Morning all... I am an electric bike wannabe!

[safetyfast]

Morning everyone,

My name is Paul and I live in hilly mid Devon. I'm 41, not very fit and cycle occasionally. Having lived in these parts for 30 years I am now finding the hills far more challenging and the enjoyment of cycling isn't how it used to be. I work in Bude in North Cornwall, which is about 16 miles away.

I am extremely fascinated by electric bikes and have been for some time. My current bike is a Gary Fisher Monona hybrid, which is nothing fancy but quite light and nice to ride. It is in immaculate order.

I am in a bit of a dilemma as to whether I should buy a kit to convert my existing bike (such as Cyclotricity or Oxydrive) or buy something like a Cyclotricity Stealth and keep the Gary Fisher for my wife to use. I think the weight of the converted Gary Fisher would be about the same as the Stealth.

Also, having got three children under 5 and not a lot of cash I have to work to a tight budget. I see that it is possible to buy the Stealth online using interest free finance. Sadly I can't do this with a kit. I would like to commute to work occasionally during the summer months.

Thoughts from ebike users appreciated!

Best regards,
Paul

 

[anotherkiwi]

Being a member of the short of cash, e-bike "convert or buy" team myself - welcome!

I don't have the choice of cheap new e-bikes that there is in the UK (once you factor in shipping and a strong pound they are not so cheap so can't import either) so building on the one I have is the best solution for me. And I want a central motor, for all the right reasons.

I am saving and will start converting in April and should be finished in June.

Cheers

Tony

 

[wightrider]

Got to admit I am always looking for the cheapest way forward but with reasonable quality. I think I have been lucky as I recently picked up an ex hire bike in nice condition from a dealer which was cheaper than any of the kit options you mention in your post. I'm not sure how often ex-hire bikes come onto the market but it may be worth looking out for?

 

[anotherkiwi]

I checked the price of second hand and demo bikes at our local e-bike specialist and they are more expensive than new e-bikes in the UK. Why? 20% VAT and MUCH higher margins, you can go along with the theory that they have higher costs if you wish but I have had a business myself and I don't buy the idea...

An example?
KALKHOFF C7 PANASONIC 26V, 2011 model 750 €

I am about to buy a brand new BB motor and battery to put on my 0€ bike for roughly that.

Tony