Countrycyclist

Thanks. Very helpful.

I will put both the Earls Court UK Cycle Show and the Tour de Presteigne in my calendar. Thank you!

Sorry I'm a newbie - hadn't realised the Optibike would be "off-topic" for this forum. I thought any electric bike could be discussed here, as you could if you nipped down to the pub.

Interestingly you don't need a scooter licence to ride an Optibike or insurance. you might need a lottery win to buy one however!

I have two Sparta bikes and am auctioning one on Ebay with no reserve or buy-it-now price. I am making some garage space as I also have besides the other Sparta, a non-electric road bike plus a mountain bike. New in May 2006 50 cms step-through frame Carbon black colour 2008 software upgrade which boosted performance Shimano 7-speed gears In excellent working order Battery life OK having recently done 25 miles on full power & only used 70% of the battery life Minor scuffs & scratches from normal use and in excellent working order In good condition as not used pedal assist heavily. Used mainly as a training bike for mountain & road racing If you are interested there are pictures & further details posted at : Sparta Ion M-Gear Electric Power-Assist Bicycle/Bike on eBay (end time 26-Aug-09 14:30:22 BST)

The Tailwind, made by American manufacturer Schwinn claims to be the fastest charging e-bike in the world. It takes just 30 minutes to charge. Schwinn's Tailwind - the Fastest-Charging Electric Bike in the World - Will be Available... | Reuters Would it be the ideal bike for the 100 Mile Challenge? Schwinn Electric Bikes - Tailwind

The 2009 Optibike OB1 has as well as its high performance spec has a built-in GPS system and an integrated PDA for showing the bike's performance details. 2009 Optibike OB1 electric bike | iTech News Net - Gadget News and Reviews Does anyone on this forum use an Optibike by any chance or have any experience cycling on one? More info about them in the UK at OPTIBIKE High Performance Electric Bike.

The Chinese are the biggest bike users in the world. Production of electric bikes has soared in China and even those who can afford cars opt for bikes to avoid traffic jams & expensive petrol. Production of electric bicycles in China has soared from less than 200,000 eight years ago to 22 million last year, mostly for the domestic market. The industry estimates about 65 million are on Chinese roads. Chinese cities still have plenty of bicycle lanes, even if some have made way for cars and buses. E-riders are out and about in all weathers there. In wet weather in their colourful rain capes they look like a rainbow army on the move. Chinese Embracing Electric Bicycles | Electric Bikes – Electric Bike News Reviews Trends Technology Information

I'm new so apologies if information is elsewhere on this forum. Just wondering whether there is a larger electric bike exhibition anywhere in the UK where you can see not only see but try out a wide range of bikes.