Been lurking a while

[colin79666]

I've been lurking on the site for a few weeks while thinking about getting an e bike. I've enjoyed cycling for years but live in a hilly area and with also being a fair weather cyclist, have tended to stick to odd pleasure trips in the local area in the summer months only. On a recent trip to Finland I saw many cyclists in the Helsinki area and a few of them were pedelecs which planted the seed in my mind! With a bit of electric assistance I could go into Edinburgh and get back out again!

Following the advice in the guides I visited the local e bike shop last week and tried a few out. Today I went back having thought it over and have ordered a Giant Roam XR E+ which I hope to pick-up next weekend

 

[Jimod]

Welcome to the forum and to the world ebikes.

 

[Scott clarke]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Kuorider]

Excellent choice and the best way to buy, from your local specialist following a proper demo . Local back up handy for service and maintenance. These Giant bikes are seriously good bits of kit, and ideal for our conditions here in bagpipeland.

 

[colin79666]

Thanks for the friendly welcome and reassurance that the financial outlay will be worth it.
Just got insurance to sort out now. Looks like it won't be far short of what it costs to cover my car

 

[RobF]

Thanks for the friendly welcome and reassurance that the financial outlay will be worth it.
Just got insurance to sort out now. Looks like it won't be far short of what it costs to cover my car

Worth asking your house insurance for a quote.

The extra premium for me is about £30 a year, which I believe is about average.

 

[colin79666]

Worth asking your house insurance for a quote.

The extra premium for me is about £30 a year, which I believe is about average.

Thanks. Sadly they won't cover "any motorised pedal cycles" which probably rules out ebikes. I'll probably go with specialist cover this year but come house renewal it'll be something I factor in when deciding who to go with.

 

[Bigdaddyuk666]

I got my Haibike Sduro hardnine rc covered by my home insurance away from home and with 2 million pound liability insurance and it only costs an extra £50 a year through santander

 

[colin79666]

Bit of an update. Annoyingly when my dealer went to order from Giant when they reopened on Monday, they appear to have run out of stock There didn't seem to be any clear indication when/if more stock would be coming so I've decided to go for a KTM Macina Cross 9 instead.

I tried a KTM mountain bike originally when comparing the different motor systems and went for the Giant in the end due to the stock situation while I liked the rear hub and crank systems pretty much the same (I quickly ruled out a front hub motor). So I'll have to wait about 3 weeks now but the flip side is I'll now be getting a similarly specced bike traditional mechanics wise but with the excellent Bosch mid drive system. Just hope the ordering process goes smoothly this time and there aren't any more delays as I'm champing at the bit to get riding!

 

[RobF]

Bit of an update. Annoyingly when my dealer went to order from Giant when they reopened on Monday, they appear to have run out of stock There didn't seem to be any clear indication when/if more stock would be coming so I've decided to go for a KTM Macina Cross 9 instead.

I tried a KTM mountain bike originally when comparing the different motor systems and went for the Giant in the end due to the stock situation while I liked the rear hub and crank systems pretty much the same (I quickly ruled out a front hub motor). So I'll have to wait about 3 weeks now but the flip side is I'll now be getting a similarly specced bike traditional mechanics wise but with the excellent Bosch mid drive system. Just hope the ordering process goes smoothly this time and there aren't any more delays as I'm champing at the bit to get riding!

I had a look at a Giant XRe+ a couple of days ago.

Nice looking bike, I can see the attraction.

The owner had not done many miles, but was pleased with it.

Never mind, you won't go far wrong with a KTM/Bosch.

It would have been my preference.

I agree rear hub drives can ride nicely, but I think there's too much for the rear spokes to do with the torque of the motor, and transferring the braking force if a disc brake is fitted.

Add in a heavy rider, some rear mounted luggage, and it's a recipe for spoke failure.

 

[colin79666]

Quick update. Unfortunately there isn't one really, I'm still waiting. I just hope there is plenty summer left to enjoy it when it comes

 

[colin79666]

Bike is at the shop now apparently

Now if it would just stop raining so I can go pick it up

 

[colin79666]

Got it

Massive smile on my face when I got home! 12.5 miles or so in 54 minutes despite only having been on my ordinary bike a handful of times this year.

Hopefully I'll be able to get out on it more at the weekend. Also brushing up on my German because not all the instruction manuals are in my native tongue.

 

[colin79666]

225 miles in and first service done to tighten things up. Pannier rack coming soon.

Another 15 miles covered this morning

 

[YORKSHIREEXILE1]

Bit of an update.......... so I've decided to go for a KTM Macina Cross 9 instead.

Hi Colin

I've just (yesterday) taken delivery of this same model, although I believe mine is the 2016 spec, apart from the ride home, 3 miles at most, I haven't had chance to give it a bit of a go yet, I did beat the missus back from the shop, through Kingston upon Thames centre, by a good 5 mins though!

Originally I wanted the the Fun 9 but it wasn't available in a 56cm frame so ended up with the Cross. Once I've done some miles we'll have to exchange notes.

What rack are you getting?

Cheers

Ian

 

[colin79666]

... Once I've done some miles we'll have to exchange notes.

What rack are you getting?

Hi Ian
Great to know there is another KTM Macina Cross 9 owner out there

I'm not sure which rack TBH. I discussed it with my local dealer when the bike was getting its 6 week check over and I've left the decision up to them really. Due to the disc brakes they think it will need a rack designed for that as they are a bit wider where they mount by the rear drop out.

One piece of advise - if the paint is like mine then it is really soft and liable to scratching. Being matt it rules out polishing as well. I managed to put a small nick in the paintwork within days of getting mine Halfords black matt enamel paint is a pretty good match.

 

[YORKSHIREEXILE1]

Hi Colin

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep a close eye on the paintwork and probably make a preemptive visit to halfords!

Did you have any luck in translating the Bosch handbook? I've given it a go but not had much joy, I saw a download on here which I hoped would assist but, unfortunately it doesn't seem to want to download!

I need some decent mudguards for my commute, have you given this any thought or are you happy with the 'rough' look?

Cheers

Ian

 

[colin79666]

Did you have any luck in translating the Bosch handbook? I've given it a go but not had much joy, I saw a download on here which I hoped would assist but, unfortunately it doesn't seem to want to download!

Sent you a PM.

I need some decent mudguards for my commute, have you given this any thought or are you happy with the 'rough' look?

The dealer organised that for me (got them thrown in as part of the sale). They appear to be Raleigh Elements. The front is fine but the back is very, very close to rubbing and there isn't room to raise the height any more due to the frame attachment. Get the job done however, keeping the spray away from my back

 

[YORKSHIREEXILE1]

PM'd you, thanks very much

Ian