Viking E go

[Robint]

A thread was posted last year but I cant locate it here (no search box)
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/anyone-have-an-eco-stepper-or-viking-e-go.15278/
I got one of these virtually brand new on Ebay for small money - I can see why and wouldnt want to pay full price. But I have been spoilt by Khalkhoff, but I cant fold it into my hatch back.

So I have been trying it and it is a handful and would take some time to adapt to it safely.

My chief concerns are the pedelec system which is fussy on starting , dont think of any hill start, you'll fall off.
Coupled with derailleurs, which have a life of their own it will take some skill to master this. Thing about pedelcs , to get the best out of it you must choose your gears very carefully, and with d/rs its a slow business changing , so if you got it wrong for a hill, stop now. Not so with hub gears, much quicker and more forgiving
Having said that its ok for screaming along flattish roads. But close dodging on pavements - beware.

I dont like the delay for power uptake. It needs you to pedal half a crank, before it kicks in, then it carries on for another crank even when you stop pedalling. This is very unstable in slow tight corners (pavements)

I also dont like the cut out switch on the left handbrake - its unnecessary and cuts power unexpectedly - will disconnect NOW

There is a thumb throttle tucked away beside the left brake lever, will bypass pedelec and use it like a conventional bike throttle - at least I have full control.

I will try and master d/rs but you have to shoot up and down full six gears quickly for proper use and if you get it wrong, you got a messy untangle of chain to do yuck

If I cant, I'll fit a shimano 8sp hub like on my super khalkhoff (24kg heavy)

I am going to keep at it, cos some bits of viking are quite good (I have a manual folder as well which was vg for its time)

Dont like the way the tyre soften after a week - yes cheap sino shite - why do they have to do this, save a few cents extra profit? The ones on my original viking only needed topping 1/month

BTW, anyone had any luck with these puncture gels, I wonder if they help with porous inner tubes

Cheers

Robin

 

[jackhandy]

Are Kalkough riders on some sort of points system, whereby they gain credits for rubbishing other bikes?

Derailleur gears just need adjusting from time to time, the same as hub gears & are used on all competition bikes; and kill switches are there for a very good reason - Why on earth would anyone want to keep the power on when applying the brakes?

But then, it is a wet bank holiday, after all

 

[Robint]

Are Kalkough riders on some sort of points system, whereby they gain credits for rubbishing other bikes?

Derailleur gears just need adjusting from time to time, the same as hub gears & are used on all competition bikes; and kill switches are there for a very good reason - Why on earth would anyone want to keep the power on when applying the brakes?

But then, it is a wet bank holiday, after all

 

[Robint]

When you apply brakes, you stop pedalling so cuts off power no kill sw needed - nuff said,
In no way am I rubishing E go, its chalk and cheese, different uses, see my post on Khalkhoff (£2000 new), my Ego £100 ebay, whats to compare, Im just going to do some mods to my own taste and it might help other users

 

[jackhandy]

When you apply brakes, you stop pedalling so cuts off power no kill sw needed - nuff said,

As you say _ Let's hope your throttle never fails.

 

[flecc]

Indeed, continental pedelecs don't need brake cut-offs or kill switches, those are a peculiarly British addition this side of the big pond to cope with having throttles.
.

 

[Allan Macdonald]

My Kudos takes a half crank or so to get going, has kill switches on both brakes and continues under power for half a second when I stop pedalling. I don't find it a problem at all. It also has an 8 speed Nexus hub and hand throttle.
Our other bike, also a Kudos (Tempo) has deraileur gears, operates the same as mine but doesn't have a hand throttle.
I haven't ridden any other electric bikes, so have nothing similar to compare them to, I have ridden normal bikes for over 50 years though and know when something works well and when it doesn't.
I can't see anything wrong with the way our bikes work, in fact I am very impressed with them both and at their prices, I can't see how they can be any better.
Allan

 

[Robint]

Yes indeed e-bikes have come a long way from the rubbish 10 years ago which set the industry back massively for 5 years. If all you want to do is fly along roads up hill down dale then most modern e bikes (med price +) will do a very good job.
I want my ego to float along pavements quietly, not causing any nuisance simply cos the roads in my town are so narrow and dangerous to bikers

I need my bike cos I cant walk far with arthritis. Ive been cruising along pavements at walking speed for years and never a cross word cos Im very respectful towards pedestrians and always stop for kids, prams or anything difficult.

