Reviewer: Chris Winter
Purchased From: 50 Cycles
Purchase Price: £1395
Time Owned: 1 week 3 days
Local Terrain: Moderate Hills
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Strengths: Quality - this truly is the BMW of electric bikes: every component is well engineered and functions properly and the design is very well integrated. Compared to other electric bikes, it pleasing to the eye. Lightweight, stable and easy to control in all conditions, from heavy traffic to speeding down steep hills at very high speeds. Phenomenal braking. Panasonic system is great for people, like me, who want to enjoy real cycling, but with the drudgery taken out. The range is good - I am achieving about 30 miles on one battery charge, using a mix of power modes: this includes using high power mode for at least two and a half miles of serious hill climbing (10% or worse) when the battery is really being hammered, plus some other long up hill gradients.
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Weaknesses: Lack of a manual - allthough the Panasonic system is covered by a comprehensive pamphlet, it would be useful if other aspects of the bike, it's adjustment and maintenance were described. Undergeared - the bike does feel slow on the flat and I end up freewheeling a lot, simply because my legs would otherwise be going like a spin dryer in top gear.
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Summary:This is an excellent bike - practical and fun. The only real weakness (undergearing) is a function of legislation not the design and can in any case be easily and cheaply overcome by changing the rear sprocket to one with less teeth.
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Overall Rating (out of 10) : 9.5
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cheers
Russ
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