Wish list

essexman

Pedelecer
Dec 17, 2007
212
0
cb11
Strikes me that most people are buying their leccy bikes for a specific purpose, often practical, but i 'd break these down into:
-Commuting
-Leisure
-Car alternatives

Now, i'd like a company that could sell me a bike that could be specced to suit my needs, not what the company thinks i want. A very good and succesful example of this is AVC cycles in bath who sell folding bikes. You can spend ages on their website speccing a folding bike that suits you. from my basic frame and engine, i'd like to be able to spec:
-Forks (road no suspension, lock out suspenssion, off road suspension)
-handlebar and stem (speed drops, flat townie hybrid, luxury about town combo)
-tyres (racing slicks, good general use, bomb proof)
-lights (hub dynamo and the works or non)
-racks (Light touring, luxury town style, non)
-saddle and seat post (racier style, classic (eg brooks), comforty (yuck!)
-pedals (townie rubber ones, optional powergrips, or spds)
-Optional paraphenlia (pump, locks inc built in defenders)
-brakes (V or disc)
-gearing adjustment (+13%, -13% , normal)

Obviously i want hill climbing (panasonic motor), low weight for the basic frame, 30 mile range and reliability. I would like a local dealer, but it wouldnt affect my purchase choice, given the current market.

PS i'm a very happy Agattu owner. But i didnt want everything on it and i wanted some things different. When i specced my birdy from AVC i got everything i wanted + spares.
 

nin26

Pedelecer
Jan 2, 2008
84
0
Poole, BH16
Oooh, I just spotted this thread (bit late I know!)

My perfect bike is a Wisper 905 City S (if I've got the right one! - I mean the sport that's been converted with the mudguards and rack) - with all the goodies exactly as it is, except in a frame like this:



Pretty, pretty please?

With a cherry on top??

:eek:
 

Mandy

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 23, 2007
512
0
spec?

Hi David
Whilst I wouldn't change much with my Wisper, although the front disc brake is now shimano, sorry.
I personally would change the situ of the battery to the rear rack and make it slimmer and just a tad lighter.
A slim double decker rack would be good so that people could use the rack as intended and enable people to use panniers too.
I know there are quite a few do it yourself bikes out there with a rack set up, but I just think that this could be achieved in a good way to move forward and could be great with a good design.
It would be less obvious to the discerning buyers that may not want there bike to look electric? I am sure there are a few out there, lol, and in time with a descreet battery I feel you would be quids in for future buyers :)
Apart from that, I love the style of the frame and the look with the all black paint work which you certainly must keep and the flames on the rims!
Yes, I guess I would go for faster too, just a little mind :D
Rear disc brakes? Yes please!
I personally wouldn't choose the lighting to run off the battery as feel this is a personal choice like a cycle computer and would not want some of my traveling time taken up with lighting :eek:
In fact, ditch supplying lights, just reflectors front and back.
Ditch all the little extra's that one can buy, like bottle holder, pump etc lol!
I would also agree that maybe a couple of frame sizes should be available but that is all you would probably need, just a couple to cover heights and not to confuse things with too much choice.
Apart from that, don't change a thing :D
Regards
Mandy
 

bluevalentine

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jun 24, 2008
8
0
Frame options:
1. Conventional 'crossbar' or MTB style
2. Step-thru with non-flexing frame
3. Full size folder (a la Montague)

Motor options:
a) for outright performance
b) more torque for hill climbing

switchable between throttle/pedelec with useful steps of assistance

Range 30 miles
Neat battery mounting, allowing for easy detachment
2nd (spare) battery at reasonable cost

Weight 18-22 kgs depending on specification

Gears, chain, crank, pedals, brakes, handlebars, stem set, wheels etc to be of excellent quality

Good brakes, hydraulic or disc

Sensible range of options including saddle/seatpost/carriers/chain guard/fixed or suspension forks/tyres/pedals/ lights etc to allow user to customise.

Price £1000 - £1500 max
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,286
2,252
69
Sevenoaks Kent
Many Many thanks

Thanks everyone for your help, many of the suggestions are being worked on at the moment but there are some new crackers here.

A question, if one were to buy a powered trailer to attach to ones bike and the trailer was equipped with a 250w motor, would the whole vehicle be the bike and trailer and therefore over the EEC limit of 250w? :confused:

Best regards David
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,284
30,660
Under EU law I think it would in effect be one vehicle David,and with an e-bike would then exceed the limit.

