Electric bike advice

[bwest76]

I would like to get a hybrid bike,maybe I can exercise more then and get my legs moving more.

I know exactly nothing about them,I dont want to spend a fortune.

A mountain bike or other sit up style with a large frame would suit me best.

any advice on specific models would be gratefully received.

[thieuster]

There was a thread a few months ago with that subject. But, since we're here...

EU research in Germany and The Netherlands shows that it's very healthy to for people to switch to an electric bike. People tend to ride their electric bike more often than an 'old' bike and leave the car on the driveway. In total, electric bike owners cover more distance thus exercising more than they would do with a normal bike.

My wife has recently bought an electric bike (Dutch brand 'Dutch ID') with a Bosch motor down the pedal assembly. Whatever you do, don't buy one were the motor is incorporated into the front hub. Recent Dutch survey shows that cyclists with a front-driven bike are more involved in accidents that bike-owners with a mid or rear engined bike. Reason for the higher level of accidents? Probably the 'understeer-oversteer effect' of the front driven bike. When there's speed/momentum, the bike tends to go straight ahead. Steering is a little abrupt and when the road surface is wet when steering, accidents can happen.

EDIT: the Pendix eBike system can be the cheapest solution when you currently own a perfectly good bike. https://pendix.com In short you can upgrade your current bike for less than a new electric bike.

[Andrzej]

One of our tri club members did me some research on e-road bikes, which could have some relevance with what you are looking for because of recent technology changes. If you want me to pass it on, please PM your email address.

[ptcoll]

What sort of use will it get i.e. road only, smooth-ish trails, canal towpaths, bridleways etc. This will determine the right type of bike to get.

Don't jump to the conclusion you need an e-bike straight away - it's a lot of money for something you may not use much.

Pete

[Harry Smith]

Go to a a couple of bike shops that specialise in ebikes, they should let you try one.

[bwest76]

What sort of use will it get i.e. road only, smooth-ish trails, canal towpaths, bridleways etc. This will determine the right type of bike to get.

Don't jump to the conclusion you need an e-bike straight away - it's a lot of money for something you may not use much.

Pete

I haven't got the leg strength to fully cycle thats why it appeals to me,I might go down a tow path but not full on X country.

[trident-7]

E bike all the way. Just don't upload your rides to Strava!

[bwest76]

E bike all the way. Just don't upload your rides to Strava!

Looking for a model recommendation.

[Tooks]

You’ve mentioned you don’t want to spend a fortune, but a figure would help to target some suitable models?

[Templogin]

Be wary of Kalkhoff. They had a lot of motor problems.

[bwest76]

You’ve mentioned you don’t want to spend a fortune, but a figure would help to target some suitable models?

would £1,000 be enough to get a decent model?

[ptcoll]

I haven't got the leg strength to fully cycle thats why it appeals to me,I might go down a tow path but not full on X country.

Ok, your terminology confused me. A hybrid bike normally means an upright stance with limited off road capabilities. It doesn’t normally mean electric.
Sounds like you need an electric hybrid bike. My wife has a Boardman like that in mind - it’s £2,000 from Halfords.

Pete

[bwest76]

I thought electric bikes where hybrids?

[ptcoll]

Historically a hybrid bike is one that had multiple uses ie could be used on road, or for light off-road, and typically had flat handlebars. It doesn’t automatically mean electric.

So you can get an electric road bike with drop handlebars, electric mountain bikes or an electric hybrid bike.

May be automotive terminology is bleeding across into the bike world, but if you go into a bike shop and ask for a hybrid bike, they will think you mean flat handlebars that can do light off-road stuff.

As an example, this is the bike my wife is looking at:

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-electric-bike

You can see it is labelled as both hybrid and electric.

This is a hybrid bike (non-electric):

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...ns-hybrid-bike


Pete

[mr.chef]

would £1,000 be enough to get a decent model?

Depends on a few factors but I wouldn’t have thought so. I bought another Haibike this summer for around £2.5k and you need to spend around this price to have a powerful motor and a decent battery. I love in Bath so a powerful motor is a must especially when carrying two kids!

[bwest76]

Historically a hybrid bike is one that had multiple uses ie could be used on road, or for light off-road, and typically had flat handlebars. It doesn’t automatically mean electric.

So you can get an electric road bike with drop handlebars, electric mountain bikes or an electric hybrid bike.

May be automotive terminology is bleeding across into the bike world, but if you go into a bike shop and ask for a hybrid bike, they will think you mean flat handlebars that can do light off-road stuff.

As an example, this is the bike my wife is looking at:

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-electric-bike

You can see it is labelled as both hybrid and electric.

This is a hybrid bike (non-electric):

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...ns-hybrid-bike


Pete

Thank you for the explanation it’s an electric bike I am after.

[bwest76]

I had a look in Halfords at this one,any good?


https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...ype=bestseller

[ptcoll]

I had a look in Halfords at this one,any good?

