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Electric bikes
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Thought I may get one as we are likely to be still locked down for spring and summer this year .
Not looking to just get fit I have other racing road bike for that ..just make things easier in general exploring bit further than I would usually go etc
Looking at a non racing model one
Anyone got one / like it ? Or regret buying it?
Thoughts ?.good bad problems to expect etc ..best one to get ?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My mate i ride with came off his track bike (motorbike) and loss partial use of one leg. Hes bought a specialized levo turbo leccy bike tbf its bloody awesome.i borrowed it afew sundays ago and did a local run which usually when i do on mine im cream cracker'd it was a breeze on his. Theres 3 modes i had it on the lowest which give alittle motored help. I did 15mile off road hard terrain, i could have gone another 15miles on it in all fairness. The only cons are its heavy which is only noticable when lifting it over sty's and fences and it doesnt jump (i love getting air.. it wont). speed is restricted on downhill sections to at a guess 15mph no matter how hard you pedal it wont go faster.
Ill definitely have one when im at the point where age is against me.  |
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By *aybus9Couple
over a year ago
Leeds |
Stick with your existing bike. Get fitter and push yourself further.
Why does everyone want an easy ride - if it’s easy it ain’t doing you much good.
I can spot an Ebike rider from a good distance away. You can just tell they’re not putting the effort in by their riding style.
I’ve had a good few kickings on hills by Ebikes - they are amazing. Soon catch up on the flat though. I have the gratification that my effort is all mine. |
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"My mate i ride with came off his track bike (motorbike) and loss partial use of one leg. Hes bought a specialized levo turbo leccy bike tbf its bloody awesome.i borrowed it afew sundays ago and did a local run which usually when i do on mine im cream cracker'd it was a breeze on his. Theres 3 modes i had it on the lowest which give alittle motored help. I did 15mile off road hard terrain, i could have gone another 15miles on it in all fairness. The only cons are its heavy which is only noticable when lifting it over sty's and fences and it doesnt jump (i love getting air.. it wont). speed is restricted on downhill sections to at a guess 15mph no matter how hard you pedal it wont go faster.
Ill definitely have one when im at the point where age is against me. "
Actually looking at the same model ..my roadbike is a specialized so figured Id stick with same make as I cant fault them .. theres a canondale in the running too Im considering as an alternative ..
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"My mate i ride with came off his track bike (motorbike) and loss partial use of one leg. Hes bought a specialized levo turbo leccy bike tbf its bloody awesome.i borrowed it afew sundays ago and did a local run which usually when i do on mine im cream cracker'd it was a breeze on his. Theres 3 modes i had it on the lowest which give alittle motored help. I did 15mile off road hard terrain, i could have gone another 15miles on it in all fairness. The only cons are its heavy which is only noticable when lifting it over sty's and fences and it doesnt jump (i love getting air.. it wont). speed is restricted on downhill sections to at a guess 15mph no matter how hard you pedal it wont go faster.
Ill definitely have one when im at the point where age is against me.
Actually looking at the same model ..my roadbike is a specialized so figured Id stick with same make as I cant fault them .. theres a canondale in the running too Im considering as an alternative ..
"
He was in the same predicament. I think he made the right choice tbh, i ride a santacruz megatower and tbh it had a very similar geom feel. |
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I bought one a few some time ago. It took 3 months to get here. So that should tell you where it came from. It was the cheapest one on A. When it arrived the box was battered and ripped. It had been stamped by 8 different countries that it passed through. So I video the unboxing. To my surprise ! All the contents were there, and in good condition.
I got to admit also, that the e-bike was of good quality. lightweight frame and alloy 3 spoke wheels. Shimanno gears and brakes. They even put in some extra items. Pannier rack and a good quality bike lock/chain.
From when I placed my order. The bike has increased in price by £150.
You can get e-bike kits from A |
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"Stick with your existing bike. Get fitter and push yourself further.
Why does everyone want an easy ride - if it’s easy it ain’t doing you much good.
I can spot an Ebike rider from a good distance away. You can just tell they’re not putting the effort in by their riding style.
I’ve had a good few kickings on hills by Ebikes - they are amazing. Soon catch up on the flat though. I have the gratification that my effort is all mine."
As I said am not looking to improve fitness level as such just a nice steady cushy bit of exploring .. with the option to press a button and cruise up some steep hills on the way to the pub ( when they open again) without the sweaty effort on a nice day |
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Go to your Local Bike shop (ideally not a big chain one) and seek their advice, it’s what they exist for. It’s also nice to support local businesses, many bike shops are small and independently owned.
