Alien Gents Special II

[verntern]

After reading many posts and the helpful replies to my post I have decided that the Alien Gents Special II is the best bet for me to start electric cycling. However, before I buy, I see that some self-assembly is required. As a leading contender for the most ham fisted and non-mechanically minded person this filled me with some dread! I'm the one who used to think Allen Key was the name of a bloke, that derailleur was a French term meaning a train had come off its tracks and I also suffered high blood pressure at the thought of assembling flat pack furniture. The downloadable assembly instructions on the Alien website look clear and concise.

1. Any pitfalls in assembly I should take note of? Instructions recommend two people make assembly easier. I haven't got a second person. Chuckle, all my neighbours are more decrepit than me!

2. Last bike ride was 40 years ago. How do you change gear with this Shimano system? The last gears I used were the Sturmey Archer 3 speed with trigger change. I think you used to have to back pedal to change gear? Do you have to be pedalling to change gear with the latest gears?

3. Any recommendations for a tried and trusty bike lock I should buy? Always lock the bike to lamppost, railings, appropriate tree, a golden rule?

4. Will investigate to see if the bike can be included in my household insurance but better to take out some specialised insurance?

Apologies for beginner/mundane questions like this but I do want to listen and learn!

Regards to all.

Vernon

 

[Stumpi]

Hi Vernon

If you follow the instrustions and take your time you'll be fine. An extra pair of hands or bike work stand is useful, pick one of your neighbours who will just hold the bike for you and not try to help too much

If you get stuck their is plenty of friendly help here.

Failing that if you have a friendly local shop I'm sure they would assemble it for a small fee

 

[Kalimbakey]

Hi Vernon

1. I managed single handed Vernon, (I am not really that practical) Struggled a bit to get it out the box though, ended up breaking the sides down and kept fingers crossed that it would not have to go back. I made things more difficult for myself by deciding to change the tyres and some other things straight out of the box, if you take your time you should be fine.

2. I was similarly unfamiliar with the index gears having not had a 'modern' bike but it's fairly intuitive, I have even managed to fine tune them thanks to some good tutorials on 'youtube' I don't think you will have any problem using them

3. I got a one of those Kryptonite 'D' type locks, seems fairly robust. Came with a bracket to fit it to the frame but I have not used it, it sits nicely on top of the pannier rack with the pannier bags sat on top of it keeping it in place.

4. I recently switched to a Direct Line policy for my home contents (before I got the bike), part of the policy includes bicycles in the shed up to £1000

 

[verntern]

Thank you!

Many thanks Stumpi and Kalimbakey. Your comments much appreciated.

 

[Old Timer]

After reading many posts and the helpful replies to my post I have decided that the Alien Gents Special II is the best bet for me to start electric cycling. However, before I buy, I see that some self-assembly is required. As a leading contender for the most ham fisted and non-mechanically minded person this filled me with some dread! I'm the one who used to think Allen Key was the name of a bloke, that derailleur was a French term meaning a train had come off its tracks and I also suffered high blood pressure at the thought of assembling flat pack furniture. The downloadable assembly instructions on the Alien website look clear and concise.

1. Any pitfalls in assembly I should take note of? Instructions recommend two people make assembly easier. I haven't got a second person. Chuckle, all my neighbours are more decrepit than me!

2. Last bike ride was 40 years ago. How do you change gear with this Shimano system? The last gears I used were the Sturmey Archer 3 speed with trigger change. I think you used to have to back pedal to change gear? Do you have to be pedalling to change gear with the latest gears?

3. Any recommendations for a tried and trusty bike lock I should buy? Always lock the bike to lamppost, railings, appropriate tree, a golden rule?

4. Will investigate to see if the bike can be included in my household insurance but better to take out some specialised insurance?

Apologies for beginner/mundane questions like this but I do want to listen and learn!

Regards to all.

Vernon

Vernon

Putting it together won`t be a problem but as already said an extra pair of hands won`t go amiss.
As far as the gears go again as has been said they are indexed so you change up and down by moving the lever in set clicks( a bit like the old sturmey gears but you have to pedal for them to actually change.)

