Latest Bosch bike

[eddieo]

Haibike now have some competition for the upside down Bosch motor setup for 2012 from another German manufacturer, Rotwild.de

It seems Haibike have lost the exclusivity of this set up.....

R.C1 HT 29 HYBRID

Extra energy have tests of 2012 E bikes coming out. Of 40 bikes tested 13 were Bosch powered including the 350 watt S class Kalkhoff which gets good reviews.IMO would have been useful if Kalkhoff had released a 250 watt as well. Only 7 tested are Panasonic powered bikes including new 36 v models. the rest are hub motor bikes...

Just a shame we are hard done by in the UK with little choice. I also noticed that justebikes is promoting the "Hercules" brand of Bosch powered bikes as well as the Haibike. At least someone is making an effort to bring us a little choice......

 

[flecc]

There's no doubt this upside-down arrangement of the Bosch unit is much better than the one it was designed for, altogether better looking and protecting the unit better too.

Re: that Kalkhoff, they may be more interested in their own new unit filling the 250 watt slot.

 

[eddieo]

There's no doubt this upside-down arrangement of the Bosch unit is much better than the one it was designed for, altogether better looking and protecting the unit better too.

Re: that Kalkhoff, they may be more interested in their own new unit filling the 250 watt slot.

I forgot about the "impulse" drive. A bit odd that Extra Energy dont seem to be testing any, as they are widely available in Europe now....

The Rotwild bikes are very expensive though, even more then the Haibike

 

[flecc]

There have always been question marks about the impartiality of Extra Energy, their choices and findings. That, together with the lack of test stringency and very subjective assessments makes their findings of little interest.

I think we'll have to wait for UK access to the Impulse system before we can make any reliable judgement.

I wonder how long it will be before German prices hit real market resistance? I can't see how they can maintain present levels, let alone increases, in a world that's getting poorer by the year.

 

[Kudoscycles]

Flecc....I was on business in Memmingem and Konstanz recently and whilst there I toured the local bike shops...both these towns appeared very prosperous,lots of Porsche and Mercs around....without exception all the bike shops were discounting Euro 1800 bikes to Euro 1100/1300,only one shop had a Bosch bike,Kreigler I think at Euro 2100....the shops looked bare for stock,but maybe thats time of the year...my contact in Germany reported that all German people were being very careful with money and are very unhappy that Germany looks like they in isolation are being expected to support the PIGS.
Dave
KudosCycles

 

[eddieo]

euro £ rate 1.20 at moment, so not a bad time to buy an end of season bike from Europe....

 

[flecc]

That's interesting Dave, it might indicate that the price resistance wall is being met already. It's their export market that could have the greatest effect though, that prosperity you observed is entirely dependent on that. Their product prices are increasingly out of kilter with the buying power within those markets where the best value is increasingly being sought by consumers.

 

[indalo]

That's interesting Dave, it might indicate that the price resistance wall is being met already. It's their export market that could have the greatest effect though, that prosperity you observed is entirely dependent on that. Their product prices are increasingly out of kilter with the buying power within those markets where the best value is increasingly being sought by consumers.

The expression concerning the words, goose and golden egg, springs to mind.

Indalo

 

[james@justebikes.co.uk]

We will stock a wider range of Haibikes this year, including less costly models. Haibike are dropping the prices of some models so Trekking will be £2245 (spec unchanged). The highest spec version of the FS is about £150 more though! (higher spec shocks/brakes).
for 2011 I thought Haibike price was fair. The big price issue (read argument) we're having is spare bat cost - a Bosch problem - which is completely out of kilter with other EU products on £/wh basis.

James

 

[Blew it]

......Trekking will be £2245 (spec unchanged)........

Ah ha, it's good news day. It won't take so long to save up for one now.

 

[eddieo]

James, are there any drop cross bar/ladies style Haibikes for 2012?

 

[indalo]

Trekking will be £2245 (spec unchanged)
for 2011 I thought Haibike price was fair. The big price issue (read argument) we're having is spare bat cost - a Bosch problem
James

That Trekking model could suit my needs and I keep thinking of visiting Suffolk for a test ride. What puts me off somewhat is the relatively small battery and the rumoured expensive replacement cost. Given also that choosing the Haibike means ignoring a lot of very attractive and competent machines at lower price points makes its selection very difficult.

Has any reader actually ridden or, better still, purchased the Trekking model? I'd like to hear how it performs as a commuting or leisure bike and how well it deals with hilly terrain. I'd imagine its character must be different from the MTB model but even with the price reduction, it's still a big ask when compared to the range of machines available from 50 Cycles, (just by way of example; not a recommendation) for less money.

A slightly tempted,
Indalo

 

[eddieo]

Hi Indalo (back form the naughty step I see) The Trekking is a nice bike, I considered it last year but it was £2400 then I think And as I had to buy two new bikes I had a max of around £2000 on each. That is why I bought the KTM at £1800.

James indicated that the Bosch derestrict fix is straightforward so I guess he knows how to do it. So I might have a rethink and get myself a new Bosch bike and move the DaaHub kit to a womens drop crossbar bike. but that would be a real shame as the specialised ltd disc is so nice

I guess ideally I need a 20kg'ish drop bar Bosch bike...by far the easiest solution, and I end up with best of both worlds (again)

what bikes do you like from 50 cycles that are cheaper?

 

[james@justebikes.co.uk]

Eddie the new 'Low-Step' Haibike is now on our website (and Winora have priced it to sell this year!)

Rgds,

James

 

[eddieo]

Thanks James....Bit heavy mind at just over 23Kg a shame as nice looking, but will put it on the "fink about" list

the Bosch derestrict.....can you help with that?

what is stock like?

 

[james@justebikes.co.uk]

The FC is lighter at 19.9kg

Cant say much about the de-restrict Eddieo,

we have some stock, more on the way.

 

[piotrmacheta]

Why do the Haibike and Rotwild have the bend seatubes? Is it fashion or due to the Bosch system? I still think it looks a bit odd.

 

[Oxygen Bicycles]

Why do the Haibike and Rotwild have the bend seatubes? Is it fashion or due to the Bosch system? I still think it looks a bit odd.

Piotrek I suppose they must bend it due to lack of room to fit the drive unit, it's quite a big unit. ale mocny za to

all the best

Andrew

 

[flecc]

Why do the Haibike and Rotwild have the bend seatubes? Is it fashion or due to the Bosch system? I still think it looks a bit odd.

It's done to achieve the correct angle for the seat tube and pillar. If the tube ran straight up from the rear of the internally mounted Bosch unit, it would be near vertical with a normal length frame and a tall rider's reach would not be adequately increased as the seat is adjusted upwards.

Bikes which mount the Bosch unit below the frame do not have this problem of course, but can lack ground clearance for some applications like off-road.

 

[piotrmacheta]

Function over form - all is forgiven. I love the FS bike, such a neat design and crank drive is such a good idea. From what eddio said it also sounds as if it might be possible to 'improve' it so maybe it's time for a change.

Andrew (albo moze Andrzej) dziekuje, napewno masz racje, czesc.