason for turning to e-bikes; how knee operations would impact your ability to cycle I don't know though.

Thank you again for this. First off, I am going to order the Jiggler keys as you suggest.

Even if you get the battery off, I fear you will be challenged finding a replacement. I was all excited looking at the Yose batteries as per the link and there on Amazon as a good option. Lots of people indicating in the reviews and answers they work perfectly with the Pendleton Somerby. However I could not understand looking at the images how they would fit / connect comparing it to the battery I have. It is then I discovered, as someone has rightly indicated on here, that the Pendleton bikes had a redesign of the battery / connector and changed it in 2019. Those Yose batteries will be great, I'm sure, for anything post 2019 but the rest of us will not find it easy to get one. Halfords do not stock them and when I speak to them they say keep checking there web site as they will come back into stock, but I do not believe that.

Frustrating in that it seems all it would need is a small adapter to remap the proprietary connector layout to make it work, even some 'heath robinson' wiring and cable ties might be worth trying?

Unless anyone else knows, the only option seems a high risk 2nd hand purchase on eBay which likely won't charge or have reduced usage or have it rebuilt as a battery service which is being advertised on eBay but wary to know the quality of these and interested if anyone has used them.

PENDLETON Somerby electric bike BATTERY SERVICE UP GRADE | eBay

Even if you get the battery off, I fear you will be challenged finding a replacement. I was all excited looking at the Yose batteries as per the link and there on Amazon as a good option. Lots of people indicating in the reviews and answers they work perfectly with the Pendleton Somerby. However I could not understand looking at the images how they would fit / connect comparing it to the battery I have. It is then I discovered, as someone has rightly indicated on here, that the Pendleton bikes had a redesign of the battery / connector and changed it in 2019. Those Yose batteries will be great, I'm sure, for anything post 2019 but the rest of us will not find it easy to get one. Halfords do not stock them and when I speak to them they say keep checking there web site as they will come back into stock, but I do not believe that.

Frustrating in that it seems all it would need is a small adapter to remap the proprietary connector layout to make it work, even some 'heath robinson' wiring and cable ties might be worth trying?

Unless anyone else knows, the only option seems a high risk 2nd hand purchase on eBay which likely won't charge or have reduced usage or have it rebuilt as a battery service which is being advertised on eBay but wary to know the quality of these and interested if anyone has used them.

PENDLETON Somerby electric bike BATTERY SERVICE UP GRADE | eBay

Thank you for this and to all other members for helping me come up with a solution - it looks like I will need to invest in a new e-bike and perhaps use the Somerby as a manual bike when I take the battery off.

Thanks for your efforts!