Another "what bike" sorry!

[Geoff2]

I registered with this site some three years back and at that time I was advised by some on here regarding what sort of bike might be best.

Having ignored that advice I am now so fed up with breakdowns and mechanical failure of my folding bikes ( we have two) I am ready to buy again. I should say that they have been worked hard and I am no lightweight at 110kg.

I will buy non folders and something not made in China. I also like the crank drives. I have seen a few whilst out and about and they also seem a bit nippier than my 36v hub motor.

So, a few questions, is there a dealer in the West Midlands area that might have something of interest?
I have about £1500 each for 2 bikes, not a lot but it's what I have. Second hand might be OK

I promise to carefully consider all advice and your input would be most welcome.

Geoff2

 

[RobF]

Good reports from members on here about Onbike in Kidderminster.

A lot of their stuff is £2K plus, but I see there's a nice KTM on their front page for £1,700.

http://www.onbike.co.uk/

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Where about in the West Midlands are you?

 

[D8ve]

My kalhoff pro with 36volt Panasonic should be good for some of your budget

 

[Linfitter]

Hi Geoff2.

Could you expand a little on the nature of the mechanical breakdowns on your two folders.

Linfitter.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Geoff,

Welcome to the forum.

I can highly recommend the Ansmann FC5 Compact folder which has the best warranty available, 4 years on the motor and 3 years for the battery.
http://www.cyclezee.com/ansmann-fc-5-compact.html

For the best price contact Cyclezee

You can read a review here http://motorhomeandcampervan.com/ansmann-pedelec-fc-5-compact/

 

[Geoff2]

Hi Geoff2.

Could you expand a little on the nature of the mechanical breakdowns on your two folders.

Linfitter.

I don't want to name names etc., as, to be honest, the bikes have been quite good overall. It's just that some bit's have broken or worn, like crank bearing, brake components, cables, plus some electrical problems, mainly wiring.
I now want reliability, there is nothing more annoying than having a breakdown half way through a journey.
G.

 

[Geoff2]

Hi Geoff,

Welcome to the forum.

I can highly recommend the Ansmann FC5 Compact folder which has the best warranty available, 4 years on the motor and 3 years for the battery.
http://www.cyclezee.com/ansmann-fc-5-compact.html

For the best price contact Cyclezee

You can read a review here [url]http://motorhomeandcampervan.com/ansmann-pedelec-fc-5-compact/[/URL]

http://motorhomeandcampervan.com/ansmann-pedelec-fc-5-compact/
[URL='http://motorhomeandcampervan.com/ansmann-pedelec-fc-5-compact/']Thanks I have decided on non folders with crank drive, German would be good but they are a bit steep for my budget.
Geoff
[/URL]

 

[Geoff2]

My kalhoff pro with 36volt Panasonic should be good for some of your budget

Sounds good Dave, but I really need two, or I would be in trouble with my other half!
Geoff

 

[Geoff2]

Where about in the West Midlands are you?

North Worcester, by the M5.
Geoff

Edit:- I have transport and can travel if therre is something of interest.
G

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Onbike just south of Kidderminster will have plenty for you to try. You must be pretty close to them, or you can nip down to Bristol, where there's a few shops.

Another thing: The Chinese bikes have moved on a lot in the last three years. One forum member's bottom bracket went on his Bosch motor. It wasn't covered by warranty, so buying German won't necessarily solve your problem, but if you do buy one, make sure you buy it from a local dealer where you can take it back. Some simple things, like faulty displays, can't be fixed by yourself. You have to take the whole bike back. There's no reset button for when the software throws a wobbly.

 

[D8ve]

Sounds good Dave, but I really need two, or I would be in trouble with my other half!
Geoff

Well with £900 left in tne budget second hand should be easier or even a new sale bike?

 

[Geoff2]

Onbike just south of Kidderminster will have plenty for you to try. You must be pretty close to them, or you can nip down to Bristol, where there's a few shops.

Another thing: The Chinese bikes have moved on a lot in the last three years. One forum member's bottom bracket went on his Bosch motor. It wasn't covered by warranty, so buying German won't necessarily solve your problem, but if you do buy one, make sure you buy it from a local dealer where you can take it back. Some simple things, like faulty displays, can't be fixed by yourself. You have to take the whole bike back. There's no reset button for when the software throws a wobbly.

I will be visting Onbike soon when I get my car back from the dealers who are fixing a water ingress problem, they need it for 3 days!
OK re: local dealer, yes. that's what I want, somewhere local to get it fixed.
I am a bit biased against Chinese bikes now, I have had problems so regardless of how much better they have become I won't buy another.
As you say, German bikes can go wrong, in fact anything ever made can go wrong, it's all a matter of how wrong things go and how often.
G.