Powabyke - X Byke - Retail Pics (pic heavy)

[Mattyduk]

Hi,

as promised, I've taken some piccies of the new 6 speed x-byke, being sold in my local shop. They are only Iphone shots and I've scaled them down,

but the full size pics and others are here powabyke

On looking back at them, my opinion has improved as to the look of the bike, but the battery is still a big issue for me. The logos aren't that noticable as I first thought they were, so I withdraw that complaint. As I said, it maybe isn't helped by the bag of bits strapped to the back either.

I've just been comparing this to the original xbyke pics/brouchure (also in the directory above) and it really brings home the battery difference. Also note the lack of cables on display on the pdf version

Good price though.

 

[jac]

does seem good price at £750

jim

 

[Rad]

Thanks for doing that Matty. I have to say I agree about the battery. It looks dreadful. It'd be interesting to see if powabyke would discount replacement battery prices as that 'cyber-bomb' looks nothing like the water bottle on all the publicity bumph. Is there any kind of speedo on it? I can't tell from the pictures. Rest of the bike looks fine, though for some reason I'm surprised at the lack of a chainguard.

 

[Mattyduk]

Thanks for doing that Matty. I have to say I agree about the battery. It looks dreadful. It'd be interesting to see if powabyke would discount replacement battery prices as that 'cyber-bomb' looks nothing like the water bottle on all the publicity bumph. Is there any kind of speedo on it? I can't tell from the pictures. Rest of the bike looks fine, though for some reason I'm surprised at the lack of a chainguard.

yeah, it appears to be the unfinished article, with the main bar cables not hidden, lack of guard and of course, the battery.

I've emailed Frank about it at Powabyke

Didn't see a speedo just the usual type of power meter and gears.

I wouldn't have minded if it was just a demo model for people to try out the ride/power, but Action Bikes are selling as is.

 

[Forgetful Cat]

That's very disappointing if they do go out like that, considering how different it looks from the images seen elsewhere.

The X-byke was pretty much at the top of my list, it seemed to have the good looks (IMO) of the Cytronex, with the advantage that the company is well established with a dealer network which includes 'up North', and the price is good considering you get mudguards and a rack, which I'd have wanted to add to the Cytronex.

Was waiting for some other brave souls to jump in first and give reviews before committing

However, I'd assumed that the battery would be far more discreet, and I must admit I hadn't noticed that weird box at the back.

I know I'm not the first and won't be the last to say it - but why oh why is choosing an e-bike such a nightmare??

 

[nigel]

On first sight i hope thats not the new battery that looks hmmm and the controller under the rack very bland should have been a nice trendy shape still i suppose bike performance is more important.nigel.

 

[Rad]

At the end of the day it still looks very much like an ordinary common or garden push bike. Albeit one with a rocket launcher on the bottom bar. I'll still be getting one (hopefully) and will let you guys know what I think once I've taken it for a spin a few times.

 

[Mattyduk]

showed the photos to the wife last night, and like me, she's not very impressed. The "rocket launcher" battery, the big block control unit and the hanging wires make it look unfinished and rushed.

If they get these issues fixed in the true production version, then I will take another look.

In the meantime, I'm going to have a look at the Infineum (if it turns up at the end of the month), and if that doesn't, I'll take another look at Cytronex when their new models turn up next year.

Any other bikes I've overlooked that I should be looking at ?

 

[Barnowl]

At the end of the day it still looks very much like an ordinary common or garden push bike. Albeit one with a rocket launcher on the bottom bar. I'll still be getting one (hopefully) and will let you guys know what I think once I've taken it for a spin a few times.

LOL. I didn't like to say before but that really does sum it up (esp the rocket launcher). Shame really because I liked the original pictures I saw. Not to say it's a bad bike though. Interesting to see how you find it, the weight, cycling uphill, cycling downhill, handling, noise etc etc. Big plus for a lot of people is a bike they can get on the Halfords only scheme. I missed out on that -though not for want of trying

Can't think of anything similar at the moment in that price area or any other. But someones bound to chip in. Good luck

 

[Mattyduk]

just heard from Frank @ Powabyke (he's been at the Cycle08 show).

he says that the battery had to be changed to it's new form (i.e. not water bottle) as the cells would not fit safely in the original container and it's going be like that for the foreseeable future.

As for the cables, that's as designed as well, they just weren't shown on the main pictures of the frame.

I'm sure it well sell well and it's probably got a good performance, and good luck to them, but I'm afraid in it's current form, it's not for me.

In other news, the other bike I was looking at, the Infineum, still hasn't got a confirmed UK date

 

[burncycle]

Ive seen the x-byke in the flesh and its a great bike for the price.
I would have bought one there and then if I hadnt already just got my Pro Connect. I would have saved £700, but hey ho !!!

I havnt riden it, though the shop owner where I viewed it said it was very good, though he disliked the 3second lag it had from initiating the power to actual power hitting in, he said.
The only other downside was the large "frisby" motor on the front wheel.
Otherwise a great bike for the price.
Well done powerbyke.
I hope it gives the rest a run for the thier money.

Regards Bob.

 

[Rad]

just heard from Frank @ Powabyke (he's been at the Cycle08 show).

he says that the battery had to be changed to it's new form (i.e. not water bottle) as the cells would not fit safely in the original container and it's going be like that for the foreseeable future.

Ah well, I'll paint mine black with a copper coloured top then

As for the cables, that's as designed as well, they just weren't shown on the main pictures of the frame.

