Thinking of getting bike

[Kerry]

Hi

I would be grateful for advice. I am thinking of getting an electric bike. It would do around 7 miles a day, mainly up and down steep hills. I am a woman who weighs around 8 stone and not particularly fit. I would like something that I could have a basket on the front of and a pannier on the back. I preferably wanted to spend less than £800. Is there any bike that people feel would meet that spec?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

At only 8 stone, any electric bike will have enough power to get you up steep hills unless they're exceptionally steep. You can also fit a basket and panniers to virtually any bike, so even if it doesn't come with them, you can fit them yourself or get a local bike shop to do it.

With a budget of £800, look at the Woosh bikes. If you're small, the Santana petite.

http://www.wooshbikes.co.uk/?petite

 

[Kerry]

Thank you for much for the info on the Woosh bike. It seems to be just what I am looking for. I have spoken to the company who have also been really helpful. My husband is also thinking of getting one and he is around 5'9" and weighs around 16 stone. Again it would be steep hills. Is there one that you would recommend for him?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The Big Bear is very powerful. The stepthrough version is extremely comfortable, though the crossbar one is more masculine looking. They both have the same motor and power system. For a ride-to-work bike, they're difficult to beat.

 

[Kerry]

Thank you for all your help. I shall take a look at that.

 

[RobF]

Worth leaning on woosh for a discount off two bikes.

Or if you fancy something different for one of you, the Ezee Sprint Primo is good value and said to pull well:

http://www.cyclezee.com/ezee-sprint-primo.html

Or maybe there would do you a deal on a couple of those.

 

[JuicyBike]

Hi Kerry
You'd be very wise to try before you buy. There are specialist electric bike shops all over the country now and many more regular bike shops stocking a wide range of makes. Local support for your new investment makes great sense to keep your new bike safe and on the road.

 

[Kerry]

Thanks Rob I shall take a look at those.

 

[Kerry]

Thanks for your responce Bob. Unfortunately, there is nowhere within travelling distance that I can try the bikes. I live in a very remote part of the country and am unable to travel a long distance.

 

[jackhandy]

There are specialist electric bike shops all over the country now and many more regular bike shops stocking a wide range of makes.

You obviously didn't come to Cornwall for your hols this year then, Bob

The choice down here is still pretty abysmal.

 

[JuicyBike]

Thanks for your responce Bob. Unfortunately, there is nowhere within travelling distance that I can try the bikes. I live in a very remote part of the country and am unable to travel a long distance.

Where are you Kerry?

 

[Kerry]

Where are you Kerry?

I'm in Wales and have checked what is available: nothing. :-(

 

[JohnCade]

Kudos has a couple of dealers in Wales, one in Swansea and one in Anglesey. I think it's Anglesey. North Wales anyway.

There was an e bike dealer near Lampeter but I'm not sure he's around anymore, and New Image in Cardigan sells a couple of makes, and may order in others. He maintains them too.

 

[Kerry]

Kudos has a couple of dealers in Wales, one in Swansea and one in Anglesey. I think it's Anglesey. North Wales anyway.

There was an e bike dealer near Lampeter but I'm not sure he's around anymore, and New Image in Cardigan sells a couple of makes, and may order in others. He maintains them too.

Thank you for the suggestions but I am too far away from all those places.

 

[JohnCade]

Where are you in Wales then? You must be reasonably close to somewhere.

 

[Kerry]

Where are you in Wales then? You must be reasonably close to somewhere.

I am near to the most north westerly tip. On public transport it would take me about four hours to get to Angelsey and I have no other means of getting there.

 

[PzPhil]

You obviously didn't come to Cornwall for your hols this year then, Bob

The choice down here is still pretty abysmal.

It's surprising how many people think "We've a branch in Bristol, that's the West Country covered."

 

[flecc]

It's surprising how many people think "We've a branch in Bristol, that's the West Country covered."

Like the Edinburgh branches that cover Scotland and the Northern Isles!
.

 

[Kerry]

It's surprising how many people think "We've a branch in Bristol, that's the West Country covered."

A bit like Wales: a branch in Chester and one in Cardiff or Swansea and Wales is covered!

 

[Kerry]

I have been starting to hear horror stories from people who have bought electrical bikes: they have been damaged in transit and the companies won't do anything about it or take forever to put things right. Looking at the woosh website under the warranty, some things don't seem reasonable to me. Take for instance these two points:

This warranty covers:

Manufacturing defects causing minor mechanical failure (pedals, spokes etc.) within the first 28 days

This warranty does not cover:

Consumable parts after the first 28 days: these include tyres, inner tubes, batteries for lights if applicable, brake pads, bottom brackets, cranks, spokes and pedals. Minor faults on arrival: loose fixings (nuts, bolts, screws,), loose spokes, loose cables deemed resolvable with minimal intervention, Minor cosmetic damage - hairline scratches or barely visible chips, marks or dents.

What have been other peoples experience of buying online and what have been your experience of durability of parts like pedals and spokes?