What to buy!

[James Brett]

Hi guys,

I didn't know what forum to post this in so gone for this as its a mixture of E Bikes and Converting my existing bike

With the summer months approaching (hopefully we actually see some sun) I want to start cycling again. The bike I have now is a Muddy Fox mountain bike (nothing special). I've had it a number of years, but haven't used in a while.

I've slowly been reading about E-Bikes and I like the idea of having one and I think it will help on the way to work (I do have to climb a couple of hills). So I was coming round to the idea of looking into getting one but know I've seen on E Bay that you can get conversion Kits to convert your existing bike.

Now I'm kind of stuck between the two. Do I just go for it and buy an E-Bike or shall I dust the cob webs off my existing bike and have that converted.

I live in Hertfordshire. There are a number of places that sell E-Bikes and I've visited a couple of shops but can only see one company that convert your bike for you, www.electricbike-conversions.com

Has anyone used these before? Thought Id get some expert opinions before I visit them as I haven't a clue what to ask for

Any help will be appreciated

Many thanks

James

 

[James Brett]

Or forgot to add if any one knows of any other companies that convert bikes in Hertfordshire

 

[Nealh]

They have only recently appeared so a guinea pig hasn't yet been found to used them yet. From what I see they look like Cylotricity kits which you can buy (see the side bar). Unless you are confident of doing it your self buy an ebike or get cyclezee to fit a kit to your bike.
How far and what sort of use do you want it for, if its only for a few miles to work then nearly any bike will do and your budget. Also an Idea of your height /weight.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The first thing you need to figure out is what type of bike or motor you need otherwise this could end in disappointment. You need to consider how heavy you are, what type of hills you will encounter, how far you want to go, how hard you want to pedal, how much you want to spend, etc. When we have that information, we can advise you.

 

[James Brett]

Cheers guys,

Im roughly 16 stone, 6 ft 2. The journey to work is roughly 4 miles each way, Id say 3 miles is flattish and the final mile is all up hill. Coming home wont be a problem

Budget - I don't really want to spend more than £1000 (don't tell the wife) but if can get away with spending less I'm of course happy to do so

 

[Nealh]

Big boy then. 20 -22" frame then with a kit or a Big bear from Woosh for decent bikes under a grand.
Once you buy a decent bike then factor in a kit and pro fitting then you are at ready built prices.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Now we need to know what Muddy fox you have. There's lots of different ones!

 

[RobF]

Now we need to know what Muddy fox you have. There's lots of different ones!

Particularly its age.

Early Foxes were good bikes.

Then Mike Ashley got his hands on the brand with predictable results.

 

[trex]

if you have an e-bike specialist near you, visit their premises. You don't have to ask any question if you don't want to be ''sold' to. Just see what they have to offer.
If you see something that you like, then start asking question.

 

[2Lazy]

It's worth having a look at the kits on offer from Cyclezee. I had a test ride on one of their demo bikes yesterday. It was a standard mountain bike fitted with the rear wheel drive Ezee conversion kit and I was very impressed with it. I'm now seriously considering buying an Ezee conversion kit or one of their Ebikes. Cyclezee can also fit the kits for you. They're in Milton Keynes which is not all that far from Hertfordshire, 30mins up the M1.

http://www.cyclezee.com/conversion-kits.html

 

[D8ve]

Do you need a mountain bike to commute?
There are a couple of interesting bikes on eBay.
And the offers from Tom at LEBC too