I have now completed two weeks of commuting to work and I thought it was time to report again on my impressions of my 49 diamond frame Agattu.
Summary of round-trip commute:
5 miles with approx 2.5 miles of very steep hills ( 1 in 5 to 1 in 10)
1.Battery Range and power
I have now fully conditioned the battery with two complete discharges. I found that the battery will last on a full charge for 5days ( in other words, a working week). Even on flashing red lights, I managed another full round trip. In terms of power assistance, I am getting used to the way that it works but it does take a bit of time. On the steepest parts of hills I find that 3rd or 4th are best for optimum assistance. The more you push, the more you are assisted. The great thing is, if you start to get tired and reduce your effort for three or four pedals, the motor gives you a boost and it feels like someone has kindly run up behind you and given the bike a shove. I am still struggling a little with hill starts with the power on. When I stop on a narrow part of the hill, to let an oncoming car past, I find that when I start again, the motor propels me wobbling out into the middle of the road. I am still unsure about how to deal with this.
2.Gears
I am now getting used to the gears and changing more effectively (with slight pauses between). The gears have now worked themselves in and change smooth with no rattling or reluctance. Although the throttle style gear change was a little odd at first, it is very user friendly after a little while. 6 and 7 are indeed a little light but I don’t think it is worth changing the rear sprocket as I am so often on hills and rarely on the flat.
3. Bike Quality
Superb overall, I can’t really fault it; German manufacturing at its brilliant best. I think the weight is still a bit of an issue if you have to haul it up and about . I have to get it up 15 steps at my house and into an awkward porch. At the end of a tiring day and the cycle home, I’d rather not bother. However, the removal of the battery and the panniers helps reduce the weight when lifting.
Lights – Excellent, though it took me a wee while to work out that the dynamo front light will stop when you stop, whereas the rear light stays lit for about two minutes when at a standstill. ( I thought the front light was broken becuae when I stopped to check it , it was always out (DOH!!!)
Front shocks- Very good though very bouncy and not very absorbent, so you have to be careful when careering down pothole riddled British roads. You may find yourself divorced from your bike and head first in the field next door.
Brakes- Very sensitive . On my first day, I just about went over the handlebars as I stopped at a junction. But you get used to them very quickly and they are incredibly responsive.
Frame size- I am 5 foot 8 with an inside leg of 30 inches. I find the 49 inch diamond frame is just OK. The saddle is on the lowest setting and I can put my toes on the ground. At times it can be a little bit awkward if you have to stop suddenly. Also, unfortunately, the bike is too big for my wife . I say unfortunately… but if you wish to share with a shorter partner you should consider a smaller frame.
A minor gripe is that the gear cable keeps slipping out of its socket on the handle bar .I’m sure someone can tell me how to adjust this and it is not a design fault. I’m also having a problem maintaining the tightness on the handlebar/frame junction. I noticed that the handlebars were wobbling a little after about a week of commuting. I tightened with an allen key but after a day it had loosened slightly again. Again, I think I need advice on this.
4. Cycling experience
Superb. I have used the bike both as a pedelec and as an ordinary bike and it handles very well. Extremely comfortable and easy to manoeuvre despite its weight. At first, on my steep hill commute I think I was trying too hard, pushing the bike up the hill. Also, I hadn’t cycled regularly for a few years, and after the first week, I thought I was going to keel over. I was beginning to think I had made a mistake buying the bike, underestimating how much effort was required to get myself up the steep hills of Bath. However, the second week has been a lot better. As I become accustomed to the bike, I have found that the best method is a combination of muscle power (rewarded by more electric power) and then slacking off a little to rest , allowing the motor to help you up the hill. It must be said though, if you are looking for a free ride, this is not the bike for you. But a truly wonderful cycling experience nevertheless.
5. 50cycles and after sales service
There is no need to worry about 50cycles. They have been nothing short of brilliant. I accidentally broke my chain guard and they replaced free of charge within two days. Lloyd, the technician is a wizard who will help resolve the simplest to the most complex problems. He has also sorted me out with various queries on the phone and email.
