Giant Suede Owner Reviews

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Reviewer: Bob Shacklock

Purchased From: BikeStyle, Isle of Man

Purchase Price: £570

Time Owned: 16 Months

Local Terrain: Very Hilly

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Strengths:
Inexpensive
Adequate climber
Sturdily built
Known make with a good dealer network


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Weaknesses:
Drag from motor when not under power - not designed to disengage.
Very stiff gearchange
Heavy
Poor brakes.
Chain tends to come off and chaincase is a pain to remove.
Battery life has halved after 16 months. Now returned to Giant for testing.


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Summary:
Whilst the bike has convinced me of the value of electric bikes I now think that, if you can afford it, a lighter and more high-tec machine would be a better option. The gearchange issue can be remedied by fitting a rapid-fire type changer which makes a big difference. The early deterioration of the battery (they cost £200) is a concern. Mine has been recharged only 39 times and has not been illtreated.


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Overall Rating (out of 10) : 5

 

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Reviewer: Paul Williams

Purchased From: eBay

Purchase Price: £299

Time Owned: 9 Months

Local Terrain: Moderate Hills

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Strengths:
a good looking, light ,good value, easy batttery removal,good brand.


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Weaknesses:
pedalling without power


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Summary:
agood looking bike, better than powacycle salisbury for range and quality, feels goood compared to other bikes,i have tried


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Overall Rating (out of 10) : 8

 

[Peter H.]

Reviewer: Bob Shacklock

Purchased From: BikeStyle, Isle of Man

Purchase Price: £570

Time Owned: 16 Months

Local Terrain: Very Hilly

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Strengths:
Inexpensive
Adequate climber
Sturdily built
Known make with a good dealer network


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Weaknesses:
Drag from motor when not under power - not designed to disengage.
Very stiff gearchange
Heavy
Poor brakes.
Chain tends to come off and chaincase is a pain to remove.
Battery life has halved after 16 months. Now returned to Giant for testing.


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Summary:
Whilst the bike has convinced me of the value of electric bikes I now think that, if you can afford it, a lighter and more high-tec machine would be a better option. The gearchange issue can be remedied by fitting a rapid-fire type changer which makes a big difference. The early deterioration of the battery (they cost £200) is a concern. Mine has been recharged only 39 times and has not been illtreated.


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Overall Rating (out of 10) : 5

I have owned a Suede for 2.5 years - and would agree entirely with Bob's review. A reasonable bike for the money, but with the weaknesses mentioned -- Motor drag, heavy gear change, chain coming off, and poor battery life (2 in 2 years - replaced under warranty) and not brilliant hill climbing. So, after 1800 enjoyable miles with the Suede I have just ordered an Aggattu.