E folders under a grand?

PP100

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 28, 2020
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Though I'd finally start my own thread on this.
I'm looking for a folder for part time city commute and folding (mostly for security when I can stash it inside at work)
I'm 70 kgs , 5.7 so no special requirements on size -
There's obviously a waiting list or delay for many brands currently but this is in stock -
Any experience or comments on this:
 

mike killay

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Feb 17, 2011
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PP100

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 28, 2020
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I would go for the Rambletta from WOOSH bikes they are a well known, tried and trusted firm who regularly post on this forum.
You get suspension as well .
That's already a possible, but as I mentioned many brands not in stock and it's Sept at least before they are in stock so I wanted to see what other options there are.
 

PP100

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 28, 2020
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149
Looks fairly basic but sensible. Also look at a few folders still available at http://www.kudoscycles.com/index.php?intro=done&osCsid=q4h3gh49jntk5a21mueuhi3g66
(especially Secret)
Yeah. Did look at that but the review linked suggested it's really small even for average height riders for efficent pedalling, without a seatpost extension -
I was surprised to see that the maximum extension (marked by a series of grooves on the post) was well short of what I’d expect. It’s around 64 cm from top of the saddle to centre of the chainring. A rough calculation suggests that, as usually worked out in cycling circles for efficient pedalling, this would suit riders at most 5' tall.
 
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kangooroo

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Aug 24, 2015
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Wye Valley
I have the Basis Finch and reviewed it (still not published on site though) and a neighbour has the Basis Osprey. We're both very happy with our choices and spec although I prefer my Finch due to the disc brakes and the battery can be interchanged with my full-size bike. One my main reasons for choosing the Finch was the saddle height. I'm 5'9" and the Osprey didn't accommodate my 34" inside leg - nor did the Rambletta when I checked with Woosh. If you have long legs, do check the saddle height.
 
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PP100

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Feb 28, 2020
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I have the Basis Finch and reviewed it (still not published on site though) and a neighbour has the Basis Osprey. We're both very happy with our choices and spec although I prefer my Finch due to the disc brakes and the battery can be interchanged with my full-size bike. One my main reasons for choosing the Finch was the saddle height. I'm 5'9" and the Osprey didn't accommodate my 34" inside leg - nor did the Rambletta when I checked with Woosh. If you have long legs, do check the saddle height.
Ok thanks, just roughly measured my inside leg and it's about 29/30 inches
hoping that is not considered long.
 

01wellsd

Pedelecer
Apr 30, 2020
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Bristol

This one looks pretty good. £99 over your budget, but you get disc brakes and a USB port for charging phones etc. And the battery is concealed within the frame so it looks slightly less like an ebike (Maybe less of a target for thieves?)
The battery is a bit small though at 6.6ah
 

kangooroo

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 24, 2015
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Wye Valley
Be a bit careful with the Dawes though. The 6.6Ah battery is very small and I had to sell a bike with an internal battery because they can be very difficult to source and uneconomical to re-cell. I like the disc brakes though.
 
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PP100

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 28, 2020
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Be a bit careful with the Dawes though. The 6.6Ah battery is very small and I had to sell a bike with an internal battery because they can be very difficult to source and uneconomical to re-cell. I like the disc brakes though.
Yes, tiny capacity. I could also probably get nearly twice as much battery elsewhere for around a grand. Feels like those "hidden" battery bikes with very proprietary design, could be awkward for later maintenance or replacement.
 
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sjpt

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 8, 2018
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Winchester
This a good bike got one myself, sold in many places .. when in stock that is.

I don't know if it is exactly the same bike, but
claims to have it available, and even quite a bit discounted. (I don't have knowledge of that bike or of towsure, this is just a comment and not a recommendation.)
 

kangooroo

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Aug 24, 2015
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kangooroo

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Aug 24, 2015
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Wye Valley
I don't know if it is exactly the same bike, but
claims to have it available, and even quite a bit discounted. (I don't have knowledge of that bike or of towsure, this is just a comment and not a recommendation.)

This is the newer Seago bike which has the 10Ah battery. The earlier model had an 8.8 Ah battery for which I couldn't source a replacement. There is one which is very similar but just slightly larger so wouldn't fit.

I think replacements can be found for this bike and the spec is very good for the price and I found my Seago very reliable.
 

RoadieRoger

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 8, 2010
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Look at the NCM Paris . The price like all Ebikes has crept up over £1000 now ( by £70) , but it`s highly regarded by the Owners and the spec. is excellent .It is a copy of my 10 year old Batribike Quartz which is not surprising as it was designed by NCM and probably made by the same people in China . The WOOSH Rambletta with front suspension at £849 would be excellent but I imagine in very short supply . Woosh design , build and reliability are excellent judging by my Brother`s 8 year old Santana . He rides everywhere on full assist and still gets 25-30 miles per charge on the original battery .
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
19,407
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Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
I'm 5'9" and the Osprey didn't accommodate my 34" inside leg - nor did the Rambletta when I checked with Woosh.
the Rambletta is supplied with 31.6 x 300 sprung seat post.
The new batch coming in September will be fitted with longer 400mm suspension post.
 

Chainring

Esteemed Pedelecer
Apr 24, 2013
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Look at the NCM Paris . The price like all Ebikes has crept up over £1000 now ( by £70) , but it`s highly regarded by the Owners and the spec. is excellent .It is a copy of my 10 year old Batribike Quartz which is not surprising as it was designed by NCM and probably made by the same people in China . The WOOSH Rambletta with front suspension at £849 would be excellent but I imagine in very short supply . Woosh design , build and reliability are excellent judging by my Brother`s 8 year old Santana . He rides everywhere on full assist and still gets 25-30 miles per charge on the original battery .
I've looked at the NCM bikes, but I cannot find any proper reviews or feedback. Their site seems to give no indication of spares availability, and people on this site have said that the electrical parts are non-standard. You get a lot for your money, but you don't want problems trying to get spares.
 

mike killay

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Feb 17, 2011
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I think it best to ensure that the battery is easily removable. This is useful for recharging in some places.
Also, the case can easily be re-celled.
Unfortunately, WOOSH do not show any photos of the Rambletta battery being removed so best check with them first.
 

RoadieRoger

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 8, 2010
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If you google NCN Paris there are reviews . Two years ago when Amazon were selling them the Owners were very pleased , 13 gave feedback on the original Paris . They have added the Max with a Bafang Crank Motor which is £1500 , 3 Owners have reviewed it .
Perhaps I have been lucky with my Ebikes over 10 years but only Cycle Spares have been needed , not specific to the Maker/Supplier .
 

RossG

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Feb 12, 2019
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This is the newer Seago bike which has the 10Ah battery. The earlier model had an 8.8 Ah battery for which I couldn't source a replacement. There is one which is very similar but just slightly larger so wouldn't fit.

I think replacements can be found for this bike and the spec is very good for the price and I found my Seago very reliable.
That's the older version from 2018, the newer version is this.

Seago Lite.jpg