gkilner

Hi All - Thanks for the feedback so far. RobF, I don't think I could do it on an ordinary bike to be honest, there are a few hills that I would struggle a lot with, the idea being on an electric bike I won't be as worn out when I get to work. I don't want to loose loads of weight 1.5 stone would be good - I've already lost 4 stones over the last few years. Work is 12 miles there and 12 miles back - I thought this would be perfect for an electric bike (around 50mins) - not so much for a normal bike.

Hello, I am looking for a bike that will meet my requirements below. It will be replacing a 125 scooter. Main reason is to try and loose some weight and get fit - I'm type 2 diabetic. - Daily commute from Pudsey to Dewsbury 25mile round trip. - A couple of hills are between 10 and 15% gradient - Low maintenance - Reliable I'm 6'2" and 17 Stone, Age 40, I have commuted by bike previously but this was over 6 years ago. Was doing a 20 round trip commute on a Powabike Commuter 24, then changed to a normal Ridgeback Tourer bike when my fitness improved - I'm not sure I'm up to that again though. I only stopped due to a job move that was 30 miles away. Cost - Ideally no more than the £1000 cycle to work limit but would be willing to put an extra £500 to this if absolutely necessary. I like the look / sound of the Woosh Sunbear - powerful motor, high capacity battery, low maintenance hub gears, under £1000. Only negative is step through styling. http://www.wooshbikes.co.uk/?sunbear&log=which What should I get? Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks, Gavin.

Hi, after a 6 year break, I've decided to get another electric bike, I stopped last time due to moving jobs, I'm now working 12 miles away so is a possibility again. Last bike was a Powabike with Lead Acid Battery! Anyway, I'm thinking of an Ezee Torq Mk3 these used to have an off road option where the 15mph limiter was disabled, is this still possible on the latest models? Thanks.

I think there could be a problem with your bike. I had a Commuter 24 with lead acid battery and it never fell below 11mph, on any hill I tried. I only ever used the top 3 or 4 gears - the lower gears were redundant. Although the motor is rated as 200watts - the peak is over 700watts - they don't come any more powerful. I should also point out that I'm 19+stone and carry luggage.

I just feel like a change, I soon get bored. I also think the Kalhoffs look really smart and modern. I like the thought of the hub gears on the Kalkhoff, less mess(I keep the bike in the house) I'm also looking for something lighter, it's a bit of a struggle getting mine up the steps at work.

SOLD *Powabyke 24 Speed Commuter* SOLD Bike Now Sold

Hello all, just a quick question regarding the latest hub gears. On modern Shimano Nexus 7 or 8 hubs, is it possible to get a neutral gear? It’s something that I remember happening on more than one occasion on my old Raleigh Grifter with 3 speed hub gears, when standing up peddling very hard it could slip into neutral with awful consequences. I’m looking for some re-assurance that this can no longer physically happen on the latest Shimano models. Many thanks, Gavin.

I would agree that buying a cheap used Powabyke is a good option for someone in your position wanting to try out elecric bike ownership. I'm just over 19st and the Powabyke performs very well. I've used it almost everyday to get to work and back(13mile round trip) for the last 6 months. I paid £400 for a 12mth old model in 'as new' condition.

Presta & Car Type Hello, I only know of car type valves and presta valves. Is the Woods type valve the same as presta? It's just that I managed to buy a presta valve pressure gauge, it cost £9.95 + £1.50P&P. If this is the type you are after, let me know and I'll find out where I bought it from.(It was on-line somewhere). There are cheaper models available on ebay too for about £7.

Hello All, Please add me if you don't mind. Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 Many thanks, Gavin.

A battery that has good deep-discharge characteristics would sound like the one to go for. Although that price does seem very high. Yuasa do a special model for bikes/golf biggies/elect wheel chairs the NPC range, unfortunetly, they don't list your size of battery as being available. The stanadard NP range is a general purpose battery but is supposed to be designed for cyclic deep discharge also. YUASA BATTERIES Bikes and Batterys sell a battery for the size you require, Sealed Lead Acid Battery This company deals with Powabykes, the 12v 15a version for my bike is about £26, so your 7a should be quite a bit cheaper. The batteries are made by PBQ which don't seem very common but, this company also sells these batteries on ebay and gets some good feedback. Could be worth a try.

Hi, I've been doing a lot of reasearch on these too. Just the fact that Yuasa seem to be by far the most common battery stocked by most retailers says a lot. I would be willing to pay the extra.

I bought a Halfords wireless 5 function speedo which I would avoid. It looses the wireless signal quite often when riding near traffic lights or other certain areas. It also doesn't start automatically when you start riding. It was only a couple of pounds cheaper than a cayeye model too. You live and learn.

I travel approx 13 miles each day so the light version might struggle to last the distance, especially if the capacity drops off over the months. I've just thought though, with it only been 2.5KG's I could easily carry it to my office for a charge before riding home.

That is good to know Frank. I would like a lithium battery but the price is still too hard to swallow! Off topic(Sorry) Frank, have you ever had the need to use your bottom 16 gears on your 24 speed commuter? I only ever use the top 5 gears - and I encounter many long and steap hills. The 24 gears seem a complete overkill. Although, if the battery ran out, I could see the advantage of them then.