Well here we go, my third ebike starting with a Giant, then Kalkhoff, and now onto a Haibike SduroTrekking 5.0. I've always liked the look of the Haibike but previously was swayed by the longer range of the Kalkhoff Integrale. But the latest test ride on the Haibike was convincing in that it is very responsive and well equipped for my preferred type of cycling.
So I took the Haibike home and placed in the conservatory for a proper inspection ( I have a very understanding wife) ; I like the styling, and the solid rack, and the integral lighting, the tyre sizing, the understated decals and prefer the Yamaha motor. Am also pleased that the battery charger is a manageable size and fits nicely in my rack pack. Battery fully charged I set out to fully drain it asap using the higher two of the four available modes, up our local hills to do so. Initial feel of the bike around the local lanes was favourable, it feels nimble compared to other ebikes tried, the geometry is spot on and the ride is silky smooth with no rattles or squeaks at all. The motor is a little noisier than the Impulse but I was aware of that before and now hardly notice the difference. The Yamaha unit is really smooth and responsive with instant torque delivery, don't think there's much to choose between this and the Bosch, just personal preference. My first long run was yesterday when I ventured up into the Derbyshire White Peak district using a mixture of lanes and disused rail track, generally undulating and covered 82 miles in total. I mainly used Eco and Eco+ modes, but utilised the Standard mode now and again over the final 15 miles as the hills got steeper . The Haibike performed effortlessly coping easily as expected and the 'fit' of the frame is perfect for me. The saddle is not to my liking though and have changed it for a spare ergonomic saddle I have, and if that is no better, will put the old faithfull Brooks Flyer on. Saddles are a personal preference though and the stock Haibike saddle seems to be of good quality with a broad base. Half way through the ride at 44 miles with about 46% of battery remaining I accessed some power whilst dropping into my sister and brother in laws caravan just below Buxton. Around two hours later after coffees and sarnies, the battery was almost fully charged again and I set off for home. The. Battery had 52% remaining after retracing the same route back this due to there being a steady down hill most of the way. So as expected I may be able to expect around 60 to 80 + miles per charge depending on terrain and weather etc. Today I was out again for 28 miles , finding it hard to keep off this bike !
So I took the Haibike home and placed in the conservatory for a proper inspection ( I have a very understanding wife) ; I like the styling, and the solid rack, and the integral lighting, the tyre sizing, the understated decals and prefer the Yamaha motor. Am also pleased that the battery charger is a manageable size and fits nicely in my rack pack. Battery fully charged I set out to fully drain it asap using the higher two of the four available modes, up our local hills to do so. Initial feel of the bike around the local lanes was favourable, it feels nimble compared to other ebikes tried, the geometry is spot on and the ride is silky smooth with no rattles or squeaks at all. The motor is a little noisier than the Impulse but I was aware of that before and now hardly notice the difference. The Yamaha unit is really smooth and responsive with instant torque delivery, don't think there's much to choose between this and the Bosch, just personal preference. My first long run was yesterday when I ventured up into the Derbyshire White Peak district using a mixture of lanes and disused rail track, generally undulating and covered 82 miles in total. I mainly used Eco and Eco+ modes, but utilised the Standard mode now and again over the final 15 miles as the hills got steeper . The Haibike performed effortlessly coping easily as expected and the 'fit' of the frame is perfect for me. The saddle is not to my liking though and have changed it for a spare ergonomic saddle I have, and if that is no better, will put the old faithfull Brooks Flyer on. Saddles are a personal preference though and the stock Haibike saddle seems to be of good quality with a broad base. Half way through the ride at 44 miles with about 46% of battery remaining I accessed some power whilst dropping into my sister and brother in laws caravan just below Buxton. Around two hours later after coffees and sarnies, the battery was almost fully charged again and I set off for home. The. Battery had 52% remaining after retracing the same route back this due to there being a steady down hill most of the way. So as expected I may be able to expect around 60 to 80 + miles per charge depending on terrain and weather etc. Today I was out again for 28 miles , finding it hard to keep off this bike !
