E-bike

[Colin170CR]

Well a few months on from my earlier posts & after much research can report I have bought a couple of foldable Ancheer E-MTB's on Amazon for me & the Mrs.

Very happy with the overall quality for the price paid (£749 each). They are a tad heavy which is mainly due to their foldable design but then all e-bikes are heavier than regular bikes. As previously stated I wanted a foldable bike so I could get them in the back of the car rather than have to put them on the roof which given the extra weight would have been a real work out! Batteries on these bikes are in a bag on the front handle bars which makes it easy to remove them for charging on or off the bike. Batteries are not too heavy but their location does make the bike a bit top heavy, but you get used to it.  

 

The bikes have 21 speed Shimano gears, full suspension (adjustable at the back), disks brakes front & back, a front light (not that I'll be riding in the dark) & folding peddles. After reading a user review of the bike I have changed the saddles for more comfortable ones with an integrated rear light. I've also added a seat post mounted rack & saddle bags for the back of mine to help carry my fishing gear & other stuff from the local shops. I have also fitted the optional twist & go throttle (supplied with the bikes) so I can just coast along when my legs give up the ghost on longer rides - which they will.

I've had a couple of run outs locally on them so far & all was good. The wife struggled getting the right gear selection before going up hills but the battery pedal assist / throttle helped enormously. The suspension makes them so much more comfortable.  

I bought some bungy cords to strap the bikes together when folded in the back of the car & I will probably take the quick release front wheels off in the future to make it easier to carry them in the boot.     

All in all not bad at all & not much more than it would have cost to do a front wheel conversion on our existing 35 year old Falcon Majorca's which have no suspension, but back then nothing did have suspension!  

The old Falcon bikes will probably go up for sale at some point as I'm running out of space in the garage. Until then I plan to ease myself slowly into electric biking & try not to over do it. I should also explain that I have not ridden any sort of bike in anger since my early teenage years so all this exercise is going to come as a bit of a shock to my aging bones.

[Gaz]

Your aging bones will undoubtedly appreciate the electrical assistance!

 

I'm currently not allowed to cycle, following a Total Hip Replacement a few weeks ago.  One of the things I'm really missing is getting out on my bike - coupla weeks and I should get the go ahead to be out and about on it once again, and I can't wait!

 

Gaz

[Colin170CR]

4 hours ago, Gaz_ said:

Your aging bones will undoubtedly appreciate the electrical assistance!

 

I'm currently not allowed to cycle, following a Total Hip Replacement a few weeks ago.  One of the things I'm really missing is getting out on my bike - coupla weeks and I should get the go ahead to be out and about on it once again, and I can't wait!

 

Gaz

 

Good luck with the recovery.

Yes the electrical assistance is the reason I bought the bikes + the softer ride compared to our old non-suspension bikes. 

I think I might be close on your heels for a hip &/ or knee replacement. Both my knee's are shot from ancient football injuries which prompted a switch to an auto gearbox a few years ago. HIps are not too great either. Can't lay on either side in bed for too long before the pain sets in & bending down to tie a shoe lace is not easy either. Walking on the flat is OK-ish but I can't do hills. Cycling is an attempted to strengthen the knee cartilage & stave off an op for a while longer. Fingers crossed!

[Tilt]

@Colin170CR @Gaz_ You have my sympathies guys what with hip, back and knee pain and buggered joints in general myself.....

Years of hard manual labour and kitchen fitting, not to mention the punishment I have given it riding bikes and rowing and exercising....

 

I do count myself lucky that riding doesn't affect me too much, even with knackered ankle ligaments on one side. Hence the DSG.

 

I still like to push myself on my bike........ Sometimes I suffer, sometimes I don't.

Still haven't took the plunge on a Pedelec yet, due to redundancy unfortunately.

Edited 20 November, 2020 by Tilt

[Tilt]

Well, another decent but short-ish ride today...... Only 10 mile round trip on MTB and not really off road either. Average just over 12mph full suss mtb.

Might have to get my road bike out if weather stays dry enough.

 

Victoria Embankment was packed...... So much for lock-down.

 

Folk talking of Heart Rate's and monitors on Colin's topic has got me interested so thinking about getting something. Never interested before and always thought.......just ride and enjoy, but I'm getting older now too.

Any ideas for a cheap but reliable HRM (if one exists) would be appreciated as I've never looked at them before. (cheapest whilst still being reliable)

Currently use a Sigma BC1609 STS for mph etc......

Cheers

Edited 22 November, 2020 by Tilt

[Gissin]

Depends on what you're wanting it for, just a casual glance to see where you're at. 

