Poolepete

I've gone for the AXA Fold Pro 100 and found it very user friendly. It is great on bike racks and street lights. On my last bike I also had an AXA Defender frame/ring lock with a plug in chain; really simple to use and also Silver Sold Secure rated (as is the Fold Pro 100).

I have just bought a Haibike Trekking 6 Low Step to replace my Raleigh Motus Grand Tour. I have written a little report on it that you will find in the reviews section of this site which you might find of interest. Good luck with your hunt!

Just press and hold the plus button.

I replaced my 2018 Raleigh Motus GT (Activeline Plus) last Wednesday with the Haibike. The Raleigh has been great, and with 7,500 miles on the clock was still in immaculate condition. I bought my new bike from Ian at I-Psycle, who is just great. The bike was perfectly prepared and there was nothing that needed to be done, apart from a saddle (I love the Selle Scientia that came with my Raleigh) and bell swap. Why change the bike I loved? A few reasons. I never much liked the look of the bike (I did feel like Miss Marple riding on it) and I wanted something that could handle trails more easily, the Motus was never that comfortable on gravel, though I realise tyres make a difference with this. With regards to choice, I only wanted to buy a bike from Ian. His aftersales care and enthusiasm is second to none and it gives me a lot of comfort to know that he is there to assist should I need it. I wanted another lowstep as I use my bike a lot and always with panniers. Being arthritic and with a replacement hip (I'm only 52!), these days I find it harder to get my leg over. With said arthritis, I need an upright seating position to avoid shocks going through my arms into my neck; the Haibike's adjustable handlebars provide this for me. Powered by the Yamaha PW-ST motor, the bike is an epic hill climber! The 70nm of torque is all there to play with, you can certainly feel the extra punch and acceleration when riding in traffic. It's fair to say that the motor is not as quiet as the Bosch Activeline Plus and when changing gears it is important to ease up the pressure on the pedals - if you want to look after your drive train with all that extra torque. 10 days and 140 miles into my ownership, it is fair to say that I am bowled over with my new bike. I rode 45 miles yesterday for chores and to see customers in Wareham and Swanage (I live in Poole). Being pressed for time, I used the STD mode throughout the day and tackled some evil hills. My average speed was 14.5mph with 22% battery remaining. If I was ambling, the range on Eco would be amazing. I am of extremely average fitness, and I feel no soreness today :-). Riding through the gravel trail at Upton Park and through gravelly sections of the country roads was a complete joy. The Schwalbe tyres absorb the jolts and there is no need for the suspension post that was equipped on my Raleigh. On a calm day or with the wind behind me, I could cruise at slightly faster speeds on the Motus; but in reality, my average speeds are greater with the Haibike - the 14.5mph average yesterday was testament to that, I would have been lucky with 12.5mph otherwise. The Haibike comes equipped with some rock solid mudguards (nothing rattles), a Racktime pannier rack (which is great, as I have a top bag with Racktime adaptor), lights and a decent kick stand. The Yamaha C display is their equivalent of the Bosch Intuvia, but with the benefit of a more accurate clock and joy of joys, a cadence display. It will also show you how many calories you've burnt (1,500 yesterday). There were no attachment points for accessories on the Motus frame, Haibike has this covered with their "modular rail" system if you want to carry a water bottle or pump etc. A big thank you to Ian from I-Psycle for handing me over to me a bike in faultless condition and for his support over the last four years. He services our bikes annually and will always provide advice regarding maintenance in the meantime. For anyone looking to buy a bike in Dorset, I could not recommend Ian enough.

You are right of course. Just look at the number of illegal users now, with precious little enforcement. That's why I used "if I were dictator"...

I feel there is a place for e scooters, but there needs to be strict rules in place. If I was dictator, all riders to have at least a provisional licence, insurance, and a circa 12mph speed limit. The recent accidents have shown why such regulations need to be in place. Police need to start enforcing the rules on these things now, as most riders feel immune on them. I recently saw one lad, who appeared about the same age as my son at 12, carving around people on the pavement and then shot straight across the main road without looking. One fop haired rear end of a chap in his forties, was riding down a hill on the wrong side of the road in an enclosed cycle lane. Basically e scooters are here to stay. They need legislatiion, and the police will need to enforce the rules rigorously.

