If you could give me just 1 tip - what would it be?

[real_ale]

Hi I am new to the world of electric bikes so would like to ask all you experienced people about things you've learned during your time - if you could give me just 1 tip - what would it be?

Cheers

 

[onmebike]

When buying an e-bike make sure the guarantee covers battery life expectancy, that's the most expensive item to replace should it fail prematurely.

 

[NRG]

Get yourself down to one of the specialist stores like 50cycles and try as many bikes out as you can

 

[Lloyd]

Try before you buy. Ride as many bikes as you can before parting with your hard earned!

 

[Patrick]

Don't check the charge on your battery by licking the contacts.

 

[carpetbagger]

buy the best that you can,buy a good lock and make sure your house insurance covers its value

 

[Mussels]

If you are new to cycling then you can overdo the exercise bit, it starts out great but after a few weeks you feel like your legs are lifeless. Take advantage of the motor and keep at it, you will come out the other side when your body has got used to the muscle usage.

Don't eat yellow snow when stopping for a quick rest from riding.

 

[Tim]

Don't check the charge on your battery by licking the contacts.

That reminds me of when there used to be male charging connectors on eZee batteries, at around the same height as the keyhole - choose the wrong recess when inserting the key and hilarity (plus a bright flash and cloud of metal vapour) would ensue. So don't do that either.

 

[dan]

Hi I am new to the world of electric bikes so would like to ask all you experienced people about things you've learned during your time - if you could give me just 1 tip - what would it be?

Cheers

Buy from your local bike shop if you can.

 

[Mussels]

Buy from your local bike shop if you can.

It's much easier to take back when something goes wrong, whether the local shop can sell you what you want and is competent to fix it needs to be assessed by you.

 

[Alex728]

I agree with the advice to get test rides and use a LBS if at all possible, but it does depend a lot on where real_ale is based...

for instance many EA bike shops do now sell e-bikes but Powabykes and other models aimed at the older generation, cheaper models such as Izip, and pricier but less well known Trek/Giant models.

 

[GT3]

1, Don't rule out buying a kit and converting yourself

2, Ensure you have the best puncture resistant tyres

 

[Bigbee]

Dont talk to strangers on the internet and agree to meet up for a test ride.Be even more careful if they say you can see their puppies that they carry in their panniers.

 

[Vikki]

If they have Wisper panniers they'll have the parents in there as well along with a kennel

 

[real_ale]

Thanks for all the tips!

Thanks to everyone for the tips - I am off to Majorca with the family tonight so I will keep in touch with my progress when I return - cheers!

 

[rustic]

Hi I am new to the world of electric bikes so would like to ask all you experienced people about things you've learned during your time - if you could give me just 1 tip - what would it be?

Cheers

Never accept fashion advice from a guy with a mullet, don't be fooled by misleading statements about the range of the bike, try as many bikes as you can before you buy & take some time to read the historical postings on here - there are some gems of wisdom (not to mention a smidgen of babble) about a whole range of available bikes and a few hours research will surely pay dividends. Good luck .