The Sunday Times have gone big on electric bikes today

 

Test Bench: Electric bikes - Times Online

Yes, it's not a bad article. Not written from as much knowledge as you or many others on this forum could boast, but positive in outlook, and positioning electric bikes as being for the mainstream, not disabled only. Format is the traditional paragraph of oveview followed by short product reviews.

 

It profiles 4 or 5 bikes including Agattu, Gazelle and one called Airnimal that I'm not familiar with - which get the thumbs up; the Ezee Liv (which it says is available from 50 cycles!) which is considered ok, and the poor Powacycle, which it slates for being underpowered.

 

Worth a read, not to learn from it but to see how it is presented.

 

Frank

 

PS I see I've fallen victim to the 'post a reply then the question get's deleted' ploy! This post was in response to one asking if anyone had seen the article as the Times server was down.

Edited March 30, 200818 yr by frank9755

For anyone who'd like more information on it, the Airnimal Joey Move with the BionX UK version motor was tested by VeloVision in the June 2007 issue:

 

VeloVision

 

Sunday Times server still down so I don't know if this is the model they tested.

 

They are available direct from Airnimal Europe.

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Edited March 30, 200818 yr by flecc

Yes, it's not a bad article. Not written from as much knowledge as you or many others on this forum could boast, but positive in outlook, and positioning electric bikes as being for the mainstream, not disabled only. Format is the traditional paragraph of oveview followed by short product reviews.

 

It profiles 4 or 5 bikes including Agattu, Gazelle and one called Airnimal that I'm not familiar with - which get the thumbs up; the Ezee Liv (which it says is available from 50 cycles!) which is considered ok, and the poor Powacycle, which it slates for being underpowered.

 

Worth a read, not to learn from it but to see how it is presented.

 

Frank

 

PS I see I've fallen victim to the 'post a reply then the question get's deleted' ploy! This post was in response to one asking if anyone had seen the article as the Times server was down.

 

 

In fairness to Powacycle I'm not sure that I'd agree the Salisbury got slated for low power. The article says that the 200W motor "isn't the liveliest of performers although it is sufficient for most terrains". It does suggest that the Salisbury feels crude compared to the other (much more expensive) bikes covered but takes the view that the bike is good value for money.

 

PS I see I've fallen victim to the 'post a reply then the question get's deleted' ploy! This post was in response to one asking if anyone had seen the article as the Times server was down.

 

I've often been caught by this, but recently became guilty when I deleted a post of mine only to find someone immediately following had edited their post to include a reference to mine!

 

I did the decent thing though by re-entering what I'd written, with explanation for why it followed and an apology.

 

Can't find a smiley with a halo though.

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In fairness to Powacycle I'm not sure that I'd agree the Salisbury got slated for low power. The article says that the 200W motor "isn't the liveliest of performers although it is sufficient for most terrains". It does suggest that the Salisbury feels crude compared to the other (much more expensive) bikes covered but takes the view that the bike is good value for money.

 

I was writing from memory, the server being down, but have just been back to re-read what it said about Powacycle. By way of context, I think they are great bikes for someone living in flattish terrain, and have ridden almost 2,000 miles on one.

 

You're right, Bob, its not as harsh as I thought - although it only gets two stars, compared to 5 for the 3-speed, brushed-motor-powered Ezee Liv (which however I note is now back down to £595). I think the comment about the V-brakes not being very good is unfair; they're perfectly fine and I would argue, better for the purpose than gimmicky rollers or discs. The Powacycle is not, in my opinion, more 'crude' to ride than most electrics. For example, compared to my Wisper (with which it shares many components), it is less powerful but does not feel much less credible as a bike.

 

Frank

I've often been caught by this, but recently became guilty when I deleted a post of mine only to find someone immediately following had edited their post to include a reference to mine!

 

I did the decent thing though by re-entering what I'd written, with explanation for why it followed and an apology.

 

Can't find a smiley with a halo though.

.

 

My post, my fault. I deleted the post as the server actually gave me the page and I noticed Frank had got in anyway. Sorry I thought it was a temporary situation until I saw Flecc had the same problem. Been out all day so didn't respond earlier. Lovely day for riding here in London.

Understood Frank. I thought the article was behind the times giving the price of the Liv as £595 but I see you are right, the 50cycles website lists it at that price. If I hadn't bought a new battery for the Suede I'd be tempted.

After some months of deliberation took the plunge and ordered a Liv last week - hopefully will arrive tomorrow. I must admit the reduced price did work as a bit of an incentive!

Well done Sasha, they are certainly good value now they are back to the introductory price region. Enjoy.

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I'm sure you will enjoy the Liv, Sasha, it always seems to get good reports. I'd have bought one a while ago myself but their £110 delivery charge to the Isle of Man did put me off a bit:eek:

Thanks both. I did come back with a big grin on my face after test riding it. Will give it a few days and report back!