Total Score 9.5 out of 10
Hope this is helpful ( good to hear how other commuters are doing)
BW
Musicbooks
Summary of round-trip commute:
5 miles with approx 2.5 miles of very steep hills ( 1 in 5 to 1 in 10)
1.Battery Range and power
I have now fully conditioned the battery with two complete discharges. I found that the battery will last on a full charge for 5days ( in other words, a working week). Even on flashing red lights, I managed another full round trip. In terms of power assistance, I am getting used to the way that it works but it does take a bit of time. On the steepest parts of hills I find that 3rd or 4th are best for optimum assistance. The more you push, the more you are assisted. The great thing is, if you start to get tired and reduce your effort for three or four pedals, the motor gives you a boost and it feels like someone has kindly run up behind you and given the bike a shove. I am still struggling a little with hill starts with the power on. When I stop on a narrow part of the hill, to let an oncoming car past, I find that when I start again, the motor propels me wobbling out into the middle of the road. I am still unsure about how to deal with this.
2.Gears
I am now getting used to the gears and changing more effectively (with slight pauses between). The gears have now worked themselves in and change smooth with no rattling or reluctance. Although the throttle style gear change was a little odd at first, it is very user friendly after a little while. 6 and 7 are indeed a little light but I don’t think it is worth changing the rear sprocket as I am so often on hills and rarely on the flat.
3. Bike Quality
Superb overall, I can’t really fault it; German manufacturing at its brilliant best. I think the weight is still a bit of an issue if you have to haul it up and about . I have to get it up 15 steps at my house and into an awkward porch. At the end of a tiring day and the cycle home, I’d rather not bother. However, the removal of the battery and the panniers helps reduce the weight when lifting.
Lights – Excellent, though it took me a wee while to work out that the dynamo front light will stop when you stop, whereas the rear light stays lit for about two minutes when at a standstill. ( I thought the front light was broken becuae when I stopped to check it , it was always out (DOH!!!)
Front shocks- Very good though very bouncy and not very absorbent, so you have to be careful when careering down pothole riddled British roads. You may find yourself divorced from your bike and head first in the field next door.
Brakes- Very sensitive . On my first day, I just about went over the handlebars as I stopped at a junction. But you get used to them very quickly and they are incredibly responsive.
Frame size- I am 5 foot 8 with an inside leg of 30 inches. I find the 49 inch diamond frame is just OK. The saddle is on the lowest setting and I can put my toes on the ground. At times it can be a little bit awkward if you have to stop suddenly. Also, unfortunately, the bike is too big for my wife . I say unfortunately… but if you wish to share with a shorter partner you should consider a smaller frame.
A minor gripe is that the gear cable keeps slipping out of its socket on the handle bar .I’m sure someone can tell me how to adjust this and it is not a design fault. I’m also having a problem maintaining the tightness on the handlebar/frame junction. I noticed that the handlebars were wobbling a little after about a week of commuting. I tightened with an allen key but after a day it had loosened slightly again. Again, I think I need advice on this.
4. Cycling experience
Superb. I have used the bike both as a pedelec and as an ordinary bike and it handles very well. Extremely comfortable and easy to manoeuvre despite its weight. At first, on my steep hill commute I think I was trying too hard, pushing the bike up the hill. Also, I hadn’t cycled regularly for a few years, and after the first week, I thought I was going to keel over. I was beginning to think I had made a mistake buying the bike, underestimating how much effort was required to get myself up the steep hills of Bath. However, the second week has been a lot better. As I become accustomed to the bike, I have found that the best method is a combination of muscle power (rewarded by more electric power) and then slacking off a little to rest , allowing the motor to help you up the hill. It must be said though, if you are looking for a free ride, this is not the bike for you. But a truly wonderful cycling experience nevertheless.
5. 50cycles and after sales service
There is no need to worry about 50cycles. They have been nothing short of brilliant. I accidentally broke my chain guard and they replaced free of charge within two days. Lloyd, the technician is a wizard who will help resolve the simplest to the most complex problems. He has also sorted me out with various queries on the phone and email.
Total Score 9.5 out of 10
Hope this is helpful ( good to hear how other commuters are doing)
BW
Musicbooks