I also have a Motus Grand Tour step through, complete with panniers. It has just turned 3 years and I have 6300 miles on the clock. I use it whenever a car is not necessary, and in all weathers. In fact the car does far less mileage than the bike. Waterproof clothing and boots keep me dry and warm in the winter, shorts and T shirt for a beautiful ride with my wife today for lunch at the Bankes Arms in Studland. Wednesday will see a similarly attired journey with my mate for a pie and a pint at the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers. These are beautiful rides, right on our doorstep in Poole. Usually however, the bike is a tool. I can carry a huge amount of stuff in my panniers and my young children (9 & 12yrs) pretty much ride their bikes everywhere we go, as well as to school (again, in all weathers). My ebike has made me so much fitter and allowed us to get the children into the cycling habit; to the point that they hate being driven anywhere. My mate mentioned above has the Van Moof S3. It's a fine piece of kit that is great fun to ride. I think I have discovered the difference between hub and crank motors... Crank drives make you smile, hub drives make you laugh! If you want more exercise go for a crank drive, if you want minimal effort, go for the hub!

I installed AXA Defender ring locks to our bikes, complete with the accompanying plug in chains. They are ultra convenient to use and Sold Secure Silver rated. When leaving for a longer time, I double lock the bikes with Kryptonite Gold rated D locks. On E bikes I don't worry about the extra weight of carrying extra locks around.

My Raleigh Motus GT was fitted with a Trelock ring lock and came with two keys. It is generally a feature of this type of lock that the key can only be removed when locked. I since changed the lock to an AXA Defender which is Silver Sold Secure rated, and purchased the optional plug in chain. It is a really convenient lock to use. However, when I leave the bike in higher risk areas I also employ my Gold rated D lock, which is far less user friendly.

I had exactly the same issue with the same battery, and under near identical circumstances. The only difference was my bike had 3000 miles and two bars on the battery before I put it on charge. I took it to the LBS, they could not get any reading from the diagnostics. It was completely dead. Fortunately for me, the bike was less than two years old and Bosch sent out a replacement without delay.

I have recently installed frame/ring locks on both our bikes. They are really easy to use and you never forget the key, as unless it is locked, the key stays in the lock. On its own, not much use as someone could just pick up the bike and stuff it in a van, but with a dedicated chain that plugs into the lock, you can secure the bike to an immovable object in seconds. My lock is the AXA Defender, you have to purchase the bespoke chain separately. It has a Sold Secure Silver rating. We both love these locks as they are so user friendly, quick to use and don't damage the paintwork on the bike. With all that said, if I am leaving the bike somewhere more risky and for an extended period of time, I will secure it with one or two additional D locks (Kryptonite long and short shackles).

I recently bought a set of Halfords Advanced panniers and I have been really pleased with them, thus far. They are quick release and I take them into the shop with me. Even more useful if you use a scan and go, as you can load them during the shop to judge how much capacity you have left. As a rule of thumb, reckon on the capacity of a "bag for life". It is amazing how much you can squeeze into your panniers, and with an ebike you don't care too much about weight. I have carried 16 pints of milk on one side, a load of shopping in the other and you barely notice it. Back to the Halfords Panniers, they come with a shoulder strap, have a long warranty, fully waterproof and really easy to click on and off (no mucking about with straps etc). I think they are great value at £48 for the pair. https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-bags-baskets/halfords-advanced-waterproof-pannier-bag-184710.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=iwiitlwxm&istBid=t&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:868641114|agid:42483201743|tid:aud-297219197969:pla-369703715930|crid:203186066853|nw:g|rnd:9519038071580078503|dvc:m|adp:|mt:|loc:9045714&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNr4BRDYARIsAADIx9wmPaE7SDQEdsw5cna2bIpNse95ujwXkyZ4YTmUzLMvPTHStxRYtI8aAo8hEALw_wcB

Have fun with the Btwin. It would be great to hear your thoughts on it once you've has it for a while. As you say, not many reviews out there and I'm sure there are many people who will be interested in what you have to say.

