sparta bikes

[chess]

does anyone know anything about the sparta range; for example, how reliable are they?, how far do they go?
i tried one a few days ago and it seems to ride very well and give reasonable level of assistance. but they are quite expensive and I do not wish to waste money on one if it is not suitable for a 14 mile to work ride up and down long steady, but not steep, gradients.
chess

 

[frank9755]

I think a Sparta would be fine for that type of hill.
Nice bike. Here's a quick summary.
AtoB did a detailed review last year.

For
They look good and appear well made

Against
Not a good reputation for steep hills - however I followed one up a moderate hill (Holland Park Avenue in London) and it kept at 15mph
Can't take the battery out
Need to return to dealer to have controls re-set.

 

[flecc]

Yes, obviously a great bike, but a member who bought the identically motored Koga recently was very disappointed with it's hill climb capability. It really is very poor at climbing, being originally designed with single gear only, in and for Holland.

When first exported here like that it was ridiculed, so a derailleur was hurriedly added with the M-gear added to it's name, but of course that only helps the rider, not the motor.
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[chess]

sparta

Many thanks for the replies re Sparta Frank and Flecc. In you opinions would the Wisper be a better bet or are there reliability problems with all of the more powerful bikes?
chess

 

[flecc]

No specific reliability problems now, especially not with the latest Wispers, judging from member's experiences. The battery problems that once plagued the more powerful bikes are a thing of the past at last.

The Wisper 905 series has a long range battery now, has far more climb ability than the Sparta, and in the derestricted mode is faster too. The Sparta's main benefits are it's excellent quality and style, and if your hills are gentle, it's a good choice for long term reliability and pride of ownership.
.

 

[chess]

thanks

thanks for the comments re the sparta and wisper flecc, very useful.
chess