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...ype=bestseller

I can't comment on that specific bike, but speaking generically:

Mountains bikes are generally heavier than an equivalent general purpose bike.
They have suspension forks, which you would not really need, and which add weight.
They have wider tyres, which can be more comfortable, but also sap power.

This one is a similar price: https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...6-18-20-frames

It has a better range and better components.

Choosing a bike is a nightmare (which is probably why I have 7 !).

I would recommend you go to the biggest bike shop you can find, and try some out.

Pete

[SydR]

The Carrera Subway linked above gets good reviews and is regarded by some as the best hybrid evike under £1k.

But, like any bike, it’s only good if it suits you and you feel comfortable riding it.

Best thing to do is pop into Halfords and see one. See how it fits you and how it feels.

[Mick P]

When I was a Postie, the Royal Mail used to buy 6000 bicycles every year and different makers had their bicycles tested to destruction and a British company called Pashley always came out on top. Posties bash the guts out of their bikes which went up and over kerbs all day long with 62lbs of letters over the front wheel.

I have had my Pashley for nearly 15 years and it still almost looks new. This is the model that I have. It is a hybrid and is a one size fits all sizes type of frame and ultra reliable 5 speed hub and drum brakes.

https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles/parabike.php

I thoroughly recommend it.

[trident-7]

When I was a Postie, the Royal Mail used to buy 6000 bicycles every year and different makers had their bicycles tested to destruction and a British company called Pashley always came out on top. Posties bash the guts out of their bikes which went up and over kerbs all day long with 62lbs of letters over the front wheel.

I have had my Pashley for nearly 15 years and it still almost looks new. This is the model that I have. It is a hybrid and is a one size fits all sizes type of frame and ultra reliable 5 speed hub and drum brakes.

https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles/parabike.php

I thoroughly recommend it.

A hybrid bike is a type of bike, something looking like a cross between a mountain bike & a road bike.

I think the OP has now said that by hybrid bike he meant e-bike.

You might then look at a MTB ebike, a hybrid ebike or a road bike ebike.

Budget is going to dictate what the options are.

[samswatch]

I have looked at this as well, so here is some limited information that I have learnt in the £2k price range:

1. As mentioned above I would avoid a front wheel drive bike. Stick to crank mounted or rear wheel. I prefer the former as then swapping out wheels etc is easier.

2. For a built up bike generally the 2 big manufacturers are Bosch and Shimano. Note both seemed to have upgraded motors for 2019/20, but I don't it really matters as long as you follow point 3 below. Giant seem to have their own

3. The legal motor limit is 250w but what is important is the torque. Generally on e-hybirds its between 40-60Nm. More torque more power to push you. So more hills, more carrying weight then a bigger motor is better, but then it costs a little more.

4. Batteries are generally 400Wh, but some go to 500Wh. Again as the number becomes bigger, the price goes up. Also check if the battery is removable for charging. I think its a useful function, but some don't remove for charging.

5. Brakes - I prefer hydraulic disc to cable disc to rim braked.

6. Front suspension- most of these will have some front suspension. I am not a big fan as it generally just heavy and not great. I would prefer a fatter/ wider tire which would provide some bump absorption.

7. Also I would get a bike with mudguards and a pannier rack and if it doesnt come with it, see if they have provision to fit them.

8. Finally looks - some have the battery neatly integrated others dont. Again generally a prettier bike will cost more.


Some decent sites for advice etc

pedelecs.com
https://ebiketips.road.cc/reviews
https://electricbikereview.com/


I like these - as they seem to be good value (but more than the limit of £1000) - maybe cheaper elsewhere as well

https://www.cyclerepublic.com/haibik...bike-2019.html
https://www.cyclerepublic.com/scott-...bike-2019.html
https://www.cyclerepublic.com/raleig...bike-2018.html

[bwest76]

Thank you for taking the time that’s very helpful information.

[scenicroute79]

I've been involved in purchasing alot of hybrid bikes for cruise ships and as such done a fair bit of research and comparison, one model that we like alot is the Forme Peak trail 1 & 2. They also have an electric range.
Frames are made in the far East (as most are these days) components are all Shimano/Bosch etc.

[samswatch]

Just make sure you get a warranty and you should be fine.

Happy for i you to pm me

[bwest76]

Just make sure you get a warranty and you should be fine.

Happy for i you to pm me

thank you for the offer,I succumbed and bought one of these from Halfords on interest free credit today.

they gave me a further 10% off for the Defence discount card.

I took the salesman's advice who was a keen cyclist,I ordered lights,rack,mudguard,helmet and lock which covers theft of the bike.

plus a years service cover.

so its all in one credit agreement, I should get the bike next week,I have a feeling even if i can only do a few miles it will build my legs and lungs up.

in the end Halfords is close by and they have been good to me in the past.

now i have bough a watch and bike with money I usually save each month, as the interest rate was so poor for saving.



https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...22-frames-2018