Best value Bosch Performance CX

[BenC]

Hi all, first post here.

I am one of the many people who are patiently waiting for a new Vanmoof S3.

My order has been delayed twice now and I expect it will be delayed again. So I'm looking to buy another ebike to use for the next 8-12 weeks as the Vanmoof probably wont arrive now until 2021.

I'd like something with the Bosch Performance CX motor as I like the feel of it, the magnet trick is simple and unlocks a more sensible cruising speed and I think it will be easier to sell on second-hand a few months from now and retain a decent amount of its value.

I'm happy with a Hybrid or hardtail MTB, I'm 5'10" so a Medium frame is ideal. I'm wondering if you Pedelecers know of any that are A) good value and B) available to buy this week.

Many thanks.

 

[sjpt]

Woosh's website still shows Big Bear and Santana CD available.

Woosh Bikes

Woosh Bikes Ltd Electric bikes and kits assembled in Southend-On-Sea. Affordable and comfortable e-bikes to suit every pocket.

wooshbikes.co.uk

Woosh Big Bear Plus | MTB electric bicycle from Woosh

The Woosh Big Bear Plus, a very sturdy electric bike for the traditionally built riders with 36V 15AH/17AH battery from Woosh.

wooshbikes.co.uk

The Santana CD | Chain Drive Electric Bikes from Woosh | electric bike sales & hire

The Santana CD: chain drive step through electric bikes from Woosh with advanced 15AH or 17AH battery. Massive power.

wooshbikes.co.uk

Certainly not MTB, and only just come under hybrid, but certainly good value and could suit.

 

[vfr400]

Did you look at the actual user reviews of the Vanmoof rather than the expensive marketing ones?

You can't trick the Bosch CX by turning the magnet sensor round. One guy on this forum tried it recently and bricked his motor. Do not attempt to do that under any circumstances. Don't believe anything you see on Youtube.

If you want a bike that can be derestricted, buy one with Chinese electrics or do some proper research, then verify what you find.

 

[BenC]

Hi there VFR400 (NC30 or 35?) thanks for your reply.

I test rode the Vanmoof and really liked it, so I bought one.

A friend has a Bosch motor and just put a magnet on the crank arm and moved the sensor and it works perfectly. I'm not sure what you mean by bricking it, I can't see how this would happen?

 

[Amoto65]

A friend has a Bosch motor and just put a magnet on the crank arm and moved the sensor and it works perfectly. I'm not sure what you mean by bricking it, I can't see how this would happen?

Why buy a bike and make it illegal? if you want to go faster buy a moped.

 

[vfr400]

Hi there VFR400 (NC30 or 35?) thanks for your reply.

I test rode the Vanmoof and really liked it, so I bought one.

A friend has a Bosch motor and just put a magnet on the crank arm and moved the sensor and it works perfectly. I'm not sure what you mean by bricking it, I can't see how this would happen?

The system allows the bike to work for a period of time then gives an error code. The error code resets when you switch off and on again, which allows a further period of time. I heard that he third time you get the code, it can't be reset. some info here:

Bosch Motor shutdown, Error 503, get you home only.

Due to my incompetence I fitted the sensor on backwards and the motor gave error 503 then the speedometer disappeared then get you home mode kicked in. Now the local shop has to send the complete bike back to the factory as Bosch will not empower him to reset the motor.

www.pedelecs.co.uk

 

[pichipedals]

tredz list a number of bikes that are either demo or have superficial marks on them from transit/ build...

Mens Electric Bikes | Free Delivery | 365 Day Returns | Tredz Bikes

Shop the latest range of Mens Electric Bikes with 0% APR interest free finance over £99. All Mens Electric Bikes are ready built, checked by Cytech qualified mechanics & delivered free to the UK mainland. All models come with 8 weeks free bike insurance & Tredz Price Match. Buy Now.

www.tredz.co.uk

they did have an Orbea hybrid a few weeks ago, looks to have sold. Maybe something there that suits, if only for the discount where it would limit your losses come resale.


