I'm thinking about getting an electric bike, but can't decide a. whether I should get one at all, or b. which to get.
I currently ride a 24-speed Ridgeback Velocity hybrid – nothing special but a decent bike that I feel comfortable on and by far the best I've ever had. I'm not the world's fittest cyclist and rarely do more than 20 miles. I live in West Yorkshire and my local terrain varies from quite hilly to horribly hilly. All the hills are uphill, and we have special winds here that blow against you no matter which way you travel
While no hill defeats me, I can't say I find it very pleasurable slogging up a 1-in-4 in bottom gear. It's okay if I'm in the mood, but often I just want to go somewhere with minimum effort and arrive not needing medical attention. I don't drive, so I need to use the bike for all kinds of things.
So, whatever electric bike I get, good hill-climbing is my number-one priority.
Would I be better getting something light, like a Cytronex equipped Cannondale, or something more powerful and long range, like a Kalkhoff? Even though I only do 20 miles now, if I had an easier ride, I'd like to go further.
I like the look of the Kalkhoff Pro Connect 27g (the price scares me, but I might pay it if it was superb). Or would I be able to manage my hills on a regular Pro Connect with the 9 gears? Is the assistance strong enough to make up for the lack of gears? The first hill I encounter on every ride (20 yards from my front door) is an unavoidable 1-in-3.5 cobbled street. How would an electric bike manage on this?
And is there anywhere in West Yorkshire (Aire Valley region) to try these things out? I'm wary of buying mail order without trying one first since they're so expensive.
I currently ride a 24-speed Ridgeback Velocity hybrid – nothing special but a decent bike that I feel comfortable on and by far the best I've ever had. I'm not the world's fittest cyclist and rarely do more than 20 miles. I live in West Yorkshire and my local terrain varies from quite hilly to horribly hilly. All the hills are uphill, and we have special winds here that blow against you no matter which way you travel
While no hill defeats me, I can't say I find it very pleasurable slogging up a 1-in-4 in bottom gear. It's okay if I'm in the mood, but often I just want to go somewhere with minimum effort and arrive not needing medical attention. I don't drive, so I need to use the bike for all kinds of things.
So, whatever electric bike I get, good hill-climbing is my number-one priority.
Would I be better getting something light, like a Cytronex equipped Cannondale, or something more powerful and long range, like a Kalkhoff? Even though I only do 20 miles now, if I had an easier ride, I'd like to go further.
I like the look of the Kalkhoff Pro Connect 27g (the price scares me, but I might pay it if it was superb). Or would I be able to manage my hills on a regular Pro Connect with the 9 gears? Is the assistance strong enough to make up for the lack of gears? The first hill I encounter on every ride (20 yards from my front door) is an unavoidable 1-in-3.5 cobbled street. How would an electric bike manage on this?
And is there anywhere in West Yorkshire (Aire Valley region) to try these things out? I'm wary of buying mail order without trying one first since they're so expensive.