The cables aren't so much of a problem, I'll just zip clip em so they're a bit more snug on the frame. Something that powabyke really ought to have considered.

I'm sure it well sell well and it's probably got a good performance, and good luck to them, but I'm afraid in it's current form, it's not for me.

In other news, the other bike I was looking at, the Infineum, still hasn't got a confirmed UK date

I can't find the e-mail I had from Powacycle now. But I'm sure he said it was late this month. Oh well, I hope you get sorted soon Matty.

 

[Mattyduk]

I can't find the e-mail I had from Powacycle now. But I'm sure he said it was late this month. Oh well, I hope you get sorted soon Matty.

cheers. I emailed Wazz Mughal (at Infineum) back in September, and he said the same thing, but I checked again with him this morning and now he says they haven't got a confirmed UK date.

Oh well, better start taking some more vitamins (mars bars ) for those windy and rain soaked cycle home on the feather weight manual

 

[pl1974]

Have to say this does concern me a bit..

I ordered a Powabyke X6 on the strength of the brochures etc.. Was a bit worried because of lack of reviews, but still took the plunge. It should have it middle of next week.

The pictures on here are rather different to the brochures - still hopefully some some of disguise can be mage for the 'missile launcher', I'm just hoping it performs well..

Hopefully post an update/review next week.

Paul

 

[flecc]

The pictures on here are rather different to the brochures - still hopefully some some of disguise can be mage for the 'missile launcher', I'm just hoping it performs well..

Hopefully post an update/review next week.

Paul

I can't imagine any Powabyke would disappoint on performance Paul.

There's an easy way to disguise the launcher to look like a bottle. Cut of the top of a clear large plastic Coke bottle or similar, spray the inside with car spray of suitable colour to match and attach it to the top with a thin line of suitable resin adhesive. The glossy smooth finish of paint through the clear plastic will look professional enough.
.

 

[johnp]

infinel

The bike is here I have seen it at the caravan and motormome show at the N.E.C

 

[Blew it]

A job offer!

Monday morning I popped into the local bike shop to buy some rim tapes.

Good morning Sir!! from an old gent in a suit who appeared to be the owner of the shop. The guy searching for the rim tapes was also answereing a phone query, so I went to have a look at the accessory rack. The suit followed me.

"Road man?" says the suit. Quite flattering for an old guy like me with dodgy knees. "No, I ride electric", (no response) "I'm an E-Biker". "Oh yes, we have electric bikes" sez the suit and took me round the corner and showed me a couple of trusty Powabike shoppers. As we returned to the counter he announced "this is the new one", sure enough it was the stepthrough version of the Xbike.

We had a long chat about E-bikes in general, after which the suit popped the question "Would your knowledge be available to us if we have a problem?". I politely returned the stock answer "sorry Guv, I've done my fifty years, it's playtime". Is there a job opportunity here?, A mobile E-bike doctor perhaps!

In keeping with the thread, what do I think of the Xbike?. In fairness, it's not my preferred type of machine, but the one thing I simply could not take my eyes off, was that huge motor laced to an incredibly narrow rim and tyre. There's only one way a tyre like that can used...HARD!!. On anything but the smoothest tarmac it's gonna give you blurred vision!.

Best wishes to anybody still awake

Bob

 

[pl1974]

Thanks for the responses - Bob you've made me even more nervous now!

flecc - agreed I'm sure some sort of Blue Peter job can be done to make it look less 'launcher' like, your suggestion sounds really good.

Hopefully will let you all know next week!

Paul

 

[Mussels]

At the end of the day it still looks very much like an ordinary common or garden push bike. Albeit one with a rocket launcher on the bottom bar. I'll still be getting one (hopefully) and will let you guys know what I think once I've taken it for a spin a few times.

A more more serious problem for the rocket launcher may be the attention from security guards in London, bike bombs are quite viable and have been considered a serious threat before. This could spark off a security incident.
The brochure appears to have multiple chainwheels, it's disappointing that the final model doesn't.

 

[Phil the drill]

A more more serious problem for the rocket launcher may be the attention from security guards in London, bike bombs are quite viable and have been considered a serious threat before. This could spark off a security incident.
The brochure appears to have multiple chainwheels, it's disappointing that the final model doesn't.

Hi Mussels

I think that might be just stretching it a little bit... I saw the X-bike @ Earls court last week, and agree that the looks appear to be a bit of a compromise. I don't understand why they couldn't have just put a fake black bottle top on the battery casing, but that should be pretty simple for any buyer to do themselves.
Frank told me the motor is identical to the one used in their old powabykes. This tells me two things:-
1 - whilst big and heavy it will be reliable and tough.
2 - It WILL scale near vertical slopes with tons of luggage. The old one (I had a 24 speed commuter version) would chug steadily up the steepest of slopes, with just a little help. That weighed nearly 40Kg with a HUGE lead acid battery. Halve the weight, and there's not much gonna stop that baby getting up a slope (whilst the battery lasts...).
Goes without saying though, don't hit a pothole at speed down hill, or you'll break both arms !
Seriously though, for the right person, in the right place, I reckon it will do the job well.

As an aside I saw the Infineum at the show too. It was tucked away in a relatively quiet corner of the show with a girl on the stand who seemed just a little unsure about many of it's details. It did look good though - in this case it looked just like the publicity shots...

Cheers, Phil