Whilst stocks of 2019/2020 models are pretty scarce they might be something if you search the usual internet sites such as Rutland cycling, chainreactioncycles, wiggle, jejames, evans cycles, Paul’s cycles etc etc etc

 

[MontyPAS]

perfectly. I'm not sure what you mean by bricking it, I can't see how this would happen?

Bricking is when an electronic device becomes unusable, often from a failed software or firmware update. If an update error causes system-level damage, the device may not start up or function at all. In other words, the electronic device becomes a paperweight or a "brick."

 

[egroover]

I suspect once you've got over the 'Hipster' novelty of the Vanmoof, if you buy a CX motored MTB as well you'll be choosing that for most rides (other than posing around town)

 

[MontyPAS]

I suspect once you've got over the 'Hipster' novelty of the Vanmoof, if you buy a CX motored MTB as well you'll be choosing that for most rides (other than posing around town)

Must admit I thought the same! Whilst a good looking bike .... It seems high maintenance.
Everything is hidden, high tech and specific to the brand. I would be worried about getting it repaired if it goes TU. Nothing is generic, getting replacement outside of the warranty will be a nightmare.

Other opinions are available!

 

[soundwave]

i have had my bosch bike since 2014 and have a dongle to remove the speed limit and never had a problem.

 

[Fat Rat]

i have had my bosch bike since 2014 and have a dongle to remove the speed limit and never had a problem.

That you do but it has nothing to do with stuffing up a new gen4 motor by buggering about with it .

 

[soundwave]

then get a bad ass dongle others still work wired to the motor but a update could brick them.

if you want a dongle and no hassle warranty you can buy from here.

Tuning Dongle Kit for Bosch e-bikes – e-bikeshop.co.uk

Our Bosch Tuning dongles are the answer if you get fed up with hitting the speed cut off on Bosch powered electric e-bikes.

www.e-bikeshop.co.uk

Tuning devices are supplied on the basis that they may only work with the software version of the bike supplied at the time of supply & no warranty or guarantee is given that these will continue to work with future software versions or upgrades.

Bosch Speed Tuning Dongle | Electric Bike Sales

A range of 'eBike Speed Derestriction Upgrade Bosch eBike Electric Bike Upgrades' from Electric Bike Sales

www.electricbikesales.co.uk

they also offer warranty and a dongle

 

[Amoto65]

they also offer warranty and a dongle

Actually, Electric bike sales only offer a labour warranty if the bike is bought from them and state that if the manufacturer discovers a device has been used you are on your own.

 

[soundwave]

@
Electric Transport Shop
Official Trade Member
Nov 13, 2018
Hi Soundwave,
I hope you're keeping well and enjoying your e-bike.
I just noticed your post suggesting that e-bikeshop are the only dealer that will fit dongles and honour warranties and because you're a very active member just wanted to let you know that this is also the case for us at electricbikesales.co.uk
In fact we've been providing fast ebikes for commuting and fun loving e-bikers since 2005.

I hope you don't mind me contacting you about this.

What are your thoughts about the FlyOn models? We will have demos in all of our stores. They use a different speed sensing method....

All the Best.

 

[Amoto65]

@
Electric Transport Shop
Official Trade Member
Nov 13, 2018
Hi Soundwave,
I hope you're keeping well and enjoying your e-bike.
I just noticed your post suggesting that e-bikeshop are the only dealer that will fit dongles and honour warranties and because you're a very active member just wanted to let you know that this is also the case for us at electricbikesales.co.uk
In fact we've been providing fast ebikes for commuting and fun loving e-bikers since 2005.

I hope you don't mind me contacting you about this.

What are your thoughts about the FlyOn models? We will have demos in all of our stores. They use a different speed sensing method....

All the Best.

Not what they say on their website.

 

[soundwave]

Not what they say on their website.

its a secret lol tho martin at ebike shop does not care even tho it did say no warranty on dongle motors on the bosch web site but sells them anyway with dongles fitted .

 

[BenC]

Thanks for your help, I went down this route instead.



Yamaha motor, hopefully reasonably simple to derestrict.