Terry1100

I don't do any sizes - I'm merely a (very) satisfied customer.

They do make dobbin stuff - for horse and rider

For ultimate visibility, check out the Proviz 360+ range. Not only is it a top product, their customer service is second to none - [/url] http://terrygibson.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/urban-cyclingcommuting-in-london.html They also have a coloured version on kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1678013675/proviz-reflect360-crs-a-cycling-jacket-revolution/description [url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1678013675/proviz-reflect360-crs-a-cycling-jacket-revolution/description] You'll still need to consider layers for warmth but for visiblity this is the kiddie IMHO

I second the suggestion to get a box rather than bag. I specified the box with my Panda kit and it fits neatly on the rear of the seat tube in the triangle between the mudguard, the seat stays and the seat tube. It's discreet and with the addition of insulating tape round the join has been perfectly waterproof so far. A bit of a s*d to get it all in neatly but once sorted it was just a matter of tightening it all up.

Worth getting in touch with Panda http://www.pandaebikes.com/- I can confirm a "yes" to 6/7 of your questions. My answers inside your quoted post below. Ollie and Maria at Panda have been promptly responsive to any of my queries and I would happily recommend based on my experience.

I agree with the advice here about a mono laser - but I'd stick with the Canon brand if I were you - there are i-SENSYS models around the £100 mark

Rob - My 250w front hub kit came from Panda for my Dawes Hybrid and I have been delighted with their service both before and after purchase.

Here's my blog post on Torque Arms - very much a "work it out for yourself" post rather than an expert position - but it may help http://terrygibson.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/converting-my-dawes-sonoran-to-e-bike_19.html

You spurred me into action - done

You're right, originally had 700x32 tyres - now 700x37. The mudguard clearance on the rear is fine but was a bit tight on the front and kept rubbing. Just a matter of getting round to fitting something suitable.

Further to my earlier posts asking inane questions in the "What shall I buy" sub-forum, here's a link to my blog detailing the conversion of my Dawes Sonoran with a Panda front hub motor kit. I've only ridden a few miles so far - I'll write more once I have completed my 10 mile commute into London a few times. http://terrygibson.blogspot.co.uk/ I'm no longer a wannabee - I'm a Pedelecer

Following their post offering a January discount on their kits, I looked at their website offering. Although my plan up to now had been to buy a new e-bike, their price appears compelling enough to allow me to "dip my toe in the water" by converting my Dawes Sonoran in a manner that would easily allow it to revert to a conventional bike if necessary. I fully appreciate that this is not at all comparable to a new circa £2k bike - but does anyone have experience of the Panda kit ? TIA

Can't argue with that John - although I am concious that I don't want to be a time-waster. I have really only been testing for how the bike(s) pull away from a standing start and how they pull up a short hill. I really need to understand how they behave on the flat especially at or near the limit of assistance speed. I'd also like to better understand the effect in practive of changing down a gear when going uphill - how does the level of assistance behave when you reduce the amount of effort (torque) being put through the pedals

OK, the shortlist's up to three and now includes the Heinzamnn Pan E-TR (thanks for the test ride John). So as others have suggested I widen my search, I'm ready to listen to suggestions - but unlike before when I hadn't even ridden a pedelec I now have some points of reference - so I have a few "definites" and a few more "preferences" So, any others I could consider within the following parameters Definite Torque Sensing Trekking/Hybrid frame (crossbar) "equipped" with (sturdy) rack and mudguards "Rapidfire" trigger gear shifters Highly Desirable 700C wheel size (could live with 26") Hub gears (I realise this is likely to be mutually exclusive with trigger gearchange) MPH/miles readout on dash/computer Big battery option Not more than £2k Quiet Indifferent Hand throttle Suspension Brakes (obviously I want them! but I'm not particulalry looking for"state of the art") Currently, the Wisper 905 Torque has it by a gnat's whisker - but I'm not yet fully convinced.