In the mean time make some enquires regarding those puncture proof Marathon tyres with a local bike shop and get them ordered. Punctures are about the only thing that might stop you in your tracks and those tyres should almost 100% prevent punctures. I`m just a bit too far in North Norfolk to assist you or I would come and sort you out(in a nice way

One other thing, where will you be storing the bike? if you are going to take it indoors or keep it in a shed with power close by then (IMHO) leave the battery in place and charge it on the bike. It can be just a little fiddly aligning the runners when putting it back in.

It will be all worth while because you will absolutely love the experience period.

Good Luck

Dave

 

[verntern]

Once again. thank you Dave. Credit card poised to order the bike. Definitely will see if the local bike shop can get the Marathon tyres. Can't remember the last time I mended a puncture! Intend to store the bike in the garage next to a convenient mains socket. I thought your video was superb. I guess not many cyclists go out with a camera strapped to their chests! Shoot some more in the summer and show us some more of your north Norfolk?
Regards
Vernon

 

[NRG]

Your bike will look something like this when you remove it from the box:

Take your time, there's a lot of wrapping and packaging to remove but none of it is too difficult. Check the rear gears are ok, and that they change up/down cleanly, mine where bent. Also, the rear mudguard maybe deformed making it a tricky adjustment job to get it fitted. See my Alien modification thread on a fix using a hair drier.

Go over every nut and bolt for tightness, some will be loose, check the rack bolts and underneath the battery tray.

The brakes may be a bit fiddly to adjust if out. I found the V-brake mounting pivots to be dry, and while they worked at first after several hundred miles they started to stick and needed greasing.
The front may squeal in use and I found I needed to replace the blocks, see the mods thread

Try the Kenda tyres as standard first, they are not bad and there's no rush to get the Marathons immediately.

If you do store the battery with the bike outside make sure you bring it in during cold weather a) a warm battery performs better and charges better b) sub zero temperatures kill batteries

 

[eddieo]

NRG, is the front wheel's cable already connected?

 

[NRG]

The motor power cable? No, the front wheel is tie wrapped to the frame AFAIK recall and so the cable gets attached after the wheel is mounted in the forks.

 

[Old Timer]

Your bike will look something like this when you remove it from the box:



Take your time, there's a lot of wrapping and packaging to remove but none of it is too difficult. Check the rear gears are ok, and that they change up/down cleanly, mine where bent. Also, the rear mudguard maybe deformed making it a tricky adjustment job to get it fitted. See my Alien modification thread on a fix using a hair drier.

Go over every nut and bolt for tightness, some will be loose, check the rack bolts and underneath the battery tray.

The brakes may be a bit fiddly to adjust if out. I found the V-brake mounting pivots to be dry, and while they worked at first after several hundred miles they started to stick and needed greasing.
The front may squeal in use and I found I needed to replace the blocks, see the mods thread

Try the Kenda tyres as standard first, they are not bad and there's no rush to get the Marathons immediately.

If you do store the battery with the bike outside make sure you bring it in during cold weather a) a warm battery performs better and charges better b) sub zero temperatures kill batteries

Well I suppose it makes sense to try out those tyres first and I suppose I`m being paranoid seeing the amount of punctures i`ve had around here but(and it`s a big but) the gentleman make quite a point of relaying that he is not really up to working much on a bike and the worry or the actual puncture 5 miles from home ain`t funny. I`m lucky, when i`m out my wife is normally in and can bring the van to me or if we are out together then one of us can ride back for the van.

If he was never going off road(he mentioned the river track) then around a town like St Ives he might well be lucky but here is the punch line. Two weeks ago i got a puncture in my rear tyre on the evans/alien kit bike. The tyres were almost new and decent so instead of buying a set of Marathons like i did for my powertrek I opted for the slime inserts and slime filled tubes.Just went out to get the evans out to finish off running the battery down and the rear tyre was down to 10psi. OK! I obviosly got that puncture when last out and you might say that the thing that got me home was probably the slime filled tubes but never the less that combo punctured.(I don`t ride off road) but obviously it is quite bad around where i live.

So! Vernon, you have two conflicting pieces of advice and you might be fine with the supplied tyres but if you get that puncture away from home down by the river you might wish you had paid out and been safe.( I know i am thinking that) That`s all

The choice is yours

Dave

 

[NRG]

No conflicting advise Dave, I didn't say 'don't get them' just try them first... The guy hasn't even got the bike yet!

