Looking for my first Ebike.

Theblackspot

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jun 21, 2018
9
2
52
Hi folks,
Looking forward to finding someideas and info for buying my first ebike.
Distance tourer & commuter.
And I have some why do they do that? Questions...
Always been a cyclist, but nothing serious. now hoping to have some longer journeys with and trips away.
 
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Fat Rat

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 7, 2018
1,903
726
UK
Hi welcome
Have you seen or rode anything yet
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
21,340
17,316
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
you should hurry up a bit. Anti dumping on Chinese bikes will kick in in about 3 weeks. All Chinese imports will stop for a few months while the industry re-organises itself. There will be shortages and long lead time this summer.
Start your search by trying out a couple of bikes. Then tell us what you think.
 
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Theblackspot

Finding my (electric) wheels
Jun 21, 2018
9
2
52
Thanks for the heads up about the China issue, hadn't though how that would affect me at all!
I've not rode one yet, but am thinking that identifying the motor/battery/range to meet my wildest dreams, then narrowing down onto the models that have that combination is how I'm going to find a bike.
In that regard the bosch calculator is really useful,
https://www.bosch-ebike.com/en/service/range-assistant/

But I'm not aware of anything similar from other manufacturers.
Is this an arms race Bosch will win through marketing? Vhs vs betamax?

Currently leaning towards Bosch activeline plus with a 400w battery, (500 would be nice...)
Seen a Cube bike with that set up and others.

I'm interested in the Kalkhoff range too, but think that with their extra torq they will have less range, like the Bosch Cx motor more power =less range due to battery use.
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
21,340
17,316
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
But I'm not aware of anything similar from other manufacturers.
Is this an arms race Bosch will win through marketing? Vhs vs betamax?
no, it's simpler than that.
Bosch, Yamaha, Brose, Shimano, Bafang etc make bikes with torque sensors.
You put in X, the motor is programmed to deliver 1X, 1.5X, 2X, 3X etc. The bike computer asks the battery how much charge in WH it has left, works out how many WH 1X, 1.5X, 2X etc is, divides the charge remaining by usage and displays the miles or kilometers left in the tank. So it's nothing unique from Bosch.
There are some Chinese bikes fitted with torque sensor too, they do the same, show you estimate of mileage left. However, most cheaper bikes have simple cadence sensors, they let you pedal as much or as little as you like but can't work out how much effort you put into pedaling. They can only show you how much is left in the battery but not the expected miles.