Sahel compact or nano Brompton

[CorpusLuteum]

Hi everyone

After selling my Brompton, I have finally raised the funds and I'm ready to purchase my new electric bicycle. I've decided to buy the Sahel Compact mainly because it's lighter. But I'm extremely worried about the bicycle being stolen and I don't know what I'd do if that happens. I don't know how safe it is to park a £2000 bicycle at a hospital... It would cost me £200 to get the bike insured, not to mention I would have to invest in buying some good locks.

So here's an idea and I'm looking for advice...

Would it be wise to buy a 6 speed custom built Brompton for £1125 and convert it? How comfortable is a nano brompton and are they ideal for long journeys? The main advantage is that I wouldn't have to worry about insurance or theft. What do you think? Thank you

 

[RobF]

I find the ride of my Brompton Nano wearing over long distances.

You've had a Brompton, so should have a good idea.

One plus point is the weight of the battery in the front bag deadens the normally twitchy steering.

Don't under-estimate the weight of the bike with the motor.

The extra few kilos pretty much limits any carrying to a few metres.

The Nano has a 10ah battery, so range around 30 miles, perhaps a bit more for you because you are very light.

I have a six-speed, but the motor means three speeds are adequate, which is what I would buy if starting from scratch.

The Sahel will be a much nicer riding bike, but not having to worry about theft with a Brommie is a big, big, plus point.

 

[patpatbut]

Hi CL

I have tried to use my electric brompton commuting for a week.

My journey is 12 miles each way and my hands and back started hurting me

After i upgraded the suspension block and ergo grip, those problems have gone.

Just wondering why did you sell the brompton? You could bring it to the shop for conversion. It would be much cheaper.

Pat

 

[CorpusLuteum]

I find the ride of my Brompton Nano wearing over long distances.

You've had a Brompton, so should have a good idea.

One plus point is the weight of the battery in the front bag deadens the normally twitchy steering.

Don't under-estimate the weight of the bike with the motor.

The extra few kilos pretty much limits any carrying to a few metres.

The Nano has a 10ah battery, so range around 30 miles, perhaps a bit more for you because you are very light.

I have a six-speed, but the motor means three speeds are adequate, which is what I would buy if starting from scratch.

The Sahel will be a much nicer riding bike, but not having to worry about theft with a Brommie is a big, big, plus point.

Thank you for such a detailed overview

Hi CL

I have tried to use my electric brompton commuting for a week.

My journey is 12 miles each way and my hands and back started hurting me

After i upgraded the suspension block and ergo grip, those problems have gone.

Just wondering why did you sell the brompton? You could bring it to the shop for conversion. It would be much cheaper.

Pat

Thank you My journey will be 12 miles each way too. How do you find the nano Brompton in terms of handling? Even though I have suspension on my current e-bike, the ride is very bumpy and it doesn't do so well dealing with potholes. I don't want to face this problem with my new bicycle. Oh and approximately how much do you think the full conversion will cost?

I sold my Brompton to raise funds for my new e-bike. I owned it for a year and even though I never got to ride it, I still miss admiring it every morning

 

[patpatbut]

I have brompton C bag to store my battery with totally weight 8 kgs. The handling normally is not an issue until you hit the potholes. It happens for all small wheel bikes anyway. If you could slow down before reaching them you should be fine.

As your ride is very bumpy I suggest not to get small wheel bike.


Btw, I thought you are buying a step-through heavy bike

Pat

 

[CorpusLuteum]

I have brompton C bag to store my battery with totally weight 8 kgs. The handling normally is not an issue until you hit the potholes. It happens for all small wheel bikes anyway. If your ride is very bumpy I suggest not to get small wheel bike.

If you could slow down before reaching them you should be fine.

Btw, I thought you are buying a step-through heavy bike

Pat

I was considering the Agattu but my riding style has changed considerably in 2 months. I'm so much more confident now and I think whizzing past cars would be much easier with a smaller bike like the Sahel compact.

 

[patpatbut]

Forgot to mention about the conversion cost.

This price for nano brompton is below

http://www.nanoelectricbikes.co.uk/price-list

It costs around £1000+ for the kit with installation. On top you need a brompton as well.

That is a lot of money that is why I did it by myself.

Pat

 

[CorpusLuteum]

Forgot to mention about the conversion cost.

This price for nano brompton is below

http://www.nanoelectricbikes.co.uk/price-list

It costs around £1000+ for the kit with installation. On top you need a brompton as well.

That is a lot of money that is why I did it by myself.

Pat

Thank you OK so the custom built Brompton in my preferred colour (yellow and blue ) would cost £1125. And then I'm looking at ~£1000 for conversion. Whereas the sahel compact would cost £2000 plus ~£200 for insurance. Decisions decisions...

 

[RobF]

The Brompton is bumpy over potholes, although they are bomb proof bikes and will do the work.

Lots of owners use them daily in London and other cities.

But for 12 miles each way, I would go for the extra comfort of bigger wheels.

The Sahel would be fine, but what about an AVE MH7?

I mention this because you might be able to get a 'new' old model - same as mine - for around £1,700.

 

[patpatbut]

There are others doing the conversion as well

http://www.foldingbikes.biz

In term of the comfort Sahel compact is the winner (bigger and fatter tyre)
Possibly smooth operation as well.

For me I still prefer brompton as the re sale value is much higher and you can bring it anywhere with you without worrying much.

Pat

 

[CorpusLuteum]

The Brompton is bumpy over potholes, although they are bomb proof bikes and will do the work.

