My Dilhemma

[Cabo]

Since entering the world of pedelecs - i have covered almost 2000 miles on my trusty Tesco Hopper folder. I bought this bike as i live 500yds from that store, and thinking after day one it could end up on e-bay or a skip. However, it has served me very well considering it might not be fitted with the worlds best components. When purchased i was 18.5st. and am now nearly 15.5st. I promised myself when 15st. was reached i would buy top range e-bike such as Kalkhoff.
I used the bike purely for pleasure rides 20-45 miles. Don't want a throttle as i prefer to pedal, using low ass. where inclines become big, and med.ass. when its steep. Oddly enough i find no increase on high over medium!
I have been hard on this bike (as it is really a town commuter), taking it up some rough hilly tracks and paths in Argyll Forrest, Jura and Islay etc. as result ther is now a fair bit of play in crank bearing, and this evening the left pedal has all but fallen off.
My dilhemma is there does not seem to be anyone in N.Ireland selling good quality pedelecs. And i would prefer to buy from local shop who knows the technicals of e-bikes.
Do not like the thought of having to pack and post bike back to mainland if faulty. Apart from cost its how easily it could be damaged in transit.
Also i do find the folder very handy to shove into car or the boat.

 

[johnc461165]

Well Cabo All I can say is forget your promise to yourself and enjoy the bike you have. Better the "Devil you know". Replace any dodgy bits for next to nothing and enjoy.

 

[Marctwo]

I agree. You seem to be getting on great with this bike so just repair it and carry on.

You should get a big, flash, fancy-pants bike when it's the only one that has the spec's you can't live without. Not just because it's 'top of the range'.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Cabo,

There are electric bike dealers in Northern Ireland, but they may not have the one you are looking for.

This one in Armagh Buy volt electric bikes and bicycles in Northern Ireland sells the Volt brand.

A bit further south in the Republic, you have a specialist dealer in Dublin Electric Bike Sales Dublin, Cork, Galway-Just plug and go! | Go Electric - Just Plug & Go and also in Dublin a Kalkhoff dealer Kalkhoff Bikes | Kalkhoff Electric Bicycle | Kalkhoff Ireland

It just took a bit of googling to find these, so there could be more.

Regards,

 

[50 Hertz]

You should get a big, flash, fancy-pants bike when it's the only one that has the spec's you can't live without. Not just because it's 'top of the range'.

There is a certain pleasure in owning a high quality bike as there is with many other products. The Tesco bike may fulfil Cabo's cycling requirements and the problems with it may be fixed cheaply, but that's not as exciting as choosing, taking delivery, riding and owning a new, quality bike. I think the whole process stirs a long dormant childhood excitement.


Dealer back up could be more difficult, but not massively so depending on what you choose. The Bosch and Panasonic systems seem to be ultra reliable and if you take that away, you are left with an almost standard bike. However, if the remote possibility of a drive failure occurs, you could be looking at sending it back. If you are serious, it's probably worth talking to the dealers, explain where you live and seeing what they suggest in terms of after sales support. They might even have a tame cycle shop close by.

It's also worth looking into buying directly from Germany. It's possible to make sizeable savings, but you have to balance the savings against back up.

 

[Marctwo]

There is a certain pleasure in owning a high quality bike as there is with many other products. The Tesco bike may fulfil Cabo's cycling requirements and the problems with it may be fixed cheaply, but that's not as exciting as choosing, taking delivery, riding and owning a new, quality bike. I think the whole process stirs a long dormant childhood excitement.

I've just taken delivery of a new chain and that's exactly how I feel...

 

[50 Hertz]

I've just taken delivery of a new chain and that's exactly how I feel...

Coincidentally, my dog is also very happy with a new stick that I have just found for him. You should see his little face, its filled with wonder and excitement too. Which I suppose just goes to show that its
all relative to the recipient.

 

[johnc461165]

I've just taken delivery of a new chain and that's exactly how I feel...

Brilliant

 

[Mrke]

Many congratulations on the weight loss, astounding. The little Hopper has certainly earned it's keep and I can see why you now wish to celebrate by treating yourself with a quality bike.

Good luck in finding a good local dealer.

 

[Cabo]

Dilhemma over.
Last four weeks there has been a lot of squeeking and grinding noises comming from the bottom end and the crank play getting worse each time.
Decided to remove and inspect. Discovered LH bearing cup totally disintegrated, and only good luck holding the 5 ball bearings on the lip of the square end spindle. Other side not too bad. I think i could have made better with tin snips and baked bean tin. Totally dry and not a drop of grease anywhere.
Not wanting to replace same went to Chain Reaction (near to me), where they said "didn't know there were any bikes left with those in em".
However having taken many measurements he rumaged about the workshop and came up with Shimano Casette bottom - square tapered UM55.
Fitted perfect. No play at all and very very free running.
Just back from a 12mile run with motor off all the way, total silence, not a squeek or graunch - last bit is a 1.5 mile gradual hill with steep bit at the end. Never been able to do that last bit unaided before.
Even when the bike was new it never pedaled as free.
For £15.00, anyone with same bike, i think its worth a change.

So. Bike stays - as i'm rather fond of it, since i've given it a rather hard time.
Thanks for all your advice

p.s. helpful man in shop said i should regrease bracket twice a year - never realised.

 

[OldBob1]

Cabo with a bit of TLC the next 2000 miles should be a lot more easy


Bob