Have a look at these. No issues with fitting them on my wife's Cube Elly Ride. You can slide the top clips very close together and they have an Ortlieb style quick release. Very pleased with them thus far. https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-bags-baskets/halfords-advanced-waterproof-pannier-bag-184710.html

I live in Poole and have often ridden to Christchurch and also to New Milton on occasion. I have a Raleigh Motus and my wife has a Cube Elly Ride (which we were fortunate to get for £1,495 in April). Both are step through bikes, which is great for utility and if you have problems getting your leg over ( I had a hip replacement 8 years ago at the tender age of 43). After this needlessly long intro, I would certainly talk to Whoosh and Whisper. They have a great reputation on here and, from what I have seen, have a genuine interest in keeping their customers happy. It is worth paying a bit more if you can, for that kind of service and support. I got my bike from the local Raleigh dealer in Parkstone. They were great, but have now closed down. I bought the Cube from Wiggle, I have to say their service was first class and the bike arrived very well set up. I have issues with the local Cube dealer and would not deal with them on principle. Apologies for the long reply, I think what I am trying to say is, if you need to wait a bit for the right bike then it's worth waiting. If you need to spend a little more for decent service and support, it's worth spending. You will get lots if brilliant advice here from people far more knowledgeable than me. I can tell you that your ebike will become an important mode of transport in your life, you will get stronger and have fun using it. If you see a family of four on the prom, cycling carefully with two younger children and all wearing hi viz, that could very well be us!

I have a Raleigh Motus Grand Tour and my wife has the Cube Elly Ride. You won't go wrong with either the Cube or the Raleigh. Just compare spec for the price. My wife adores her Cube (I bought it as a surprise for her in April). She is currently out to the shops with it as I speak. Panniers and a basket mean that you can carry a lot of stuff. Very pleased to report that she has now covered 500 very happy miles, which means the car is pretty well lying fallow.

I very recently got a Cube Elly Ride for my wife from Wiggle. She loves it. Wiggle gave good service as well.

Wiggle have got one of these left in stock, if you're looking for a prettier bike... https://www.wiggle.co.uk/cube-elly-cruise-hybrid-500-e-bike-2019/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=105585976&kpid=105585976&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mckv|s2BYKUm6X_dm|mcrid|295297166579|mkw||mmt||mrd|105585976uk|mslid||&mkwid=s2BYKUm6X_dm&pcrid=295297166579&prd=105585976uk&pgrid=63361650670&ptaid=pla-415764073656&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-L2BRA_EiwAacX32fUXBj0055kYBHtFaR1nX_2DJghKJjQhXKUmSgpvIfjgBRl7Lv4DUBoCy8MQAvD_BwE

Mrs Wife is still over the moon with her bike. I am really pleased to report that rather than take her car on trips to the shops, she takes the bike instead. Now approaching 400 miles on the clock.

I think it depends on how good a deal you are getting. If the bike stands well on price, then go for it. If not, walk away and find one somewhere else, if available. One of the really nice features of an ebike is the ability to turn your lights on and off at the wheel, and not having to worry about changing/charging their batteries. I would really miss this feature on my bike if I did not have it. I got my wife's bike (Cube Elly) last month from Wiggle; it had obviously been well set up by them and it arrived virtually ready to go. All I had to do was put on the handlebars, pedals and pump the tyres to proper pressure. They even supplied the necessary tools. So unless you are getting a fantastic deal, walk away and find a bike that is more suited to your requirements.

Look forward to hearing how you get on. Based purely on prejudice over nothing else, I would take a Cube over a Crossfuse. Particularly when the Cube is such good value at this time.

My wife has a Cube Elly Ride (which I believe is a very similar spec) that she got about a month ago. So far, so very good. I don't think you will go wrong with the Hybrid and the 2019 models are very good value at this time.

Being a very happy ebiker over the last couple of years I can reassure you that you won't be wasting your money IF you get the right bike with the right back up and heritage. It will change your life...

What about a Whoosh Big Bear Plus? A little more expensive but you would have support after your purchase. It is a well proven bike and I guess would be perfect for your needs

I too have a Raleigh Motus Grand Tour. With a 400w battery I have never fallen below 40 miles range in Tour mode, whatever the season. I don't think I have ever dropped be low 50 miles in fairness. I love my Raleigh so have no hesitation in recommending the Centros. I have no experience of the Gates belt so cannot comment on that, and being a luddite, I prefer derailleur to hub gears. Please forgive me!