They will be open as there an essential business. This also means you’re allowed to travel to them.
Rideable and safe E-bikes can be had for £1300.
Much better crank drive systems that you’ll enjoy and get more from are around £2000 upwards.
My best advice is don’t skimp on it as you’ll love it as others have said. They are completely life changing.
We got Lily one a few years back (Liv Amiti for about £2700) and she loves it. We often go out on a Sunday and rack up 30 miles or so up the ridgeway. Something we couldn’t do without it.
- John
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
As I said am not looking to improve fitness level as such just a nice steady cushy bit of exploring .. with the option to press a button and cruise up some steep hills on the way to the pub ( when they open again) without the sweaty effort on a nice day "
I sort of get this. I got overtaken in Bolton on the Ironman course (not on race day), by an old dear with her dog in a basket on an ebike. She apologised as she wafted past.
It's a way to travel in low carbon style with family or friends, rather than an exercise method. I wouldn't discount the cheaper models and I'd also look at chip kits for extra speed. If you plan to have fun then do it at speed  |
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"Go to your Local Bike shop (ideally not a big chain one) and seek their advice, it’s what they exist for. It’s also nice to support local businesses, many bike shops are small and independently owned.
They will be open as there an essential business. This also means you’re allowed to travel to them.
Rideable and safe E-bikes can be had for £1300.
Much better crank drive systems that you’ll enjoy and get more from are around £2000 upwards.
My best advice is don’t skimp on it as you’ll love it as others have said. They are completely life changing.
We got Lily one a few years back (Liv Amiti for about £2700) and she loves it. We often go out on a Sunday and rack up 30 miles or so up the ridgeway. Something we couldn’t do without it.
- John
"
Some good advice there ..thanks John . |
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"Stick with your existing bike. Get fitter and push yourself further.
Why does everyone want an easy ride - if it’s easy it ain’t doing you much good.
I can spot an Ebike rider from a good distance away. You can just tell they’re not putting the effort in by their riding style.
I’ve had a good few kickings on hills by Ebikes - they are amazing. Soon catch up on the flat though. I have the gratification that my effort is all mine."
Maybe, just maybe some of us use them as commuting transport for many, many reasons. My personal ones are...I have a knee so badly damaged I can't ride a normal bike, I can't afford to run a car, walking is great but not if time is short or for carrying shopping and public transport is utter shite.
Mine was 500 quid. If I had two grand I'd run a car and if I don't want to actually use the battery power assist, I switch it off.
OP, I LOVE my folding, 24" wheel bike, it's basic, I have naff panniers, I look like a twat in my high viz and I whizz about with impunity and pride. |
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"I bought one a few some time ago. It took 3 months to get here. So that should tell you where it came from. It was the cheapest one on A. When it arrived the box was battered and ripped. It had been stamped by 8 different countries that it passed through. So I video the unboxing. To my surprise ! All the contents were there, and in good condition.
I got to admit also, that the e-bike was of good quality. lightweight frame and alloy 3 spoke wheels. Shimanno gears and brakes. They even put in some extra items. Pannier rack and a good quality bike lock/chain.
From when I placed my order. The bike has increased in price by £150.
You can get e-bike kits from A "
Im guessing yours was from CN ?
Think the last part of the message was lost ?
Think you meant kits ?
Another option i am considering is a ' swytch' kit ..again hearing good things about them too |
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The kits aren’t a great idea, but understand they are appealing from a cost point of view.
The main issue is the bike you’re bolting it to was never designed with those forces in mind. Particularly dangerous are the front wheel kits as I’ve seen them snap forks.
Also anything front wheel drive is potentially dangerous in wet or slippy conditions around corners. Especially if you’ve lifted the handlebars up for a comfortable upright position as there’s not enough weight and therefor grip on the front wheel.
A lot of people have done conversions and seem happy with them. But then people rarely said bad things about something they’ve spent their own money on.
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"I’ve got a Giant Fathom E hybrid. It’s rigged as well so I’m getting about 28MPH out of it. Best toy I’ve bought in a long time "
I DO like the look of those must say . They look a little heavy though? . what sort of distances are you getting on those on a full battery charge ? |
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"The kits aren’t a great idea, but understand they are appealing from a cost point of view.
