If only more people could understand, Alex, just how pleasant cycling can be on bikes styled, give or take, on the "granny" or "grandpa" machines of a century ago, perhaps the big German and Dutch providers might take a bigger interest in the UK market.
I'm fortunate in that I have a variety of bikes from which to choose, all of which have their merits, but my favourite remains my traditionally-styled Dutch bike. OK, it's not the quickest nor the best hill-climber but I'm not obsessed by such matters. I like to ride at an easy pace in comfort, knowing that my bike has been well-designed for my purpose and well-constructed using decent components. Low-maintenance chain, gears and brakes provide reassurance that the machine will last several years.
Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, cycling such old-fashioned machines in the UK is still seen as "un-cool" by a large number of people. That's not the case on mainland europe and consequently, the range of machines available from bike dealers encompasses more of those early bike designs than we see typically here. Having recently spent a couple of weeks cycling daily on one of my MTBs, although I enjoyed it, I was glad to get back aboard my old Dutch limo. I hadn't used the MTB for quite a while and had forgotten how strained the riding position is. The limited range of adjustment means I have to fit myself to the bike's geometry which is fine when you're young and flexible.
I think more people should try the old-fashioned bikes.
Indalo
I reckon if you're not actually racing or doing downhill etc. the style is by far the most comfortable - it's become a real pleasure riding it for the very reasons you outline, rather than a 'personal challenge'.
Once you get used to the gears with the crank drive (takes a bit of experimentation to ease off before changing up) the ride is very smooth - and as you (and Whoare below) allude the comfort is really something. No more hunchback of Notre-Dame at the end of a ride !
Hi All
I was at the Cycleshow NEC having my first go on an electric bike and this forum was bought to my attention and have been trying to get on the forum ever since and finally been given the green light today.
After trying lots of clone chinese silver bikes my favourite bike on the test track was the small Kalkhoff Agattu bike which was the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. I was so impressed I contacted 50cycles in Loughborough and they give me the Royal treatment even though I got a bit lost on my test ride and did not come back for over 2 hours. All the staff were very friendly and even fitted a Speedo and pannier bags because I was taking it away with me.
I have done 30 miles in one sitting which is a miracle distance for someone my age, with only the 3rd light flashing showing me halfway. The 36V 15amp impulse motor seems to be flawless in both design and application. Most Impressive piece of kit I have ever bought.
The seating position of the Agattu seems almost tailor made to me, on any other bike my hands and wrists would really hurt after only a few miles. On the Agattu I achieved a record distance with no pain at all due to I think the ergonomic positioning of the handlebars and the special grips I have never seen before on a bike.
Thank you 50cycles for a great service!
Philip
I ordered mine just before the NEC show and also tested both the Agattus there (on the Friday) - a C11 with a slightly larger frame that I'd had set aside and the smaller C8. Now I know the new owner of the latter
Both lovely bikes. The more I look at mine the more I love it, too - the stripped-back boy-racer look is all very well for a MTB/sports bike with complimentary lycra or baggies and a jazzy helmet, and the minature city power-mobiles look a bit like kids' bikes to me (can't "get there" to be honest !) ... the Agattu looks and feels like you've got a solid well-built piece of kit ... and as soon as you get on one you know you really do !
50cycles have actually been great and even changed my delivery address and accessory specifications on the morning of dispatch after my plans changed unexpectedly.. a really super service.
I think it's telling that the discount they were offering on the C11 in the lead up to the NEC show has already been withdrawn and the bike's back up to full price, despite next year's range having been unveiled. Saw nothing else at the show I would have considered as a truly versatile 'all-rounder' with that performance, range, build and the extra gears. It's so powerful the lack of a throttle (being very lazy !) is no real loss at all. For such a significant outlay, was convinced I'd have second thoughts when the bike arrived .. but it was the complete opposite as soon as I'd set it up and taken it for a spin....
I'm probably well below the average age of people buying this model. Every time I've taken it out someone has asked me about it and said how nice they think it is (getting even more paranoid about security as a result !) The only 'ribs' have come from gentlemen well my senior when out and about
.. apparently I am far too young to be indulging in motor-assisted pedalling and ought to keep in mind the 70-year old who lives on the edge of town and allegedly still rides 120 miles a day on his push bike
it felt a bit like the eBike equivalent of driving a limo
Have to agree! Yesterday I got on my old bike(not a pedelec) just to see if I could. It felt like a ford escort in comparison! I have decided I feel very safe and stable on the C11. I like the upright position, and I especially like the 'chopper' style handlebars. They seem to really suit me and I feel very comfortable and in control of my steering.
There are some issues with the motor, which might be down to me not really understanding how to use it. Or down to the fact that my legs are unequal in the amount of pressure exerted on each pedal, but would that matter?
I have been told it is over-run. When I get to the top of a steep hill and stop pedaling, there is judder coming from the bike (and from my right leg!). I am going to experiment a bit to see exactly when it happens.
I am just about to do my third charge of the battery, having run it right down 3 times. The range is great...45+ miles and that is up and down dale.
So yes, am happy!
Great to hear ! Not sure about your motor issues - have only managed 50 miles since getting it a week ago (too busy to get out on it for a longer trip - must rectify soon !) and still have over 1/4 left from the 1st charge despite some very steep hills and loads of stop-start round lights in Power mode in town.
I do find myself using the higher gears a lot (7-11) but the power-assist is most noticeable in, say, 4th-5th. I don't use 1-3 at all. Have taken to starting in 6th to avoid having to change up before crossing the road ... it's so nippy the pedals are in 'spin' already before I've reached the other side. In higher gears even on reasonable inclines, 15mph is reached with very little effort, very fast indeed !
Had to play with the gears a fair bit to get used to it, and also back-pedalled a half-rotation now and again if I wanted to change up/down to get the motor to kick back in more decisively, but that was always around the 12-15mph range or after slowing down abruptly. I guess with enough trial and error you get used to all the quirks / find the best way of getting the most out of any machine.
Just reached my first 110 miles this morning with only two punctures!
Congrats ! Were you using the original tyres supplied with those funny woods valve inner tubes that need an adaptor to fit most newer pumps ? Have decided to change the tyres and keep the ones supplied as spares... in the hope that puncture problems can be mitigated as far as possible. Am hoping with this combo that roadside punctures will become all but a thing of the past ... but you never know !
Tyres -
Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour 28" 42-622 Reflex
Inner Tubes -
Michelin A3 Protek Max Tube | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com
The inner tubes look amazing - if they work !
