Help! Very New to this sort of biking

[Stuka]

Hi this is the first time I have seen or heard of EBs I wanted to get back into cycling after a long time away from it. My son got me started in it again after he took it up he brought a nice bike and doing 25 miles a day! I was going to do a similar thing myself but my wife and son said at my age said NO! Touching 70 and at 17 stone and drop handle bars and with a ache back sometimes it would be a bad thing. They recommended a hybrid or Electric bikes So off I went to Halfords at first. The guy was very good and knew his stuff The EBs where OK but most of them look like District nurses bikes!!! they do a fold-able bike Which is not to bad in design. I have put the bikes down to two I will use it for touring on Saturdays doing at most 20 miles are these bikes suitable for this my Max is £850 here is the link
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/electric-bikes/carrera-crosscity-electric-bike
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/electric-bikes/apollo-transport-electric-folding-bike-20
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/classic-bikes/pendleton-somerby-electric-hybrid-bike-white-navy--17-19-frames
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/original-900-electric-hybrid-bike-36v-id_8399929.html
Thanks

 

[Eagle]

Stuka,
I would not dismiss the "sit up and beg design" too quickly if I were you.
This design gives a comfortable riding position and allows maximum concentration on the road and traffic.
Have a look at the Woosh Crusa at £849 which has a decent 13ah battery which means that it is capable of going up hills carrying a heavy rider compared to the bikes you mentioned:
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?crusa

 

[Stuka]

Is there shop I can get it from and have set up for me I live in Crawley Sussex. Thanks

 

[Eagle]

Here is the Crusa assembly manual:
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/manuals/Crusa-Manual.pdf
Sales conditions:
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?salesconditions

Woosh’s prices are generally about 20% lower than similarly specified bikes because they are direct online sales. Their HQ is in Southend.

Tel: 01702 435 566 (Hattie)

Rather than assemble the bike yourself, you may prefer to have a local bike shop, such as Bikes Revived, do this for you.

http://www.bikesrevived.org.uk/

 

[Wicky]

Is there shop I can get it from and have set up for me I live in Crawley Sussex. Thanks

There's pedelec retailers nearby to you in & around Brighton. Have a search and ring em up and arrange some test rides.

https://www.electricbikessussex.co.uk

https://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/surrounding-areas/electric-bikes-in-brighton/

 

[Nealh]

Folding bikes aren't the most ideal for 20 miles but are fav's with commuters, if you have room/storage go for a larger wheeled bike. If getiing your leg over or back is an issue then a step thru type will be up to the job. Tbh I would get a bike from a reputable e-retailer like Woosh or Kudos.

https://www.kudoscycles.com/index.php?intro=done&osCsid=ib0erlfadgrsinm5t4jit5n4q0

I live in Creepy born and bred, there aren't too many climbs to cope with locally as it is mainly even terrain, so any good powered ebike will manage. I haven't mentioned the K2 to Pease Pottage A23 climb as it is not and ideal user friendly place to ride. If you go out further there are some climbs, easy if you have the fitness, the one that does me in is after 65 - 70 miles is the drag up from Warninglid into Handcross or the old A23 Bolney section.

 

[Stuka]

Right I have been looking at more bikes and see what you experts think will be using it for touring and help going up hill here is the list
https://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/electric-bikes/step-over-frames/basis-beacon-mtb-electric-mountain-bike-black-red
https://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/electric-bikes/step-over-frames/cyclotricity-stealth
https://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/electric-bikes/step-over-frames/powacycle-salisbury-lpx-electric-bike
And also the one that Eagle mentioned it is on E bay and the guy says he will set it up before sending it out
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Woosh-Crusa-matt-black-Step-Through-Electric-Bike-Ebike-with-13AH-battery/172804009496?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=5059ce395
https://www.kudoscycles.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=328

 

[Eagle]

Stuka,
The Woosh Crusa has a 13ah battery which means a longer range, especially where hills are involved.
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?crusa

The other bikes you quoted have less powerful batteries, so it is not a fair comparison on price as it stands above.
You would need to pay more to bring them up to the Crusa's battery size.
There is no need to use ebay, simply deal direct.
Woosh is well known and highly rated on these forums.

 

[Nealh]

I wasn't a ware Woosh are on/use ebay, if buying the Woosh then go direct as then all monies go to Woosh rather then 10% going to ebay.

Sentiments as Eagle has mentioned the others have smaller batteries and if you look at the bikes with the larger battery then they are more expensive then the Crusa. Crusa will have 5 pas levels and a more user friendly LCD, each pas level offers a different power/torque level.

Boils down to the style of bike that you want and one that is suitable for you.
If you have back issues then a step thru bike makes more sense, not just for now but a few years from now.

 

[Woosh]

I wasn't a ware Woosh are on/use ebay,

it's a marketing test. Only the Crusa goes on ebay, chosen because the Crusa is the cheapest bike we sell, to minimize cost of the test. The campaign runs for 1 year and will end in a couple of months.
We try to compare the cost of selling on these two platform against google/Bing. Woosh does not normally sell on Ebay / Amazon.

