Gwethall

Purchased From: Powerpedals Purchase Price: £975.00 Time Owned: 3 Months Local Terrain: Very Hilly ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Strengths: Looks, build quality, reliability, range, hill climbing, value for money. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Weaknesses: Slightly heavy, simplistic. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary: I have delayed reviewing my new Tonaro Bighit, to give any faults a chance to develop and ensure there are no teething problems, But now after three months of almost daily use, except in the worst of the snow, though rain and mud and freezing temperatures without missing a beat, I feel confident enough to extol it's virtues. The suspension frame looks modern and attracts some admiring looks, but it also provides a very smooth ride. A small gripe here, although I am getting used to it, the saddle is not the most comfortable I have come across, and I think I might invest in one designed for a wider load. The bike is slightly heavier than some other makes I have tried, but it has the power to cope and there is no resistance or drag at all when the motor is switched off so it is easy to ride without power when required or the terrain allows. In fact the weight is in a way reassuring, as you feel there has been no compromise in the strength or build quality to save a couple of pounds (Kilograms for younger readers). The controls are quite basic, one switch on/off, and one switch to select one of three levels of assistance. The battery charge level is indicated by a row of lights incorporated into the top of the LED front light. So no bells and whistles, but to be frank I'm not that interested in knowing how hard the battery is trying, or how hard the motor is working, nor do I need a speedometer to tell me if I am traveling at a speed I am comfortable with. To me basic is good, less to go wrong. The range has been surprising given how hard it has to work to assist me over the hills in North Devon, on numerous outings of twenty plus miles it has returned me home with two of the four battery capacity indicator lights still illuminated. So; it looks good, it's uncomplicated, it's a pleasure to ride, it's reliable, and it has staying power, but above all else, what really stands out, is it's ability to climb hills. It really is a buzz to approach a huge hill, drop down a couple of cogs, turn the power level up and feel confident you are going to pedal to the top. I'm sure there are equally good bikes out there from other manufacturers, but at this price this bike is astonishing value for money. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Overall Rating (out of 10) : 9