The main issue is the bike you’re bolting it to was never designed with those forces in mind. Particularly dangerous are the front wheel kits as I’ve seen them snap forks.
Also anything front wheel drive is potentially dangerous in wet or slippy conditions around corners. Especially if you’ve lifted the handlebars up for a comfortable upright position as there’s not enough weight and therefor grip on the front wheel.
A lot of people have done conversions and seem happy with them. But then people rarely said bad things about something they’ve spent their own money on.
"
Certainly some valid points again .. particularly the comments on the kits. as I said am really just looking at the options. I am a big believer in the thinking that you pay for what you get so generally opt for a decent reliable manufacturer with some good reviews .. Just thought I would sound out on here to see what peoples thinking was ..
Actually what about maintenance? mechanical issues? etc .. what's your experience ? |
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"I’ve got a Giant Fathom E hybrid. It’s rigged as well so I’m getting about 28MPH out of it. Best toy I’ve bought in a long time
I DO like the look of those must say . They look a little heavy though? . what sort of distances are you getting on those on a full battery charge ? "
If I’m really giving it some a full charge is about 30 miles. If I take it easy(ish) I can get up to 50-55miles. The manufacturer reckons you can get up to 70miles.
They are a little heavy but you don’t notice it with the assistance the motor gives you |
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I bought a giant full e+1 mountain bike back in 2017 have had so much fun on it. It wasn’t about the fitness for me it was just about having as much fun going uphill as coming back down. To be honest haven’t regretted it at all it’s been amazing. |
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"I’ve got a Giant Fathom E hybrid. It’s rigged as well so I’m getting about 28MPH out of it. Best toy I’ve bought in a long time
I DO like the look of those must say . They look a little heavy though? . what sort of distances are you getting on those on a full battery charge ?
If I’m really giving it some a full charge is about 30 miles. If I take it easy(ish) I can get up to 50-55miles. The manufacturer reckons you can get up to 70miles.
They are a little heavy but you don’t notice it with the assistance the motor gives you "
Helpful info thanks .. when you say ' rigged' am presuming its had one of those mod kits fitted to it that take away the delimiter ? |
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"Stick with your existing bike. Get fitter and push yourself further.
Why does everyone want an easy ride - if it’s easy it ain’t doing you much good.
I can spot an Ebike rider from a good distance away. You can just tell they’re not putting the effort in by their riding style.
I’ve had a good few kickings on hills by Ebikes - they are amazing. Soon catch up on the flat though. I have the gratification that my effort is all mine."
Yeah I get that but the thing is that push bikes are incredibly efficient. They are a terrible way to burn calories. You need to run to do that!
So for me it's just a mode of transport and I enjoy exploring on my bike so electric makes sense. |
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"I’ve got a Giant Fathom E hybrid. It’s rigged as well so I’m getting about 28MPH out of it. Best toy I’ve bought in a long time
I DO like the look of those must say . They look a little heavy though? . what sort of distances are you getting on those on a full battery charge ?
If I’m really giving it some a full charge is about 30 miles. If I take it easy(ish) I can get up to 50-55miles. The manufacturer reckons you can get up to 70miles.
They are a little heavy but you don’t notice it with the assistance the motor gives you
Helpful info thanks .. when you say ' rigged' am presuming its had one of those mod kits fitted to it that take away the delimiter ? "
No, cause you have to split the motor down to do that and it’s an expensive toy if you knacker it up. The mod is really simple, all you need to do is move the inductive sensor closer to the crank (electric motor) and secure it with cable ties. Then move the magnet from your spoke and into the inner side of your left peddle crank.
There’s videos on YouTube showing you how to do it.
The 15MPH restriction is just pants. Once you rig it you’ll feel a massive difference in how the bike performs |
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"I’ve got a Giant Fathom E hybrid. It’s rigged as well so I’m getting about 28MPH out of it. Best toy I’ve bought in a long time
I DO like the look of those must say . They look a little heavy though? . what sort of distances are you getting on those on a full battery charge ?
If I’m really giving it some a full charge is about 30 miles. If I take it easy(ish) I can get up to 50-55miles. The manufacturer reckons you can get up to 70miles.
They are a little heavy but you don’t notice it with the assistance the motor gives you "
How does it ride when the battery is flat and you have no assistance? Say you’ve been out for the day and have to ride the last hour with no assistance? |
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Not looking to just get fit I have other racing road bike for that ..just make things easier in general exploring bit further than I would usually go etc
"
Based on what you are saying, you obviously do not go far on your road bike, Simply put, you could go further and for longer on your road bike than an E bike and get fitter.
