Bought one of these, took it out for its first ride today to work (and back again at lunch), first time I've ridden a bike in 5 years or so. Compared to my cheapo old bike which I still have, it weighs about the same, even with battery. No doubt much heavier than any modern bike but not as bad as reviews made it seem, and because most of the weight is lower down, it feels really stable even with the smaller wheels.
Never set a bike up in my life, but first thing I did was throw away the destructions and tackled it by myself. Everything looks good, although the battery tray is at an angle, undid the 3 screws but can't wiggle it in to position (out by 5 - 10 degrees or so). Gears seemed fine, adjusted saddle and handle bars. The rear brake handle moves a bit too much for it to be on 'full power' so I'll have a go at adjusting at the weekened, still stops fine. Comes fully kitted with lights (AAA powered) and plastic mudguards which is nice.
First ride, just around my road to get used to it, and the pull is fantastic, I wasn't expecting anything this good from a £250 (nearer £230 after cashback) ebike. Took me to work easily enough, mostly downhill, with one steep hill at Belper marketplace where I had to use back brake on full and a fair bit of front just to slow, the route on way back I can avoid this for a gentler longer hill.
The ride back it got me up each hill, had to drop to first or 2nd but all I needed was the weight of my legs on the peddles, didn't need to push (although it was slow!), even putting in some effort it was still quite easy - even over took a lycra bloke up a hill (although to be fair he was probably twice my age), gave me a smile.
I found if I keep within the bikes limits, ie under 15mph and assisted) its incredibly easy to ride, took me along the a6 and up through Belper nicely, if I try and push it and peddle at 120hz it becomes hard work and tiring.
Only negatives is the saddle which is quite uncomfy, although a bit better when I adjusted the height a bit, and I managed to brake the bike stand so it won't fold down, hopefully a spanner will sort that out. There's no rattles or squeaks that I would expect on a cheap bike, just a nice hum of the motor and light ticking noise of the chain.
It could benefit from a slightly longer final gear, think its 14t. Is it possible to find a freewheel with a 12 or even 11t size, or just replace a sprocket?
Was considering a sirocco 2 for £600 which I'm sure is a fine bike, but value for money I doubt this can be beaten.
All in all, a cracking bike!
