A good, reliable folding bike or other - budget £1400

[Zenton]

I'm selling my Brompton as I wish to go electric. I did think of going converting it but I'd rather sell it and get an electric bike.

I did have a look at a lifecycle traveller which did initially impress me but after finding hardly any reviews and some not so impressive feedback here on the company I thought it best to ask for some advice.

I'm only using it for fairly short trips - 10 miles round trip Monday to Friday. Route it mostly flat but with a couple of gradual inclines. I need something reliable, fast and with throttle control as well as pedel assist. I also need a seller with good positive feedback. My budget is £1400.

Alternatively I might to the other way and want a larger mountain style commuter bike: something solid and well built, again with throttle control

All ideas and advice elcome, thanks!

 

[patpatbut]

Why not convert your brompton to electric? There is no better folding bike like brompton

 

[JuicyBike]

You've masses of choice Zenton! Several companies and their representatives advertising on these forums will be along very soon to advise.

Best thing you can do at this stage is to form your own opinions via a test ride as each bike is as different as each rider.

I witnessed a customer yesterday benefit from a simple saddle change that completely altered his hip action whilst riding. I mention this in praise of a new member of staff at our Trade Centre who is an experienced sports physio and spotted his problem very quickly.
She impressed me with her knowledge and that customer saved an enormous amount of money (not to mention hastle) in avoiding an expensive change of bike.

So get fitted out at a specialist shop with experience of a good variety of bikes.

 

[Kudoscycles]

Inevitably we are all going to push our own product.
You dont need to spend £1400 to get what you want...in fact I think it hard to find a folder at that price.
My own Kudos Secret,price £765.00,is one of the best selling folding e-bikes in the UK,we are past the 1000 sales now,you can see the spec on my website,there are many Kudos Secret owners on this forum,this current batch still has the full speed throttle.
I am a fan of the Brompton as a non assist bike but when you add the electrics it seems to take away much of the Bromptons original intentions...it seems to be trying to make it into something which doesnt quite work,one of the guys on the Brompton stand at a show agreed with me.
KudosDave

 

[trex]

it's the clever fold of the Brompton that stops more of them from being converted to electric. The Brompton is so compact when folded that you have to remove the battery each time you fold. On some conversions, you also have to disconnect the control cables.
If you need throttle control, then your choices are restricted to Chinese made bikes.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

it's the clever fold of the Brompton that stops more of them from being converted to electric. The Brompton is so compact when folded that you have to remove the battery each time you fold. On some conversions, you also have to disconnect the control cables.
If you need throttle control, then your choices are restricted to Chinese made bikes.

Not true, I'm afraid, Trex. How do I know?

A picture of it before the battery case was trimmed and painted. maybe Andy of the South will post some pictures of it finished:

 

[trex]

that battery looks like a bespoke case, not something the OP can buy on the internet.

 

[SteveRuss]

I am not an authority on folding bikes at all but as this Dahon bike has been mentioned before I think it's the one that would currently interest me the most. The mid drive Bafang is a compelling alternative to a hub motor.

Is it worth the money? No idea. I'd test the Kudos Secret and compare to see if it's worth the extra quids. Both heavy bikes though so carrying them will be no easy task.

 

[Emo Rider]

Freego now has the Freego Light. Took this for a test ride and was very impressed. Light, as it says, as well. Much lighter and more compact than their other folder which is still a great deal as well.

 

[Kelly P]

Freego now has the Freego Light. Took this for a test ride and was very impressed. Light, as it says, as well. Much lighter and more compact than their other folder which is still a great deal as well.

I've been looking at this new Freego Light too -
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Freego/Freego_Folder_Light_2016_Electric_Bike.aspx

 

[Zenton]

Thanks for all of the advice. I've had a change of mind and decided I don't actually need a folding bike, whilst I like the idea, I never leave my full size hybrid out of my sight so its not needed.

I've decided to buy a reliable commuter electric bike and after using the forum to do some research I've purchased a Woosh Kreiger.

I very nearly got ripped off by going to a local electric bike store and having a test ride on a folding bike. It was good, but then it wasnt until I could'nt find a single review of it online I realised it was a cheap import that had been rebranded and cleverly marketed. So thanks again to this forum!