Kenny

Ergon Grips I've have Ergon GR2 Grips and bar ends fitted on my Marin MTB. They certainly give a very comfortable cycling position. They may be a good choice for Agattu/Pro-Connect owners who don't like the look of their swept back bars but don't want to lose the comfortable riding position that they offer. The only downside I've found with these grips is it's not easy to fit a mirror, I have a small strap on Zefal Spy Mirror fitted but it's not as good as as the larger Cateye one on my road bike A long stem one might work but would probably spoil the look.

Not heard from Grizzly Bear recently either, since his OTT response to your warnings about the Tongxin. Would be interesting to know if he has also encountered problems with his kit.

I too was considering buying a tongxin being attracted by the small size, good freewheeling and cheap price. I did get 2 replies from Vivien' Diana's assistant. The first basically said that they would be glad to supply anything I wanted, the second a week later on 24/03/08 read: "We are sorry for it is our fault that we sold our products to members of the Pedelec forum directly when we have not made clear that it is for an individual or it is for his company or factory. If you want to buy our goods, you can purchase our products from our dealers in UK such as NANO or MORDEN TIMES and so on. We trully hope that you can get what you want as early as possible. Best Regards Vivien" I would guess that their UK suppliers nano-motor.co.uk (never heard of morden times) have "had a word with Tongxin" or perhaps it just wasn't worth Tongxin's time supplying single motors, Either way it doesn't look like the buying direct from China option is possible now. That was the main appeal for me as it was about half the cost of buying from Nano-motor.co.uk. Anyway hope this information is of help, though I'm certainly not interested in the Tongxin anymore having read the recent posts - Should have heeded Fleccs words of caution in the first place. Incidentally has anyone bought from nano-motor.co.uk? Maybe they use better controllers.

Definitely safer Tony I recently fell off my xtracycle crossbar framed bike while trying to bump onto a pavement at too acute an angle. (front wheel skipped away) I'm sure I'd have been able to stay on my feet had I been on a step-through rather than ending up sprawled on the ground surounded by my spilled groceries. Luckily no damage done and some kind passer-by helped me pick up my shopping - was really enbarrassing though. :o

Total agree with Tony, Flecc and Paul regarding the superior practicality of the step-through versus the crossbar. I think there is still a bit of a stigma about riding what some of the younger forum members would consider to be an "old man's bike" which is why there has been such a clamour for the crossbar Agattu. Understandable because if you think you look cool it all adds to the overall riding experiance we enjoy so much.

Anybody else eagerly awaiting the next instalment? Come on Musicbooks, leave the Agattu alone a minute and get typing.

Thanks for the info Frank and John - I'll post how I get on if I decide to go for the kit. Ken

Hi Frank I'm very impressed with your bike - It seems an excellent way of puting together an electric bike without the normal very expensive outlay. With such a small purchase price it "wouldn't be the end of the world" should the motor fail. Could you please give a bit more detail of how you ordered the kit as I can't find any ordering info on the net ie. Did you contact Diana directly at Tongxin? Regards Ken

Flecc's The Daddy Awesome number of posts Flecc - That milestone equates to a huge number of members who have recieved your expert help, advice and support. Your a real inspiration to myself and I'm sure the many regulars on this forum. Don't slow down too much - The forum just wouldn't be the same without Your excellent imput.

From what I've read both systems are very robust - with some mountain bikers fitting the 8 speed (Not recomended by shimano) with no adverse results. It might come down to the type of shifter you prefer - The 8 speed being available with either a twist or trigger shifter and the 7 speed only available with twist shift (I think)

: Really though - The seating deck on the Xtracycle is a real bonus. I regularly collect 2 of my kids (aged 6 & 9) from school and cycle short journeys to Cubs etc. They think it's really cool! (Though my daughter aged 11 gives it a miss!! :o ) The seating deck is actually rated to carry up to 90kg but without some sort of electric assist you would need legs like Lance Armstrong to pedal it, even in my fairly flat area.

I think the sole importer of the Xtracycle is 'Loads Better' whom I purchased mine from and they were excellent to deal with. As Flecc says a purpose built cargo bike is definitely going to be stronger than an add on attachment but my 11 stone isn't lightly to stress any bike too much.

Iv'e seen a few of these types of long utility bikes but it's the very large and well designed pannier bags fitted on the Xtracycle that I really like. Plus I felt that I had a bit of mileage left in my old non-suspension Hybrid which wasn't getting much use, so it was a cheaper option to convert it.

I've been using a Xtracycle, fitted on my hybrid non-electric bike, for about 8 months. In that time I've had a look at the Stokemonkey website several times and it has never been available to purchase. I think there may be some safety issues with the crank drive motor. Incidently I think the Xtracycle would work great with one of the new Panasonic drive bikes, It's great for carrying a large load of shopping, very stable and a hoot to ride. Feel free to contact me if anyone wants any information on it.

Oops - Didn't mean to sound so serious Citrus - It's the banter as much as anything that makes this such a great forum. Ken

OAP Appreciation They may be 'getting on' but the're a good humoured lot and very very knowledgeable. It's Flecc and Co's enthusiasm that inspired me to get out on my bike and reap the benefits of the cycling experience that we all enjoy on this forum. Ken ( age 48 )

Thanks Flecc I guess a slow reacting display would be a little irratating but at least I'd be able to read the thing. Ken

All the Cycle Computers I've seen are pretty small. Does anyone know of any make that have a slightly larger display? Ken (McGoo)