Tonaro.....first real test ride....

[funkylyn]

Just a few observations.....

1......I am not as fit as I have been kidding myself...
2......I need to get used to the extra weight compared to my lighter more flimsy feeling bike......cant zoom around the obstacles/cattle grids/gates etc at top speed on the stop line trail .... YET... like I did on the windsor.....need to make allowances for the difference in weight and speed............very nearly fell off but recovered !!
3......It eats hills.....took it up every one I could find in Ilminster and it flew up.....even the very short but very steep one to my house.....have never managed that one before.
4......Its very comfortable to ride
5......Estimate nearly 30 miles...still 2 lights on the battery ......next step is to run the battery out......( tomorrow ! )
6......Need to find the energy to mow the lawn before this glorious sunny weather finishes

Lynda

 

[Spinalot]

Which model do you have?

 

[funkylyn]

the new Esprit.....

 

[TylerD]

Hi Lynda, it sounds a bit like my Wisper, its quite a monster but it sits solidly on the road and I feel really safe on it.

I was wondering how noisy/quiet the Esprit is? That's one of the few things I don't like about the Wisper, at low speed we do a pretty good Benny Hill impersonation.

Anyway, I'm glad it all seems positive so far, looking forward to the next dispatch from the front!

 

[funkylyn]

Hi Lynda, it sounds a bit like my Wisper, its quite a monster but it sits solidly on the road and I feel really safe on it.

I was wondering how noisy/quiet the Esprit is? That's one of the few things I don't like about the Wisper, at low speed we do a pretty good Benny Hill impersonation.

Anyway, I'm glad it all seems positive so far, looking forward to the next dispatch from the front!

Its VERY quiet......I was expecting more noise......mind you, I DID have my iPod plugged in......I could only hear ''Me and Tennessee''

Seriously.....it IS very quiet.......I was expecting more noise......but it isnt...

Lynda

 

[TylerD]

Very quiet, eats up hills, very comfortable -please stop, I've had to padlock the phone to avoid ordering one from Phil!

I wonder if you've got used to the weight yet or is that something that might put you off?
And how is it (he/she?) to ride without the motor , that's one of the other niggles about the Wisper (but outweighed by lots of other great things), there is a noticeable drag when the motor's not on.

Sorry to bombard you with questions, hope you don't mind

 

[funkylyn]

Very quiet, eats up hills, very comfortable -please stop, I've had to padlock the phone to avoid ordering one from Phil!

I wonder if you've got used to the weight yet or is that something that might put you off?
And how is it (he/she?) to ride without the motor , that's one of the other niggles about the Wisper (but outweighed by lots of other great things), there is a noticeable drag when the motor's not on.

Sorry to bombard you with questions, hope you don't mind

Dont mind at all TylerD......

The weight, compared to my own bike is feeling more normal after this week and I am definately feeling fitter.....more work with a crank drive LOL

And the sheer elation I felt at getting up a really steep hill, after thinking I just couldnt quite make it, was amazing.

Have just had a cateye strada fitted today, so now the hard work starts running down the battery and testing the range.....hope I manage to run out near to home i dont fancy a long walk back lol

Gonna be a hard weekend, if I can fit it in between F1 practice sessions and the race LOL

The only problem that I have now with the weight is the physical lifting of it onto my van bike rack......I must find a solution to this thats not too expensive as I really love this bike.

Will let you know how I get on over the weekend.....

Oh.....and its a she.......had to be really as she is so dominant strong clever and fast .......

Lynda

 

[Spinalot]

I am a little like Tyler. The only thing that puts me off is the "ladies frame". I do not like the other designs, to my eye they look gimiky and a little to much testoterone filled

What do others think of so called Unisex frames for men?

 

[funkylyn]

I am a little like Tyler. The only thing that puts me off is the "ladies frame". I do not like the other designs, to my eye they look gimiky and a little to much testoterone filled

What do others think of so called Unisex frames for men?

What about the ''eagle''.......it looks like quite a normal mans bike to me ......

Lynda

 

[Spinalot]

Hmmm the eagle is ok but I wonder if they would fit one with a nexus hub instead? Might be worth a phone call. Problem with them is they are so far away. I would want to try one first.

 

[funkylyn]

Dont think that is possible...........

Why dont you ask them if they have any owners in your area who would be happy to let you try theirs ?

Lynda

 

[Spinalot]

Dont think that is possible...........

Why dont you ask them if they have any owners in your area who would be happy to let you try theirs ?

Lynda

Just gave them a call. the guy who I need is not in today, so they are going to call me back.

The ideal would be the mans frame but with the spec of the esprit.

 

[TylerD]

Dont mind at all TylerD......


Oh.....and its a she.......had to be really as she is so dominant strong clever and fast .......

Lynda

But of course, I should have realised -obvious really!

Re the motor racing, do you do it incognito, like,say, the Stig , as I don't recall seeing a funkylyn in the line-ups.Is your racing name perhaps Button or Hamilton?. If so your cover is excellent.Don't worry, your secret is safe with me

Can't wait for another update!

