Polar753

Same conclusion, I normally like to get good quality stuff as its less hassle in the long run and I tend to keep stuff for a while. The 29er forks are a bit limited in supply too, I need to do some more research about them fitting a 700c bike, I didn't realise this would be so complicated, the new Bosch Kalkhoff is looking tempting, I just don't want to leave such a nice bike outside work. Decisions decisions!

Hi d8veh I found those and decided to try and get something a bit stronger, and an air fork if possible. Thanks anyway.

Thanks for that, I'm quite surprised how difficult it is to find 700c forks. I have read that its possible to use mtb forks with some kind of converter for the brakes, but it sounds a little messy to me. I'll try to send an email to bike-components, otherwise the chain reaction Suntours look about the only option. The uk does seem to be quite MTB oriented, I think its more of a looks thing. Cheers

Hi James Thanks again, its nice to know your happy with the result and understand the issue of control over rough surfaces. All I need to do now is find somewhere that sells them and make sure they are compatible. There seem to be an infinite number of types and variations, but few 700c options. Do you remember where you purchased from, the nearest I can find so far is:Suntour NRX S RL Air 700c Forks 2010 | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com I have even been considering a carbon fork as they are supposed to be much more forgiving. Thanks again to everyone who has replied. These looked interesting until I got to "no disk,v-brakes etc" Rock Shox Ruby suspension road fork 700c Gr8 1" threaded Touring Panniers | eBay

Hi all, Thanks for the good advice. I have already fitted a suspension seat post and that helped with comfort a bit, my biggest problem is constantly having to weave about to avoid the constant 3-4 inch wide / deep holes everywhere, if I do hit one it feels like the bike is going to fall apart, or me for that matter. The trails I often ride are better than the roads in many places. I have thought about big chunky tyres, but I have just ordered winter tyres, very icy where I live today. Top Contact Winter 2 Tyre So really I'd like a reasonable air front shock with either HS33/11 or a disk setup, not that bothered, just want something that works. James,I like the look of the Suntour NCX E RL Lite, its discontinued damn, can you remember what size you needed. Thanks again.

Hi, the title says it all. Its the time of year to give my trusty steed an early xmas present. The bike is a great bit of kit, but I agree with previous reviews, the brakes are a bit weak for the weight of the bike, with me being a pasty muncher not helping the cause either. The other known issue is the ride is a tad on the harsh side especially as the council are broke and wont fix the roads. No surprise at the amount of 4x4 that have appeared recently. So with the new bikes getting front shocks and disk brakes i'm getting green eyes and rather than buying a new bike, how about an upgrade? I could forget the shocks and just put some of these on. Any idea which version? Magura HS33 Black Brakes 2011 | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com Or I have found these: SR Suntour NCX D Suspension Fork Which are similar to what is fitted to: Electric Bikes - Commuting - Kalkhoff Pro Connect S Electric Bike I realise that I'd need a new wheel which increases the cost, plus the hassle of changing out the forks is a bit of an unknown as well as purchasing disk brakes, but I think the upgrade would be worth it. I'm a bit reluctant to chat to a standard shop as I can't be bothered with the eye rolling when I say ebike... Anyway if anyone has done it i'd be really interested how it worked out. Cheers.

Good to hear the Bosch kit is holding up well in Germany, I really do like the KTM bikes, I don't think 8K is going to be an easy conversation with the finance director(wife) anytime soon. Even if I "should not hesitate too long!" mmm I think I would prefer a zero motorcycle instead really. Electric Dirt Bikes || ZERO MOTORCYCLES

Hi Bob At the end of the day it comes down to the right tool for the job, try and have an honest look at where you want to use the bike. My Pro Connect is a great bike and copes well with light off road, if its muddy, very steep, rocky, wet etc walking is the only option, its designed as a fast commuter and is excellent in that role. The KTM bikes look great, and cost less than the Haibike, but I think I would end up walking down rocky stoney sections as the motor looks exposed. Haibike has a patent on upside down motor installation, very smart thing to do. I agree that you could wait forever for the newest thing, although I have always wondered what I'm missing out on with the Pro Connect S, I wish I'd spent the extra. So Haibike seems to fit the bill, I just need to write a cheque for £2759... Then go and thrash it down a big hill, sounds like fun to me.

Thanks Frank. I have just re-read my first post and it could be taken that I was having a dig. Not the case at all, in fact I think your passion to get cars off the road is great, and a good foundation for a business you believe in. I'm just looking for something that i'm not sure exists yet, getting close though. All the best.

