I had a brief ride on a new Raleigh Velo Trail which I thought might be recommendable as a budget buy.
But the assistance system let it down badly, 'unrefined' is one word that springs to mind, 'jerky' is another
I could live with the modest amount of poke, but the way the power was delivered was far too clunky.
Nasty shudder through the pedals as you set off, and not much better in motion.
There was a constant shunting through the forks and drivetrain as the power cut in and out.
I believe the bike was working as it should, and I imagine an owner would learn a riding style which would reduce the clonking a bit.
But the absence of refinement was a big disappointment on a £1,000 bike.
Comparing it to my Rose would be unfair, but the power delivery on the Woosh Scirocco I tested was smooth enough, so it can be done on a budget.
It was only a brief ride I had on the Raleigh, but at the finish I was glad to get off it.
http://www.raleighebike.co.uk/Range/Product/?pc=1&pt=198&pg=7610
But the assistance system let it down badly, 'unrefined' is one word that springs to mind, 'jerky' is another
I could live with the modest amount of poke, but the way the power was delivered was far too clunky.
Nasty shudder through the pedals as you set off, and not much better in motion.
There was a constant shunting through the forks and drivetrain as the power cut in and out.
I believe the bike was working as it should, and I imagine an owner would learn a riding style which would reduce the clonking a bit.
But the absence of refinement was a big disappointment on a £1,000 bike.
Comparing it to my Rose would be unfair, but the power delivery on the Woosh Scirocco I tested was smooth enough, so it can be done on a budget.
It was only a brief ride I had on the Raleigh, but at the finish I was glad to get off it.
http://www.raleighebike.co.uk/Range/Product/?pc=1&pt=198&pg=7610
