Reviewer: Bob Shacklock
Purchased From: BikeStyle, Isle of Man
Purchase Price: £570
Time Owned: 16 Months
Local Terrain: Very Hilly
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Strengths:
Inexpensive
Adequate climber
Sturdily built
Known make with a good dealer network
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Weaknesses:
Drag from motor when not under power - not designed to disengage.
Very stiff gearchange
Heavy
Poor brakes.
Chain tends to come off and chaincase is a pain to remove.
Battery life has halved after 16 months. Now returned to Giant for testing.
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Summary:
Whilst the bike has convinced me of the value of electric bikes I now think that, if you can afford it, a lighter and more high-tec machine would be a better option. The gearchange issue can be remedied by fitting a rapid-fire type changer which makes a big difference. The early deterioration of the battery (they cost £200) is a concern. Mine has been recharged only 39 times and has not been illtreated.
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Overall Rating (out of 10) : 5