Reviewer: Kingsley Hendrickse
Model: Agattu Large Cross Frame
Retailer: 50Cycles
Purchase Price: £1300
TimeOwned: 1 month
Terrain: Flat
Strengths:
Brilliant for commuting. I commute 21 miles each way from Essex into London. I charge up the battery at work during the day. I can make the 42 miles on one charge using medium power setting - but since I have a plug at work I feel more happy seeing 3 leds at full power before I set off
I have a few very minor hills which I change into 4th gear to climb but then quickly shift into 6 then 7. The rest of the time I'm in 7th gear all the way - keeping an average speed of 16.5 - 17.5 mph. In the morning the 21 miles takes me 1 hour 17 and on the way home about 1 hour 25 as Im a bit tired. Even when very tired and pedalling quite casually I can do 21 miles in 1 hour 30 no problem - and thats at 14.5 / 15.5 mph. One of the main benefits for me is the power assist - Its just great - esp when I have 42 mile round trip. On a normal bike i would be very tired! On the agattu 6 miles is pretty easy - 10 miles and 1 power light goes out - 13 miles starting to feel a bit of a work out - 17 miles getting a bit tired and by 21 miles Im at work and feel like I have had a good ride. The battery is small and removable which is great - its quite heavy but the recharger unit is quite light so thats pretty good. I put it in the paniers I also got from 50 cycles. It doesnt seem to matter how much stuff I load into the paniers there no difference to the ride.
Weaknesses:
The battery has a separate charger unit - would have been cool to just somehow plug in the battery directly to the power. The spoke lock on the back wheel is a nice idea but I never use it. I find the gearing too low as in 7th gear I feel I could do more esp on downhill. Its pretty heavy if you turn off the power or have to carry it up steps etc
Summary:
In general a great bike. Does my commute very well and I am very pleased with it
I get a good work out but still get to work without being exhausted.
Overall Rating: 10