hihihi

Hello PennyFarthing, yes, I also am awaiting nicer weather. And then there were a few weeks while the rear wheel was being strengthened (rebuilt). Still feeling apprehensive about breaking spokes though which is off-putting It appears that for you pedelec-cycling alone really does effect weight-loss. You've added to my motivation to get pedalling again (though I fear my appetite will always win...). As for clothing, I wear the same as for walking.

Thank you Indalo for your thread. I am really enjoying reading every comment. What fun, thanks again!

Hello donnoirf, thanks for your kind words, experiences, modifications and views. What is your pedelec you now consider "a dream to ride"? What style of handlebar did you choose from Humpert? I wish the Duke branding came off as easily as yours. Initially I used a marker pen but that wiped off. So now I have black insulating tape everywhere. Eventually I might get round to spraying paint. However, there are more pressing issues to sort: spokes failure. I am currently looking forward to the return of my rear wheel, having taken Kudos' advice to get it expertly rebuilt.

A dream come true, for the cyclist - nightmare for others? My imagination is stirred. Thanks for the news flecc! How will the manufacturer and retailer view this; for example: might current units become redundant and who will bear the burden of change? It appears the consumer will benefit from a better product, eventually. Which is exciting...

The way I understand it, you can avoid Paypal charges by chosing the "Gift" option (in the "Send Money" window click on the "Personal" tab [before you "Continue"] to reveal 4 more payment options: "Gift" is the first/default). This is how I made my donation. Please note, if you use this "Gift" option to, for example, buy something, then the normal Paypal payment protection will not apply.

A former non-bicyclist, I added the pedelec as a means of transport. Wouldn't be without a car, but prefer to cycle locally and when it's dry. The novelty doesn't seem to wear off.

Hello ribcageprotector.com, yes I am still having fun with my bike, thanks. I agree about your Hobson's unusual shape. This split design must be easy on your frame movement. Certainly, my sprung saddle rocks sideways when pedalling. Do your thighs chafe at all on the rather wide nose, or is most of your weight carried on the rear part of the saddle, as with an upright stance? One more question: I wonder, what is your part in your username's company?

Maybe something like this? http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l570/pedelec/whitebikeongreenchargesymbol-1.jpg

Yeah! with a bike I imagine it'd be perfect. Nice.

Further to my previous posting here... I've just tried to create a similar design with a different symbol. Phew, that's hard. Well done (!) to whoever created the three badges. Anyway, here is my idea (please imagine a green background and such a polished finish as on the previous badges - sorry, I just can't match that): http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l570/pedelec/Re-ChargeSymbol.jpg

Sigara Içilmez, Забрањено пушење, dim Ysmygu or http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l570/pedelec/NoSmoking-1.jpg What's easiest: Turkish, Serbian, Welsh or just a sign?

You're a genius flecc. I like your thinking of compiling a book with the input of several authors. Brilliant!

flecc has some very good online information (website). Specialised maybe, but really really good, and kept up to date. Hope you don't mind the link flecc. In fact, how about it... fancy compiling a book? I herewith promise to purchase a copy of your first edition. Come to think of it, that would be a good investment even - I'll have two please!

Hello "vaasa", sadly I'm a lesser engineer than most on this forum. However, your mentioning that the noise happens at so slow an interval has me thinking that maybe the chain is the squeaker?

Here's another wisdom I picked up while awaiting my turn at my local doctors: Once recovered from a cold we are effectively immune from then on to that particular virus. Apparently our body's defenses will have learned the particular strain's characteristics, thus immediately know how to deal with it if ever re-encountered. Trouble is, there appear to exist several different types of cold virus, just over 200!

Interesting link z0mb13e, thanks! It also led me to view the appropriately titled video clip. I wish we could make ourselves into a better travelling public, but I also know that we just are what we are. Human. So: Keeping Motorists separate from Cyclists is THE simple recipe for safety (and if done well, for fun too!). Sadly, the result is often ridiculous, like painted bicycles on roadside car parking (pretence of creating cycle lanes). Our councillors probably feel good about such 'green' projects. If only they realised where the real glory lies of becoming the cyclist's saviour... If a fatal incident between a cyclist and motorist would have been preventable with improved infrastructure, and this fact had been knowledge, would this be a case of manslaughter?

There is of course the idea of creating a new item with traditional looks. An example are kit cars that replicate the looks of classic or vintage vehicles, but are in fact based upon new models. With those internals you might say the looks are just a façade. And you would be right. That is exactly the kind of thing I like. Including an 'old fashioned' looking bicycle that has an electric assist system. Which hopefully you don't notice at first glance. Here is my (compromise of an) old fashioned looking bike:http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l570/pedelec/Duke/blackDuke3.jpg

Beautiful scene flecc. What a strong girl she must be too. My only concern: rear tyre appears to need topping up.

Interesting... However, are you sure there's "totty" (lack of feminine curves)? Looks like it folds down almost as small as a Brompton. I wonder where the battery is. Maybe it's carried in the backpack (first picture shows the electric version).

According to the thread "clothing ideas for cycling..." it seems to me that Lycra garments (popularly by Altura) should answer your needs.

What an unusual question. I think the Lycra look is too effeminate for any man, young or old. Even if they're slim and trim. I am more of an AHOM. Which is an Acronym-Hating-Old-Man.

Like the sound of your wicker basket shoppers! Mine's plastic on the front rack. Interesting bikes. Maybe I should read up on all your posts. Anyway, got any pictures?

What a handy thread and post. Well done, Dave. Your advice would have made my choice quicker, if not easier too. As for deciding a budget, here is how I justified spending so much: I worked out what the cycle would save me in car running costs over 2 years (expected battery life). That was a high enough number to permit my new toy. I would also like to add one more criteria: Making sure that the bike can carry the weight of add-ons, luggage and rider.

Yes, of course, you are right, Flecc. "circumstances" are indeed very different now.

Further to my 9-days old posting and by way of amendment... ...I have refreshed my memory via the book "The Secret War of Charles Fraser-Smith", in which the author recounts his troubles in getting reluctant battery manufacturers to supply him with three times more efficient ones than available on the open market (they cost the same to produce). Charles Fraser-Smith, "The 'Q' Gadget Wizard Of World War II", urgently needed them to power miniature radios. Some "facts" after all to support my "theory"...