Its worked for me even on my large Khalkhoff. But here was an opportunity to use a small 20" wheeler, much more maneuverable, less threatening and folds up into my car.

I just need to modify it for slow speed cruising - which in its present form is unstable, the way power clicks in and out unexpectedly.

BTW FYI it was a snip, disabling the kill switch on the lhs brake - just snip the wire (and insulate against wet)

Haven't done a road test - too wet.

2mlw maybe

Robin

 

[Alan Quay]

BTW FYI it was a snip, disabling the kill switch on the lhs brake - just snip the wire (and insulate against wet)

Haven't done a road test - too wet.

2mlw maybe

Robin

Throttles fail. I've been through two. When they fail, they often do so in the wide open state.

That's what the brake switches are for.

 

[derf]

A thread was posted last year but I cant locate it here (no search box)
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/anyone-have-an-eco-stepper-or-viking-e-go.15278/
I got one of these virtually brand new on Ebay for small money - I can see why and wouldnt want to pay full price. But I have been spoilt by Khalkhoff, but I cant fold it into my hatch back.

So I have been trying it and it is a handful and would take some time to adapt to it safely.

My chief concerns are the pedelec system which is fussy on starting , dont think of any hill start, you'll fall off.
Coupled with derailleurs, which have a life of their own it will take some skill to master this. Thing about pedelcs , to get the best out of it you must choose your gears very carefully, and with d/rs its a slow business changing , so if you got it wrong for a hill, stop now. Not so with hub gears, much quicker and more forgiving
Having said that its ok for screaming along flattish roads. But close dodging on pavements - beware.

I dont like the delay for power uptake. It needs you to pedal half a crank, before it kicks in, then it carries on for another crank even when you stop pedalling. This is very unstable in slow tight corners (pavements)

I also dont like the cut out switch on the left handbrake - its unnecessary and cuts power unexpectedly - will disconnect NOW

There is a thumb throttle tucked away beside the left brake lever, will bypass pedelec and use it like a conventional bike throttle - at least I have full control.

I will try and master d/rs but you have to shoot up and down full six gears quickly for proper use and if you get it wrong, you got a messy untangle of chain to do yuck

If I cant, I'll fit a shimano 8sp hub like on my super khalkhoff (24kg heavy)

I am going to keep at it, cos some bits of viking are quite good (I have a manual folder as well which was vg for its time)

Dont like the way the tyre soften after a week - yes cheap sino shite - why do they have to do this, save a few cents extra profit? The ones on my original viking only needed topping 1/month

BTW, anyone had any luck with these puncture gels, I wonder if they help with porous inner tubes

Cheers

Robin

to get back to the original post (I'm afraid I am also a kalkhoff owner who thinks all other pedelecs are "affordable"), I'm afraid that the only way to manage (I also have a cheap Chinese job with a throttle and derailleur in addition to the kalkhoff) is to learn to use the throttle - in addition to gears for fast getaways (to overcome lag before movement sensor kicks in), get to know the local hills so your in an OK gear for doing it before you hit the steepest parts. On the plus side it is cheap, and so far mine is unbreakable (derailleurs can take loads of torque, unlike the shimano 8 SP), one doesn't have to feel as worried about it (either locked up outside or simply hammering through ugly potholes), enjoy it for what it is, I don't think a hub gear and movement sensor is a good idea at all

 

[derf]

to get back to the original post (I'm afraid I am also a kalkhoff owner who thinks all other pedelecs are "affordable"), I'm afraid that the only way to manage (I also have a cheap Chinese job with a throttle and derailleur in addition to the kalkhoff) is to learn to use the throttle - in addition to gears for fast getaways (to overcome lag before movement sensor kicks in), get to know the local hills so your in an OK gear for doing it before you hit the steepest parts. On the plus side it is cheap, and so far mine is unbreakable (derailleurs can take loads of torque, unlike the shimano 8 SP), one doesn't have to feel as worried about it (either locked up outside or simply hammering through ugly potholes), enjoy it for what it is, I don't think a hub gear and movement sensor is a good idea at all

sorry, it did occur to me after the post that I have a crank motor, not a hub motor like your ego...big difference

 

[Robint]

Throttles fail. I've been through two. When they fail, they often do so in the wide open state.