Lots of owners use them daily in London and other cities.

But for 12 miles each way, I would go for the extra comfort of bigger wheels.

The Sahel would be fine, but what about an AVE MH7?

I mention this because you might be able to get a 'new' old model - same as mine - for around £1,700.

Thank you. I did consider the AVE MH7 but I don't like the way it looks. Last week, a driver shouted "nice wheelies" in an attempt to ridicule me whilst I was riding my e-co bicycle. I don't want anyone making fun of my bicycle which is one of the reasons I'm going for an expensive good looking bike

There are others doing the conversion as well

http://www.foldingbikes.biz

In term of the comfort Sahel compact is the winner (bigger and fatter tyre)
Possibly smooth operation as well.

For me I still prefer brompton as the re sale value is much higher and you can bring it anywhere with you without worrying much.

Pat

Yes I don't know what the resale value is on the sahel compact but I don't expect it to be as good as the Brompton. I owned my Brompton for a year and I still managed to sell it for £700 (original price £865).

 

[patpatbut]

The resale value of sahel compact will be definitely lower. Considering you can still sell the brompton without battery but you can not do that for Sahel.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:1wsiaOaeb2kJ:www.ebay.co.uk/itm/electric-bike-Kalkhoff-Sahel-Compact-Nexus-/111121553718+&cd=14&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk&client=safari

If you do consider the unfoldable bike like Sahel, do consider this lock

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kryptonite-New-York-M18-Lock/dp/B000AOA3W6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1399707578&sr=8-4&keywords=kryptonite lock new york

Or this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kryptonite-York-Fahgettaboutit-Chain-100cm/dp/B001JPS200/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399707792&sr=8-3&keywords=kryptonite lock new york

This can lock the front wheel and frame together.

Of course having them together with your bike this makes your bike a lot heavier. However, living in Manchester a very solid lock is essential.

Pat

 

[CorpusLuteum]

The resale value of sahel compact will definitely lower. Considering you can still sell the brompton without battery but you can not do that for Sahel.

If you do consider the unfoldable bike like Sahel, do consider this lock

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kryptonite-New-York-M18-Lock/dp/B000AOA3W6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1399707578&sr=8-4&keywords=kryptonite lock new york

Or this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kryptonite-York-Fahgettaboutit-Chain-100cm/dp/B001JPS200/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399707792&sr=8-3&keywords=kryptonite lock new york

This can lock the front wheel and frame together.

Of course having them together with your bike this makes your bike a lot heavier. Living in Manchester a very solid lock is essential.

Pat

Ohhh thanks. I was actually looking for advice on some good locks and these are perfect. I think I'll buy them both. I read somewhere that locking the bike with 2 different locks means the thief needs different set of tools. Thank you once again. You're awesome

 

[patpatbut]

Sure. CL

As they are heavy locks, they might affect the handling. Maybe you can leave one at your workplace.

Do consider a strong pannier bag to store them as well.

Also, I would store the bike indoor if possible.

Pat

 

[patpatbut]

Btw, I would try the bike first before buying it. It is worth popping down the shop and try different bikes to see how you feel like them

Pat

 

[CorpusLuteum]

Sure. CL

As they are heavy locks, they might affect the handling. Maybe you can leave one at your workplace.

Do consider a strong pannier bag to store them as well.

Also, I would store the bike indoor if possible.

Pat

I'm a student and I won't be able to leave the lock at college. The main reason why I'm purchasing the bicycle is to attend a treatment programme 5 days a week and I definitely won't be able to leave the locks at the hospital overnight.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

If there's a bike rack or bike shed, you leave your lock locked around the rack, a post or even a nearby drain-pipe, and take just the key home. There's always somewhere to lock your lock to.

Regarding the bike, I think you're going in completely the wrong direction for a 12 mile commuter. Get a bike that's properly designed for it like a normal step-through with 26" wheels and suspension forks.

 

[CorpusLuteum]

If there's a bike rack or bike shed, you leave your lock locked around the rack, a post or even a nearby drain-pipe, and take just the key home. There's always somewhere to lock your lock to.

Regarding the bike, I think you're going in completely the wrong direction for a 12 mile commuter. Get a bike that's properly designed for it like a normal step-through with 26" wheels and suspension forks.

Oh good idea. Thanks In my other thread, many people said the agattu might be too big for me. RobF suggested the sahel compact and after giving it a serious thought, I think it's perfect for my size/height. I think I might have to try riding one before taking the plunge.

 

[RobF]

Having a go on the Sahel is a good idea.

As regards 'designed for the job', my AVE is a similar design and I've happily done 50 mile rides on it.

Not quite as comfortable as my big wheeled bike, but there isn't a lot in it.

The Sahel is more than capable of 12 miles each way, and however you cut it, smaller wheeled bikes are a lot handier in traffic, around islands, on and off paths, etc

To me, a quality 20" bike is a better commuter than a big wheeled bike.

 

[Helen C]

Thank you. I did consider the AVE MH7 but I don't like the way it looks. Last week, a driver shouted "nice wheelies" in an attempt to ridicule me whilst I was riding my e-co bicycle. I don't want anyone making fun of my bicycle which is one of the reasons I'm going for an expensive good looking bike

It's fine if *you* don't like the way it looks, but don't worry about others' opinions. There are always foolish, or childish people, ready to make remarks about anything. Take compliments and ridicule with a smile: a smile warms the hearts of those who have complimented you and annoys the ones who have ridiculed you

Good luck with your choice!
-H