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Wow - thanks for all the input. It does seem like the Cytronex has the best freewheel/real bike feel. I shall try and arrange a test ride to see how close to a normal bike it is. Also, although it is in a different price bracket, I live quite close to the Wisper outlet (Sammy Miller museum?) - if I test rode this, would it have the non-freewheel type hub motor that would show me what resistance I'd get?

Thanks Patrick Sadly, I work for a major corporation not known for their flexibility, so my expectations are not high, but it might be worth a try.

Thanks Flecc -- sounds like the Cytronex is the way to go. Last related question - I have the potential to buy via the Cycle2Work scheme via my employer, but only via a Cyclescheme member. I have found out from Cytronex that they are not part of this network because of the overhead. Does anybody know of a Cyclescheme member would be be willing to source a Cytronex, perhaps for a small fee?

As Spring/Summer approaches, I've decided it's about time I took the plunge and bought an electric bike. After some research, I think I've narrowed it down to these two which seem to offer similar philosophies at different price points. My needs: - A bike that is as close to riding a normal bike as possible when not in 'power' mode (I like to think I can use it to get fit too!) - both these bikes have reasonable weight and free wheel motors to achieve this. - Enough power to take the strain if I run out of steam; say on a total 15-20 mile ride tops, mostly on flat-ish terrain (e.g. New Forest). - Looks similar to a normal bike - just my personal preference. Does anybody hae any views on these two bikes for this type of use - the question could be as simple as whether the Cyctronex merits the extra money (I assume because of the better base bike spec)? Thanks. -

The Dahan/BionX package looks great... not sure that it would be allowed on our trains at peak time here in the UK though - more of a foldable for boot (trunk) carriage or easy storage rather than commuting. Got me thinking about options though...

My recent post re: selecting a bike highlights my intention to go for something MTB-like... a direction led by heart rather than head! However, as my intended use includes commutes in London, my head tells me I should also consider a folding bike that I can take up on the train from Dorset (without restricting times I can travel - no bikes on any SWTrain at commute time!). Does anyone use an electric folder (e.g. Ezee Quando) in this way? If so, what is your experience e.g. does the bike really fold small enough, is it light enough, what issues do you face, etc.? Depending on the answers, I may have to broaden by test rides a little... Many thanks for sharing your views.

That's an interesting thought HarryB - I'm considering the Torq but also for a regular London commute (15 miles each way), so may have the same problem. I assume frame and headset are standard and so could fit suspension forks - but the fact that it's not standard at this price makes me wonder whether there's any problem with suspension forks and front wheel drive motor? Has anybody done this upgrade?

Thanks Charlie - yes, I'm worried about how 15mph will feel as I regularly keep up with traffic on my existing manual cycle. After sales upport may also be a big factor in my choice -- nearest Powacycle centre is Gosport (30+miles) and nearest Ezee test ride is Southampton, with support back at HQ in the event of problems. At least Giant have a local dealer, and Wisper have a centre in Christchurch - I will be test riding both this weekend Will post a new thread with first impressions of pedelecs!

Excellent advice Flecc - thanks. I think a test ride is the way to go - I'll learn a lot from this. Not easy to arrange with the Powacycle by the looks of it - so I'll start with the Giant Suede vs. the Ezee Torq (I understand 50cycles encourage local owners to provide test ride facilities... a great idea if it is a good bike as 'word of mouth' marketing will apply). I'll let everyone know how I get on - assuming there will be other novices like me looking for similar info in future.

Thanks for the rapid response Flecc. Similar prices not reflecting similar specs is at the heart of my dilemma, given that it is is hard to get details from websites of the exact components used... seems not to be a problem with standard bikes (e.g. manufacturers all keen to detail which gear set, v-brake or forks they use). The inference may be that some suppliers are taking advantage of this relatively new market and charging a premium price for a not very premium product... It looks like I may have no alternative but to save the extra pennies for the Torq unless there's anything imminent in the market.... do new bikes tend to get launched at events such as the "Tour de Presteigne" in May? I've read some of your previous posts by the way -- impressive knowledge and experience, not to mention environmental commitment!

Hi all. I'm hoping soon to become an owner of an electric bike, but am having trouble deciding what to buy - can you help - the specs and prices seem to vary wildly? I like the look and feel of a mountain bike, and hope to get one which I can cycle 'normally' when I need to - so not too heavy. My likely use is 16 mile (each way) fairly flat commute from Sutton to Canary Wharf -- but it would be nice to think I could take into into the New Forest at the weekend (too much to ask?). My style preference is leading me to consider the Ezee Torq, Powacycle Salisbury and Giant Suede (by existing MTB being a Giant Terrago). I hear Schwinn are doing things in this space too - but can't find a UK dealer with stock, and I like the look of the Wisper 905e but am wary of the comparison with the Torq made elsehwhere in these pages. Is there really £600-worth of value added in the Torq vs. Giant/Powacycle (at £599 each)? What would I be paying the extra for? And as you can't get detailed specs for the components of each of the bikes - how can I make a value based decision between similar priced bikes e.g. Salisbury v. Suede or Torq v Wisper 905e? Lastly - with most makes being single supplier, is it possible to haggle on price or accessories? Hope you can help me -- many thanks for your time.

Torq for sale? Hi - is teh bike still for sale - I can pick up this week. Regards