That's what the brake switches are for.

Hi MH
I suppose water got into your throttle

Important point, I wouldnt trust the Ego in wet weather, and looking at the crude thumb throttle , I can see why.
May change it out for a twist grip

Less worried about that, ego wouldnt pull the skin off a rice pudding, anyway isnt the Power button also a kill switch

The Khalkhoff is complete weatherproof AFAIK . Wouldnt want the K to go mental in low gear, but we just rely on the power button.
but you get what you pay for.

PS

just checked on this

Hall effect (waterproof?) not a potentiometer type

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-bike-Throttle-Kit-Twist-grip-Hall-sensor-type-incl-push-switch-UK-Stock-/151389299600?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item233f816390

looks the business

Im gonna buy one for £11 must have

 

[Robint]

to get back to the original post (I'm afraid I am also a kalkhoff owner who thinks all other pedelecs are "affordable"), I'm afraid that the only way to manage (I also have a cheap Chinese job with a throttle and derailleur in addition to the kalkhoff) is to learn to use the throttle - in addition to gears for fast getaways (to overcome lag before movement sensor kicks in), get to know the local hills so your in an OK gear for doing it before you hit the steepest parts. On the plus side it is cheap, and so far mine is unbreakable (derailleurs can take loads of torque, unlike the shimano 8 SP), one doesn't have to feel as worried about it (either locked up outside or simply hammering through ugly potholes), enjoy it for what it is, I don't think a hub gear and movement sensor is a good idea at all

****

Agreed, dont take liberties with the Nexus, but I was brought up on Sturmy Archer, so you know these things. Remember the SA 4 sp? If you got your adjustment wrong between 3rd and 4th - neutral and your feet would go flying dangerously. You only did that once.

Agreed the dr's are well proven but you have to learn to use them and anticipate hills (as you have to with a Nexus BTW, you cant change gear going uphill - well at your peril IMHO)

The Ego will be my fun bike for sunny days, but i wouldnt trust it for long journeys but my K - well has anyone done round the world yet? I would if I could ;-)

Robin

 

[flecc]

Hi MH
I suppose water got into your throttle

The Khalkhoff is complete weatherproof AFAIK . Wouldnt want the K to go mental in low gear, but we just rely on the power button.
but you get what you pay for.

You don't need to have any cutoff button/switch on the Kalkhoff of course. Like all continental pedelecs stopping pedalling cuts the power, which is why none of them have brake cutoff switches and don't need them.

The Hall sensor throttles on e-bikes do suffer internal breakages for some, and that causes the failure, often at full throttle. However, that has never happened to me on any throttle controlled e-bike after many years of using them, so it maybe something about the way they are being used that causes the problem.
.

 

[Alan Quay]

OK Robin, I give up.

Do me a favour please; don't ride it on a pavement near me.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Hi MH
I suppose water got into your throttle

Important point, I wouldnt trust the Ego in wet weather, and looking at the crude thumb throttle , I can see why.
May change it out for a twist grip

Less worried about that, ego wouldnt pull the skin off a rice pudding, anyway isnt the Power button also a kill switch

The Khalkhoff is complete weatherproof AFAIK . Wouldnt want the K to go mental in low gear, but we just rely on the power button.
but you get what you pay for.

