VroomVroom

From what I read by users, they are lighter and you can do some more kms. Their overall lifespan seems lower but that doesn't outweigh the former advantages for me. It makes a huge difference when touring, even if it's let's say 1 kgs lighter and gives you only 5 kms more, it all adds up to the overall sum. And it seems the numbers are higher than that. For your normal everyday use (commuting/etc), I'm sure it's not necessary.

Interesting discussion people, got a lot out of it, carry on. Cheers for the links 50cycles, everything helps. So the Flyer and old Twist are on the list at the moment. I will test a secondhand old version Twist this weekend hopefully, just 740 euros and 500kms on it. With the money I would save I could get an extra Lithium-ion battery....or 2. Haha, nice one flecc.

Cheers for clearing that up flecc. To make sure, the old Twist, the Flyer and Swizzbee are motor driven via the chain, right? I have seen a few secondhand old version Twists for about 800 euros which is very cheap, but no guarantee etc.

I assumed the new Twist was pedelec too like the older version, too bad because all the other things were ideal. I am going to test one this week though, just got an email from a dealer and I will try a steep bridge just to experience it (no hills in the Netherlands, hehe). The Flyer was second on the list, but they have so many types, I will delve into that. Leonardo, you suggested the T-series for touring and I found a list of all the C and T series with specs here, which one would you guys pick?: Elektrischefietsen flecc, I'll check those links later, appreciated. Cheers

Hi people, cheers for the responses again, they were all helpful. After reading around more I have erased the Torq from the list and put the Giant Twist on top of the list, but the new version which is just out here in the Netherlands, with double (!) Lithium-ion batteries included (hidden underneath the small bags, with option for bigger bags), more than 100km range (Giant site says 130kms): http://www.giant-bicycles.com/backoffice/images/newtwist.jpg Specs: Giant Bicycles | Â bikes - ebike - Twist Comfort 1.0 blue Looks ideal on paper, what do you think? I emailed a few dealers to ask if they have one I can testdrive. Cheers

Hi Russ and Flying Kiwi, cheers for the responses and the welcome! Yes, that's why I am looking for the lightest one, which seems to be the Torq. And I thought if I put the throttle just a little bit open, I won't notice it that much? Especially considering I won't use the assistance half of the time, which means I need the throttle type bike, not the pedelec I think. So again another vote for the Torq. I will take an extra battery with me by the way. On camping sites they usually have a place to plug in and if needed I won't hesitate to go into a bar/privately owned shop/etc and pay them a few bucks to recharge while having a drink, eat and doing some sightseeing. I will also stay at hotels on some nights. That's pretty neat, I read around on his site, what an experience.....he used a Torq so I will email him about the steep hills and all. My budget is around 2000 euros/2600 dollars, give or take. I checked out the link for the Swizzbee and it would have been ideal (although more then I wanted to spend) if it didn't need a registration/number plate. It is considered a small power bike here in Europe and that means red tape 8( I skimmed through the Swiss Flyer link but will go through it properly tomorrow.. Nice suggestion, however I would like one not just for the tour but to use everyday 'at home' too, because I don't want a car or motorcycle.....too noisy, confined and too much red tape. Never thought of that, sounds interesting. Would have been the best thing if it could be charged while riding! Which reminds me, wasn't there an electric bike that would recharge while breaking or something? What was that one called? Road bikes are ok too, although less comfortable for me personally. I will check out the Twist too tomorrow. Cheers again both for taking time to respond, night!

Hi people, I am planning to tour around Europe this Spring for about 3 months and I wanted to know what electric bicycle would be the best for it. This will be my first electric. I want to cycle myself without any aide on flat roads and downhill of course so the bicycle needs to be light but for steeper hills and bridges I need some assistance to not wear myself out too much considering I will cycle about 50kms a day. The bike doesn't have to climb it all on it's own power, I will still cycle along moderately, need just a bit of a push. Speed is not an issue, I will tour in a normal pace while observing nature etc.. I will also be taking with me some camping gear and clothes, about 10kgs extra. I prefer a mountainbike style one although not necessary, so the Ezee Torq looks ok, however everyone is saying it's not suited for steeper hills and the gear ratio isn't ideal for that either. So could you name some that would suit me so I can look into them? Cheers VroomVroom!