Test Ride on Wisper 905

[Tourangang]

i took a wisper 905 for a test ride today, and was pretty impreseed.

+ Speed, very subtle power delivery, quiet, build quality.
- seating position, seat, pedels.

I would value peoples opinions of these bikes, im looking at the 905 sport,

i guess i would have to change the stem for a more conventional one, to get a decent seating position, (Im 6'3") put some bar ends on, put a decent seat on.

what else have people moded on these, and also how long do the batteries last, ie number of charges/years??

thanks
john

 

[rustic]

Well it's a highly regarded machine on this site for sure. I'll leave more specific information to other members to fill you in on, all I would say is that at 6' 3" you might want to take a look at the Wisper Alpino that will be available in the new year, it provides a larger frame & 28" wheels which would seem far more suitable for someone of your height.

Cheers, Rus.

 

[Tourangang]

yes i saw that but i think its a bit too expensive. I only have a voucher for £1000 and obviously i will need to pay the differance.

the alpino is around £1800 is it not?

regards

John

 

[eddieo]

yes i saw that but i think its a bit too expensive. I only have a voucher for £1000 and obviously i will need to pay the differance.

the alpino is around £1800 is it not?

regards

John

Yes, but at 6.3 worth thinking about. Not only a bigger frame and wheels but alfina rear hub and latest Dapush motor and controls. should be a very reliable bike

But if 905 felt OK it is a great bike, and my choice for bike of the year

 

[Bikerbob]

I'm a similar height, and long experience has taught me that I need a 22 or 23in frame to be comfortable. I'm afraid a longer seat post or bar ends etc. isn't the answer if the frame is simply too small. Adjusting the seat too far back can be dangerous as it can lead to seat or seat post failure. I'm sorry to be negative but its quite a lot of money to spend if you are always going to feel that the bike is too small. I don't know how experienced a cyclist you are, but if you have not been riding recently it might be a good idea to visit a bike shop and sit on a larger frame unassisted bike just for comparison.

 

[Tourangang]

i only have a 32" leg length, i ride a 23.5 inch racing bike, and a 19" mountain bike,

im an ex time trialliist, and a audax rider, so i guess fairly experienced, but i have not ridden competitivily for around 10 years.

anyone else with a similar dimentions to me ride a wisper?

thanks

John

 

[JohnInStockie]

Hi John

Beautiful bikes those Whispers I'm a mere 5'11" with a 31" inside leg, but always feel a bit cramped on small framed bikes, usually ending up with backache if I ride them too much.

Is there anyone you could maybe borrow a normal 17" framed bike (Is that what the 905 is??) from and try for a 2 hour ride?

Its a lot of money to spend so you make sure your happy with it. My advice at the £1000 to £1500 mark would be to make sure you try one of the eMotion bikes at OnBike, maybe the Cross, as it comes in 2 frame sizes which might be better for you.

Try as much as you can in my book, for as long as you can so you get a better idea on the feel of it.

John

 

[fishingpaul]

If you do go to onbike try a torq they have larger wheels,i have a 29 inch leg and have the seat set very low, the handlebars are also high on the lowest setting,my bike appears to sit very high in the bike shed at work compared to the others.

 

[jasono]

Hi, I've got a 32" inside leg and the Wisper fits me fine. I've had mine a few months now and am impressed. The build quality is fabulous. I've spent a number of years riding motorbikes, most of which have been very susceptable to corroding badly when the roads get gritted. So far tho the Wisper is looking as good as new

 

[eddieo]

Hi, I've got a 32" inside leg and the Wisper fits me fine. I've had mine a few months now and am impressed. The build quality is fabulous. I've spent a number of years riding motorbikes, most of which have been very susceptable to corroding badly when the roads get gritted. So far tho the Wisper is looking as good as new

have you voted for bike of 2009 yet?or els Kalkhoff are going to nick it!

 

[Phil the drill]

Hi,

I'm 5' 10.5" but have a 32" inside leg. I've had my Wisper 905se for nearly 2 yrs, and have got on fine with it. I do find that i need the seat post very close to its maximum height (and the after market seat I fitted slid back as far as its' rails will permit) in order to pedal comfortably. At this height I can only just get the tip of my toes to touch down on level ground, however for a confident cyclist, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. The handlebar stem has a decent range of adjustment too and I have found it possible to get them into an acceptable position, although it did require some time experimenting to get it right. I reckon anyone with an inside leg length of 33" or more is probably best advised to look for a different model.
Incidentally, 2yrs on and the battery still seems OK.

Happy new year, (shortly - )

Phil

 

[Tourangang]

Thansk for all your responses - im off to see Phil at Onbike next week so will test a few - i might wait until the Gepida Sirmium comes to the uk, as that looks like a pretty nice machine too.

or maybe a emotion model too.

happy new year to you all

John