derrick7

Thanks for the info Flecc. Derrick - Llanberis

Not my world The new Fabia Estate costs only £13 740. ONLY!!! People who say things like this don't live in the world that I live in! Derrick - Llanberis

Has anyone got any tips for removing the rear wheel (Nexus 3 speed hub) I have to replace the inner tube, the centre of the Presta valve blew out the other day, the manual tells you how to remove the front wheel (blindingly obvious) but there is not a word about removing the rear wheel!! My experience has been with derailleur gears up till now. Also how many teeth does the rear sprocket on the standard Lafree have & where is the best place to get them from? I have a new chain ring & motor drive sprocket & I am thinking of replacing (including the chain) them all at the same time. Derrick - Llanberis

I have a Lafree bought 6 years ago & the only thing that has every gone wrong was the Panasonic charger! I am lost without this bike, my hips & knees can't stand big walks now & the bike takes the weight off them. Derrick - Llanberis

About a month or so ago I bought a Cyclaire Plus tyre pump, I tried it out today. A complete waste of money! The cheap track pump I bought from Argos is ten times better. Derrick - Llanberis P.S. I snapped off the little brass nut on the 'Presta' valve whilst trying to wriggle off the pump connection, that made my day!!

Might be useful I insure my Lafree ( £500) for £36.00 per year, fully comp. with a get you home service, the bike isn't worth much now but if bump someones car/person these days it can cost a fortune, also I have no contents cover for my flat, never have had. Insured by ETA. Green Breakdown cover, cycle insurance, green travel insurance | ETA Derrick - Llanberis

An old Lafree I have a Lafree bought in December 2004 still running well, I never had much faith in the battery meter being accurate, I set my trip meter to zero when I recharge & when it clocks up about 23 miles I know it's getting very low. I find the LED on the handlebars is reliable, when that starts to blink I have approx. 2miles left. Like flecc says you will get a hum from the motor when you pedal, when you don't that's the time to worry! Derrick - Llanberis

Thanks for the tip. I have just ordered one from the same people £39.99. I have 2 motor sprockets from A to B so if the motor & electronics hold out I should have a serviceable bike for several years. Derrick - Llanberis

Pondering no more I have taken note of the two answers to my dilemma above, I have never owned a scooter & never ridden a motorcycle & the two people who have given the advice above have put my mind at rest. The scooter I looked at is a Chinese/Indian scooter (4 stroke) thanks for the advice, I shall go for the Alien Unisex they seem to have a good reputation. Derrick - Llanberis P.S. I am 70 & I never wear shorts or T shirt, if it gets hot I retreat to the shade!

I have an old Giant Lafree, it has served me well & still does, but lately I have been thinking of getting a bike where I can journey along without pedalling (for short distances) because of growing infirmity, a hub motor bike with a throttle, the Alien Unisex would suit me very well. Now to do the sums. Alien £620 delivered + £279 every 2 years for a new battery, 25 miles max. say 12 miles there & back (to be on the safe side). Or a 50cc scooter. Scooter £580 delivered + £55 registration + £15 road tax + £80 insurance (guess) & almost unlimited mileage. This is what I am mulling over, it strikes me that batteries still aren't good enough & are still expensive! Derrick - Llanberis

Bigotgate Not amusing & foul mouthed & what does it have to do with a site like this one! Yes I am a Labour supporter to save anyone guessing. Derrick - Llanberis

I am thinking of getting an Alien Unisex bike but this series of posts have caused me to reflect! I have a Lafree (5 years old) which nothing has ever gone wrong (except a duff battery charger) I would like a throttle/pedelec bike & this bike is the only one in my price range. Derrick - Llanberis

A D cell rated @ 10Ah This local (near Bethesda) company sells these D cells at almost the same price. At £5.91 for 10+ (£118 for the 20 I would need). VTE10000D I am thinking of trying these when the pack on my LaFree packs up. Derrick - Llanberis

Advice on insurance I insure a Giant Lafree for £500.00 fully comp. for £36.00 p.a. from these people iLoveMyBike.co.uk cycle insurance | ETA. Derrick - Llanberis

Thanks for Replacement Giant Lafree motor sprockets info. The one thing that bothered me about my Lafree (bought 2004) was the unavailability of spares, when you could have a perfect bike & not be able to use it because one component is worn out. No car owner after 5 years would tolerate that. 3 cheers for A to B!! A company near me sells these - D Size 10,000mAh NiMH batteries @ £5.91 discounted price for 10+ (p + p incl) I have measured up the old cells off my Lafree & these new cells are same size (physically) @ £118.20 for the 20 I would need to make a new battery pack for my bike seems very reasonable to me. I haven't heard of the make before - VAPEX. Go to Home if you want more info. Derrick - Llanberis