Help!!

[Chris17]

Hiya

I've just decided I'd like to get a bike which takes the pain out of hills - of which there are many around these parts! We live at the very top of the town - which makes it a doddle to go places but a total mare to get home again - which is a major deterrent, as I've lost fitness after a long period of illness.

However, I'm seriously confused by the products on offer. Having read some stuff I decided that I wanted a pedelec, which I understood to only move when you're pedalling, with the motor providing help when necessary. Info seemed to suggest that ebikes are the ones that have a throttle and go even when no pedalling is involved. However all the bike specs for the bikes I think I might like the look of seem to have throttles, which is not what I'm after.

Therefore, I'd like advice on which models I should be looking for and which are the best - in people's opinions. I was looking at one of the power bike models, but that mentioned a throttle, and powerbikes in general didn't seem to get universal praise. I looked at a few more before arriving at the Agattu which seemed to be popular with everyone - but I'm still not sure if it is one that I have to pedal to make go or not!!

My maximum budget would be the price of the Agattu. Other important features are it's hill abilities, comfort, step through design as I'm not very tall, and reasonably funky-looking.

What would people recommend and why - especially bearing in mind that there don't seem to be any stockists around here, so I might need to buy in on line with out seeing it - so need to try to get it right first time

Thanks loads

Chris

 

[rustic]

Hi Chris,

From what you have written & from what I know of the market, I think the Aggatu sounds a pretty decent selection for you, it's worth checking some of the historic posts & reviews on this forum for more detailed information / opinions.

It's been said many times on here before, but there really is no substitute for arranging a test ride on one (or more) of the bikes you are thinking of before you make a final decision. I'm pretty sure that 50cycles website has a local search option for test rides of Kalkhoff bikes, this may well be worth checking out to see whether there is anyone local to you who has the model you are currently considering and is able to offer a trial run.

Best wishes, Rus.

 

[flecc]

The Agattu uses the Panasonic motor unit which does have to be pedalled to give power, and there's no throttle to ride with.

It's system means that you do have to put in half the required effort when in standard power mode and a bit less than half when in high power mode. However, the hill climbing is good since the motor drives through the bikes gears so they can be changed down to suit any steepness of hill. Since you do have to provide around half the power, long steep hills can still be tiring if your fitness is below par as you've said, so as Rustic has said, you really should try one out first if at all possible.

Check with 50cycles to see if they can accommodate you with a trial ride, they do have a number of owners who are prepared to demonstrate their bikes:

50cycles contact page
.

 

[Barnowl]

Agreed. I wouldn't worry much about the word Pedelec. I have a Cytronex with a couple of buttons and while it will pull the bike along while I put my feet up on the handlebars it soon drains the battery.
If it's getting some fitness back, you fancy some cycling, and the hills are putting you off you're definately heading in the right direction.
If you fancy a real normal bike and you can put most the effort in but just want help up the hills (flatten them so to speak), and most your trips are less than 20 miles the Cytronex range is well worth looking at if you're prepared to take a trip to Winchester. Kalkoffs give you much more assistance over a much greater range because of the bigger batteries. These only provide assistance when you're pedelling. Some people like it some don't. Quality bikes though and you can't go far wrong. Wispas are worth looking at as well especially if its range, byeways and a more MTB like style you're after. Best to try before you buy if possible. Totally recommend electric bikes though whatever you get

 

[fishingpaul]

Try a few bikes at least before purchasing one, if you give a rough location of where you live, i am sure a member will point you in the direction of a reasonable shop, or may even let you try their bike,there are many views on which are the best bikes,. but the best electic bike is the one that suits your personal needs the best.

 

[fishingpaul]

You say that you do not want a throttle,but this can give you more control,for example a kalkhoff agattu gives assistance at all times when pedalling at below 15mph unless the power is turned off,while some throttle control bikes such as the ezee torq 2, cytronex, and powabyke,can be ridden to some extent as a normal bike with the throttle used to assist when you want extra help.

