geejay

Just because something is low cost doesn't mean it can be sold as "not fit for purpose" - to assume you have no rights on a cheap item is a common fallacy. You have the same rights if you buy a Ford or a Rolls. Yes, we don't know the full details, but the OP was drawing attention to the T&C's of the guarantee which seeks to absolve the seller for any responsibility for a motor failing due to "excessive heat". For a start what is "excessive"? Second, there could be a manufacturing fault in the motor causing "excessive heat", but they try to pre-empt that possibility. Third there could be some other intrinsic fault having nothing to do with the way it has been used. So, irrespective of the rights or wrongs of the actual case the T&C's are questionable. It's a constant problem in all areas of commerce where some people try to deny customers their statutory rights and then make it difficult to obtain proper redress. I always think you can tell the quality of company by how they deal with things when they go wrong. Ryan Air anyone? On the other hand one of the previous posters explained how he tried to go the extra mile in dealing with customers' complaints.

I've read the Term referred to: "A motor which has failed due to excessive heat will not be covered by warranty and is considered misuse of the product." and it seems to me a clear case of an unfair condition which tries to restrict the customer's statutory rights, as it denies that the overheating could ever be caused by a manufacturing fault or some other fault other than "misuse". Unfair conditions are not enforceable and I suggest you refer this to Trading Standards as well as going to the Small Claims Court as already suggested. It also suggests that there is a design flaw in that the system can allow the motor to overheat and fail without cutting-out. After all, thermal cut-outs are hardly rocket science. I am also worried about the intransigence of the dealer (if the OP has reported accurately, and there are always two sides to any story) and that he hasn't come on here to clarify. I've read some poor reports of various manufacturers and dealers on various forums and it's certainly made me think whether this is good road to go down or whether it might be an expensive and frustrating mistake. I too have a motorhome and reading the forums it soon becomes apparent who are the dealers and makes to avoid and who go the extra mile. So, as always, caveat emptor.

Lots to think about here. Many thanks.

At least with a tandem there's little danger of applying the front brake and going over the handlebars;), but yes, I do use the rear brake more to adjust speed on downhills and use the front in combination with the back when I need extra braking. Wheel strength is a concern and I'll follow that up the dealer when I decide to go ahead. Thanks for your comments.

Thanks for your comment. I take your points about the front wheel and weight. I believe the Ezee can be fitted to the rear wheel.

I think it must weigh about 40lbs. [ATTACH]6877.vB[/ATTACH][ATTACH]6878.vB[/ATTACH]

Thanks, I see what you mean about the Bionx. I want something that works, is reliable and will help on the hills (where tandems aren't so good) and will cope with the kind of rides we do of between 30 and 50 miles or so and maybe 2.5k - 4k feet ascent. I'm not interested in sophistication, and therefore expense, for its own sake. I can fit the kit myself, assuming it doesn't need any specialist tools or knowledge.

That's why I posted on here - to get the views of people who know more about it than me. Reading their website the Bionx seems to fit quite a few of the criteria - it's a reasonable weight, adequate power, good mileage, cuts in when needed, I can get it built into a tandem specific wheel. However, it has had some mixed reviews. Am I missing something? I've also looked at Cyclezee which looks impressive.

Thanks for the replies. I thought I had given quite a bit of information: I ruled out hub conversions as they do away with 2 chainwheels; I said light and some are certainly not light; I said I wanted to use it on hills and some are not suitable for very hilly terrain and I don't want to use it on the flat or more gentle slopes - I'm thinking of the kind of hills we get up here in Scotland or Yorkshire. Finally, reliable and good after sales. I realise that's very subjective, but like Trip Advisor, it can be useful to read other's opinions based on actual experience. My initial preference was for the BionX but I've read some bad reviews online. However, their European agent says they are aware of their shortcomings and things are improving. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts - I'll do more research.

Any suggestions for a suitable kit for a tandem. It must be: reliable, good after sales service, light, effective on hills, fitted with pedelec sensor, will accept existing disc brakes. I mainly want it to provide a bit extra on the bigger hills, but not so heavy that it defeats the object on lesser gradients or the flat. We have 27 gears and I don't see any point in one which reduces 3 chainwheels to one. Any ideas gratefully received up to about £2k.