Help! Please help me buy a commuter bike :)

Nelly Cycle

Just Joined
Apr 29, 2017
2
0
41
Brighton
Here's the spec I need for a budget of £1000 - £1700:
  • Need to get me to work and back reliably (10 mile round trip)
  • The journey is mostly on the flat on a sea front on a cycle path and sometimes into very strong winds
  • The last part of the journey has a steep hill of around 500 meters.
  • I'm not bothered about getting exercise, just want to get to work not in a sweat but would like a weight of bike turn the electric off and can get exercise should I wish to.
I have owned an electric bike (Claud Butler) in the past which was great fun but had the following issues which I don't want with the new one:
  • Replacing the V Brake pads, brake cables too often for my liking
  • Battery fried after less than a year (riding 6 miles a day)
  • Annoying punctures >: (
Here are three that I have researched it down to but your suggestions for others are welcome:

Scott E-Sub Tour
https://www.evanscycles.com/scott-e-sub-tour-unisex-2016-electric-hybrid-bike-EV300536#modal__finance-modal

Kudos Sonata
https://www.kudoscycles.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=347

Juicy Roller
https://www.juicybike.co.uk/electric-bikes/roller

Thanks for your help in advance.

Nelly.
 

Danidl

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 29, 2016
8,608
12,253
73
Ireland
Here's the spec I need for a budget of £1000 - £1700:
  • Need to get me to work and back reliably (10 mile round trip)
  • The journey is mostly on the flat on a sea front on a cycle path and sometimes into very strong winds
  • The last part of the journey has a steep hill of around 500 meters.
  • I'm not bothered about getting exercise, just want to get to work not in a sweat but would like a weight of bike turn the electric off and can get exercise should I wish to.
I have owned an electric bike (Claud Butler) in the past which was great fun but had the following issues which I don't want with the new one:
  • Replacing the V Brake pads, brake cables too often for my liking
  • Battery fried after less than a year (riding 6 miles a day)
  • Annoying punctures >: (
Here are three that I have researched it down to but your suggestions for others are welcome:

Scott E-Sub Tour
https://www.evanscycles.com/scott-e-sub-tour-unisex-2016-electric-hybrid-bike-EV300536#modal__finance-modal

Kudos Sonata
https://www.kudoscycles.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=347

Juicy Roller
https://www.juicybike.co.uk/electric-bikes/roller

Thanks for your help in advance.

Nelly.
... Annoying punctures are just that but can be mitigated by using slime loaded tubes and maybe puncture resistant tyres. ... And by keeping the wheels at the design pressure.
If you still have the Claude Butler. The battery pack can be replaced , and maybe with greater capacity. That really would be the low cost option.
If buying a new one or refurbishing the CB , you could consider hydraulic brakes, which appear to be close to adjustment free. .. there are no cables to streach.
 

Nelly Cycle

Just Joined
Apr 29, 2017
2
0
41
Brighton
... Annoying punctures are just that but can be mitigated by using slime loaded tubes and maybe puncture resistant tyres. ... And by keeping the wheels at the design pressure.
If you still have the Claude Butler. The battery pack can be replaced , and maybe with greater capacity. That really would be the low cost option.
If buying a new one or refurbishing the CB , you could consider hydraulic brakes, which appear to be close to adjustment free. .. there are no cables to streach.
Unfortunately the bike was stolen but thanks for the advice regarding the slime loaded tubes :)
 

gray198

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 4, 2012
1,574
1,068
Have a good look round . For the distance you are quoting almost any reasonable ebike will do the trick. Most are fairly reliable. Juicybikes are good and Woosh have some that will suit. I would suggest hydraulic brakes, purely for the less maintenance aspect. Marathon plus tyres are good for puncture resistance..The main thing is to get something that is comfortable for you, and try not to be seduced by the extra features of the more expensive bikes unless they are going to benefit you. You will get plenty of advice on here. Good hunting
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,407
16,387
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,211
2,174
68
Sevenoaks Kent
Hi Nelly, best way to choose the right ebike for you is to find a local dealer, go and try the bikes.

We don't yet have a dealer in Brighton but there are several there. Unless you are confident in electric bike maintenance it's important to buy your bike from a dealer who is close enough to look after and service your bike.

If you would like to look at our bikes, here is a link to our dealer finder.

https://wisperbikes.com/your-local-ebike-dealer/

If there is a specific bike you want to try it's always best to call to make an appointment before you visit.

Our Wisper 905Torque would do the job well.

https://wisperbikes.com/e-bikes/905-torque-crossbar/

Good luck in your search!

All the best, David 905Torque 2.jpg
 
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Deleted member 4366

Guest
Whichever bike you get, immediately change the tyres to Schwalbe Marathon plus, which more or less eliminate punctures. It's rare to see those tyres fitted as OEM, so budget for an additional £60 - £100, depending on whether you get them mail order and fit them yourself.

Any bike with hydraulic disc brakes will eliminate the brake problems you had. They don't have cables and don't need any adjustment.
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,211
2,174
68
Sevenoaks Kent
Hi Dave, we use the new Kenda ebike tyre with Kevlar puncture protection. These tyres are excellent. They don't have the Schwalbe name but in my experience they are just as tough and the grip is maybe a little bit better.

We now spec our bikes with 1.95" tyres they are great for light off road and when fully inflated give very low rolling resistance.

All the best, David
 
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JuicyBike

Trade Member
Jan 26, 2009
1,671
527
Derbyshire
Juicy Roller
https://www.juicybike.co.uk/electric-bikes/roller

Thanks for your help in advance.
Hi Nelly
Great to see our Roller on your shortlist. The other two bikes are (almost) as lovely too :)
But before anyone can sensibly recommend a bike to you it would be wise to ask about your size and fitness level. Your local terrain is easy for almost all regular electric bikes so you are blessed with being able to choose from a wide variety.
The most important thing for you to do is to try - let me know if you've not already tried Roller and I'll get one to a local retailer for you.
 
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