I feel encouraged that finally I am getting closer to fulfilling my pedelec needs as a 76 year old purely leisure cyclist with several (old) bikes (a traditional touring bike and a quirky super lightweight folder). So a summary of my needs (which might be similar to those of others):
Low cost (ie involving repairing, recycling, and repurposing) - more to do with 'greening' than finance for me.
Light - light enough to be able to lift into back of our Jazz without doing myself any 'nasties'
Safe - not just legally
Appropriate assistance - just enough to enable me to leisure cycle for a few more years eg coping with south Leicestershire's moderate hills, but give me some exercise. No serious off-road only Sustrans routes.
Simple and easy. Simple whilst riding and maintainable by a relatively simple mind.
So where am I at?
If the latter can be managed then I think I will have an assisted set-up which will keep me cycling for a few more years. What do you think?
Peter
Low cost (ie involving repairing, recycling, and repurposing) - more to do with 'greening' than finance for me.
Light - light enough to be able to lift into back of our Jazz without doing myself any 'nasties'
Safe - not just legally
Appropriate assistance - just enough to enable me to leisure cycle for a few more years eg coping with south Leicestershire's moderate hills, but give me some exercise. No serious off-road only Sustrans routes.
Simple and easy. Simple whilst riding and maintainable by a relatively simple mind.
So where am I at?
- Removed Swytch front hub kit from secondhand heavyish Raleigh Pioneer 120, which I will sell.
- Put Chinese surplus friction drive on old French touring bike - agreably surprised at hill climbing ability and simple flexibility. Haven't tried yet putting in the car but doesn't feel too heavy. Also don't know the range with a light 5Ah 36V battery or performance in the wet (but I don't these days deliberately go out in the wet)
- Will discuss with local bike shop the possibility of a 16" wheel build using the surplus Swytch motor to use at the rear of my quirky (and aged) Bickerton folder instead of its 3 speed hub.
If the latter can be managed then I think I will have an assisted set-up which will keep me cycling for a few more years. What do you think?
Peter