Best foldable lithium bike under £600 ?

[tepol]

I was reading reviews for Synergie Mistral G2 and noticed they had a foldable bike ( vivace ) as well going quite cheap.

As I still have disability problems ( Im mobility scooter most of the time ) I'm just wondering if any ones tried this model at all ?

I dont want to spend 1500 on Agattu etc , just look for cheap ( if possible ) bike thats assisted for hills I would struggle with .

Thanks

 

[flecc]

This thread will tell you a lot about this model in it's two guises:

Synergie Vivace / Sustain Edison
.

 

[tepol]

This thread will tell you a lot about this model in it's two guises:

Synergie Vivace / Sustain Edison
.

Thanks Flecc

I noticed you mention one of the ezee bikes again , but as far as I know no one sells them .

The hill climbing would be ideal for here.

 

[flecc]

Cyclepoint are the eZee agents in the UK. The Quando is an excellent climber under power, the best of all folders for that, but it's a single gear bike so rider help is limited. That means with a 70 kilo/11 stone rider it will fly up 10% hills without pedal help, and ok on 12% to 14% with a touch of help.

Beyond that the lack of rider low gears means a very slow pedalling speed which limits the rider contribution. The Quando is also an expensive bike. Look in the eZee range and the scroll down list for the Quando II on this link:

Cyclepoint
.

 

[GeoffM]

Tepol
I have a similar dilemma: like riding in the hills, but I'm not rich (and not stupid with money as a rule). What do you think of the Juicy bike folder, which is one I'm pondering. They call it an Urban for some reason, but looking at the details it has a 250W motor which I suppose is the measure for hill climbing? Their website: juicybike.co.uk I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Regards
Geoff Marshall

 

[torrent99]

Tepol
I have a similar dilemma: like riding in the hills, but I'm not rich (and not stupid with money as a rule). What do you think of the Juicy bike folder, which is one I'm pondering. They call it an Urban for some reason, but looking at the details it has a 250W motor which I suppose is the measure for hill climbing? Their website: juicybike.co.uk I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Regards
Geoff Marshall

Very difficult to say from the description.

The 250W means nothing in this context as that's the legal limit, so most bikes quote that as a nominal figure even though they may have much higher peak output. The 24V however indicates that it's not likely to be particulary speedy or powerful. 36V bikes are usually much better, but that means that either the bike gets heavier or the range is reduced.

You really need to get a demo before you buy!

 

[flecc]

Tepol
I have a similar dilemma: like riding in the hills, but I'm not rich (and not stupid with money as a rule). What do you think of the Juicy bike folder, which is one I'm pondering. They call it an Urban for some reason, but looking at the details it has a 250W motor which I suppose is the measure for hill climbing? Their website: juicybike.co.uk I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Regards
Geoff Marshall

These cheap 16" wheel folders are rather slow as a rule. The rider gearing is low due to the small rear wheel so you find yourself spinning the pedals like mad to get to 15 mph or more. Likewise, the motor is usually geared too low for any real speed, since the motor manufacturers don't normally gear for less than 20" wheels, so the 15 mph quoted is optimistic under most circumstances.

On the other hand, this overall low gearing means the hill climbing is usually fairly good, helped also by the small rear wheel diameter.

That said, unless a folder is essential, always buy a full size bike if possible because the riding experience is invariably far superior.
.

 

[torrent99]

These cheap 16" wheel folders are rather slow as a rule. The rider gearing is low due to the small rear wheel so you find yourself spinning the pedals like mad to get to 15 mph or more. Likewise, the motor is usually geared too low for any real speed, since the motor manufacturers don't normally gear for less than 20" wheels, so the 15 mph quoted is optimistic under most circumstances.

On the other hand, this overall low gearing means the hill climbing is usually fairly good, helped also by the small rear wheel diameter.

That said, unless a folder is essential, always buy a full size bike if possible because the riding experience is invariably far superior.
.

If you are set on a folder, probably the best way to get an electric one is to convert an existing known good one such as a Brompton or a Dahon. That way you will know that the bike part is good (very important for folders since bad folders can be very bad). This unfortunately is likely to require bending/rewelding the forks so is not for the faint hearted, though it has been done by some forum members (a very nice lookig Dahon Speed conversion springs to mind).

There are a few ready built conversions (the brompton nano and some dahon conversions from D.H.White) available.

I have thought that one way to get a nice folder is to get a 24V motor for a 26" wheel, fit it in a 20" or 16" and overvolt it to 36V. Hopefully then gaining both speed (well normal 15ish mph) and climbing power. Only a theory though and you really need to know what you are doing!

 

[Brian-Lopes]

I would ask yourself why you need a folder. I mean they don't handle as well as a normal bike. The steering is snappy, the pedals are too close to the floor, speed and range is limited. Full size bikes are much more fun to ride, and easier I think. There are plenty of cheap ones too, checkout powerbikes. But I do think that you get what you pay for. I tried a quando before my Torq, but it just didn't compare at all. I am now looking at upgrading to a panasonic as although my torq is good, they seem to climb much better.

 

[keithhazel]

I would ask yourself why you need a folder.. I tried a quando before my Torq, but it just didn't compare at all.

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depends what situation you comparing them in, if you want to pop your bike on the train.....the Torq in no way compares to the ease of the Quando, even when the full size bike spaces are full you can fold the Quando up in 15 seconds and stick it in a corner where a suitcase would go,and again if your transferring between train and car...no way can you throw a Torq in the back of a car....
its horses for course's...if you need flexibilty its a Quando..if you need a bike you are going to ride all the time then you dont want a Quando...

