Electric bicycles - who buys them?
Discussion
okgo said:
Is there a fairly simple way to make my Tern GSD go a bit quicker? I don’t need much but being able to cruise at 19-20mph on the flat would be good? Happy to buy another battery to make the range greater.
https://ebiketuner.com/products/speedbox-3-bosch-ebike-tuning-kit?variant=32306386600016¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=18311524201&utm_content=&utm_term=&gadid=&gad_source=1Right chaps, I've listened to all your advice regarding the Amazon (and Decathlon) type bikes, and I've agreed to buy this for £875.
Comments???
It's purely down to budget..........I was maxing out the budget at £818 with that Amazon one, so this is even more! He's putting some birthday money towards it....
Comments???
It's purely down to budget..........I was maxing out the budget at £818 with that Amazon one, so this is even more! He's putting some birthday money towards it....
Yeah that'll be alright save to day Vitus was part of Chain Reaction/Wiggle & went bust this year, so no chance of manufacturer support. However, a bike is just the frame & the bits bolted onto it, so absent the frame cracking, anything else needing doing can be sorted out at a bike shop.
One other thing to note, Shimano don't repair their motors nor share technical information with third party repairers. They replace motors in warranty & out of warranty, you'd have to buy another one. Therefore, it pays to look after it & the best way to do that is to avoid getting it wet, or given this is E|ngland we're talking about, at least try not to ride it through rivers - you get the idea,
One other thing to note, Shimano don't repair their motors nor share technical information with third party repairers. They replace motors in warranty & out of warranty, you'd have to buy another one. Therefore, it pays to look after it & the best way to do that is to avoid getting it wet, or given this is E|ngland we're talking about, at least try not to ride it through rivers - you get the idea,
Edited by President Merkin on Saturday 25th May 11:32
That's the ticket, all quality kit that'll be safe and reliable.
My E is a Vitus that I bought as an ex demo with no warranty and it's been solid. As President says you do have to be a little bit careful with the motor and water as too much exposure can upset it. As a rule don't use a pressure washer or high pressure hose around it and try not to go blasting through deep water or puddles with it.
The only wobbler my Shimano unit ever threw was after a very very wet ride that even made me throw a wobbler as I was wet to the pants. Threw a speed sensor error that was remedied by simply cleaning the connectors with contact cleaner, been fine since.
Be ready to want to buy one of your own if you give it a try yourself....
My E is a Vitus that I bought as an ex demo with no warranty and it's been solid. As President says you do have to be a little bit careful with the motor and water as too much exposure can upset it. As a rule don't use a pressure washer or high pressure hose around it and try not to go blasting through deep water or puddles with it.
The only wobbler my Shimano unit ever threw was after a very very wet ride that even made me throw a wobbler as I was wet to the pants. Threw a speed sensor error that was remedied by simply cleaning the connectors with contact cleaner, been fine since.
Be ready to want to buy one of your own if you give it a try yourself....
audi321 said:
Ha ha I look forward to it.
I know it’s been a moot point on here before but can you derestrict these?
https://ebiketuner.comI know it’s been a moot point on here before but can you derestrict these?
That's where I've got mine and the Mrs from, and most of my friends have used them too. Very helpful, makes it easy to work out which one you need
okgo said:
PushedDover said:
I found tyre choice got me most of the way to 20mph alone
Tell me more?At the minute it’s almost impossible to get it much beyond 26/27k on the flat regardless of how much you pedal!
I’ve retired off an EMTB that I used to run knobbly Nick and Magic Mary’s
And put some gravel tyres on. The bike, range and importantly ‘above limiter’ riding is chalk and cheese compared to MTB tyres
audi321 said:
Right chaps, I've listened to all your advice regarding the Amazon (and Decathlon) type bikes, and I've agreed to buy this for £875.
Comments???
It's purely down to budget..........I was maxing out the budget at £818 with that Amazon one, so this is even more! He's putting some birthday money towards it....
Look after the motor as already said, but unless it's being used properly off road downhill, those tyres will really drag it back - if it's mostly road use, get some slicks on there. My MTB came with that combo, and they lasted just one ride before I swapped them out for something lighter/better rolling, and that was on forest singletrack. Comments???
It's purely down to budget..........I was maxing out the budget at £818 with that Amazon one, so this is even more! He's putting some birthday money towards it....
audi321 said:
Ha ha I look forward to it.
I know it’s been a moot point on here before but can you derestrict these?
Just Google it and your see how easy it is. Battery range does take a knock though, there is something about speed and falling off. My commuter eBike is 20kg+ loaded up, having now fallen off it multiple times, all related to trying to take corners/kerbs etc too fast, for me the legal 15.5mph actually does make quite a lot of sense. I know it’s been a moot point on here before but can you derestrict these?
272BHP said:
Is there a huge amount of risk in buying a 3 year old Specialized Turbo Vado or alternatively similar light hybrids that are Fazua powered?
I see quite a few on ebay that seem legit ie. proof of purchase and lightly used - some from bike shops as well.