I base this on the fact that there are "pusher" trailers in Europe which are intended to add power to
an unpowered bicycle, tricycle or recumbent bike/trike, so clearly that becomes the bicycle's power
unit.

However, there's an anomaly in this. EU law requires pedelec control, but adding power via a trailer in
that way to a normal bike means there is no pedelec, just the switch on/off or throttle control. To me
this indicates that it's not only our UK e-bike law which is a bit of a mess, the EU having some equally
grey areas.

Where one goes from here to find out more is difficult, but perhaps a word with a European add-on
power trailer manufacturer might get some help. One of these powered pusher trailers was made by
the Cab Bike Company, a well known Velomobile manufacturer, I don't know if they make it any more,
but I'm showing it below attached to an unpowered recumbent:

 
Last edited:

Mussels

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 17, 2008
3,207
8
Crowborough
Having borrowed a 905 last night I would like to see a modification in the charger. Because the charger needs to be switched on before connecting to the battery then I can't use a timer to switch on with economy 7 electricity. A simple timer like washing machines use saying start in so many hours would be good.
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,284
30,660
I'm going on what the guy in the shop told me, I'll check the instructions carefully when it's delivered then.
If it's Wisper's latest charger, made by HP (HighPower), it doesn't matter either way. eZee also use these
chargers and my two can be plugged into the battery first or the mains first, both ways working fine for two years.
.
 

Mandy

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 23, 2007
512
0
I'm going on what the guy in the shop told me, I'll check the instructions carefully when it's delivered then.
Hi Mussels
I have the original slim line charger (like a laptop charger) with no fan and a simple red and green light.
Certainly with this one it is important to have everything connected up before switching it on at the mains.
My battery lead is always connected to the charger and I just ensure this plug is also properly engaged before I switch the whole lot on at the mains.
I had to do this with my old L Acid battery also and that lasted 3 years :)
So it may depend, as Flecc says what charger you have?
Regards
 

Mussels

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 17, 2008
3,207
8
Crowborough
So it may depend, as Flecc says what charger you have?
Regards
I haven't got one yet, mine is on order. I borrowed one for an overnight test ride so borrowed the charger as well and that's how I was told to use it. I'll just see what I get in the new shipment and read the instructions for it. :)
 

ElephantsGerald

Pedelecer
Mar 17, 2008
168
0
Herefordshire, HR2
I'm going on what the guy in the shop told me, I'll check the instructions carefully when it's delivered then.
Hi Mussels,

I wouldn't hold your breath for any instructions, I certainly didn't get any with my 905SE when I got it in May :(.

I plug the charger into the bike first, then switch it on at the mains. Theres no particular reason for this other than it makes sense to me. Seems to work anyway.

Regards,

Elephants
 

moon

Pedelecer
May 24, 2008
89
0
I'd also like to see the battery key located in a more protective position as mine keeps bending whilst in the battery as it sticks out at the side and is probably getting knocked etc.
 

ElephantsGerald

Pedelecer
Mar 17, 2008
168
0
Herefordshire, HR2
I'd also like to see the battery key located in a more protective position as mine keeps bending whilst in the battery as it sticks out at the side and is probably getting knocked etc.
This happens to me too!!

The back of my shoe keeps knocking into the key.

I've learnt to make sure I put the key in bent side up so it doesn't get bent any more...

Regards,

Elephants
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,286
2,252
69
Sevenoaks Kent
Manuals and Keys

Thanks Moon

The next lot of bikes in have a folding key so it lays flat on the battery.

If anyone needs a manual, drop me a PM and I will send one to you.

Best regards David
 

moon

Pedelecer
May 24, 2008
89
0
Hi David :) can I purchase a folding key for my bike? I'm sure its possible to buy a blank and have it cut at a high street key cutter??

Jo
 

Mandy

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 23, 2007
512
0
I haven't got one yet, mine is on order. I borrowed one for an overnight test ride so borrowed the charger as well and that's how I was told to use it. I'll just see what I get in the new shipment and read the instructions for it. :)
Hi Mussels
Well I hope it come's real soon for you :)
I didn't have any instructions either but just feel it is right to ensure all is plugged in before switching on, I think I was told that or read that when I bought my PowaByke over 3 years ago, so it became a habit and seems right :D
But chargers have moved on I guess.