What happened to EddieO's KTM? There seemed to be some sobbing in previous thred?? The price seems really good, are the components up to it? I'm struggling with nearly 3K on the Haibike with an as yet unproven system. Someone in Germany had one fail after three months, admittedly after hard use. I have a few concerns over reliability, hamming it off road really tests bike components, the 29 inch wheel strength is a really good point, thanks oigoi. I do have a few doubts that any e mtb system can cope with hard off road use, so replacement parts availability and cost is a big factor, I don't want to have to spend loads every year fixing it after the warranty expires, or have to severely restrict how its used to avoid damage. Anyone know what a replacement system costs? That is a big factor for me, as with any off roading, I expect it to break sometimes, knowing how to fix it again is all part of the fun. I think the Panasonic system was replaced as a whole unit, anyone have any idea of cost? Being miles away from the supplier, I cant just drop in to get it fixed, I like to be able to replace anything myself if possible, I have been known to strip a grinding bottom bracket half way through a long ride, long time ago...

Hi Bob Interesting thread, I've been researching exactly this subject for the last few weeks and will purchase once I find the right bike. I've decided that cheap Chinese kits a a definite "no" as I just don't think they are strong enough for proper off road use. I really want to keep away from the "garden shed" look. I'm steering away from hub motor kits as I just don't think they will last off road, I believe they have worse climbing ability, less efficient, poor ride quality and they tend to have a high battery location which must compromise agility. Also not keen on the battery in a rucksack option either. So what's left KTM, Haibike and no mention so far of the X-Flyer. The KTM bikes look really nice, not sure about the price KTM Bikes // Bikes vom Besten! but looking at the pictures of the standard Bosch motor fitting, it seems somewhat exposed, and I know I will ding it at some point. Have a look at the 2012 Haibike range Haibike That is getting really close for me, the new 29 inch wheel is something I have to try out. LEV | our shop | buy electric bikes I thought the Swiss flyer was nearer 5K but should be worth a look as the Panasonic system is well proven now. The other thing to think about is Bosch have just released a 350w system, Bosch Introduces 28 MPH Bottom Bracket Motor | Doped Bike So far the bike I really want doesn't exist yet, full suspension 29 inch wheel with the 350 watt, Bosch motor. The Haibike gets closest, interested to see if you can dig anything better out. Good luck, (please ignore all typos, spelling, grammar etc etc etc I got a D in English and proud of achieving that!) I have no association with any of the links above. Also don't go too nuts about the whole hub motor thing, its just my opinion regards more serious mtbing.+ Any other disclaimers you can think of. (please don't start any manufacturer squabbling, not interested:p) Let us know what you get, have fun looking. R.

I ran away, turned into a bit of a playground, People with commercial interests should be very careful about slagging each other off in public. Just my 2p. Lovely sunny day today

All sounds a bit complicated to me. Try Specialized Subzero Glove 2010/11 - £39.99 No batteries, no gear change / brake problems just toasty fingers. I used them last winter down to about -6 and still fine. In fact had to take them off sometimes because I was too hot! Only problem is a bit pricy but I hate having cold fingers. Top tip for warm feet, I used my Scarpa walking boots, one size too big with some thick socks, 10 times better than anything else, and I tried almost everything else. Also good to -6. Having the right kit in winter is essential, a friend of mine nearly got hypothermia biking home in bad kit. I also use: Sportful Vuelta Thermal Bib Cycling Shorts Only £55.00 Sugoi Sub Zero Skull Cap Only £16.00 Get a good scarf to keep the wind off your face and ears makes a big difference too. With good kit I kept warm in Scotland for about 45min in -6 temp. Without it I would be cold in about 5min. Safe biking. All the best.

My chain gets unhappy if it isn't looked after, especially if you go out in the rain then leave it for a few hours. I think the links start to rust and get seized. Turn it upside down and peddle gently, any bad links are obvious, as said before use a good oil like GT85 etc and don’t just dump the bike after riding in the rain. I used one of those hot glue guns to fix my chain guard and it worked a treat. Hope you get it sorted. P.S. Suspension seat post sorts out the poor roads, I still prefer a steel frame for the ride quality. Does that make me old? Changing to a larger motor sprocket helped the chain run a bit smoother to, I didn't think it made much difference with the smaller rear one.

Sorry for being dim but I'm not sure what that means