blackrat

My favorite cycle app is CycleComp for the Iphone. Its slightly different in that it appeals to people like me who dont want a complicated program with lots of bells and whistles but simply a LARGE speed read out. It does this very well with a digital and also a car speedo type interface. It records total mileage and trip mileage and a map route. I have found it to be reasonably accurate on my 3g Iphone and is just what I need. Blackrat

Thanks guys, this all seems to make sense. It is just possible that I will be able to do this. My ride is 11 miles each way, on the middle setting I get home with one solid light showing from fully charged. Using the middle power setting on the outbound journey and full power to get home gives me a slow flashing red light at the end. I will have to see what difference charging to the five lights on and not waiting for them to go out will make to my remaining charge at the end of the ride. Blackrat

Thanks for the reply NRG, but does the hardware do this already with the Panasonic system? ie when charging, the 5 lights light up and then go out = 80% charge (like the Toyota system), or do I need to turn it off manually at 4 lights or 5 lights before they go out to equal 80% charge?

Whilst talking about batteries and charging, I read somewhere that you should never flatten the battery completely and never charge it to maximum (conditioning excepted). I have a Kalkhoff bike with the Panasonic system, does this mean that the hardware takes care of all of this for me? Or should I not be running the battery down till the red light flashes and charging it till all 5 lights are lit and then go out (as per the manual)? My guess is that the hardware would prevent me discharging the battery too far and would charge to an optimum charge level rather than full, but does anyone know the facts? Just as an aside, I am aware that the rather larger battery in the Toyota Prius will show flat when down to 20% charge and full at 80% charge. Any lower and the engine cuts in to charge the battery any higher and the engine is driven by the battery without fuel and ignition to help drain the battery down (as a consequence of generating charge from the braking system) Blackrat

Well my vote goes to the Kalkhoff Sahel Pro disc. Why? well I've just bought one, to be delivered in January. I took advantage of 50cycles sale and also wanted to beat the VAT thing. I took one for a test ride, it was bitterly cold with plenty of ice and slush around, so hardly the best day, but I was very impressed with the bike. In fairness I have only test ridden a few bikes and this was the first with the Panasonic drive but it suited me and my style of riding. Blackrat

Have you considered a smart phone and app? I hadn't, I am in the same position as you and waiting for my new bike, I sort of stumbled into the idea. I already have an IPhone, so I just need a handlebar mount. Just an idea Blackrat

Mussels and Treackletreat, Thanks for the advice. Changing at work wont be too much of a problem. I must admit I didn't expect budget recommendations, I assumed everyone would be telling me to spend more to get good quality as it would be better (not always the case) Is the budget stuff as good as the expensive? I suppose if it wears out quickly or gets damaged its not such a blow to replace. Blackrat

Great topic for someone like me who is new to all of this. Thanks, Blackrat

Hi, I am about to start commuting over an 11 mile each way journey in all weathers. At work I have to wear smart clothes and have a neat appearance e.g. ironed shirt ect. Currently I have a cycle helmet and some summer weight gear from my non-powered bicycle and I have never commuted before. Some of you will have gone through this stage and bought clothing that didn't work out and spent lots of money making mistakes until you found what worked for you. My questions are: Should I be looking for clothing to go over my work wear and how practical is it to ride an electric bike and still appear smart (as the adverts would have you believe)? Or should I be looking at specific bike clothing and change when I get to work? In each case I would be grateful for any suggestions of clothing combinations that you think work well, literally from head to foot for all weathers and to cover all the seasons. A big question I know, but I'll bet there would be a lot of interest from other people like me. Cheers, Blackrat

Hi Everyone, Wow, that was a pleasant surprise. Not only to get so many replies but lots of useful information. Thanks to everyone for the tips and recommendations. I will definitely try some more bikes before I buy and I have already contacted 50 cycles who were very helpful. I am looking forward to trying out the Panasonic systems to see how they compare to the ones I have already ridden. NRG you are quite right when you suggest getting a cheaper bike to allow for costs of other kit. I have summer kit for my non powered bike but clearly I am going to need some serious winter kit. That leads me nicely in to my second question which is all about clothing which I will post separately. I guess taking into consideration the cost of the kit I will probably remove the A2B from my list but keep all the others in and bikes of similar prices. Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to reply. Blackrat

Hi, I am new to the forum and this is my first post and its the typical which bike do I choose? I have done my research on the internet, I've watched the YouTube videos and even had a couple of test rides and of course I have checked out the messages on this forum. What I'm after are, any thoughts you can give me on ownership of my top few choices. So, in no particular order, I have been voting and my choices are:- Whisper 905 City Powermotor A2B Kalkhoff Sahel Kalkhoff Agattu My commute will be 11 miles each way for about 2 months and after that 5 miles each way for the next few years. I like the idea of assisted pedaling to help me get fit but I also like the design of the A2B and didn't find it that heavy to pedal on the flat, its a bit cheaper on Amazon. What do you think? Blackrat