 

[Phil [OnBike]]

OnBike Electric Bikes

Hi Chris,

Phil from OnBike here.

Buying an electric bike can be a little confusing at first and we deal with this on a regular basis, having two showrooms and a large range of bikes and 15+ models as demonstrators at each of our stores.

You are more than welcome to come to either OnBike showroom and try out all the various bike models and technologies.
If you are not able to drop in, please feel free to give me a call on 01299 25 15 14 Wednesdays to Saturdays 10am to 5pm or e-mail anytime: phil@onbike.co.uk

I'm happy to go through all the various options with you and pros and cons to the technologies available.

If you are steering towards a Panasonic pedelec type bike, you may be interested in our keenly priced E-motion range of bikes?

A mini review can be found HERE

Best regards

 

[Fecn]

We have tested all the bikes on the market for you and narrowed it down to the best available. There is no need to waste your time trying 15 bikes when the Panasonic Kalkhoff combination is the best available.

Although personally I think that my Agattu is the best bike going and I absolutely love it to bits, there is most definitely a need to try out different bikes to see which suits you best. I have an Agattu... My wife has an Agattu... My mum has an Agattu... but my dad just can't get along with the Panasonic Pedelec system so he went for a Giant Twist CS Freedom instead.

 

[bode]

Isn't this thread a bit in danger of becoming a dealers' billboard?
I'm sure we all value useful comments from suppliers, but there is a line between those and straightforward plugs for products.

 

[rog_london]

Isn't this thread a bit in danger of becoming a dealers' billboard?
I'm sure we all value useful comments from suppliers, but there is a line between those and straightforward plugs for products.

Yes - On the face of it it would appear you might have a point. Every time a 'newbie' asks that 'What should I buy'? question, the advertising does seem a little blatant from certain people....

On the other hand, don't forget that this site is owned and financed by a dealer, and maybe a bit of gentle propaganda is not only inevitable but is actually a small price to pay!

Personally, I'm happy that several dealers are interested enough in this forum to have such an active presence. It's not all sales pitch either. There is healthy competition, and our blessed sponsor doesn't discriminate against any of them.

Rog.

 

[bode]

On the other hand, don't forget that this site is owned and financed by a dealer...

Well, blow me down! I didn't even know that. It supports my point, in a way, though, because of the restraint demonstrated by such subtlety.
Hats off to our mysterious benefactor, whoever it is.

P.S. Or am I being stupid in missing the obvious?

 

[rog_london]

Well, blow me down! I didn't even know that. It supports my point, in a way, though, because of the restraint demonstrated by such subtlety.
Hats off to our mysterious benefactor, whoever it is.

P.S. Or am I being stupid in missing the obvious?

I think quite deliberately it's made not the least bit obvious. As it happens, advertising of any kind is specifically banned in the site T & Cs, but I suppose mentioning that you can fulfil a need in the way it's usually done on here isn't such a bad thing. We all know who the main dealers are, and admittedly some are more subtle than others!

It often happens that someone seeking advice on what to buy may well be conveniently located in respect of a dealer, or perhaps such a dealer may offer to supply a demonstrator or two, so it's useful information, and why not?

Apart from that, there are manufacturers who pop up in here very often and never even suggest their product might be suitable, relying on their helpfulness and high profile to do the selling.

Rog.

 

[bode]

...there are manufacturers who pop up in here very often and never even suggest their product might be suitable, relying on their helpfulness and high profile to do the selling.

That's the kind of approach that appeals to me, rather than the more in-your-face variety.

