C
Cyclezee
Guest
Has anyone tried or own or had experience of one of these bikes? They are now available in the UK.
What is your opion Flecc
John
What is your opion Flecc
John
I'm unhappy about one of their marketing methods John.
When they announce an electric bike model, they make all sorts of extravagant claims about speed and range and get everyone excited about it. Then there's a very long wait for it to finally appear, during which more and more people get on the hook. Then, when the actual appearance of the bike is due, the claims on the website are moderated much nearer to reality. Of course it's just hype, but especially cynical in the way it's used.
Given the tiny size of the US market for electric bikes and their failure to make any real inroad there, the likelyhood of big technical advances in e-bikes from there is small in my opinion. The only really serious research into e-bike motors there was decades ago and resulted in the Currie Electrodrive (originally some GM input), and later the BionX which came out of unfinished Chrysler research.
P.S. Do you know who is supplying them? Moore Large who originally intended to have scrapped those plans.
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When they announce an electric bike model, they make all sorts of extravagant claims about speed and range and get everyone excited about it. Then there's a very long wait for it to finally appear, during which more and more people get on the hook. Then, when the actual appearance of the bike is due, the claims on the website are moderated much nearer to reality. Of course it's just hype, but especially cynical in the way it's used.
Given the tiny size of the US market for electric bikes and their failure to make any real inroad there, the likelyhood of big technical advances in e-bikes from there is small in my opinion. The only really serious research into e-bike motors there was decades ago and resulted in the Currie Electrodrive (originally some GM input), and later the BionX which came out of unfinished Chrysler research.
P.S. Do you know who is supplying them? Moore Large who originally intended to have scrapped those plans.
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Found the supplier of Schwinn e-bikes:
Hilderthorpe Cycles
24-26 Hilderthorpe Road
Bridlington
YO15 3BG Phone 01262 400141
Their web site ( Hilderthorpe Cycles-Bridlington ) is shown as under construction.
I know nothing of them except they appear on ebay selling second hand e-bikes and mentioning new bikes as well, without disclosing the company name, though giving the phone number.
My advice is to treat the Schwinn claims re: range and performance with cynicism, and if you live in a very hilly area, try a bike first before buying as the spec points to speed rather than good climb ability. If they have the US spec motor (illegal in the UK), they may be able to be fast and climb well.
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Hilderthorpe Cycles
24-26 Hilderthorpe Road
Bridlington
YO15 3BG Phone 01262 400141
Their web site ( Hilderthorpe Cycles-Bridlington ) is shown as under construction.
I know nothing of them except they appear on ebay selling second hand e-bikes and mentioning new bikes as well, without disclosing the company name, though giving the phone number.
My advice is to treat the Schwinn claims re: range and performance with cynicism, and if you live in a very hilly area, try a bike first before buying as the spec points to speed rather than good climb ability. If they have the US spec motor (illegal in the UK), they may be able to be fast and climb well.
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According to that web site the 2007 Giant Twists are capable of up to 100 miles on a charge. I've seen 60 claimed before and given the twin batteries that is credible, but 100? mmmnnnn
They are just repeating the manufacturer hype with that of course, and with the Schwinn they are still promoting the old 60 mile range hype that even Schwinn themselves backtracked on a bit some while ago.
A to B found the Twist 1 range on test was 37 miles on the twin 10 Ah batteries, and said it might do 40 miles for some owners. As for the Schwinn, I bet an average user will find it difficult to get more than 30 miles flattish area, 20 miles hilly area.
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A to B found the Twist 1 range on test was 37 miles on the twin 10 Ah batteries, and said it might do 40 miles for some owners. As for the Schwinn, I bet an average user will find it difficult to get more than 30 miles flattish area, 20 miles hilly area.
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I've just received an email from Moore Large who told me they are definitely not importing the Schwinn electric models so if Hilderthorpe Cycles are able to supply, they must be getting them from somewhere else, maybe someone on the continent?
It would be interesting to know why Moore Large have changed their mind, it certainly raises suspicions. I wouldn't be happy about buying one from a small provincial shop like Hilderthorpe without knowing the source and whether they had Schwinn's backing for what they are doing. Not that Schwinn's backing might be worth anything though.
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C
Cyclezee
Guest
I'm flying to Boston tomorrow and have located a shop that sells Schwinn electric bikes, so I am going to see if I can get a test ride. That is if my wife will let me without me having to buy her a handbag as compensation.
Will let you know what happens when I get back
Will let you know what happens when I get back
Is anyone certain that Hilderthorpe really are selling the Schwinn bikes, the electric bikes section of their website only mentions Giant, the only reference I can find to the Schwinn bikes is via a link to the Schwinn US bikes page on the Schwinn USA site.
C
Cyclezee
Guest
They mention and show a picture of a Schwinn Continental in an eBay auction for a Giant Lafree. See the link below:-
GIANT LAFREE TWIST ELECTRIC BIKES on eBay, Bikes, Cycling, Sporting Goods (item 320151130795 end time 02-Sep-07 16:10:44 BST)
GIANT LAFREE TWIST ELECTRIC BIKES on eBay, Bikes, Cycling, Sporting Goods (item 320151130795 end time 02-Sep-07 16:10:44 BST)
Yes, that's where I saw it originally which prompted this thread. Clearly they are claiming they do on ebay, although reticent on their site. Once again, it's a further thing that's making me suspicious of the whole Diavelo/Schwinn saga.
To put it crudely, the whole thing stinks from beginning to end.
It's going to be interesting if you get a ride Aldby, and if you do, try a hill as well if you get a chance. Anything performs well on the flat, even a twisted elastic band drive, but it's the hills that sort the good from the bad.
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To put it crudely, the whole thing stinks from beginning to end.
It's going to be interesting if you get a ride Aldby, and if you do, try a hill as well if you get a chance. Anything performs well on the flat, even a twisted elastic band drive, but it's the hills that sort the good from the bad.
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I was chating to a Schwinn dealer today, he told me that Schwinn have upped their prices to the UK dealers and distributers which is why Moore Large have stopped importing any more Schwinn bikes at all. He said he would not be stocking any 2008 Schwinn bikes therefore....
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