After asking around on the forums here and trying a few bikes I decided to take the plunge and buy a Bosch crank drive bicycle. After some searching I decided on the AVE SH5 2013 model, I have has the bike for nearly two months now doing a daily commute of 6-7 miles each way and thought it was time to let you know a bit about how I’ve got on with this bike.
It seemed to be a well balanced choice with front suspension, 29” wheels, hydraulic discs and a reasonable gear set. The inverted drive keeps things out of potholes and puddles and seems to keep the bike well balanced for the rough road commuter I chose it for. The appearance is unfussy in standard form but still draws a few interested glances as people try to work out what the lump in the middle is!
The front forks are quite firm but take a lot of the crashing thumping out of the rural Cumbrian roads.
The bike has a confidence inspiring feeling of being firmly planted on the road, good for me, returning to cycling after many(many many!) years absence. It can be pedalled without assistance such that you do not notice any drag or resistance from the mechanism.
The assistance is very good for the mix of rough tracks, country lanes and highways that make up the route I take to work but initially I found a feeling of hitting a patch of syrup as you reached the cut off. Experimenting with the assistance and with ECO level assistance made me realise that this was just me having to do a bit more work!
I have added a few commuter friendly extras including a pair of SKS mudguards with a reflective stripe that matches the ones on the Schwalbe tyres and are a good close fit to the wheel profile
A rack, panniers, some lights and a decent lock complete the picture.
So far the bike has been completely trouble free and I am enjoying my trips immensely. The confidence to be able to cover reasonable distances is a real boon of an electric bike and the choice of 4 levels of assistance that the Bosch system offers allow between ECO ( MACHO MONDAY) to Turbo ( fatigued Friday). Minor mishaps to date include a loose cranks chain drive which has scoured the drive housing slightly and someone making off with my lock out lever for the front forks!
I am thinking about a suspension seatpost or another seat as my bum find the attractive and stylish original not that comfortable.
Other than that I would recommend the bike, the system and DW at Electrifying Cycles for his help in sourcing, preparing and delivering the bike following my initial inquiries.
So far So good. If you have any questions or Know where I can get a lockout lever for suntour forks get in touch.
It seemed to be a well balanced choice with front suspension, 29” wheels, hydraulic discs and a reasonable gear set. The inverted drive keeps things out of potholes and puddles and seems to keep the bike well balanced for the rough road commuter I chose it for. The appearance is unfussy in standard form but still draws a few interested glances as people try to work out what the lump in the middle is!
The front forks are quite firm but take a lot of the crashing thumping out of the rural Cumbrian roads.
The bike has a confidence inspiring feeling of being firmly planted on the road, good for me, returning to cycling after many(many many!) years absence. It can be pedalled without assistance such that you do not notice any drag or resistance from the mechanism.The assistance is very good for the mix of rough tracks, country lanes and highways that make up the route I take to work but initially I found a feeling of hitting a patch of syrup as you reached the cut off. Experimenting with the assistance and with ECO level assistance made me realise that this was just me having to do a bit more work!
I have added a few commuter friendly extras including a pair of SKS mudguards with a reflective stripe that matches the ones on the Schwalbe tyres and are a good close fit to the wheel profile
A rack, panniers, some lights and a decent lock complete the picture.
So far the bike has been completely trouble free and I am enjoying my trips immensely. The confidence to be able to cover reasonable distances is a real boon of an electric bike and the choice of 4 levels of assistance that the Bosch system offers allow between ECO ( MACHO MONDAY) to Turbo ( fatigued Friday). Minor mishaps to date include a loose cranks chain drive which has scoured the drive housing slightly and someone making off with my lock out lever for the front forks!
I am thinking about a suspension seatpost or another seat as my bum find the attractive and stylish original not that comfortable.
Other than that I would recommend the bike, the system and DW at Electrifying Cycles for his help in sourcing, preparing and delivering the bike following my initial inquiries.
So far So good. If you have any questions or Know where I can get a lockout lever for suntour forks get in touch.
