Spencer Ivy - Any views?

[Jamessztejer]

I am looking at buying my first electric bike. I like the look of the Spencer Ivy models, does anyone know what they are like and what the alternative options could be? Thank you. James

 

[Spinalot]

I tried one two years ago at the cycle show. They are very comfy because of the "old fashioned" sit up and beg style. I personally like the way they look and they seemed very well made with a decent spec for the regular bike parts. The paint job is very nice on all of their models. The grips on the handlebars I found uncomfortable though. I prefer an ergonomic grip. As for the motor and electric gubbins there are better people on here to advise you.
As for an alternative. The Kalkhoffs are well specced and well made German machines that with a few tweeks can get you in a nice upright position. They are in the same price bracket as the Spencers too. But then I am biased as that is what I bought.

As all the members on here will tell you though, you really have to try some first before spending any money. Bike are very personal for taste. There are also many variables that will influence your final choice other than looks.

Where are you going to ride most?
What sort of terrain?
Commuting every day?
Just a leisure ride at the weekends?
Throttle, pedal assists or a combination of both?
Hub motor?
Crank drive motor?

That is just a few of the questions you need to be asking yourself.

My suggestion would be to spend a good deal of time on this forum and read the many reviews by members. Listen to people and ask questions. Finally narrow down your choices and then go for some test rides. There are suppliers on this forum that are brilliant and will not force a sale and even recommend competitors products. I cannot think of a single supplier on here that does not offer test rides.
You can tell a supplier from the tag on their name.

Finally, welcome to the forum. kick back grab some coffee and dive in.
*ps* Listen to everything Flecc says, he is our wise man and sit in a little room and looks a bit like Yoda

 

[flecc]

The Spencer Ivy bikes are broadly similar to the Kalkhoff ones, both produced by Derby Cycles gmbh in Germany. They also market them under various other names, mostly old established brand names like Technium and Victoria that they now own.

All are good quality, but as Spinalot says, try as many as you can since the various e-bike types can be very different in how they suit each individual.
.

 

[Jamessztejer]

Thank you both very much for taking the time to offer your help on this, you are very kind. It is the first time I have posted on any forum and this one certainly seems like a great and friendly resource.

I shall take your advice and get stuck into some thorough research and try some out....should be fun.

Thanks again

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I've never ridden a Spencer Ivy, but I've ridden other bikes with the same motor. My feeling is that the motor's rather under-powered compared with the more modern motors from Bosch, Kalkhoff, Panasonic and others. Things have moved on in the last couple of years, so that one could be described as a relic from the past; however, it will still suit some riders that want something a bit more gentle.

 

[Jamessztejer]

I've never ridden a Spencer Ivy, but I've ridden other bikes with the same motor. My feeling is that the motor's rather under-powered compared with the more modern motors from Bosch, Kalkhoff, Panasonic and others. Things have moved on in the last couple of years, so that one could be described as a relic from the past; however, it will still suit some riders that want something a bit more gentle.

Thank you for your advice, I will certainly look into this.