Something that has a start/stop modes and gives final read out data like Avg HR/time 

Or something you can attach to a PC and pull the data for analysis. 

obviously the cheaper you go the less accurate you will find it 

I would always recommend a belt HR monitor for accuracy but cheaper options would be wrist mounted which most modern systems are fairly accurate now days here's a couple options that might fit your bill:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mi-smart-band-4-fitness-tracker-heart-rate-monitor/_/R-p-X8597853 

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8887012

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PM6JDZ8?tag=georiot-trd-21&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=trd-gb-9718527101963546000-21

Something a little off topic 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LW44CQC?tag=georiot-trd-21&th=1&ascsubtag=trd-gb-1445856053566088000-21

 

If you have something you can connect via ANT+ to have a look at the Polar straps or garmin 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Adult-Unisex-Premium-HRM-Dual-Bluetooth/dp/B07N3C5WRG 

 

* I would not suggest amazon for purchases I've just stuck them in for references 

[Tilt]

Well, having a rethink now as due to new job I may start looking into Ebikes again with the intention of getting one....... (fingers crossed and touch wood that this job doesn't get made redundant).

 

Probably need to visit 'Evans' and see if they have any left, Lol.

I believe sales went ballistic this year and prices have increased. Time to start looking again anyway........... see if I can afford to treat myself. 

Edited 31 January, 2021 by Tilt

[Colin170CR]

On 31/01/2021 at 16:44, Tilt said:

Well, having a rethink now as due to new job I may start looking into Ebikes again with the intention of getting one....... (fingers crossed and touch wood that this job doesn't get made redundant).

 

Probably need to visit 'Evans' and see if they have any left, Lol.

I believe sales went ballistic this year and prices have increased. Time to start looking again anyway........... see if I can afford to treat myself. 

 

I think a lot of suppliers are profiteering from the demand for bikes created by lockdowns etc. That said, I checked on Amazon earlier & it seems the price of the E-MTB's I bought in October have gone down by £20! Bugger.

 

Converting your existing bike to electric might be a more cost effective option? A replacement front wheel hub motor, battery pack & controller seems to be the easiest conversion. I looked into it & the cost of a decent conversion kit was a bit cheaper than buying new bikes. However, I wanted a foldable bike frame design so converting my existing rigid frame bikes was not an option for me. 

Since getting our e-bikes we've only used them a couple of times. The plan is to use the bikes more when better weather returns & we can take them with us on trips out & about in the car - whenever that becomes possible.  I also need to think about selling our 36 year old his & her 26" 18 speed Falcon Majorca MTB's which I have recently refurbished & are in very good nick.   

One thing that did surprise me a bit is how much heavier e-bikes are. I knew they were going to be a bit heavier than normal bikes but not as much as the ones we got. Part of that is probably due to the foldable frame design which requires thicker steel to maintain rigidity. I certainly would not want to lift my bikes on / off the roof of my car! That said even getting them in/out of the car boot is a bit of a work-out. I did manage to get them both in the car with the front wheels attached but in future I think I might remove the front wheels (quick release) to make them more compact & to save having to drop the back seat. 

 

Roll on the spring & summer. 

[Tilt]

1 hour ago, Colin170CR said:

 

Roll on the spring & summer. 

 

Nah, I went out yesterday................ Twas bit cold though, fingers freezing but soon warmed up. Only thing that was a little cold on my return were my tootsies....

I'd like an ebike to encourage me to return to off roading a bit more, just so that my aches and pains aren't too bad..... No pain, no gain. as they say. Whatever tit came up with that, Lol.

My current full suss Scott Spark 40 is around 10kg I think. Easy to lift over gates............ I suspect a quality front suss ebike may double that weight.........

 

Cheers Colin.

[Truls84]

Converting is by far the best option if you have the ability to do so. Its even possible to get a refined bike if you just have the ability to weld new bracket instead of the normal crank.

I made my own bike from a recumbent trike that was sold localy, i added a bafang mid drive kit with a huge battery(1500wh).

 

 

I also added mirrors on both sides and a ton of reflective stuff. Stay safe everyone!

[Colin170CR]

17 hours ago, Truls84 said:

Converting is by far the best option if you have the ability to do so. Its even possible to get a refined bike if you just have the ability to weld new bracket instead of the normal crank.

I made my own bike from a recumbent trike that was sold localy, i added a bafang mid drive kit with a huge battery(1500wh).

 

 

I also added mirrors on both sides and a ton of reflective stuff. Stay safe everyone!

Better & quicker than a C5 I bet. Note the flags - needed to warn other road users to keep their distance. Not sure I would want to dice with traffic that low down. Love the expression on the dog. 

