S-Flyer first impression

[flecc]

Like you I think the Agattu is the best buy, though sadly there's very little price difference now, unlike at the start.

The testing continues, first and last thing generally, though sometimes only one run as today with the weather a bit grotty. Mileage 3338 since 16th January on 218 charges is a fair amount of testing I think.

After a lifetime of avoiding a cycling injury to my knees, ironically I injured my left knee while walking in the countryside some seven weeks ago, and it's causing problems with signs of arthritis setting in as there's no improvement. That's likely to curtail future cycling exploits, but luckily I've bought myself two new cars this year.
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[Cyclezee]

I managed to get my pair of Agattus at the original price, saving £50 on the second by using a voucher
That is an incredible amount of testing Fleccie, hopefully one day you will reveal all?

Tragic news about your knee, I for one am very sorry. Hopefully it will not be as serious as you fear.
Did you consider an electric car when you were in the market. Hybrids don't do it for me, but maybe a Smart http://www.whatcar.com/news-article.aspx?NA=226488 I'm the guy who had 2 LPG vehicles and switched to diesel just before the rapid increse in oil prices

J hn

 

[flecc]

I wanted an electric for the town car and had hoped for either the Smart or the electric version of Mitsubishi's i-car. Either would have cost a bomb, made worse by having to have electricity run through public roads/land to my garage, adding goodness knows how much.

No chance though. The e-Smart is only a very limited trial release of 100 I think, to pre-decided users. The i-car is delayed yet again another year, lithium battery problems. Where have we heard that before?

I'm happy though, the Chevrolet Matiz turning out to be a real surprise. Normally driven by sedate types with the 800 cc motor, my 1 litre version is a real hoot, the camshaft suiting sports use rather than utility. Tame at lower revs, from 4000 revs the power piles in and with redline at 6500 there's lots of fun available. A few totally unsuspecting drivers of Beemers and the like have been startled off the lights.
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[Cyclezee]

I wanted an electric for the town car and had hoped for either the Smart or the electric version of Mitsubishi's i-car. Either would have cost a bomb, made worse by having to have electricity run through public roads/land to my garage, adding goodness knows how much.

No chance though. The e-Smart is only a very limited trial release of 100 I think, to pre-decided users. The i-car is delayed yet again another year, lithium battery problems. Where have we heard that before?

I'm happy though, the Chevrolet Matiz turning out to be a real surprise. Normally driven by sedate types with the 800 cc motor, my 1 litre version is a real hoot, the camshaft suiting sports use rather than utility. Tame at lower revs, from 4000 revs the power piles in and with redline at 6500 there's lots of fun available. A few totally unsuspecting drivers of Beemers and the like have been startled off the lights.
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Yes, just like bikes, electric cars have a way to go before they are really practical, but could prove very cost effective.

Glad you are enjoying your Matiz. I rented one in Cuba, imagine a Chevy in Cuba that doesn't date from pre the revelution, I think they import direct from South Korea. It had clocked a lot of miles, but was quite nippy and fast enough for the road conditions.

Think we are way off thread, but who's looking.

John

 

[flecc]

Glad you are enjoying your Matiz. I rented one in Cuba, imagine a Chevy in Cuba that doesn't date from pre the revelution, I think they import direct from South Korea. It had clocked a lot of miles, but was quite nippy and fast enough for the road conditions.

Think we are way off thread, but who's looking.

John

Yes, I think we're on our own at present!

That was probably the standard 800cc, which I tried and also found nippy, but the 1 litre once run in and driven hard is a revelation. Town cars aren't supposed to behave like this.
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[Cyclezee]

Looks like the Smart will cost around 12k when it is available to Jo Public Our friends electric - Times Online
compared to a Matiz at half that and you can still buy a lot of petrol for 6k.

John

 

[flecc]

Yes, and I got my 1 litre top of the range model in a special offer period for £6k, minus £3k PX, so S-Flyer money for a new car!

Since I will only be doing my usual 500 town miles or so each year with mpg currently about 40, my calculations are that I'll have to keep it over 87 years at current petrol prices before the electric Smart would have been cheaper.

Don't think it will last that long, I know I won't!
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[Pat]

It will be interesting to read how it performs if you find the time, also some photos would be nice if possible.
I assume the same upgrades could be performed on any Panasonic powered bike with the right components and knowledge.
incidentally what is the length of guarantee / warranty with a Flyer?

J hn

I am not sure how you could change the Panasonic system on the slower models to give the highest output at high cadence pedalling.

I have ordered my S-Flyer, but have to wait around 6 - 7 weeks for delivery. The shop owner offered me to have the test bike from time to time until mine arrives. Once I have mine I will do some more testing and write it here, including some detailed photos.

The Flyer comes with a 2 year guarantee on the bike and 6 month guarantee on the battery. Speaking of which, one thing that I like about the Flyer company (Biketec) is, that you can rent an extra battery for free from the dealer, for occasional longer trips like a bike holiday.


Regarding electric cars, have you seen this model from Volkswagen:

volkswagen-space-up!-concept-new-beetle-rear-engine-car

That would be a car I am interested in. But given their regular prices, this one will probably be not affordable.

 

[JohnInStockie]

Like you I think the Agattu is the best buy, though sadly there's very little price difference now, unlike at the start.

The testing continues, first and last thing generally, though sometimes only one run as today with the weather a bit grotty. Mileage 3338 since 16th January on 218 charges is a fair amount of testing I think.

After a lifetime of avoiding a cycling injury to my knees, ironically I injured my left knee while walking in the countryside some seven weeks ago, and it's causing problems with signs of arthritis setting in as there's no improvement. That's likely to curtail future cycling exploits, but luckily I've bought myself two new cars this year.
.

Thats more than a bit worrying Flecc!!!

 

[flecc]

Thats more than a bit worrying Flecc!!!

Well, age always tends to bring some normal wear and tear arthritis anyway, and at 72 I must expect some slowness or failure of full healing. Trouble is I enjoy walking as well and frequently cover 3 to 5 miles and sometimes more, so it's a bit frustrating not to be able to walk that sort of distance at present.

Cycling's ok to some extent, luckily with my Q bike I only need to tickle the pedals to get up even 1 in 6 hills, so I'm far from unseated yet.
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[Beanie101]

one thing that I like about the Flyer company (Biketec) is, that you can rent an extra battery for free from the dealer, for occasional longer trips like a bike holiday.

I hadn't heard that one. Is that all Flyer distributors, do you think, or have you just got a particularly good one?