PS

just checked on this

Hall effect (waterproof?) not a potentiometer type

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-bike-Throttle-Kit-Twist-grip-Hall-sensor-type-incl-push-switch-UK-Stock-/151389299600?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item233f816390

looks the business

Im gonna buy one for £11 must have

That Ebay throttle is no more waterproof than your present one. They're all designes so that any water going in will drip out the bottom without getting on the hall sensor; however, in a deluge, too much can get in, but it's easily solved. You only have to put a bit of silicone sealant where the wires are connected to the sensor inside the throttle.Yours is similar to this one. You can see the wires joined on to the sensor where theblack shrink sleeve is. You can just see a bit of bare wire. You just slap the silicone over it.

Throttles break when you drop your bike or when you hit a pothole at full throttle. I've broken two. Both times, the bike was stuck on half-throttle.

 

[Robint]

You don't need to have any cutoff button/switch on the Kalkhoff of course. Like all continental pedelecs stopping pedalling cuts the power, which is why none of them have brake cutoff switches and don't need them.

The Hall sensor throttles on e-bikes do suffer internal breakages for some, and that causes the failure, often at full throttle. However, that has never happened to me on any throttle controlled e-bike after many years of using them, so it maybe something about the way they are being used that causes the problem.
.

Yes F thats what I thought

BTW as a pedalphile of many years, its much more disastrous to have sudden uncontrollable power off at slow speed turns than any unlikely prospect of full power on. I know, fallen off a few times cos of this

Worst thing is negotiating a road tee junction with a hill start (tricky even on a K)

Its all a matter of balance and its amazing how sensitive we are to our pedal pressure for remaining upright at slow speed so uncontrolled fluctuations are a no way Jose

Check it yourself, and riding an e bike can make you complacent in this respect

Robin

 

[Robint]

That Ebay throttle is no more waterproof than your present one. They're all designes so that any water going in will drip out the bottom without getting on the hall sensor; however, in a deluge, too much can get in, but it's easily solved. You only have to put a bit of silicone sealant where the wires are connected to the sensor inside the throttle.Yours is similar to this one. You can see the wires joined on to the sensor where theblack shrink sleeve is. You can just see a bit of bare wire. You just slap the silicone over it.

Throttles break when you drop your bike or when you hit a pothole at full throttle. I've broken two. Both times, the bike was stuck on half-throttle.

Well thanx for the tip D8

Ah those potholes! even worse on a 20" wheel. Our councill wont visit a pothole till its >2" deep. For a biker thats potential over the handlebars crash if you dont see it. I hate night biking.

 

[flecc]

Yes F thats what I thought

BTW as a pedalphile of many years, its much more disastrous to have sudden uncontrollable power off at slow speed turns than any unlikely prospect of full power on. I know, fallen off a few times cos of this

Worst thing is negotiating a road tee junction with a hill start (tricky even on a K)

Its all a matter of balance and its amazing how sensitive we are to our pedal pressure for remaining upright at slow speed so uncontrolled fluctuations are a no way Jose

Check it yourself, and riding an e bike can make you complacent in this respect

Robin

Don't need to check Robin, well aware of it already from owning or riding a wide variety of e-bikes, both crank unit pedelecs including Kalkhoffs and throttle controlled hub motors, plus oddities which were neither.

On terrain I've got the lot, hillstarts (I live on a steep hill), congested local traffic areas in my London Borough, and even a hill start from my supermarket straight into a nightmarish road junction for cyclists.

As you say, uncontrolled power surges can be a real problem in confined low speed situations, but every e-bike has techniques to either avoid, minimise or deal with such situations. Some are much better than others for various purposes and for some while I owned three e-bikes meaning choosing the bike for the ride was the easy cop-out!
.

 

[Robint]

Of course an important point to remember is that a crank motor Pedelec relies on pedal pressure x crank revs (cadence) to regulate the power in khalkoff clever stuff, but its why you need so many (8) gears cos youve got to keep the cadence up to 70 to get benefit.
Not same with the Ego with its hub motor and crude on/off crank speed sensor. Youve got to have at least 15rpm (albeit for half a turn before it clicks into power. Bit naff when starting but thats what the throttle grip is for

chalk and cheese

Robin