Which touring bike, confused newbie

[UKStu36]

Hi my wife and I are relative electric bike newbie, she bought a Freego Eagle last year, me being a skeptic poo-pooed the idea of electric bikes initially but now I am a convert. I am looking to buy 2 bikes, one for me and the other an upgrade for my wife. However the more I read the more confused I get. We want something we can go touring on (in my late 50's not very fit), I dont expect to do anything more dirt orientated than railtrails/towpaths etc, but I want something with a good range. I want a central motor (Bosch or maybe Yamaha) and want to spend between £1700 - 2500 on each one. I guess I like most people I want the best/newest technology and bang for buck so I am drawn to the new Bosch with 500wh battery. Initially I thought Raleigh Motus/Kalkhoff/Ktm Machina/Gepida or Haibike Trekker. Although when I looked at dealers websites none listed the new 500wh battery. I keep going around in circles...any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[soundwave]

Raleigh is haibike
https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/

 

[UKStu36]

Thanks Soundwave, even more confused now, I though Raleigh was UK based but Haibike european?

 

[soundwave]

yes haibike German tho most bikes made there tbh and the bosch motor.

might be a bit low price wise if you want full sus and a 500w batt and a haibike.

 

[soundwave]

https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/Electric-Bikes-UK-Dealer/Scott-E-Aspect-720-CX-2016?filter=16

https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/Electric-Bikes-UK-Dealer/Haibike-xDuro-Hard-Seven-RC-2016?filter=16

fs
https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/Electric-Bikes-UK-Dealer/Lapierre-Overvolt-FS-400-2016?filter=24

bosch 4-600 more depending on bike

 

[UKStu36]

Thought so. I dont think I need full sus, perhaps just front and realise that most Haibikes are at the top of my price range, but prepared to perhaps compromise for the Yamaha motor if Haibikes were the way to go. The minister for war and finance however, she would need a stepthrough or at least a low crossbar.

 

[UKStu36]

Thanks again, the Scott and the hard 7 look good. I have just sent an email to ebikeshop, perhaps I will have to call in for a chat, although I live in Yorkshire.

 

[soundwave]

there is a few more to chose from but its best you have a go on both b4 you shell out the cash.

 

[soundwave]

https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/Electric-Bikes-UK-Dealer/Haibike-sDuro-Hard-Life-SL-2016?filter=19&sort=p.price&order=ASC

bet she like that

 

[anotherkiwi]

sw he said touring where are the panniers and mudguards?

cube have some nice trekking bikes

 

[RobF]

For touring, battery range is the top priority.

If it is between a Yamaha or Bosch bike, it has to be Bosch for the bigger 500wh battery.

The brand of bike is relatively unimportant.

Cubes look good value this year, or KTM may have something suitable.

You don't need front suspension, although most bikes you look at will have it.

Factory fitted rack and mudguards can be neater than retrofit.

 

[SteveRuss]

A Kalkhoff with a 612wh battery is got to be in the running for a great touring machine.

I think the Tasman classic is a lovely looking bike which seems more directed towards the ladies (I risk being insulting here!). £2095. That leaves enough cash for one of the more expensive Evos like the Evo Integrale 8 belt.

There are so many other options out there but this would be closest to my final choice with those funds and requirements. Remember also that discounts can easily be had when buying two machines.

 

[UKStu36]

Thanks everyone for the response. My wife is drawn to the Kalkhoff, so far I am leaning towards a Haibike Trekker but could be dissuaded. As a motorcycle rider also the KTM name is a draw but I dont know much about their ebikes. Cube I'm afraid I dont know anything at all. Has anyone any experience with the BH range of electric bikes?

 

[soundwave]

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/clacking-noise-kalkhoff-impulse-2-motor.22024/

 

[martin@onbike]

Have a look at these 2 Scott's...performance with 500 battery, XT gearing etc.

http://www.onbike.co.uk/crossbar-electric-bikes/scott-e-sub-sport-men-electric-bike.html

http://www.onbike.co.uk/crossbar-electric-bikes/scott-e-sub-sport-lady-electric-bike.html

Or there is a cheaper variant of both with the Active motor....lower torque giving greater range.

 

[kurth]

Thanks Soundwave, even more confused now, I though Raleigh was UK based but Haibike european?

I bought a Raleigth stoker impulse 9 today here in Norway ,and as i understand, its the same as kalkhoff ,same factory.

 

[UKStu36]

Thanks again everyone, at the moment Trekker is still leading for me, Jane is leaning towards something the KTM Machina 8, she likes a very upright riding style. Plan on trying a few out as soon as we can

 

[D8ve]

Thanks everyone for the response. My wife is drawn to the Kalkhoff, so far I am leaning towards a Haibike Trekker but could be dissuaded. As a motorcycle rider also the KTM name is a draw but I dont know much about their ebikes. Cube I'm afraid I dont know anything at all. Has anyone any experience with the BH range of electric bikes?

Personally l loved my BH,s the old sport with Panasonic drive. Range was 50+ miles with 400watt batteries.
The most new bikes should be able to get 50 miles with 400 watts if YOU pedal as well. But test them with the power off. If they run easily then your not wasting battery power.
For real range and comfort a recumbent with big batteries will go far.
Trikes can take Huge batteries in comfort.

 

[Emo Rider]

I have recently retired my BH City 700 and purchased a Haibike Trekking. Now l do not want to take anything away from the BH as for 10,000 miles it has been an excellent performer. I had test ridden the Trekking several times knowing l was going to be upgrading. The experience of riding one on a daily basis was eye opening.

First is the power and the quiet silky smooth delivery. Secondly the range. l am getting close to the rated distance using eco and standard settings. I rarely use it in high as there is no need. Lastly, everyone talks about range, power and type of drive system but few talk about the actual riding experience.

This is one capable and comfortable bike with or without the power. Its 20 speed gearing is excellent. I could easily just shut it off and toodle along for the fun of it (but the power usually wins out). Having such a wide range of gear selection under power is great. The frame geometry is perfect for me and much better than the BH. The Continental tyres on the BH did it no favors as the Schwalbe Energizers seem to roll much more freely when not under power. I was running 90psi on the BH 700x35c Conti's, the Haibike's Schwalbe's 700x38c pairing take 70psi. Go figure that.

I have no regrets buying the Haibike although l would make one recommendation about the bars. They were too wide for me as they put my hands at a poor angle. This caused stress on my thumbs and wrists. They are great on the MTB's but not on a tourer. The cure was simply cutting them two inches shorter on each side and shifting the controls inward. Problem solved. A much better ergonomic position for me. Hey, nothing's perfect but this bike practicality is.

Before l go, I would also suggest trying Freego's newest adition to their line. The new Martins with Bafang crank drive. Excellent spec for the money. A few more features than the Raleigh Motus and three hundred pounds cheaper.

Hope this helps and safe journey with what ever you choose, cheers.

 

[KevinMull]

You don't need front suspension, although most bikes you look at will have it.

Why not? In general or for touring?
More so now with the state of the roads in the UK these days. Probably fair better in Europe though.