SPARTA ION M-Gear V-Brake Electric Bike

[UrbanPuma]

Does anyone know much about this bike? Is it good for hill climbing and how effective is the pedelec system without a throttle?

Thanks UrbanPuma

 

[frank9755]

AtoB magazine did a review of it. They concluded it was not a great climber. Being a Dutch bike, ie from a particularly flat country, this is perhaps not so surprising. Nevetheless they liked the bike, its design, build quality and how it felt to ride. There's a summary on their buyers' guide here

Frank

 

[flecc]

And Velovision tested it as well and concluded in hilly Sheffield that the motor was only able to haul the weight of the electrics up steep hills, leaving the cyclist to do as much as they would on an ordinary bike.

The reason is simply that it's a direct drive motor, and these are not good for hill climbing, having hardly any torque at low speeds. The power only arrives and increases as the speed increases, not what's wanted for hills. It was in fact designed as a single speed bike for the flat low countries and even sent here that way initially. The derailleur was an added afterthought following feedback from the UK.

In all other respects the reports indicate it's a bike nearly everyone likes, and it's obviously good quality, very quiet and refined. Not fast though.
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[UrbanPuma]

Would it be suitable for London?

 

[flecc]

Central London and most of the Thames valley area, yes, a good bike for that, since there's not much in the way of hills.
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[UrbanPuma]

What about south west london Flecc - any good there?

 

[frank9755]

Depends where you are. Probably ok for most of SW London, but not one to go up the Star & Garter Hill, or similar, on.
Frank

 

[UrbanPuma]

Hi Frank, the areas are streatham, balham, tooting, battersea, earlsfield and wandsworth, putney and ealing - any good?

 

[flecc]

No problem in those areas, except a bit sluggish with that bike on the first rise of Leigham Court Road just after Valley Road when south-east bound. After passing Delphian Court it would be ok.

Is that specific enough for you?
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[frank9755]

I'm sure Flecc is right! I can't think of any hills in those areas.

Presumably you also need Brentford, Chiswick, Kew and Mortlake to join Ealing to those South London areas? As far as I know they are all pretty flat too!

Frank

 

[mastanlem]

Hi,

Go and test drive you will not be sorry. I have an Sparta M Gear and love it. I have also just purchased a Gazelle Easy glider as backup and for my husband to use.

The gazelle has more power up hills but of the two I will be using the Sparta as my main one even though I do have to put in a bit of effort up the hills in Worthing. It is so smooth and you forget its electric. Whereas on the Gazelle you do notice the motor kicking in etc.

Marina

 

[UrbanPuma]

Thanks everyone - that was specific enough for me

I shall do that Marina. What's your typical range per charge? How long have you had the Sparta and have you had any problems with it at all?

 

[flecc]

I used to live at 1, Delphian Court, Frank, hence my knowledge of that hill.

There are some surprisingly steep hills just off Leigham Court Road as well, Lansdowne Hill and York Hill leading from Norwood Road up to Royal Circus and leading to Leigham Court Road are very steep and a shock to those used to London's flatness. If ever you are passing nearby, worth a look for a surprise.
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[UrbanPuma]

So Flecc, with that bike using NIHM battery it shouln't cut out on that hill on Leigham Court Road?

 

[flecc]

No, NiMh batteries don't cut out anyway. They carry on driving until a motor stalls on a hill that's too steep. You'd just have to put in extra effort on that bit of Leigham Court Road mentioned, and the longish Streatham Common North slope, but you'd never see York and Lansdowne Hills if you didn't live on or about them, they aren't through routes. Few Streatham residents even know they exist.
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[UrbanPuma]

Ok. It sounds like a useful bike - not too heavy either. I'm thinking about getting one to travel round london instead of relying on the car so much.

Any advice on other types of bikes would be much appreciated?

 

[flecc]

For that general area, all the mainstream bikes are ok. Almost anything full size will be a huge improvement on the Urban Puma, which is severely compromised by it's small size and 16" wheels.

Just make a basic decision first, do you want a fast bike (average speeds 15 mph) or would you be content with a more moderate performance (average speeds 12/13 mph)?

Once that's decided, choose from that group according to your personal likes. No-one can do that for you, taste is a personal thing of course.
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[UrbanPuma]

Moderate performance suits me well so it looks like the Sparta Ion is the bike for me but i shall test it to be sure nearer the time of purchase.

ps...the puma's not so bad..good little fun bike for leisure, providing i keep the battery topped up It cut out on me again after only doing 13 miles this time. Prior to that i did ride up a short steepish hill and a few long inclines The cutouts have left me virtually stranded each time as there were no warning signs - 3 green lights were lit up on the LED indicator when it happened.

I was thinking of discharging for the 4th time but do you think i should just start topping it up from now on instead?

 

[flecc]

Just topping up now is ok.

In future, when it cuts out, switch off, wait a few seconds and switch back on again. Then you'll probably find it runs, but you'll have to help more then to avoid another cutout.
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[UrbanPuma]

Cheers flecc - will do