My first commute!

RussJ

Pedelecer
Mar 11, 2011
33
2
After lurking on this excellent forum for some time and being inspired by tales of commuting success, I decided to take the plunge.
I ordered a Kalkhoff Pro Connect Disc 8 from 50 Cycles which arrived a couple of weeks ago. I had a couple of short trial runs to check the bike out and then went on holiday, so today was the first chance I've had to use the bike properly.
I managed just under 11 miles in about 35 minutes against a farly stiff headwind and was surprised to arrive reasonably fresh and sweat-free!
As an unfit 59 year old I had feared that I'd barely be able to get off the bike when I got to work.
The guys at 50 Cycles have fitted a 41 tooth chain ring which has helped reduce the cadence rate and I've found that I can maintain about 17/18mph on the level without too much effort. Norfolk terrain is reasonably flat so that helps.
I've ordered an 11 tooth drive cog to increase the maximum assist speed and it will be interesting to see how much difference it makes on the journey. The loss of range doesn't bother me as I have the large battery.
Many thanks to all on the forum for contributing their experiences and for anyone dithering like I was, I'd say go for it!
Russ
 

NRG

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 6, 2009
2,592
10
Good choice of bike! ;) will be interesting to read how you get on with the 11T motor cog...on my PCS I went the other way from 12T to 9T!
 

kitchenman

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 9, 2010
1,309
7
Aberaeron, West Wales
Nice one Russ. Your doing it! Feels good doesn't it? Dont forget to post a review if you haven't already.
 

RussJ

Pedelecer
Mar 11, 2011
33
2
Nice one Russ. Your doing it! Feels good doesn't it? Dont forget to post a review if you haven't already.
I thought I'd leave it for a little while before posting a review - allow the initial euphoria to fade...
Have decided I need to get some padded mitts though.
Russ
 

Scottyf

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 2, 2011
1,403
-1
If your going to do alot or riding then definetly get some gloves.
From my days on a BMX and Downhilling and not using the right gear I ended up with quite a few calluses from not wearing gloves, no matter how good the grips where.

However back then I never liked the feel of the gloves and it felt horrible.
 

Norfolk Heatwave

Finding my (electric) wheels
Apr 6, 2011
15
0
Well done Russ. We shall have to form the first "Norfolk Pro-Connect Disc 8 Owners Club"! Maybe we can meet up this summer, since when my factory standard chain and cogs start to wear out I shall be interested to test a souped up beast like yours with faster gearing, with a view to replacing my worn stuff with a faster spec gearset and new chain.

I did a 9 mile return trip from our village into my bank in Holt today in around an hour or so including chaining/unchaining the bike outside the bank, seeing the cashier, browsing a newsagents window and back. If I did this in a car, it might have taken around an hour and a half, due to finding a car-park with space, using the ticket machine, walking to the bank and so on. So cycling is quicker than the car for some journeys, even in the countryside.

Two mods I have done on mine are to add a bike end mirror (no more wobbles as you turn your head to look for cars) and a wireless bike computer, both are well worth it. Keep us posted on your speed upgrades, please.
 
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RussJ

Pedelecer
Mar 11, 2011
33
2
New motor cog arrived yesterday - top service from 50 Cycles!
Will fit over the weekend and post up my impressions.
Suffering a bit today - legs stiff and bum sore - so think I will build up gradually. Perhaps do 2 days a week to start and then increase from there as I get fitter.
I think a mirror would be an excellent idea but not sure how I fit one given that the bike has little "cow-horns" attached to the grips. Prefer a bar end one as they seem to be less prone to vibration.
I'm used to making a quick glance over my shoulder from my motorcycling days (the "life saver") but it would be better to have a mirror.
Anyone have a recomendation?
Russ
 

Norfolk Heatwave

Finding my (electric) wheels
Apr 6, 2011
15
0
New motor cog arrived yesterday - top service from 50 Cycles!
Will fit over the weekend and post up my impressions.
Suffering a bit today - legs stiff and bum sore - so think I will build up gradually. Perhaps do 2 days a week to start and then increase from there as I get fitter.
I think a mirror would be an excellent idea but not sure how I fit one given that the bike has little "cow-horns" attached to the grips. Prefer a bar end one as they seem to be less prone to vibration.
I'm used to making a quick glance over my shoulder from my motorcycling days (the "life saver") but it would be better to have a mirror.
Anyone have a recomendation?
Russ
Fitted this one to my PC in minutes, and it is great, little vibration and good vision plus it folds in when you are garaging etc. Prize out the end cap below the little cowhorns and shove it in, easy:

Mirrycle "Mountain Mirrycle" Bicycle Bar End Mirror: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Leisure
 

NRG

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 6, 2009
2,592
10
Also use a mirrycle, not bad. Hung mine below the bars as I also have bar ends on the PCS. Getting the angle is a bit of a fuss as the mirror only rotates in one plane so the arm has to be fiddled with to get the correct angle but it works well.

 

RussJ

Pedelecer
Mar 11, 2011
33
2
Hi Chaps,
Thanks for all your good wishes and advice re mirrors.
In my usual fashion, I totally ignored it and went and bought a BikeEye which straps to the headstock/downtube and looks backward between your legs.
Great idea and gives a good view - of my panniers. Doh!:eek:
I was trying to avoid a bar end mirror as parking at work is very tight and I am sure it'll get snapped off...
Looks like I'll need a rethink here.

The 11 tooth motor drive is working well and allows me to maintain about 20mph with moderate effort into a stiff headwind. The meter drops from 3 blobs to two after about 8 miles though, so does appear to have a significant effect on range (assuming the blobs are a linear measure of battery charge).
The gearing is now 41 - 11 - 21 - perhaps I need to change the rear sprocket for a smaller one to up speed?
Any thoughts from those who know or have done similar? (Promise I'll take note this time!)
Russ
 

NRG

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 6, 2009
2,592
10
The mirrycle can be folded inwards ;)