 

[Chris17]

Help

Thanks for all the replies, everyone - much appreciated. The consistent message is that I really should have a go first - so to give all of you out there that would like to flog me one a chance - is there someone in or around the Hastings area (East Sussex) that stocks a good selection of bikes for me to look at? Or possibly in central London, if that makes things a little easier?
Thanks again
Chris

 

[Wooky]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone - much appreciated. The consistent message is that I really should have a go first - so to give all of you out there that would like to flog me one a chance - is there someone in or around the Hastings area (East Sussex) that stocks a good selection of bikes for me to look at? Or possibly in central London, if that makes things a little easier?
Thanks again
Chris

Well e-bikes direct are in Bodiam and you can book a test ride with them if that's any good?

Contact Us - eBikes Direct

t

 

[flecc]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone - much appreciated. The consistent message is that I really should have a go first - so to give all of you out there that would like to flog me one a chance - is there someone in or around the Hastings area (East Sussex) that stocks a good selection of bikes for me to look at? Or possibly in central London, if that makes things a little easier?
Thanks again
Chris

There's e-bikes direct who you could get in touch with, they handle various makes including the new Gepida which uses the Yamaha motor unit, similar to the Panasonic one:

Ebikes Direct
Unit 6, Midicy Oast, Bodiam Business Park, Bodiam, East Sussex - Tel: 01580 830959
Web: Electric Bikes Direct - #1 in the UK for Electric Bikes and Folding Bicycles - eBikes Direct Email: info@e-bikesdirect.co.uk

The eZee brand of e-bikes are handled by Cyclepoint at Brighton:

Cyclepoint contact page

You can do a short hire of a Kalkhoff at Richmond London to try it out properly, alternatively contact 50cycles on this webpage, the Richmond info is on that page.

Near Central London there's a choice including the Gepida at:

Green Edge Bikes
14 Ingate Place, Battersea, London, SW8 3NS - Tel: 0207 7207973
Web: www.greendedgebikes.com Email: info@greenedgebike.com

N.B. Crossed with Wooky's post above.
.

 

[fcurran]

Thanks for all the replies, everyone - much appreciated. The consistent message is that I really should have a go first - so to give all of you out there that would like to flog me one a chance - is there someone in or around the Hastings area (East Sussex) that stocks a good selection of bikes for me to look at? Or possibly in central London, if that makes things a little easier?
Thanks again
Chris

Hi Chris,

try Ebikes Direct in Bodiam, Electric Bikes Direct - #1 in the UK for Electric Bikes and Folding Bicycles - eBikes Direct they stock, IZIP, Wisper, Powabyke and Powacycle. You also have Cycle Point in Brighton eZee electric bikes and ABICI fine Italian design. | cyclepoint â„¢ who stock the eZee bikes. Also visit 50cycles Electric Bikes Demonstrations - Test Ride Electric Bikes across the UK who can find a local owner of the Kalkhoff range of bikes by 50 Cycles.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Barnowl]

If that lot doesn't inspire you Winchester can't be too hard to get to from Hastings. Cytronex are near the railway station with a nice steep hill you can try out.
Cytronex - Hidden Power

 

[fishingpaul]

Hi Chris

We have tested all the bikes on the market for you and narrowed it down to the best available. There is no need to waste your time trying 15 bikes when the Panasonic Kalkhoff combination is the best available.

Having spent 7 years researching the best available for our customers we pride ourselves on providing the most Advanced Electric Bikes for our customers.

Please feel free to apply for one of our test rides online locally.

Best regards

Scott

50cycles Electric Bikes Demonstrations - Test Ride Electric Bikes across the UK

This reminds me of a car insurance salesman,he told me not to bother phoning around because he had the best quote available for me unbeatable he said,i phoned around and found something much better available to suit me.it also reminds me of 50 cycles ability to shoot themselves in the foot.

 

[themutiny]

Without wishing to appear churlish, 50 cycles once maintained that Ezee bikes were E-biking nirvana, until they fell out with the manufacturer. Their subsequent spat is well documented here. Basically, the advice already provided is sound. E-bikes are a very personal thing. You wouldn't buy a new car without a test drive. The same maxim applies here. Personally I would recommend the Cytronex system, but I stress that th emphasis is on the word "personally"