New bike purchased

[Pilton]

Had a Lafree Twist for about 7 years but it has died. Not sure why but its not the battery. I have looked around for the last couple of months for a replacement. Was tempted by ezee but really don't like throttles. Another issue is I have just moved house next to a 1 in 5 hill. So it seemed the new Gazelle could be the perfect answer (tried the Suede but oh dear!) Just as I was about to committ I have discovered a new Giant Lafree - 3 hub gear version -still in its packing at my local bike shop, £500 cheaper than the Gazelle and I can buy it through the Cycle to Work scheme. But will it climb that hill??

Any comments!!!

 

[flecc]

When I bought my Twist 3 speed four years ago I found the absolute maximum I could climb was a very short 1 in 6 or a fairly short 1 in 7, but they were a bit of a strain.

I immediately changed to an SRAM 5 speed hub with 17 tooth sprocket which reduced the bottom gear from 43" to 34" and made it possible to handle a very short 1 in 5 with top assisted speed a little over 16 mph.

I also tried it with a 19 tooth sprocket making the bottom gear 31" and the 1 in 5 easier, but dropping the top assisted speed to about 14.5 mph.
Alternatively you could fit the SRAM 7 speed to give both a very low gear and the higher speed.

Having one of those hubs fitted with wheel building will cost around £200 extra.

Of course much depends on rider strength, and if you are a lot younger and stronger that I was, you might be able to climb that 1 in 5 with the 3 speed, but it's a tall order.
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