Myself, I do rides of up to 240 miles a day and double coasts to coasts of 380 miles a weekend when the good weather comes, an E Bike, would be pushed to do that. Even a short 100 mile ride of around 6 hours, an E Bike would be of no use.
As for burning off calories, running may be better, but overall you will burn more calories on a bike, ie, I can only run for about an hour and burn about 700 calories and I am cream Crackered, but on my bike, I can keep going for 24 hours and on the bigger events 36 hours with just short breaks and burn off 1000's of calories,
Forget the idea of an E Bike and just stick to your Road Bike. |
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"I’ve got a Giant Fathom E hybrid. It’s rigged as well so I’m getting about 28MPH out of it. Best toy I’ve bought in a long time
I DO like the look of those must say . They look a little heavy though? . what sort of distances are you getting on those on a full battery charge ?
If I’m really giving it some a full charge is about 30 miles. If I take it easy(ish) I can get up to 50-55miles. The manufacturer reckons you can get up to 70miles.
They are a little heavy but you don’t notice it with the assistance the motor gives you
How does it ride when the battery is flat and you have no assistance? Say you’ve been out for the day and have to ride the last hour with no assistance?"
You can still ride it but you’ll certainly feel the difference  |
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"
Not looking to just get fit I have other racing road bike for that ..just make things easier in general exploring bit further than I would usually go etc
Based on what you are saying, you obviously do not go far on your road bike, Simply put, you could go further and for longer on your road bike than an E bike and get fitter.
Myself, I do rides of up to 240 miles a day and double coasts to coasts of 380 miles a weekend when the good weather comes, an E Bike, would be pushed to do that. Even a short 100 mile ride of around 6 hours, an E Bike would be of no use.
As for burning off calories, running may be better, but overall you will burn more calories on a bike, ie, I can only run for about an hour and burn about 700 calories and I am cream Crackered, but on my bike, I can keep going for 24 hours and on the bigger events 36 hours with just short breaks and burn off 1000's of calories,
Forget the idea of an E Bike and just stick to your Road Bike."
We are miles apaet here literally ! you are confusing me with some sort of fitness freak? Im looking for fun not fitness goals ..
The roasbike is for doing 20 or 30 mile spins out with my friends . I have absolutely no interest in doing more than that .
The ebike is to take a nice little cruise out without the lycra and the cleats in normal clothes to explore and stop off at a country pub
The excercise bit? I left that behind 30 years ago thanks |
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"I’ve got a Giant Fathom E hybrid. It’s rigged as well so I’m getting about 28MPH out of it. Best toy I’ve bought in a long time
I DO like the look of those must say . They look a little heavy though? . what sort of distances are you getting on those on a full battery charge ?
If I’m really giving it some a full charge is about 30 miles. If I take it easy(ish) I can get up to 50-55miles. The manufacturer reckons you can get up to 70miles.
They are a little heavy but you don’t notice it with the assistance the motor gives you
Helpful info thanks .. when you say ' rigged' am presuming its had one of those mod kits fitted to it that take away the delimiter ?
No, cause you have to split the motor down to do that and it’s an expensive toy if you knacker it up. The mod is really simple, all you need to do is move the inductive sensor closer to the crank (electric motor) and secure it with cable ties. Then move the magnet from your spoke and into the inner side of your left peddle crank.
There’s videos on YouTube showing you how to do it.
The 15MPH restriction is just pants. Once you rig it you’ll feel a massive difference in how the bike performs "
Fair point will bear in mind. I do like the look of the bike though .. so far its a toss up between this and the specialized .. we will see how we go |
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Oh, and welcome to the most divisive topic in cycling!
There’s a lot of hate for E-Bikes, and a lot of folk say you get fitter on a regular bike.
Sometimes it’s not about fitness, it’s about the enjoyment.
Would my wife get fitter if we did shorter trips on a regular bike at weekends instead of 30 miles on an E-bike? Probably.
Would we enjoy ourselves as much? Absolutely not.
Would there be days that without the E-bike we wouldn’t go out? For sure.
So for us it’s the difference between actually going out and not going out, and doing something we enjoy that we wouldn’t do otherwise.