I’d say not. I’ve bought and sold a few Vado’s and generally speaking they’ve all led fairly sedate lives. Don’t tend to be thrashed about as much as the Emtb’s and they are not ‘cool enough’ for the youth, so are generally very well looked after.I see quite a few on ebay that seem legit ie. proof of purchase and lightly used - some from bike shops as well.
Richtea1970 said:
272BHP said:
Is there a huge amount of risk in buying a 3 year old Specialized Turbo Vado or alternatively similar light hybrids that are Fazua powered?
I see quite a few on ebay that seem legit ie. proof of purchase and lightly used - some from bike shops as well.
I’d say not. I’ve bought and sold a few Vado’s and generally speaking they’ve all led fairly sedate lives. Don’t tend to be thrashed about as much as the Emtb’s and they are not ‘cool enough’ for the youth, so are generally very well looked after.I see quite a few on ebay that seem legit ie. proof of purchase and lightly used - some from bike shops as well.
Very tempted then. Probably the wrong time to buy going into summer but I will keep a lookout.
Specialized Vado SL 4.0 looks more and more like a tempting package.
My only doubts at this stage is revolve around the fact that I have not sat on a Canyon RoadLite 5:ON and I really want to compare the two.
Also Fazua 60 vs Specialized SL 1.1?
That seems like a battle the Vado loses as from what I have read the Fazua is the more modern, quieter and powerful motor, I like the fact that the battery can be disconnected from the bike as well. However the Canyon geometry might just be too aggressive for me.
Anyone been to the Canyon centre in Chessington? I wonder if they have bikes to look at and sit on.
My only doubts at this stage is revolve around the fact that I have not sat on a Canyon RoadLite 5:ON and I really want to compare the two.
Also Fazua 60 vs Specialized SL 1.1?
That seems like a battle the Vado loses as from what I have read the Fazua is the more modern, quieter and powerful motor, I like the fact that the battery can be disconnected from the bike as well. However the Canyon geometry might just be too aggressive for me.
Anyone been to the Canyon centre in Chessington? I wonder if they have bikes to look at and sit on.
Another 64 miles on the Creo Comp SL 1.2 this afternoon, so that’s 320 excellent miles since I picked it up on 15th May.
These machines really are amazing and even though I felt like a pyjama case after my ride today these e-bikes open the roads and adventures like no other. Those who live in the south near Storrington/Arundel/Pulborough will know Bury Hill……..
Bury Hill is a hill that eats cyclists for breakfast and spits them out before having more for morning coffee with biscuits. I’m up it at 8mph in Turbo sitting (I can’t stand because of my knee injury) and the hill just becomes an obstacle that is gone quite quickly and in the rear view mirror.
As mentioned I also have a LEVO Comp (from new, over 6000 miles on the frame so far) so I have the perfect garage (for me), but I’m really enjoying my road cycling again and I’m quietly building up to a 100 mile route I’m going to do once back from my next business trip.
I even took it off road on a detour and it got dirty!
I don’t use Trail or Turbo more than I have to and today with my extended battery I averaged 16.4mph, 2450ft ascent and I would suggest a range of somewhere around 140-160 miles depending on usage which will more than allow for a 100 mile run when I’m ready for it.
For those who are still on the fence……..
Get off it and buy an e-bike!
Edited to add I quite like my stats and record heart rate etc.
During that 64 mile pedal my heart was averaging 120bpm, max was 155bpm, cadence was average 77rpm and max 107rpm, average speed 16.4mph and max 35.3mph. Elapsed time was 3:57 and moving time was 3:51. I burnt 2153 Cal and lost 3.7lbs (yes, I weigh myself before and after each ride!).
Sad I know but there we go
These machines really are amazing and even though I felt like a pyjama case after my ride today these e-bikes open the roads and adventures like no other. Those who live in the south near Storrington/Arundel/Pulborough will know Bury Hill……..
Bury Hill is a hill that eats cyclists for breakfast and spits them out before having more for morning coffee with biscuits. I’m up it at 8mph in Turbo sitting (I can’t stand because of my knee injury) and the hill just becomes an obstacle that is gone quite quickly and in the rear view mirror.
As mentioned I also have a LEVO Comp (from new, over 6000 miles on the frame so far) so I have the perfect garage (for me), but I’m really enjoying my road cycling again and I’m quietly building up to a 100 mile route I’m going to do once back from my next business trip.
I even took it off road on a detour and it got dirty!
I don’t use Trail or Turbo more than I have to and today with my extended battery I averaged 16.4mph, 2450ft ascent and I would suggest a range of somewhere around 140-160 miles depending on usage which will more than allow for a 100 mile run when I’m ready for it.
For those who are still on the fence……..
Get off it and buy an e-bike!
Edited to add I quite like my stats and record heart rate etc.
During that 64 mile pedal my heart was averaging 120bpm, max was 155bpm, cadence was average 77rpm and max 107rpm, average speed 16.4mph and max 35.3mph. Elapsed time was 3:57 and moving time was 3:51. I burnt 2153 Cal and lost 3.7lbs (yes, I weigh myself before and after each ride!).
Sad I know but there we go
Edited by HoHoHo on Wednesday 29th May 21:49
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