 

[UrbanPuma]

I agree with keithhazel, a folder is more versatile. I have a powacycle puma which rides like a large bike. The only issue is the low gearing but I can boost speed with the throttle. I think a brompton nano would satisfy most of the riders needs as I hear it's a great hill climber, speedy and geared right. Best to try several folders before purchasing as eveyone has different needs. Stick to getting a folder, you will have so much fun taking it wherever you want to go.

 

[keithhazel]

I agree with keithhazel, a folder is more versatile. I have a powacycle puma which rides like a large bike. The only issue is the low gearing but I can boost speed with the throttle. I think a brompton nano would satisfy most of the riders needs as I hear it's a great hill climber, speedy and geared right. Best to try several folders before purchasing as eveyone has different needs. Stick to getting a folder, you will have so much fun taking it wherever you want to go.

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my 3 speed brompton is geared pretty good,im guessing top gear without flogging yourself must be about 12-13mph, better then the 6 speed gearing i had on my edison i had,i reckon if the 6 speed brompton is geared up for a slightly faster top gear and you can get a nano for it,not sure if they still do it... then its a fantastic versatile bike as ok its not the comfort ride of a full bike but 5-10 miles is fine, and the small space bag even it fits into is awesome...and as for keeping their value, there are 10 year old ones on e-bay getting the same price as 3 year old ones,i got mine second hand for £330 and at the way it is now in 5 years i could sell it for the same, of course the same would not be said if it was nanoed.....
can you get nano's for them still ????????????

 

[keithhazel]

I agree with keithhazel,
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pleased to see that someone has stated...."I agree with keithhazel" ...
and well befor i hit the 1000 post mark....... cant see today getting much better then that...

 

[bode]

I agree with keithhazel, a folder is more versatile. I have a powacycle puma which rides like a large bike. The only issue is the low gearing but I can boost speed with the throttle. I think a brompton nano would satisfy most of the riders needs as I hear it's a great hill climber, speedy and geared right. Best to try several folders before purchasing as eveyone has different needs. Stick to getting a folder, you will have so much fun taking it wherever you want to go.

pleased to see that someone has stated...."I agree with keithhazel" ...
and well befor i hit the 1000 post mark....... cant see today getting much better then that...

Well, Keith, I agree with you too. I am very pleased with my Green Edge Blackstar 2 in every respect except the rather low gearing, for which I gather from Flecc's posts that there is no real remedy. Apart from that, the convenience of being able to transport it anywhere in the car is an overwhelming advantage, and I don't find the ride etc. significantly inferior to a full-size bike.

 

[eddieo]

you need to try them...Folders tend to be more uncomfortable IMO as handlebars and seat are nearer each other.

 

[keithhazel]

you need to try them...Folders tend to be more uncomfortable IMO as handlebars and seat are nearer each other.

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they definatly are more uncomfortable but you cant get afull size bike on all trains and in no cars so swings and roundabouts..

 

[eddieo]

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they definatly are more uncomfortable but you cant get afull size bike on all trains and in no cars so swings and roundabouts..

I get my wisper in the back of my Ford Focus with the back seats down....

took it over th ETS that way yesterday. you just have to put front wheel at 90 deg

 

[keithhazel]

I get my wisper in the back of my Ford Focus with the back seats down....

took it over th ETS that way yesterday. you just have to put front wheel at 90 deg

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yes of course i should have been more careful saying what you cant do.... re phrase.. you cant easily throw a full size bike in all cars, thats if the weight doesnt snap your bike lifting it to try..and even those that you can it has to be pre planned so you clear out the stuff in the back of the car.... where'as a folder, especially a brompton, doesnt need pre planning as such, ie.. i was riding home one day and a mate passed, stopped..we threw brompton in his boot and off...

as previously said though...."horse's for course's"...... and even though ive got a fab brompton i was still after a full size bike, but the way of the world..."i missed the boat" as things shot up over night badly...:

 

[rog_london]

I get my wisper in the back of my Ford Focus with the back seats down....

took it over th ETS that way yesterday. you just have to put front wheel at 90 deg

I haven't experienced any difficulty so far getting my Wisper on a train, despite the slightly long wheelbase. I do plan which stations I have to negotiate though - my local station has lifts to all platforms, so no problem (as long as they're working), but I wouldn't like to have to lug it up a flight of stairs too often. Clapham Junction is one to be wary of - if you live in the London area most train journeys seem to go through Clapham Junction, and not for nothing does it proudly proclaim itself to be 'Britain's busiest railway station'. However, no lifts.

Rog.

 

[keithhazel]

I haven't experienced any difficulty so far getting my Wisper on a train, despite the slightly long wheelbase. I do plan which stations I have to negotiate though - my local station has lifts to all platforms, so no problem (as long as they're working), but I wouldn't like to have to lug it up a flight of stairs too often. Clapham Junction is one to be wary of - if you live in the London area most train journeys seem to go through Clapham Junction, and not for nothing does it proudly proclaim itself to be 'Britain's busiest railway station'. However, no lifts.

Rog.

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careful not to plan a journey without seat reservations if taking a bike, firstly some trains DO NOT take bikes, some ONLY take bikes if you have a reservation, and others take them but first come first served and generally its 2 bikes a train if allowed.....