 

[verntern]

Thank you NRG. Your picture said much to me. Seems well packed and protected. Understand about checking tightness of nuts and bolts. As to the tyres. Will try out the fitted ones first. Realise no guarantee of a puncture but will be on metalled roads and the river path is tarmac too. You are correct Dave. Good to cover all eventualities especially punctures. I haven't got back up transport in the event of a puncture but never going to travel far enough that I can't walk the bike back home. Totally appreciate all these views. There is no conflict of advice. It's a balanced view and I learn from all of you. Cheers, Vernon.

 

[Old Timer]

Thank you NRG. Your picture said much to me. Seems well packed and protected. Understand about checking tightness of nuts and bolts. As to the tyres. Will try out the fitted ones first. Realise no guarantee of a puncture but will be on metalled roads and the river path is tarmac too. You are correct Dave. Good to cover all eventualities especially punctures. I haven't got back up transport in the event of a puncture but never going to travel far enough that I can't walk the bike back home. Totally appreciate all these views. There is no conflict of advice. It's a balanced view and I learn from all of you. Cheers, Vernon.

Great.
Just think, this summer you`ll be sitting down river on the bank with a couple of cans on a string cooling down nicely in the flow and won`t have to worry about saving any energy to get you home

Dave

 

[rustic]

Hi Vernon,

According to Google maps you are approximately 43 miles away from me, if you wanted to test run the bike before you buy you would be very welcome to call round.

Apart from raising the handlebars as I am quite tall and adding a speedo I haven't made any adjustments to the bike. Some of the component bits might not be the best of quality, but it'll be enough to get you started.

I had a spinal tumour removed in 2008, this can give me a fair bit of back pain, I managed to assemble the bike by myself, but I would reccommend getting an extra pair of hands as at 20+ kg, it is quite a lump!!

Please send me a message if you are interested in a 'test run' & I will give you my details.

All the best, Rus.

 

[tiggerthetiger]

Charging battery

Hi, I have been reading this thread with interest. I am hoping to receive my Alien Gents 11 tomorrow.
One thing I`m curious about is, does leaving the battery on charge damage it once it is fully charged.
I mean as soon as the charged light shows, do I have to disconnect or is it ok for a few hours if I have not noticed or maybe even leave it on over night..

One section of the pdf manual says :

Once the charge indicator light on the charger turns from red to green, the charger should be switched off and the battery unplugged from the charger. Please do not leave the charger on the battery any longer than is necessary to re-charge it

another part states :
To preserve your lithium-ion battery it should be charged early and often so when you come back from a ride, simply plug the bike into the charger regardless of how much power you've used.
The Battery Management System, integrated into the charger and the controller, will take care of how much charge the battery needs.

Anyone have an idea, thanks in advance..

 

[verntern]

Many thanks Rustic. Would like to take you up on your kind offer. Have sent you a private message to see what arrangements suit you. Regards. Vernon

 

[Fecn]

Hi, I have been reading this thread with interest. I am hoping to receive my Alien Gents 11 tomorrow.
One thing I`m curious about is, does leaving the battery on charge damage it once it is fully charged.
I mean as soon as the charged light shows, do I have to disconnect or is it ok for a few hours if I have not noticed or maybe even leave it on over night..

One section of the pdf manual says :

Once the charge indicator light on the charger turns from red to green, the charger should be switched off and the battery unplugged from the charger. Please do not leave the charger on the battery any longer than is necessary to re-charge it

another part states :
To preserve your lithium-ion battery it should be charged early and often so when you come back from a ride, simply plug the bike into the charger regardless of how much power you've used.
The Battery Management System, integrated into the charger and the controller, will take care of how much charge the battery needs.

Anyone have an idea, thanks in advance..

It'll be fine if you leave the charger connected for a few hours after the charge finishes. The Battery Management System prevents the battery from becomeing over-charged. However, it is not a good idea to leave the charger connected for long periods of time after the charge has finished, not least due to the risk of fire etc. The battery will last longer if it is allowed to 'relax' after charging, rather than keeping it connected to the charger all the time.

 

[cogs]

Hi, I have been reading this thread with interest. I am hoping to receive my Alien Gents 11 tomorrow.
One thing I`m curious about is, does leaving the battery on charge damage it once it is fully charged.
I mean as soon as the charged light shows, do I have to disconnect or is it ok for a few hours if I have not noticed or maybe even leave it on over night..

