The Sparta Ion seems to be attracting some attention now that its distribution network has been expanded, although those outlets that can competently deal with its idiosyncrasies are still few and far between, literally. There are only 6 towns in the UK which have dealers and only 2 countries (Belgium and Germany) in continental Europe.
The range of electric cycles manufactured by them is quite expensive and although that may be justified by quality components and build quality there is no specification of components published on the companies website for would-be customers to make a judgement and arranging a trial means considerable travelling for the majority. No doubt dealers would be happy to provide details, but it puts the enquirer to trouble to find out what could so easily be published.
Perhaps the biggest of those IDIOSYNCRASIES that I came across are:
• If I get a flat tyre, can I repair it myself?
"Yes, as long as you don’t try to remove the rear wheel from the frame. If it has to be removed, your Sparta ION dealer will have to do this to maintain optimum service support."
A bit awkward this - and what if a major problem occurs with the rear tyre/tube during the period of the warranty/guarantee? Who covers the cost of returning the cycle to the dealer?
• If I have a problem when I am abroad, where can I find help?
"You can go to a bicycle specialist for ordinary repairs, but repairs to the electrical system can only be performed by an authorised bicycle specialist. SPARTA also has a number of ION dealers in Belgium and Germany. You can always go to them for assistance."
This is a serious impediment considering the distance that may be involved.
I could not find any reference to a Guarantee/Warranty nor its terms and conditions for the cycle (except the battery) on the website.
There is one advantage with the Sparta Ion, to be fair: they give a much more sensible and reasonable guarantee (not warranty you will notice) on batteries. I know of no other make of battery which gives more than 6 months: hardly adequate for a Lithium battery with its bad temperament
• What is the lifespan of the battery pack?
"The battery pack is guaranteed for two years from the date when you buy the ION. The battery pack can be recharged at least 500 times. Given a riding distance of 30 km per full charge, you can ride for 15,000 km."
That seems fairly categorical!?!
There is a spare battery that can be carried:
"The 'Range Extender' allows the rider to increase its functions with 70%. The Range Extender costs € 399 (£280 approx) and can be used on any ION bike."
There was a moment of optimism when I came across a link to a 56 page PDF User's Manual, but it took 'forever' to download and then only the title page was displayed.
A little tidying-up and forward thinking would be helpful to those enquiring about the Sparta Ion in the first instance.
Peter
The range of electric cycles manufactured by them is quite expensive and although that may be justified by quality components and build quality there is no specification of components published on the companies website for would-be customers to make a judgement and arranging a trial means considerable travelling for the majority. No doubt dealers would be happy to provide details, but it puts the enquirer to trouble to find out what could so easily be published.
Perhaps the biggest of those IDIOSYNCRASIES that I came across are:
• If I get a flat tyre, can I repair it myself?
"Yes, as long as you don’t try to remove the rear wheel from the frame. If it has to be removed, your Sparta ION dealer will have to do this to maintain optimum service support."
A bit awkward this - and what if a major problem occurs with the rear tyre/tube during the period of the warranty/guarantee? Who covers the cost of returning the cycle to the dealer?
• If I have a problem when I am abroad, where can I find help?
"You can go to a bicycle specialist for ordinary repairs, but repairs to the electrical system can only be performed by an authorised bicycle specialist. SPARTA also has a number of ION dealers in Belgium and Germany. You can always go to them for assistance."
This is a serious impediment considering the distance that may be involved.
I could not find any reference to a Guarantee/Warranty nor its terms and conditions for the cycle (except the battery) on the website.
There is one advantage with the Sparta Ion, to be fair: they give a much more sensible and reasonable guarantee (not warranty you will notice) on batteries. I know of no other make of battery which gives more than 6 months: hardly adequate for a Lithium battery with its bad temperament
• What is the lifespan of the battery pack?
"The battery pack is guaranteed for two years from the date when you buy the ION. The battery pack can be recharged at least 500 times. Given a riding distance of 30 km per full charge, you can ride for 15,000 km."
That seems fairly categorical!?!
There is a spare battery that can be carried:
"The 'Range Extender' allows the rider to increase its functions with 70%. The Range Extender costs € 399 (£280 approx) and can be used on any ION bike."
There was a moment of optimism when I came across a link to a 56 page PDF User's Manual, but it took 'forever' to download and then only the title page was displayed.
A little tidying-up and forward thinking would be helpful to those enquiring about the Sparta Ion in the first instance.
Peter