 

[funkylyn]

But of course, I should have realised -obvious really!

Re the motor racing, do you do it incognito, like,say, the Stig , as I don't recall seeing a funkylyn in the line-ups.Is your racing name perhaps Button or Hamilton?. If so your cover is excellent.Don't worry, your secret is safe with me

Can't wait for another update!

LOL........

My two favourite drivers..........

You nearly guessed my secret life............did you not realise I drive the safety cars ?

Keeps me busy.......

Lynda

 

[Cyclezee]

The only problem that I have now with the weight is the physical lifting of it onto my van bike rack......I must find a solution to this thats not too expensive as I really love this bike.
Lynda

What you need Lynda is a big strong man..........to help you lift the bike

 

[funkylyn]

What you need Lynda is a big strong man..........to help you lift the bike

Got one......just need to persuade him to come travelling with me

Lynda

 

[TylerD]

LOL........

My two favourite drivers..........

You nearly guessed my secret life............did you not realise I drive the safety cars ?

Keeps me busy.......

Lynda

Ah,of course, the one with the bike rack and the Tonaro Esprit on the back

 

[PennyFarthing]

Great news! Hope you sort the lifting onto van problem. A ramp? Is that possible?

I love my crank driven bike - I too whizz up hills. Had an amusing moment recently where I was approaching the top of a big hill and at the same time, from the other direction, were three lyrca cyclists, with pained expressions on their faces. As we both got to the peak of the hill, the lead lyrca guy looked shocked that I was looking at ease on the bike but he looked impressed, but then as he passed he glanced at my battery and did a kind of "Pah!" face. Made me laugh anyway.

I have to say I get a really good workout on my crank driven heavy bike. Can't remember when I bought it. June I think. Then I went away for a quite a few weeks and was dealing with some family problems, so in reality I've only really ridden it regularly for a couple of months. I wasn't able to cycle for two weeks and I'd lost a lot of fitness I'd built up on my bike. I've lost a stone in weight and not riding it everyday but several times a week - far more than I have done in decades on any other bike, so I reckon after a year of cycling frequently I should be a hell of a lot fitter.

I wouldn't ever be without an electric bike now -not ever returning to a normal bike, and I wouldn't be without a crank driven bike - personally. As you say, they are hill eaters, but you still have to put the effort in.

Enjoy your Tonaro and hope you sort the motorhome entry problem.

 

[indalo]

Hi Funky.

What type of bike rack do you have on your truck? I have a Fiamma but wouldn't entertain mounting my 27Kg bike on to one of the channels as they have a maximum individual weight limit of 15Kgs. I believe your new bike weighs in at 25Kgs so unless you have a stronger rack than the ubiquitous motorhome type, aren't you taking a bit of a risk?

Apart from the actual weight factor, in the case of my bike, the wheel base is such that the wheel centres actually occur at or slightly outside the channel ends so that bike is carried in the garage when I travel. Perhaps yours is shorter and not a concern but I do wonder about the weight issue.

Regards,
Indalo

 

[funkylyn]

Hi Funky.

What type of bike rack do you have on your truck? I have a Fiamma but wouldn't entertain mounting my 27Kg bike on to one of the channels as they have a maximum individual weight limit of 15Kgs. I believe your new bike weighs in at 25Kgs so unless you have a stronger rack than the ubiquitous motorhome type, aren't you taking a bit of a risk?

Apart from the actual weight factor, in the case of my bike, the wheel base is such that the wheel centres actually occur at or slightly outside the channel ends so that bike is carried in the garage when I travel. Perhaps yours is shorter and not a concern but I do wonder about the weight issue.

Regards,
Indalo

Hi Indalo,

I have the 2-bike Fiamma but it states a max load of 55 kilos.
I always carry my bike in the channel nearest to the van....thinking this maybe lessens the strain ?
Although this bike seems to be slightly longer than the windsor.....it fits into the channels better and the tyres are well in the channels with a little overhang.......I think it is average length and all bikes tyres are usually positioned at the edge....they must be made to allow for this surely ?

I have carried 2 before on long journeys but now its usually only the one, unfortunately I dont have a garage model , but I have a 'plan' B !!

Before committing myself I am going to cycle over to the van and see if....in an emergency 'no strong man around' moment I can actually get it through the door and inside the van......not ideal but in an emergency it would do......I have removed my huge table and have a lot more floor space and have carried a bike there on another occasion, but not this one, so need to check width etc

Otherwise I would have the added expense of a motorised rack or towbar and thule draw bar model....neither of which I can really afford at the moment.

The thing is, I cannot see any other similar alternative to this bike......for me.....that is lighter,
I really need to solve the problem......am thinking about a step but frightened I might topple off with a heavy bike on top of me.....going to have to practice.....I am determined I will not be beaten......there MUST be a solution......

Lynda