[Truls84]

4 hours ago, Colin170CR said:

Better & quicker than a C5 I bet. Note the flags - needed to warn other road users to keep their distance. Not sure I would want to dice with traffic that low down. Love the expression on the dog. 

I get that one would get nervous riding a bike that low, thats why i went ham with reflective stuff:P

 

And if its fast? It can be if i want it to be, but thats not legal so i dont:P

[mdk1]

Well after a year of watching EMBN on YouTube i finally bought an emtb originally wanted a full suspension bike, but after much thinking and the fact I probably won’t be launching myself down the side of a Cliffe anytime soon, and 97% of the time I would be on road and odd flat trail I decided on a hard tail.

Went to the local bike shop a couple of times to see what they had in, first couple of visits was very little due to no stock because of COVID. Went in last week to see what was available, and they still had a long lead time and no guarantee of getting the bike. But I saw a Haibike Sduro Hardseven in a large size which was the last bike they had in stock.

Was told to take it for a spin round the block, 

Wow what a machine, so comfortable to ride, with so much room, coming from a 25yr old bike! 
So I said I would take it, thinking I would come back in week to pick it up, “We can have it, ready in an hour for you to take today” came the reply , so I rode it the 8 miles home all through the towns, not cycling gear on. 
Anyway that enough rambling on, Been out a few times and clocked up 65 miles in a week, normally used to manage 18..

So here is a quick pick.

[olduns]

Haibike would be my choice IF i buy an eMTB, keep us updated, not too sure on Hardtail or Full Sus but swaying to FS as it will be heavier anyway and a touch more comfort seems like a good idea 😊

[Ootohere]

A hardtail is pretty comfortable on plus tyres and even more so on fat tyres.

A dropper seat post is well worth having.

[Tilt]

16 hours ago, mdk1 said:

Well after a year of watching EMBN on YouTube i finally bought an emtb originally wanted a full suspension bike, but after much thinking and the fact I probably won’t be launching myself down the side of a Cliffe anytime soon, and 97% of the time I would be on road and odd flat trail I decided on a hard tail.

Went to the local bike shop a couple of times to see what they had in, first couple of visits was very little due to no stock because of COVID. Went in last week to see what was available, and they still had a long lead time and no guarantee of getting the bike. But I saw a Haibike Sduro Hardseven in a large size which was the last bike they had in stock.

Was told to take it for a spin round the block, 

Wow what a machine, so comfortable to ride, with so much room, coming from a 25yr old bike! 
So I said I would take it, thinking I would come back in week to pick it up, “We can have it, ready in an hour for you to take today” came the reply , so I rode it the 8 miles home all through the towns, not cycling gear on. 
Anyway that enough rambling on, Been out a few times and clocked up 65 miles in a week, normally used to manage 18..

 

 

I still haven't bought one yet and was undecided if I really needed / wanted full suss too. My current Scott Spark 40 is full suss and I was glad I bought it, however, I do not do the same kind of hair raising / heart stopping riding that I used to, such as Dalby Forest............. in the snow, Lol.

 

I have also started riding my road bike more and really enjoying the extra speed and ease of.......... Skinny tyres etc...

 

You don't have to answer but if you don't mind, how much did you pay??? I do like the look of yours and the ones with the battery more integrated into the down-tube...

Also, what is the max speed of yours??? Is it the usual legal of 25kph / 15.5mph???

 

I do not like that as a maximum speed. I clocked 24.6 mph on my road bike yesterday, on flat / level road........ I would like to see an assisted max of at least 20mph.

 

Cheers.

 

Edited 7 March, 2021 by Tilt
Hidden 'Edit' button's fault.....

[Ootohere]

The Legal Speed in the UK is what it is and what Importers can legally import and sell.

What can legally be the top speed of a pedal assist.

 

You can chip / mod them to be illegal pedal assist on the public road in the UK or for use offroad,

Saying on a public forum that you have an illegal pedal assist in the UK is not that smart.

 

I can ride pedal assists that are legal & i can go above 20 mph pedalling without assist and that is with one leg.

As quick as i can downhill even breaking the 30mph limit if in one.

Then i can pedal with assist up hills as quick or quicker than some  cyclists with 2 legs, but then i have assist up to 15 and a bit mph and lots of torque dependingon which electric motor the bike has.

For me the best one for climbing is the Brose motor on a Specialised.

Edited 7 March, 2021 by e-Roottoot

[Gaz]

15.5mph is just the speed the electrical assistance cuts out at.  I quite like this as anything above it and I'm getting more exercise, under my own steam.

