Commuting conundrum

[eTim]

Hi

Just to clear up the confusion, it is 7+9 both ways, so 32mile a day in total, not each way. Given the way that it is broken into manageable chunks (and with the ability to recharge at work), I am leaning towards the Brompton. The benefit of the larger wheels on the Wisper being offset by the difficulty of loading on and off trains, particularly as I will have to change.

Get the Synapse converted to S&S for £350, will have to move the controller up the frame a bit, will be around 16Kg (with battery) and will easily do the mileage on one battery (charged at work).

 

[Tex]

or a (cheaper) 20" wheel bike friday model with the bionx 250 kit. foldable. fast.

 

[jerrysimon]

Just to give you all the info my DIY EBrompton cost

1. Bromtpon M3L £610 + £95 bag (Bike is now about £700 I think)
2. DIY A123, 36v, 2.3Ah * 1 plus two chargers £100.
3. I got two full Tongxin kits (motor, controller, brakes, throttle) for £250incl post, package and import duty plus about £60 for rim and spokes.

So in my case the project cost around £1K going the complte DIY route. You would probably have to pay another £200 for the additional battery power + hike in Brompton prices since last Jan.

The partial DIY route using EWC would be around £800 bike+bag plus £750 for kit incl battery battery, more I think if they fit it. They also now do CTW so some savings there.

Just checked their site. All up £1529 plus any savings from CTW.

Nano Brompton M3L - Electric Bikes - Products

Given the hassle of sourcing motor and building from scratch I think I would go EWC route. Though I really enjoyed the project challenge

Regards

Jerry

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Thanks Tony.

I'm not very keen on small wheeled bikes - I don't even much care for 26" unless for off-road. I dont much care for the 50 cycles offering, not least because the link still refers to 'quando'. I do like the look of the Wisper though. My only concerns would be how easy it is to fold and unfold. As for the range, unless Reigate Hill flattens the battery, I'm pretty sure it is at least possible that I could do it without recharging (bearing in mind that the return journey will be downhill all the way). My only other thought is does it fold small enough to comply with the train company's draconian cycle policy?

Regards,

Nick

PS David - where might I try one of these? I live near Portsmouth

That would be emsworth car and cycle - Doh!

Hi Nick Yes Elmsworth will look after you.

All the best

David

 

[eddieo]

There is only approx 3 kg between the wisper and an E Brompton. Try both....

 

[jerrysimon]

I agree definately worth trying both. Its a large investment either way you go.

I was actually surprised at lower cost of the Whisper, which actually seems like good value. I was expecting cost to be more like their larger machines.

Also worth noting that the EBrompton is 36v not 24v.

Regards

Jerry

 

[eddieo]

Bromptons come up on Gumtree regularly. A few on there now just under £300. one of these and a kit (BionX) maybe the best solution on a train

 

[flecc]

Also worth noting that the EBrompton is 36v not 24v.

Regards

Jerry

The 36 volt version of the 806 is due here in weeks, both then being available.
.

 

[jerrysimon]

Flecc won't the new 36v be more expensive ?

Regards

Jerry

 

[Wisper Bikes]

36v 806

Yes unfortunately it will be at £1219.00

All the best

David

 

[jerrysimon]

David still cheaper than a ready built Nano Brompton then

Regards

Jerry

 

[Old Timer]

It`s all very interesting but on a regular basis I think you would get fed up. It`s all very well going out for a pleasant ride when conditions are good but to have to face that agro in poor weather( you know when the rain or sleet is bashing into your face and the wind gets above 15mph headwind)plus having to compete on main trunk roads.

Theres no doubt about the fact that a breakdown or a puncture in a car is a PITA but you do feel more secure in your box till help arrives whereas on two wheels it is a much different feeling. I suppose age makes a big difference, I was far more prepared to take chances when younger and did many times but I take my hat of to you if you pull it off and carry on for many months.

Please don`t think I`m a downer but I now tend to look on what can happen rather how will I enjoy the experience.

Hope you get it sorted and I wish you good luck cos I have a feeling you might need it. I do see your dilema though.

Dave

 

[flecc]

It`s all very interesting but on a regular basis I think you would get fed up. It`s all very well going out for a pleasant ride when conditions are good but to have to face that agro in poor weather( you know when the rain or sleet is bashing into your face and the wind gets above 15mph headwind)plus having to compete on main trunk roads.

The only truly comprehensive solution that I found for commuting problems was early retirement, at 54 in my case (20 years ago now. )

Everything else is tough.
.

 

[eTim]

The only truly comprehensive solution that I found for commuting problems was early retirement, at 54 in my case (20 years ago now. )

Everything else is tough.
.

Well the govt has just made it that little bit harder by restricting pension payments until 55 (for private pensions) and I think my state pension will kick in around 67 or 68 now.

How did you manage it Flecc? Because it's something I aspire to do.

 

[flecc]

I know Tim, it's getting more and more difficult for today's workers.

After going out to school and finding out I hated it, I couldn't wait to get out to work which I managed at 14. But then I found that was just as bad if not worse, so from my teens was keen on retiring!

