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[Kez]

Hi,

I have a Wisper 905se on order and am in London. I will be using it for work and leisure. Can't wait to get going. Friends and family seem to think the idea of an electric bike is hilarious. I think they will soon change their minds when they have a chance to try the bike out.

Kez.

[flecc]

Hello Kes, welcome to the forum. You're quite right, e-bikes change many minds once they are tried, I once had to physically drag someone off one of mine to be able to carry on with my journey, they were so reluctant to stop enjoying it.

I hope you don't have to wait long for your Wisper 905se.
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[dodgyal]

Hi, My names Al, after reading through the forum for a few days ive decided on the bike for me i'm about to place my order for a Whisper 905SE Sport using the Cycle Scheme at work (saves me about 41% of the cost!)

I cant wait to get it! I have to use the Humber Bridge everyday which costs me £2.70 each way, I'll be using the bike to go to work on as the bridge is free for cycleists. Wooohooo!

Regards Al..

[Rod Tibbs]

It does seem all rather odd. I have told them I will not be able to get there but have asked if they can let me have full Press details, which is not usually a problem. So I might be in a position to know more before long.

Rod

[flecc]

That will be good Rob, I'll look forward to that further information. Odd how Powacycle are trying to keep this a secret. Perhaps they can't afford too many sandwiches.
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[flecc]

Hi Al, welcome to the forum, there'll be Wisper 905se bikes all over the country at this rate!

Hope you enjoy your new bike and don't have to wait too long for it.
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[JohnW]

Just a quick hello. I have to be classed as a more mature rider but not yet 60 for a year or two. I am now riding a Giant MTB with the Alien 36V conversion purchased of e-bay after considerable research and reading of postings. It did involve a little modification with a mini grinder to the rst forks and the fitting of a couple of copper washers. After a minor mod with a pair of wire cutters to the speed control, all went well and the motor supported pedelling to about 18mph. I use the bike to commute about 8 miles each way most days when dry. Since purchase about six weeks ago I have bought a second system for my wife's Claude Butler bike and she is really pleased with the result. Since the initial fitting I have changed the gears from 7 to 8 speed with a higher top gear (11-30) which makes pedalling easier and much more comfortable. On my wife's bike I have fitted a twist grip as she finds this easier. Just last week I tried a new controller direct from China and this feels noticably quicker than the supplied one. I will check the speed with the gps next time out but it does seem to move ahead of the wife's machine when we are both just cruising without peddling. That's all for now I am looking forward to seeing a few fellow eletric bikes out on the streets. My only concern is if the young guy on the racing bike I pass every morming has twigged that the old man who keeps passing him is cheating.

[Shroppielass]

Thanks Flecc, Django & Mandy for your responses

Originally Posted by flecc

I won't remark on the Wisper option as the 905 isn't step through and the 705 short range so not suiting your particular wishes.

Flecc, no surprise really given your sharp and logical mind, but you’ve picked up on the inconsistency between my stated wishes from a bike and the bikes I am contemplating. I realise I’m going to have to compromise on something be it price, frame type or range. So until I’ve tried some bikes I’m not going to know which.

My query about the hill climbing ability of the Wisper 705 remains and also anyone's comments who's tried one.

Django, you’re spot on in pre-empting my concern about back-up and maintenance, and the local knowledge is very helpful. Good to know we have a local bike shop who are willing and able. Bought my mtb from them.

Mandy I think your Wisper colours are firmly nailed to the mast I’ve read that even with previous experience of an ebike you took a few months to make your choice. I think it will take me a while, not least getting around the country to try some of them. I do plan on trying the Wispers...

[flecc]

Hi Shroppielass. The hub motor bikes like the Wisper are not as able on the very steepest hills as the bikes that use the Panasonic motor unit which drives through the gears.

However, if the hub motor is fairly powerful, quite steep hills are handled without any trouble, and the Wisper 705 one is at least mid powered and probably on the high side.

In your case where you are still able to climb the hills on an MTB, albeit with a struggle, you should find them easy enough on the Wisper, climbing them at a higher speed and impressing the natives.

I've had a look at your area on Google Map in 3D view and the hills shouldn't trouble the Wisper, even the roads and lanes over the large hill to the east of Great Lyth wouldn't be a problem if you got down that way.
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[Mandy]

Originally Posted by Edrich

Many thanks, flecc and Mandy, for your help and encouragement.

Unfortunately the 50cycles dealership is not yet fully up-and-running. Thus far my nearest demo dealer is 120 miles away in Bournemouth. Meanwhile I'll check out the Powabyke nearby, especially in pedal-assist mode on the hills. If/when I actually buy a bike I'll report back on my experiences.

Be sure to keep us posted on how you go Edrich.
You may be pleasantly surprised with the PowaByke and I believe they are a lot lighter now than my old one bought in 2004 and it didn't let me down, not once so it may be a good starting pont?