 

I had a Badass dongle on mine, which meant I could ride effortlessly at 31mph, which was fun, but I ended up just being in a hurry to get everywhere.  Having had a significant off at 15mph which included some time in A&E, I decided that powered up to 15.5 is enough for me.

 

So I've a Badass dongle, for a Shimano E6000 series going if anyone fancies one.

 

Gaz

[Tilt]

4 hours ago, e-Roottoot said:

Saying on a public forum that you have an illegal pedal assist in the UK is not that smart.

 

 

No one's said that, have they???

 

I just think electrical assistance would be better for commuting to 20 mph............ It would for me anyway.

I am considering using the bike for my commute to work, so 12 miles daily.

It's not that far I know, but on a daily basis may be a bit much everyday.......... I'm not getting any younger. So still considering what to do. Still on a trial at work too.

[Ootohere]

@Tilt Nobody has because it is pretty stupid to.

 

When you are turning the pedals and getting along at 20 mph or so it is very difficult for officers of the law to know if the assistance stopped at 15.5 mph.

 

The Government or maybe Grant Shapps seemed to think that e-Scooters are fine on roads going quicker than 15.5 mph could be OK, 

but it looks like they have legislated that that is the limit.

 

 

 

Edited 7 March, 2021 by e-Roottoot

[Tilt]

12 minutes ago, e-Roottoot said:

@Tilt Nobody has because it is pretty stupid to.

 

 

But there are plenty of stupid people around.......... some stupid people film themselves speeding and then put t on the internet.

 

I just couldn't understand why you would say saying something is stupid, when no=one has said what you think would be stupid to say.

 

Why is my wish for e bikes to be allowed to be assisted to more than 15.5 mph such a bug bear for you???

Edited 7 March, 2021 by Tilt

[Ootohere]

@Tilt  I read you asking another member if theirs was a usual speed legal bike and posted after that to nobody in particular.

What you do or others say is you and their business.

 

I said it was not to smart to say you had one on a public forum.  Well actually to say you ride one is what i should say.

Have an accident on one and insurance loss adjusters look at forums just as they can do with modded cars.  

 

 

 

Edited 7 March, 2021 by e-Roottoot

[mdk1]

On 07/03/2021 at 14:39, Tilt said:

 

I still haven't bought one yet and was undecided if I really needed / wanted full suss too. My current Scott Spark 40 is full suss and I was glad I bought it, however, I do not do the same kind of hair raising / heart stopping riding that I used to, such as Dalby Forest............. in the snow, Lol.

 

I have also started riding my road bike more and really enjoying the extra speed and ease of.......... Skinny tyres etc...

 

You don't have to answer but if you don't mind, how much did you pay??? I do like the look of yours and the ones with the battery more integrated into the down-tube...

Also, what is the max speed of yours??? Is it the usual legal of 25kph / 15.5mph???

 

I do not like that as a maximum speed. I clocked 24.6 mph on my road bike yesterday, on flat / level road........ I would like to see an assisted max of at least 20mph.

 

Cheers.

 

I decided against full suspension because I will mainly be on road with the odd light trail, also stock availability limited.

cause mine is now just been discontinued I got a little off so came in just under £2k which I was happy with.

yep it is limited to 25kph but quite easy to pedal above that speed.

[Tilt]

16 hours ago, mdk1 said:

I decided against full suspension because I will mainly be on road with the odd light trail, also stock availability limited.

cause mine is now just been discontinued I got a little off so came in just under £2k which I was happy with.

yep it is limited to 25kph but quite easy to pedal above that speed.

 

That is nice at circa £2k mike. Looks good.

 

That is probably the most I would ideally want to pay.... I have just been asked if I want to up my hours from 20 to 30 during the summertime so I may be able to take the plunge sooner now, rather than waiting, as this also reasonably confirms that they intend to keep me on.

 

That is if I can find one that I want, available. 

I think in a year or two there will be a flood of hardly used Pedelecs on ebay etc........ Would prefer to purchase new in case of any battery issues......

 

Thanks.

[Ootohere]

I finally got back out on my bike after months of going no further than a mile or 2.  I had issues with my artificial legs and could not get repairs carried out.  Now sorted out and ready for getting back into the daily habit of biking regardless of the weather.  It was cool and dry this morning so fine to see how I would feel. Only 10 miles done with full assistance but I will stick to that for distance daily this week until I see how my back, knee and heart 💖 gets on. 

Then i will reduce assistance while sticking to the same length of ride and then go out twice then 3 times a day until back covering longer distances on single rides.

 

 

Edited 23 May, 2021 by e-Roottoot