One section of the pdf manual says :

Once the charge indicator light on the charger turns from red to green, the charger should be switched off and the battery unplugged from the charger. Please do not leave the charger on the battery any longer than is necessary to re-charge it

another part states :
To preserve your lithium-ion battery it should be charged early and often so when you come back from a ride, simply plug the bike into the charger regardless of how much power you've used.
The Battery Management System, integrated into the charger and the controller, will take care of how much charge the battery needs.

Anyone have an idea, thanks in advance..

My answer to this is based entirely upon practical experience with my first Alien battery (36v 10ah) rather than any theoretical understanding.

I always charged the battery following every ride. The bike lives in an outside shed, so it was 'plugged in' attached to the bike, and it remained that way until next use, or when I happened to visit the shed for some other unrelated matter. Often it was left plugged for two days at a time..

This is coastal north Grampians, so very cold in winter.

The battery lasted for about 18 months of very regular use (journeys which averaged 16 miles - hilly topography), and never faltered during that time.

I take the point regarding fire risks, but with the whole kit residing in the sheddy it never seemed to be a worry.

Of course, its possible that the life of the battery could have been longer if I had studiously unplugged in a routine way following charge up, but I didn't realise it was necessary to do so.

I'll change my habit now, (my new battery is only a week old), and I'll unplug ASAP after recharge, and see if it makes a difference in practice..

I'll try and remember to post results of the experiment when this one packs up

 

[tiggerthetiger]

Battery charging

Thanks for views on charging the battery. I have taken delivery of the bike. I connected the battery out of the box and it showed fully charged after 30 minutes. I used the bike to cover about 6 miles today and it took around two hours to charge up.

On a different note, I am pleased with the bike, the seat is very comfy, and the bike generally feels solid. The motor on the front wheel has a fair bit of power, runs smoothly and doesn`t get hot. The brakes work well. The bike feels nice and stable on fast bends.

The one part Im not keen on is the handlebars. I clamped them on, and tightened the bolts but after running over a few of the bumps around here they revolved in the clamp. This pulled the gear cables really taught as there is not much play in these anyway.
Ive filed deeper grooves in the clamp and also added a good dollop of Araldite before tightening the bolts so I`m hoping the bars will now stay put.

I have also noticed that because of this lack of play in the gear cables the bars cannot be raised much. This seems a bit of a design flaw, so if anyone wants a more sit up and beg position they are out of luck.

In the near future I may upgrade the bars and if necessary the cables too.

The bike looks nice and Im relatively pleased with it, considering the price.

 

[rustic]

Thanks for views on charging the battery. I have taken delivery of the bike. I connected the battery out of the box and it showed fully charged after 30 minutes. I used the bike to cover about 6 miles today and it took around two hours to charge up.

On a different note, I am pleased with the bike, the seat is very comfy, and the bike generally feels solid. The motor on the front wheel has a fair bit of power, runs smoothly and doesn`t get hot. The brakes work well. The bike feels nice and stable on fast bends.

The one part Im not keen on is the handlebars. I clamped them on, and tightened the bolts but after running over a few of the bumps around here they revolved in the clamp. This pulled the gear cables really taught as there is not much play in these anyway.
Ive filed deeper grooves in the clamp and also added a good dollop of Araldite before tightening the bolts so I`m hoping the bars will now stay put.

I have also noticed that because of this lack of play in the gear cables the bars cannot be raised much. This seems a bit of a design flaw, so if anyone wants a more sit up and beg position they are out of luck.

In the near future I may upgrade the bars and if necessary the cables too.

The bike looks nice and Im relatively pleased with it, considering the price.

Hi Tiger,

You are definitely right about the lack of play in the cables. Due to my height I needed to put a stem raise on the handlebars which raised the handlebar unit by about 4 inches. The downside of this was that the cables were already quite tight & consequently all new cables had to be fitted. I wasn't too worried as overall I still felt it was good vfm, but it is maybe something that Alien could address when the GS III is in design.

Glad you generally like the bike. I'd be interested to hear what speed it acheives on the flat & what kind of range you are getting.

All the best, Rus.