'Unused" Giant LaFree on eBay - Pedelec Forums

John Fleet · #1 (**permalink**) 26th June 2008, 18:15

Giant Electric Bike x UNUSED With Accessories, Bargain! on eBay, also, Bikes, Cycling, Sporting Goods (end time 02-Jul-08 20:27:52 BST)

According to the listing never been used.

Questions?

1. which model is it
2. What effect will storage without use for 2 years have had on the battery?

... over to FLECC!

flecc · #2 (**permalink**) 27th June 2008, 12:02

It sometimes seems that every Lafree on ebay is said to be "hardly used", "unwanted gift" etc, generally people cashing in on the bike's excellent finish which can hide the age.

However, on this occasion, if these are current photos it seems as though it's quite genuine since I can see none of the characteristic rim darkening from brake use. To be certain though, first check the motor chain sprocket for tooth hooking wear when collecting, it can just be seen by peering up inside the cowling, then check the brake levers for pivot wobble, since they wear into sloppiness with use.

This is the Lafree Twist Lite model which could have been made from 2002 to 2004 inclusive, but these were often in stock for long periods so could have been sold a year or so later.

One important thing is that the battery could be dud after standing so long. The fact that a charge has allowed the bike to run doesn't mean there's much capacity there, but it is a promising indication. It would need at least three or four full charges and discharges to condition it to capacity again, but there's no guarantee that would work. Last I knew was that a new battery was £250.

The charger is the original and is of the type notorious for it's many failures.
.

John Fleet · #3 (**permalink**) 28th June 2008, 07:49

Thanks Flecc - illuminating as ever - I see the bike's already up to £300!

That enquiry was just out of interest BUT after over a year of membership of this Forum and trying a couple of bikes (including a Quando) I've finally dipped my toes with:

Yamaha Electric Bike on eBay, also, Bikes, Cycling, Sporting Goods (end time 08-Jun-08 13:29:39 BST)

I hope I've not bought a pig in a poke but if I have at least I've not blown a large sum! I'm hoping to pick the bike up (finally) on July 8th when I take my youngest daughter down to Sheffield to move into her first flat and will bring the bike back.

Any tips as to things to look out for would be much appreciated. Ref the batteries - one reason for taking a chance is that the only recommended battery rebuilder for this unit happens to be in South Shields which is just accross the river Tyne from me.

Might not seem a particularly auspicious purchase but the implications could be significant, as via my day job, I have the ear of the elected Mayor here in North Tyneside and have been bending it on the subject of all things electric bike related. He's very keen to see my bike in action and hopefully it will lead on to good things for electric bike provision at the new council offices at the Cobalt business park.

North Tyneside Council, is also, at long last, in the process of launching a salary sacrifice scheme, so there may be an invite to a couple of leading e-bike suppliers to come up and demonstrate shortly.

The Cobalt business park where the Council's head office is located is already home to about 7,000 office workers and this number will double within the next 5 years. It's very well served by Waggonways which have been the subject of extensive upgrading in the last couple of years to provide excellent cycle routes, so we have the potential to do something significant, if our politicians catch the vision!

As an aside I'm also exploring with our sustainability team the ins and outs of getting one of the new Ego Electric Street Scoots - which seem to me to be a very exciting commuter vehicle - and rather less money than a bike!

Exciting times....

John

flecc · #4 (**permalink**) 28th June 2008, 16:16

Hi John

The Yamaha was the bike of choice just before the Lafree was introduced, but the Lafree Twist's lighter weight and more bicycle like characteristics won the day.

The Yamaha was a fine e-bike though, the only criticism of it from some was that it was more autocycle (moped) than bicycle, and A to B felt that also. As with the Lafree, there was a widespread expression of disappointment when Yamaha discontinued in in the UK due to poor sales.

So no, you haven't bought a pig in the poke, any more than with any other discontinued product, and it's much better than most. Batteries are the key thing, and you've clearly made a wise decision in that respect. Only spares might just be a problem, but there's a Yamaha specialist in the south here who offers spares and service on them, illustrating the range on the website:

Electric Bike Centre

I think the Ego is a good prospect too, wish I had the space for one.

All I'd add to this is, enjoy your bike.

.

John Fleet · #5 (**permalink**) 28th June 2008, 17:15

Thanks Flecc!

Looking forward to getting on it and I'm pleased to learn that there are no fundamental known problems with this bike!

WALKERMAN · #6 (**permalink**) 1st July 2008, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Fleet

Giant Electric Bike x UNUSED With Accessories, Bargain! on eBay, also, Bikes, Cycling, Sporting Goods (end time 02-Jul-08 20:27:52 BST)

According to the listing never been used.

Questions?

1. which model is it
2. What effect will storage without use for 2 years have had on the battery?

... over to FLECC!

Hi John
I thought I was the only e biker on Tyneside as I have not seen one in my 5 years of cycling to Walker from Jarrow.

I have just recently posted a comment on the Newcastle Journal 'Go Green' Forum extolling the virtues of the e bike as a means of alternative transport.

More and more cyclists are now beginning to use the Pedestrian / Cycle Tunnel since the work started on the Vehicle Tunnel with all of its associated traffic problems, and some of them look like they could use a bit of e bike help!

I have a two year old Giant Lafree ST and have a Pro Connect on order and hopefully I will get it in a week or two.
I was thinking about selling the Lafree once I was happy with the Pro Connect. It has been a great bike for my journey to work throughout the year in all weather.

Regards
John

John Fleet · #7 (**permalink**) 1st July 2008, 17:11

Hi John

If all goes according to plan by this time next week, I'll have my Yamaha, but please do let me know when you get your Pro-Connect as I'd love to be able to compare a brand new latest technology bike with the 'old' tech cheapie that I've gone for in order to dip my toes in the water....

John

artslim · #8 (**permalink**) 29th July 2008, 19:59

Hi,
Are the batteries for the Lafree twist lite (Crank drive) still available. to buy and if so how much?
Cheers.

aaannndddyyy · #9 (**permalink**) 29th July 2008, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by artslim

Hi,
Are the batteries for the Lafree twist lite (Crank drive) still available. to buy and if so how much?
Cheers.

Hi they do come up every now and then on EBay you could recell a battery pack, here is Fleccs web site that shows you where and how battchoice
If this is the bike your looking at,I dont see a battery on it make shore they still have the battery case and its a 24volt not 12.
GIANT LAFREE TWIST ELECTRIC BIKE on eBay, also, Bikes, Cycling, Sporting Goods (end time 05-Aug-08 19:30:00 BST)

flecc · #10 (**permalink**) 30th July 2008, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by artslim

Hi,
Are the batteries for the Lafree twist lite (Crank drive) still available. to buy and if so how much?
Cheers.

You should still be able to get them from Giant agency bike shops, They were £250 each last I saw the price.

Giant dealer directory

Click the electric box and enter your postcode for the nearest e-bike agent.
.