Naileddownslug

Grrr. Wish I hadn't seen this. Now I want that S11.

It's a German brand- Kalkhoffer? Kalkhoffen? Anyway, I'm loving my Endeavour Alfine S11. 1300 miles on it so far, mostly commuting. Pretty certain I wouldn't get 80 miles on it though. Longest ride I've done is exactly 50 miles with about 2,000 feet of climbing. Total time out (including stops) 2 hours 48 minutes. Economy mode for downhills and flattish sections, cranking up the power for the hills. At the end of the ride I had one bar on the range indicator left. The computer was saying I had 3 miles left in economy mode, all higher power ranges were reading zero. The difference between my results and lowranger's are no doubt due to 1. My bike being an S pedelec so I'm trasvelling faster so more wind resistance for the battery to overcome. 2. I'm at least 20 kg overweight.

Thankyou.

Oh, go on then- HP10

For my particular circumstances that would be perfect. I have no wish to go off road on mine, like I say I'm happy to be a motor vehicle driver providing I don't have to wear a m/c helmet.

Doesn't get you fit though. I'm commuting 18 hilly miles each way three times a week on mine. Mostly I'm in economy mode so I'm working quite hard. 2 to 2 .5 hours exercise each journey.

I ride a 350w 45kph top speed S Pedelec and would love to legalise myself. My knowledge of all this is hazy to say the least. If, a some point in the future I could ride my pedelec with type approval,third part insurance, registration and an appropriate license I'd be happy. I'd have no problems being a motor vehicle in the eyes of the law. I'm worried however about the helmet requirement. Are the Dutch requiring a full motorbike helmet or merely the compulory use of a cycle helmet? I'd (reluctantly) use a cycle helmet if required to do so, but I can't imagine cycling in a full face motorbike lid, How do you see the helmet issue playing out in the UK?

Yes, that thought had occurred to me, I haven't yet looked at bike specific GPS systems, but plan to.

RobF Haven't worked out a route yet. I'm aiming for Stockton-on-Tees. I got the overall 280 trip length using the bike route option in Google Maps. I have friends who live a few miles south of York. If all goes to plan i would stay with them on the third night. The last day would then probably be York-Thirsk-Northallerton-Stockton.

I know what you mean about the time slipping away. Route finding can be a particular timesink. So yes, I'm sure i'll be out on the bike for most of the day each day. I'm guessing 4.5 hours actually cycling. 2 -2.5 hours sitting in pubs/cafes, 2 hours stopped at junctions checking the route, having e cig breaks, filling waterbottles and so on.

Group cycling is of course more fun than solo. Nevertheless I have found that a few days of my own company is very satisfing in a different way. Difficult to explain without sounding pretentious but everything seems to take on a slightly spiritual quality as you get into the journey. I've noticed this on several multi day mountain walks and cycle rides I've done previously. Also, it seems that the more people you have in a group the slower the group goes. Even if everyone can move at the same pace there's always someone that needs a loo stop,, a shop visit, a bite to eat etc. I'll just move a lot faster if I'm by myself. Alternatively, perhaps I'm just turning into an antisocial old git.

A spare battery would be good, but they seem very expensive. £800 from 50 Cycles for an identical battery, even the smaller ones are £400. Ordering from E bay Germany would get the price down , but we are still talking several hundred pounds. Also I'd need to carry the thing, ie i'd need panniers. With just the one battery I reckon i could get away with just a rack bag- carrying nothing more than basic tools, charger, rain jacket, wallet, phone, maps, toothbrush, and Tshirt/shorts for the evening. Cycling gear washed out overnight as necessary..

Thanks for the replies. I think 4 consecutive 70 mile days will present a reasonable challenge for me while still being achievable, providing I continue to do my 18 mile each way commute, plus some longer rides at weekends. It would represent about 4 and a half hours in the saddle each day. So if I set out at 9.00 each morning with the aim of finishing at 6.00 pm, I would only have to cycle for half the time. The furthest I've ridden in a day on an unpowered bike was 96 hilly miles (I've done that twice, the last time about 6 years ago) . I think the key will be battery charging time along the way. I guess that providing I make clear that I'll be ordering food and drink wherever I stop, there shouldn't be a problem. If somewhere refuses I'll just carry on to the next suitable place.

I'm pretty heavy, 105kg. also my route is quite hilly, so this may account for the different battery useage. I estimate I use a third of my reserves getting into to work, and two thirds getting home. I'm travelling east on the way to work, ie with the prevailing winds, and against them on the way home. Also work is 300 feet lower than home, which must make a diifference. This week will be my first 3 commute week; Wed, Thurs,and today. Legs are feeling pretty tired at the moment, the ride home later will be hard work. Still, the weather's nice.

Flecc Well ,at least I was right about it's intended use, should have realised that the intended use included the UK.