All you can do is test ride one and make of it what you will. Although I can guarantee that once you’ve test ridden a nice E-bike you’ll be looking to place an order, so be prepared for that!
- John |
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"Stick with your existing bike. Get fitter and push yourself further.
Why does everyone want an easy ride - if it’s easy it ain’t doing you much good.
I can spot an Ebike rider from a good distance away. You can just tell they’re not putting the effort in by their riding style.
I’ve had a good few kickings on hills by Ebikes - they are amazing. Soon catch up on the flat though. I have the gratification that my effort is all mine.
Maybe, just maybe some of us use them as commuting transport for many, many reasons. My personal ones are...I have a knee so badly damaged I can't ride a normal bike, I can't afford to run a car, walking is great but not if time is short or for carrying shopping and public transport is utter shite.
Mine was 500 quid. If I had two grand I'd run a car and if I don't want to actually use the battery power assist, I switch it off.
OP, I LOVE my folding, 24" wheel bike, it's basic, I have naff panniers, I look like a twat in my high viz and I whizz about with impunity and pride."
Love it ! Great answer ..keep enjoying your hi viz rides with pride and impunity thumbs up for the E bike if ever there was right there ?? |
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"Stick with your existing bike. Get fitter and push yourself further.
Why does everyone want an easy ride - if it’s easy it ain’t doing you much good.
I can spot an Ebike rider from a good distance away. You can just tell they’re not putting the effort in by their riding style.
I’ve had a good few kickings on hills by Ebikes - they are amazing. Soon catch up on the flat though. I have the gratification that my effort is all mine.
Maybe, just maybe some of us use them as commuting transport for many, many reasons. My personal ones are...I have a knee so badly damaged I can't ride a normal bike, I can't afford to run a car, walking is great but not if time is short or for carrying shopping and public transport is utter shite.
Mine was 500 quid. If I had two grand I'd run a car and if I don't want to actually use the battery power assist, I switch it off.
OP, I LOVE my folding, 24" wheel bike, it's basic, I have naff panniers, I look like a twat in my high viz and I whizz about with impunity and pride.
Love it ! Great answer ..keep enjoying your hi viz rides with pride and impunity thumbs up for the E bike if ever there was right there ??"
I don't know many people who own one but those that do have nothing but praise for them.
I never was a fair weather cyclist but I used to avoid cycling if it meant I got to my destination sweaty and gross and had no chance to shower or if the weather was horrendous.
None of that applies to an ebike, I cycle to work in my uniform and since moving here, I've explored the local area with ease.
I only have six gears so when I cycle without the battery on it can be hard work in my knee but its given me a huge amount of easy freedom.
You won't regret buying one |
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"Stick with your existing bike. Get fitter and push yourself further.
Why does everyone want an easy ride - if it’s easy it ain’t doing you much good.
I can spot an Ebike rider from a good distance away. You can just tell they’re not putting the effort in by their riding style.
I’ve had a good few kickings on hills by Ebikes - they are amazing. Soon catch up on the flat though. I have the gratification that my effort is all mine.
Maybe, just maybe some of us use them as commuting transport for many, many reasons. My personal ones are...I have a knee so badly damaged I can't ride a normal bike, I can't afford to run a car, walking is great but not if time is short or for carrying shopping and public transport is utter shite.
Mine was 500 quid. If I had two grand I'd run a car and if I don't want to actually use the battery power assist, I switch it off.
OP, I LOVE my folding, 24" wheel bike, it's basic, I have naff panniers, I look like a twat in my high viz and I whizz about with impunity and pride.
Love it ! Great answer ..keep enjoying your hi viz rides with pride and impunity thumbs up for the E bike if ever there was right there ??
I don't know many people who own one but those that do have nothing but praise for them.
I never was a fair weather cyclist but I used to avoid cycling if it meant I got to my destination sweaty and gross and had no chance to shower or if the weather was horrendous.
None of that applies to an ebike, I cycle to work in my uniform and since moving here, I've explored the local area with ease.
I only have six gears so when I cycle without the battery on it can be hard work in my knee but its given me a huge amount of easy freedom.
You won't regret buying one "
They can change the weather?...lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I got a Gtech xcountry bike- excellent hi spec but beware- you need to be at LEAST 180cm to comfortably ride it.
Plenty of shops dedicated to ebikes so my advice would be to try before you buy. Check battery life, too and get good insurance and a good insurance-ok’d padlock system for the battery. |
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