 

[Stuka]

Thanks Guys I will now be getting the Woosh the down side this is putting it together I am not tech minded on these bikes. The only bikes shops near me are Halfords & Evens who will not be taking a kit bike for them to fit up for me they would most probable give me kind words like F*** Off! etc This is the main problem for me. I do not have a clue how to put this bike together so this is my BIG Problem I will need a expert to do it I think this guy on e bay sets the bike up before he sends them out but not sure though I will ask him

 

[Eagle]

Stuka,
Have a look at these local shops:
https://www.google.com/search?q=crawley+bike+shop&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=51118194,-178823,2646&tbm=lcl&ved=2ahUKEwisq_27zu_gAhWSSxUIHZDoDDEQjGp6BAgDED0&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:10&rldoc=1#rldoc=1&rlfi=hd:;si:6446597574865206891;mv:!1m2!1d51.1789026!2d-0.1479114!2m2!1d51.0907668!2d-0.197146

Dan's Sports Den, amongst others, has good reviews:
Tel: 07935 978195

Also, Just Cycle in Pound Hill:
https://www.justcycle.uk/
Tel: 07480 844169

Michael at Just Cycle can probably assemble your bike in his sleep:

I'm Michael, former road bike racer. Cycling is my life-long passion and my 25(4 in UK) years experience in all types of cycling have given me a wealth of knowledge to pursue this business.I'm fully qualified technician(electronic di2 & hydraulic brakes).I love repairing all kinds of bicycles, specialised in road & mountain bikes .

 

[Woosh]

Thanks Guys I will now be getting the Woosh the down side this is putting it together I am not tech minded on these bikes. The only bikes shops near me are Halfords & Evens who will not be taking a kit bike for them to fit up for me they would most probable give me kind words like F*** Off! etc This is the main problem for me. I do not have a clue how to put this bike together so this is my BIG Problem I will need a expert to do it I think this guy on e bay sets the bike up before he sends them out but not sure though I will ask him

all the bikes are 95% packed. You have only to install the pedals and tighten the handlebars. If you have never done these things before, we can send the bike to a local bike shop, they'll unpack and do that for you. If you live within 40 miles from us, we deliver the bike fully built, ready to ride without carton.

 

[Stuka]

I have just Checked Google I am 65 miles from you so I will have to get it from as packed I think I can do the pedals OK What sort of Spanner will I need for handle bars What about brakes do you set them up ? To me it has been always a Nightmare for me to do the brakes a right pain the ArseAlso what should I do the saddle for and the handle bars ??? I have been told siting on the seat you should have both feet on the Ground is that correct? or does that not matter with the design of your bike to much. How do I work out the handle bar height as well. Sorry for the silly Q But like I said this is very very new to me

 

[Woosh]

I think I can do the pedals OK What sort of Spanner will I need for handle bars What about brakes do you set them up ?

handlebars: 5mm allen key to tighten the stem's wedge nut, there is one supplied with the bike. See page 5 of the User manual.
Brakes: front is Avid disc, already set. If you need to adjust, follow instructions on page 8 in the Maintenance manual.
Rear is V-brakes, quite easy to look after.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/manuals/Crusa-Manual.pdf
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/manuals/Woosh-Maintenance-Manual.pdf

 

[Stuka]

Thank you Woosh Will be ringing you at the end of the mth to to do a order There is a thing I have to wait for called Wages first

 

[Stuka]

Again I wish to thank everybody on this site for all the help you have given me inc Cycling bike places near me where to get bikes fixed as well.Many Thanks to you all who have taken the time out to help me find the right bike etc

 

[Eagle]

Again I wish to thank everybody on this site for all the help you have given me inc Cycling bike places near me where to get bikes fixed as well.Many Thanks to you all who have taken the time out to help me find the right bike etc

Stuka,
Glad to be of help.
Hope you get on well with your Woosh Crusa.

 

[Stuka]

Now I wish to ask a rather a silly Q what sort of cycling kit do you Guys where in the Summer/ Winter I presume you all wear a helmet but what about all the other stuff. I presume you do not wear the very tight Racing shorts but what about loser shorts do they do them with padding inside them for long rides? are cycling shoes are they important and what about shirts etc. I ask this because i do not want to wear normal clothing as it is quite bulky. Or does not really matter on these bikes to much and what about leggings in the winter? Sorry about the silly Q Thanks for any advice given

 

[Poolepete]

I have been cycling into work throughout the winter, on rainy days I have just been wearing waterproof over-trousers (I wear chinos for work), a pair of Decathlon £15 walking boots, a waterproof jacket, reflective vest, a polyester hat, cycle helmet and gloves. In the summer, my normal work clothes, a jacket, reflective vest and a helmet. Despite being an e bike, you still get warm, even in winter! I have a rack bag in which I carry a multitool of allen keys, a cheapo leatherman style tool, a spare inner tube, bike lock, tyre levers and a mini floor pump with guage. Now I am a pessimist, and like to carry this stuff around with me in the unlikely event of a problem, but none of it is expensive if you look around. I am sure the others here will give you better ideas.

Good luck with your new bike, I am willing to bet you are going to love it as much as me and all the others here!