Hello Everybody
Hello chaps, a new eBike rider signing in.
I'm in Dronfield (just South of Sheffield), so it's VERY hilly round these parts.
I've just taken delivery of an Alien Titan eBike (seller on Ebay). It's very similar to the Synergie Avanti, but without the rear suspension. I'm a bit suspicious of cheap bikes with rear suspension, I've got a not cheap Dawes FS MTB and I've had a bit of trouble with the back end on that, so the chances of the chinese getting it right at this price point are slim!
The bike itself looks pretty well made, a bit dissapointing that the cycle parts are rock bottom Shimano but it's not unexpected and at least they can be replaced. In fact I've had to replace the rear derailluer already as the original got bent in transit (thanks Citylink). I can see the front forks being replaced before too long, with a set that has lockout, to help hill climbing.
In terms of power output I'm quite impressed, I wasn't expecting to be able to motor along on just the throttle (15st 9lbs), but it will do it, sort of, the power assist on hills is smashing. We've a couple of 1:5's and a 1:4 near where I live and I can get up them no problem with me standing up to pedal. On my Dawes I'm down to 1st gear and struggling.
I plan to use the bike as an alternative to my motorcycles for medium distance trips. As an example I cycle to work evey day (5mls each way), but to go into Sheffield (8mls and a BIG climb on the way home) I'd use a motorcycle. I'm hoping the eBike will make that trip much more pleasant. Also I've got relatives in Barnsley (18mls) and I'd hope to be able to do that trip with relative ease.
I'm a strong and fit cyclist, so I wanted a bike that rides like a bike, one that can be used without power assist and so needed to have a good gear range. I didn't want a "shopper bike". The Alien is 21 speed, so that'll do. I've read the specifications of many bikes and they may say "20 miles range in power assist mode", well fair enough but if you don't use the power the range is unlimited. So my plan is that I'll only use the power on the steep hills and the rest of the time just ride it like a normal bike. Having the electric assist as a back up will take the sting out of doing runs like going to Sheffield, or the endless climb from Dronfield up to the top of the 1st ridge of the hills in the Peak District.
Any thoughts on my plans?
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