DR2501

On a related note, lycra shouldn't be worn unless you're a competitive cyclist and/or under 12 stone surely?! I should have to look at some rotund man's a55 crack at 7.30am before breakfast because they didn't make lycra leggings in a large enough size, should I?!

I think it depends on the time of day. If its during the commuter times then people do get stressed as they're trying to get to work or home after a long day, and in fairness the path isn't really wide enough to cycle doubled up at those times because (wrongly, in my opinion, since the gvmt grant of £60m was for a cycle path only, not bridleway) there are loads of people walking on it causing slow-moving obstructions. Outside of those times I've never had a problem and there's plenty of room to ride doubled up.

I know, I was disappointed as it wasn't even a random brand I wanted, it was by Giant! I'm sure I've already seen you as I'm on it 5 days per week, you're probably one the people I curse at for flying past me on the inclines! Lol.

Thanks but it just doesn't 'do' it for me looks-wise. Also, the Tornado is a MTB and I really wanted a hybrid/commuter style. I bought a bike with them last year on the scheme and asked them to get in a different bike and they flat out refused, so I doubt they would unfortunately.

I do but its with Evans only and they don't sell ebikes unfortunately.

Trex, I think I grasp what you're saying - are there any BPM motored ebikes you would recommend for around £1000? SWMBO won't sanction more than that with the house move coming up!

It only adds another 1.5-2 miles each way, but there's a particularly bad hill within that distance to tackle. Its actually a bowl so the hill will be each way too. Good to know about the 36v motor, thanks.

No this will be my first ebike. I actually get off in Mangotsfield, its the new housing part near the recycling centre? Just past the old station. OK good to know then thanks. Just need to make a decision now then (worst part haha).

I commute from Mangotsfield to the city centre cycle path all the way. It seems flat on the way to work but going home is definitely uphill and I want the ebike for the return leg! Plus we plan to move to Longwell Green at the end of the year and theres a monster of a hill on the path from there, so I want to make sure I don't have to buy twice. Not really, more a hybrid style - I have a mountain bike (non elec) which I'm using now and I like the idea of panniers and closer fitting mudguards!

Thanks but I like step over framed bikes I'm afraid - good luck with the sale though I've found a couple of bikes I like but I want to make sure the motor is adequate for what I need. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Trek FX+ 2011 and the Kudos Tourer? Both seem to do what I want but I'm not an expert with motors clearly so any advice would be appreciated! D

Thanks D8ve. I think I'd prefer a ready made bike, but if I did decide to add a kit do you know anywhere in Bristol that fit them? I wouldn't trust myself to do it...

OK thanks, I'll have a look. I like the sound of the BPM motor, any other decent bikes with that motor that I should consider? Thanks again for all the help.

The cycle path route I take isn't that bad for hills in fairness, and I have other bikes for leisure riding so this will be a pure commuting bike. Ha you're right I wouldn't buy a 29er though because I'm too short :/ What's the Vita like?

What about the Cobra rather than the Tornado? Any good?

Thanks for the replies. I can up my budget, are there noticeably better bikes for a little more out there? I wouldn't be prepared to pay more than £1k though. Thanks

Sorry I edited earlier so that my post didn't appear to suggest that Woosh used cheap components.

Hi, I'm new to the forum although I've been looking around quite a bit - my name's Duane and I'm in Bristol. I'm wanting to buy an e-bike ASAP but can't seem to decide so I was hoping people could help and make some suggestions please. Budget-wise I'm looking to spend up to £800 max, preferably less. I don't mind buying a refurb providing it has a warranty and its a good deal. About me I'm 5'5" tall and weight just over 12 stone. I will be using the bike for my daily commute which is 6 miles each way on the Bristol-Bath cycle path, so some hills, all tarmac, no traffic lights to worry about (well, 1 set). I want a good all-round bike that is fairly quick, will tackle the hills, has a good range and doesn't look too much like an e-bike. I want a step-over frame and a non-folder. I'd like it to have at least the option of mud guards (not plastic crud style) and a pannier rack if possible, fitted would be better. I like the look of the Woosh range of bikes as the prices are reasonable (although I don't want cheap components so that I have to buy again straight away. Woosh seem to get good reviews so I'm sure this isn't the case). Any thoughts? Or any others I should consider within budget? Any replies and suggestions gratefully received, thanks! D