New Bike, is it worth it?

Eaglerider

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 25, 2011
374
47
East Sussex
Hi all.
My trusty Freego Eagle is now 5 years old, it's done around 6700 miles and still works rather well. The original battery is showing signs of age, it will still manage 20 miles of gentle riding but cuts out on heavy hill climbing at anytime after 5 miles have been completed, but clicks back in when load is reduced. It can't supply big current anymore.
I am more than ecstatic with how reliable the bike has been, and it's still great fun.

So, do I get the battery re-celled with some super dooper new Panasonic cells or similar, or do I bite the bullet and get a new bike? The motor is noisier than when new, but I guess that would be expected, everything else works pretty well. It could do with a new saddle and perhaps a new set of brake calipers, but these parts are easily available. I wonder how long my Bafang will last, it's had a good leathering under my usage?
Perhaps an Oxygen MTB, they look snappy, but I do like the big battery that comes with the Freego. Range is my first priority. I could very easily go for another Freego as it's been so good. Is the CST motor really better at hills? Are sine wave controllers really any better than the old type?

I guess Insat could get me even more range in my whopping 16A/H behind the seat case?

What say you all?
 
  • Like
Reactions: LeighPing

Nealh

Esteemed Pedelecer
Aug 7, 2014
21,540
8,790
62
West Sx RH
' And still works rather well ' sounds like all it needs is new cells a job for Insat and a good dollop of Mobil or Aeroshell grease in the hub to quieten the gears.
 
D

Deleted member 17694

Guest
I think you'd like a new one ;), so why not go and look at what's out there and decide after that.
 

Emo Rider

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 10, 2014
659
414
Hi all.
My trusty Freego Eagle is now 5 years old, it's done around 6700 miles and still works rather well. The original battery is showing signs of age, it will still manage 20 miles of gentle riding but cuts out on heavy hill climbing at anytime after 5 miles have been completed, but clicks back in when load is reduced. It can't supply big current anymore.
I am more than ecstatic with how reliable the bike has been, and it's still great fun.

So, do I get the battery re-celled with some super dooper new Panasonic cells or similar, or do I bite the bullet and get a new bike? The motor is noisier than when new, but I guess that would be expected, everything else works pretty well. It could do with a new saddle and perhaps a new set of brake calipers, but these parts are easily available. I wonder how long my Bafang will last, it's had a good leathering under my usage?
Perhaps an Oxygen MTB, they look snappy, but I do like the big battery that comes with the Freego. Range is my first priority. I could very easily go for another Freego as it's been so good. Is the CST motor really better at hills? Are sine wave controllers really any better than the old type?

I guess Insat could get me even more range in my whopping 16A/H behind the seat case?

What say you all?
New Freego Eagles are a much improved beast over your older model. Better forks (with lockout), hydraulic disc brakes, 8 speeds (improved mech), intigrated front and rear lights with brake light and improved headset. As well, they have the new, much quieter, Akemia motor powered by a lighter Samsung celled battery. There is also a digital dashboard with 5 levels of assist to mange it all. You really should go check one out before you make up your mind. Hope this helps, Cheers :)
 

MRMAC9

Pedelecer
May 24, 2015
62
55
74
Hi all.
My trusty Freego Eagle is now 5 years old, it's done around 6700 miles and still works rather well. The original battery is showing signs of age, it will still manage 20 miles of gentle riding but cuts out on heavy hill climbing at anytime after 5 miles have been completed, but clicks back in when load is reduced. It can't supply big current anymore.
I am more than ecstatic with how reliable the bike has been, and it's still great fun.

So, do I get the battery re-celled with some super dooper new Panasonic cells or similar, or do I bite the bullet and get a new bike? The motor is noisier than when new, but I guess that would be expected, everything else works pretty well. It could do with a new saddle and perhaps a new set of brake calipers, but these parts are easily available. I wonder how long my Bafang will last, it's had a good leathering under my usage?
Perhaps an Oxygen MTB, they look snappy, but I do like the big battery that comes with the Freego. Range is my first priority. I could very easily go for another Freego as it's been so good. Is the CST motor really better at hills? Are sine wave controllers really any better than the old type?

I guess Insat could get me even more range in my whopping 16A/H behind the seat case?

What say you all?
Eagle rider, you seem to be happy with your Freego Eagle. There is an outlet for this bike about 2 miles from my home. Maybe I will give them a call and arrange for a test ride.
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,320
2,283
70
Sevenoaks Kent
The Eagle is a good bike. However at that price it's well worth checking out one if the new Torque bikes on the market. Juicy have a new model and of course there's my Wisper Torque series. I think you would be surprised.

Try as many bikes within your price range as possible. There have been a lot of changes in drive systems recently.

All the best, David
 

Eaglerider

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 25, 2011
374
47
East Sussex
Eagle rider, you seem to be happy with your Freego Eagle. There is an outlet for this bike about 2 miles from my home. Maybe I will give them a call and arrange for a test ride.
Hi MRMAC9.

My Eagle has indeed proved an excellent steed. I wrote a full review of my early experiences back in 2011. You can read it here:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/10100-freego-eagle-my-first-e-bike.html

Nonetheless, Ebikes are a personal taste, and as such I would suggest you try several different models as AMPS recommends above. I understand the latest Eagle has been updated, so that bodes well. Freego are well established with a reputation for good service. That's important for me, I want to ride it, not mend it. Best of luck with your search
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,320
2,283
70
Sevenoaks Kent
Hi MRMAC9.

My Eagle has indeed proved an excellent steed. I wrote a full review of my early experiences back in 2011. You can read it here:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/10100-freego-eagle-my-first-e-bike.html

Nonetheless, Ebikes are a personal taste, and as such I would suggest you try several different models as AMPS recommends above. I understand the latest Eagle has been updated, so that bodes well. Freego are well established with a reputation for good service. That's important for me, I want to ride it, not mend it. Best of luck with your search
Eagle Rider makes a good point, it's not just about the bike. FreeGo's reputation for good service is important. There's no point buying a new bike and not being able to get it fixed if and when somthing goes wrong.

All the best, David
 
  • Like
Reactions: Emo Rider