Accordingly I increasingly sunk money earned in employment into property so that it would grow that way, not to get rich which has never interested me, but just so I could call it a day in comfort at an early opportunity.

I have an ambition to live to 92, since that will mean a year of retirement for every year I worked.

P.S For those who do the maths and find it doesn't add up, I took two separate sabbatical years during employment.
.

 

[lemmy]

The only truly comprehensive solution that I found for commuting problems was early retirement, at 54 in my case (20 years ago now.
.

Ditto me. Couldn't wait to leave school, got a job as a trainee photographer on my local paper and then on and up to Fleet street and the magazine world. I loved my work, though, it took me all over the world to wars and famine and music and fashion, I really felt as if I was experiencing history unfold.

At age 53, I'd had enough of travelling and jacked in work to live on the fruits of my labour and my photo-library. I was never rich and money never motivated me but I have enough, which is perfect in my book.Thirteen years later I still take stock pictures all around London to earn bunce but mainly for fun.

Using my Kalkhoff for transport makes it enjoyable and I wouldn't do it otherwise. I can park where I like and am unaffected by traffic jams, the day to day cost is low (not as low as my Freedom Pass travel but that's not as much fun) and it keeps me fit.

With all the great technology and transport around now, the music clubs and the theatre, it's great to be alive and have lived through such an exciting period in human development and history.

What's sad is that it appears this will have been an exceptional time in which to live and the future, with greater population and more restrictions on freedom, looks less promising.

Sometimes I look at my life and can't believe how lucky I have been (I'm a grafter, mind you, which helps).

 

[Alex728]

With all the great technology and transport around now, the music clubs and the theatre, it's great to be alive and have lived through such an exciting period in human development and history.

What's sad is that it appears this will have been an exceptional time in which to live and the future, with greater population and more restrictions on freedom, looks less promising.

Sometimes I look at my life and can't believe how lucky I have been (I'm a grafter, mind you, which helps).

bear in mind also your age means you've got a foothold in that media industry and name, brand and track record behind you! its now near impossible for new entrant - you "need" degrees as well as contacts in the incestuous industry.

Only last year I was chatting to a young lady who had abandoned her plans for University (to study documentary film making) as although she really wanted to do the course there's no paying work at the end of it (media companies rarely pay interns any more) - so she's now still working in a fashion shop in town which is a big shame...

this "wonderful" internet has unfortunately devalued the creative industries - I'm actually a trained audio visual engineer who used to design recording and broadcast studios, and edit suites, but now make my cash building telephone systems and accounts databases even doing a bit of beancounting

I always carry a compact japanese camera with me when on my bike, but I've noticed these days someone with a big camera is viewed variously as a gutter journalist, a spy/cop/grass, a terrorist or a pornographer/pervert (depending on age/ethnicity/appearance) and the scrotes just want to try and rob their kit, a photographer friend has had all of these hassles and then some!

I guess you've learnt over the years the art of discretion, and I can also see how the Kahlkoff (or any other ebike) would make a good getaway vehicle

 

[flecc]

With all the great technology and transport around now, the music clubs and the theatre, it's great to be alive and have lived through such an exciting period in human development and history.

Exactly my feelings Lemmy, I firmly believe the period that my life has covered has been the best that a human could ever have had in history, and regard myself as incredibly lucky. I cannot see how any time in the foreseeable future could get near, let alone match it for variety, scope and quality.

Frankly it doesn't matter when I conk out, I've had the best and couldn't possibly complain.
.

 

[Old Timer]

Exactly my feelings Lemmy, I firmly believe the period that my life has covered has been the best that a human could ever have had in history, and regard myself as incredibly lucky. I cannot see how any time in the foreseeable future could get near, let alone match it for variety, scope and quality.

Frankly it doesn't matter when I conk out, I've had the best and couldn't possibly complain.
.

+1 to that

I gave up a lucrative business some 10 or more years ago and passed it onto my son-in-law and gave up a very good salary at 55. Met my present wife, moved up to a quiet part of Norfolk and have had the best 10 years of my life away from the madhouse. We don`t have a mortgage and have a small pension and some investment which is enough. I will never regret getting out and with a bit of luck might get another 10 years riding my E bike around the lanes

BTW Lemmy. my stock photography is just about dead now, too many people have decent digital cameras. Not like the old days of breathing in nasty chemicals all night to get decent prints.

Dave

 

[eTim]

Oh you smug oldies.

I think there is far too much doom and gloom perpetrated by the likes of the Daily Mail and unfortunately I think that the yoof of today believe the hype and give up all too easily. Opportunities still abound, but if the young don't graft, take the bull by the horns, take the crap as well as the good times and expect it all to land in their laps then they get what they deserve (unfortunately that means me paying more taxes to pay for their benefits ).

In my view, society has changed rapidly over the last 20-30 years, an obvious example being the immigrant workers covering the jobs that the 'native' lazy British refuse to do anymore. Where did the get up and go, go?

Those that do work hard will see results eventually and live fulfilling and varied lives, to that end, retiring early is part of the achievement process, retiring early is reward for the hard work and good decisions made throughout your life unless you are lucky and receive a windfall/win the lottery.