Overwhelmed

[Kenyon]

I am now overwhelmed by the specs, choice, new, secondhand, etc...should I buy expensive or cheaper , Chinese or German or...what, dear god, does it all mean? Hundreds of bikes i think i will buy a new pair of walking boots instead.

 

[flecc]

i think i will buy a new pair of walking boots instead.

My most recent choice too, my last purchase was the boots, while the e-bike is now 9 years old!
.

 

[JuicyBike]

I am now overwhelmed by the specs, choice, new, secondhand, etc...should I buy expensive or cheaper , Chinese or German or...what, dear god, does it all mean? Hundreds of bikes i think i will buy a new pair of walking boots instead.

Oh dear!
As soon as you can go and try some bikes at a specialist shop with a good range. As soon as you find a bike you like and can afford then your decision's made. The sooner the better...
Good luck.

 

[Electric Transport Shop]

Hi Kenyon, Completely understand. This forum is a great source of information and advice but people understandably have differing requirements and perspectives. Where do you live? If you are within reach of an independent electric bike specialist some of the useful things you've read here may start to make sense as you test ride. Your worry will turn into a big grin and you'll soon know what suits.
If you are near Bristol, Cambridge, London, Oxford or York (still a bit wet but well washed) we'd be very happy to help.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Kenyon,

The choice is indeed bewildering, if you check the following link http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/buy/find-an-electric-bike-for-sale/ you will find 524 different models listed ranging from £499 to over £6000.

There are many more that are not in that list and we haven't even mentioned retrofit conversion kits.

A starting point may be to make a list of priorities, what do you want to use the bike for, what is the terrain like where you will ride it, how far do you want to ride, what style of bike are you thinking about and what is your budget?

The answers to these questions will help to narrow down the choice without having to leave the comfort of your home.

Just be aware that you will get a lot of biased advice from trade members as well as some non trade members who have very close connections with the trade.

 

[anotherkiwi]

A starting point may be to make a list of priorities, what do you want to use the bike for, what is the terrain like where you will ride it, how far do you want to ride, what style of bike are you thinking about and what is your budget?

Executive summary of the above essential points:

Are you looking for a toy or for a tool?

If it is a tool spend as much as you can then a little more even if it is painful. Overestimate the size of the battery rather than underestimate. Don't forget to spend enough on security and always keep your bike somewhere sensible and locked up.

 

[Kenyon]

Local shop dropping juicy and getting in Scott...would mean peace of mind regarding repairs etc..as I don't have access to a car.I need to travel about 5 or 6 miles each way and can avoid bigger hills. Comfort and ease of use important,hence sit up and beg rather than the mountain I am use to- though that bike is circa 1992! So I like Scott, Volt seem good for the price and Raleigh...and another, can't remember it now. Have to get a trial bike to see if I like it,also I am not well off so can't waste my hard earned. .

 

[Kenyon]

Just been looking on ebay, there are some wickedly,ugly bikes, and not one I fancy...just researching the various sites and checking reviews and specs is resulting in me thinking, hmm not enough torque, will it still be legal if legislation changes? Throttle or just pedal assist, blimey ...

 

[Alan Quay]

Just been looking on ebay, there are some wickedly,ugly bikes, and not one I fancy...just researching the various sites and checking reviews and specs is resulting in me thinking, hmm not enough torque, will it still be legal if legislation changes? Throttle or just pedal assist, blimey ...

You are over thinking this problem. Go and try some, then buy the one you like most. Simples.

Whatever happens don't waste the coming spring.

There are thousands of bikes to choose from. You'll be lucky if you get fifty summers to ride them in.

 

[trex]

you'd better make up your mind soon. The Pound has lost 6% since the new year meaning price rise is imminent. As soon as the weather starts to warm up, prices will have to go up.