I knew I'd find it ! How many forum members does it takes to change a light bulb? 1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed 14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently 7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs 1 to move it to the Lighting section 2 to argue then move it to the Electricals section 7 to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about changing light bulbs 5 to flame the spell checkers 3 to correct spelling/grammar flames 6 to argue over whether it's "lightbulb" or "light bulb" ... another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid 2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is "lamp" 15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that "light bulb" is perfectly correct 19 to post that this forum is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a lightbulb forum 11 to defend the posting to this forum saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this forum 36 to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique and what brands are faulty 7 to post URL's where one can see examples of different light bulbs 4 to post that the URL's were posted incorrectly and then post the corrected URL's 3 to post about links they found from the URL's that are relevant to this group which makes light bulbs relevant to this group 13 to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety including all headers and signatures, and add "Me too" 5 to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy 4 to say "didn't we go through this already a short time ago?" 13 to say "do a Google search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs" 1 forum lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again.

And what froth ! - I love this forum - it ticks all the boxes and reminds me of the joke about how many Forum members does it take to change a lightbulb ! You've all just entertained my lunch break. I'll post something more considered (responding to a couple of individual points) later but in a nutshell, the choice was based on availability at a retailer I have found who has been very helpful. John - I'm not buying until the New Year, if I can find time to pop in and try a Heinzmann I will (as you were so helpful in my initial search) - but it's still got too many gears for my liking ! (that should give you lot another few pages of posts in response) Thanks again all

I posted here about a year ago when I first considered a Pedelec. SInce then, my ropey Kawasaki managed another years MOT so the buying decision was delayed. I have been researching extensively since then and have ridden a number of different bikes to help narrow my choice. I'm down to two - both of which I have ridden and like. The first is the Bosch powered Orbea Keram Comfort, the second is the Wisper 905 Torque described as "a real Bosch alternative". The £300 price differential (5765Wh Wisper) is a factor but not an over-riding one if the Orbea is clearly £300 "better" Any thoughts on the relative merits from the wise and experienced people here ? http://www.orbea.com/gb-en/ebikes/keram-comfort/ https://amps.bike/product/wisper-905-torque/ TIA Terry

That's still my aim - certainly before I commit my hard earned. Unlike some here who perhaps have lots of time on their hands right bike, right place, right time is proving challenging. You haven't seen it - it's been on its last legs for a couple of years - MOT due next month. If it gets through I'll be able to spend even more time pointlessly theorising and posting inanely here in an attempt to put off opening my wallet

That's how I'd figured it - thanks for the confirmation

Is the only the battery position that is different between the eTR-U and eTR-G ?

Thanks - I'm concious that I wasted your time a bit earlier this year- but that third Heinzmann might fit the bill - it seems to be similarly specced to the Wisper 905 Torque

Aye - been there with cheap cycle computers in the past Excellent - my (currently) #1 shortlisted bike has a rear rack battery - and I have fairly large panniers. Thanks to you both.

As it was slightly moist coming in to work this morning I was pondering my next pre-purchase question. Are any brands of E-Bike particularly noted for their weatherproofing (or indeed criticised for their lack of it). I don't need to worry about being parked chained to a railing in the rain as it will be kept inside - and after 35+ years of riding a conventional bike in London commuting I'm happy with my understanding of the effects of rain and muck on chains, gear and other cycle parts. But what about the battery, motor, wiring and handlebar display - any stand-out brands ?

Got me in one

Thanks all for your answers - particularly John Cade who answered the question I actually asked (especially as I seem to have phrased it badly ). I am fit enough to make the journey on a conventional bicycle - I did yesterday as an alternative to the Kawasaki but I average 11.5 Mph which is hardly likely to challenge Wiggo. Coming up Shoot Up HIll (in Cricklewood NW2) I was grinding a lowish gear - I'd just like to know that under these circumstances I'd be supported by the motor - even if the lower gearing prevented a high speed (or even made it up in a higher gear than I would have done without assistance). I don't need an ebike to actually power me to work - it doesn't even need to get me there any quicker (although that would be a bonus) it just needs to make the ride easier - I'm not getting any younger and I do want to at least maintain or slightly improve my current level of fitness. It all comes back to a need to actually ride a TS bike to make my own judgement.