Greetings all from Shropshire (roughly in the middle of the UK, for those beyond our shores). I am delighted to have found this group. So inspiring, helpful and interesting.
Newbie
I become a fully fledged ebiker in a couple of weeks, when I shall start using my new ready-built ebike for a short daily commute to work (uphill from home). Only about 2 mile (3 Km) each way, but not something I can take on with a regular bike because I am not fit enough to avoid getting sweaty on the uphill ride and we have no showers at work. I am purchasing an Orbea Keram ebike from a local cycling specialist shop (rather than online or a major retailer).
Life-style change
I have been going through a life-style change (not least because of being diagnosed diabetic a few months ago - lost three stone (42 pounds / 19 Kg) since then through change of lifestyle and had already lost over six stone (84 pounds / 38 Kg) in the preceding two years through a diet change). Whilst I go to the gym semi-regularly, for gentle (mostly) exercise, I don't too much out and about (especially during the winter as I am a serious asthmatic and breathing cold damp air is less than ideal although asthma condition has got better with weight loss).
Whilst I have a decent basic hybrid bike (a Trek), I do not use it much despite enjoying riding not least because of the aforementioned hill that is a bit too steep close to the house that I need to climb before getting to the fun bit.
An ebike will get me out riding more, including commuting to work daily (rather than using the BEV car). This supports my life style change. I am confident that I shall learn to be less reliant on the motor over time (other than for the sweat avoidance measures when heading to work) and will use the standard hybrid as well in due course.
The bike
I appreciate this bike is not going to set any hearts here alight as it has the standard EU/UK restrictions on power, speed and delivery and Orbea seems not that well represented in the ebike world despite being a significant name in cycling generally for nearly a hundred years. I also recognise that the bike is at the relatively low end in terms of motor, transmission, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed my test ride though and felt very comfortable on the bike.
I chose this bike as it was one of a limited range of ebikes from a nearby well established local specialist cycling shop, recently relocated to nice shiny new larger premises, that stock only a small range of ebikes, including models from Saracen, Orbea, and Ridgeback, but know them and traditional cycles and cycling well. I prefered to purchase with the advice and support of a local specialist with a passion for cycling than from a nearby ebike only dealer with a vast range of makes but seemingly little interest in or knowledge of cycling - they go on about being Bosch trained, but not trained or experienced in bicycle maintenance/adjustment (they have a lot of the Scott and sister company models, as well as GoCycles, Eskuta, FreeGo, BadBike, Juicy, etc.)
I've ordered an Orbea Karam and the shop are throwing in some modifications for me including lights, rack, mudguards, locks, free serving (first two), and as many adjustments/changes (seat, handlebars, etc) as I need until I am completely happy.
Newbie
I become a fully fledged ebiker in a couple of weeks, when I shall start using my new ready-built ebike for a short daily commute to work (uphill from home). Only about 2 mile (3 Km) each way, but not something I can take on with a regular bike because I am not fit enough to avoid getting sweaty on the uphill ride and we have no showers at work. I am purchasing an Orbea Keram ebike from a local cycling specialist shop (rather than online or a major retailer).
Life-style change
I have been going through a life-style change (not least because of being diagnosed diabetic a few months ago - lost three stone (42 pounds / 19 Kg) since then through change of lifestyle and had already lost over six stone (84 pounds / 38 Kg) in the preceding two years through a diet change). Whilst I go to the gym semi-regularly, for gentle (mostly) exercise, I don't too much out and about (especially during the winter as I am a serious asthmatic and breathing cold damp air is less than ideal although asthma condition has got better with weight loss).
Whilst I have a decent basic hybrid bike (a Trek), I do not use it much despite enjoying riding not least because of the aforementioned hill that is a bit too steep close to the house that I need to climb before getting to the fun bit.
An ebike will get me out riding more, including commuting to work daily (rather than using the BEV car). This supports my life style change. I am confident that I shall learn to be less reliant on the motor over time (other than for the sweat avoidance measures when heading to work) and will use the standard hybrid as well in due course.
The bike
I appreciate this bike is not going to set any hearts here alight as it has the standard EU/UK restrictions on power, speed and delivery and Orbea seems not that well represented in the ebike world despite being a significant name in cycling generally for nearly a hundred years. I also recognise that the bike is at the relatively low end in terms of motor, transmission, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed my test ride though and felt very comfortable on the bike.
I chose this bike as it was one of a limited range of ebikes from a nearby well established local specialist cycling shop, recently relocated to nice shiny new larger premises, that stock only a small range of ebikes, including models from Saracen, Orbea, and Ridgeback, but know them and traditional cycles and cycling well. I prefered to purchase with the advice and support of a local specialist with a passion for cycling than from a nearby ebike only dealer with a vast range of makes but seemingly little interest in or knowledge of cycling - they go on about being Bosch trained, but not trained or experienced in bicycle maintenance/adjustment (they have a lot of the Scott and sister company models, as well as GoCycles, Eskuta, FreeGo, BadBike, Juicy, etc.)
I've ordered an Orbea Karam and the shop are throwing in some modifications for me including lights, rack, mudguards, locks, free serving (first two), and as many adjustments/changes (seat, handlebars, etc) as I need until I am completely happy.
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