I've been using electric bikes for about 10 years. Started off with the excellent Giant Lafree Twist, which was expensive (£800 then, and that was at a discount) but good value - it lasted me 8 years. Then I got the Byocycles Chameleon which was much cheaper but I've sold it on Ebay because it's not particularly comfortable and I reckon it's past its best. Not sure what to get next.

 

I use the bike mainly on tarmac - bike paths and roads - for commuting to and from work, to the shops and occasionally to social events at evenings and weekends - somewhere around 30 miles per week, maybe more in summer and less in winter. There is at least one quite steep hill. I have arthritis and wonky knee caps, so it's essential I keep mobile but don't push too hard. I thought a crank drive would suit me better as far as fine control in traffic goes – I don't like the sense some e-bikes give of almost running away with you - though I would miss the throttle for getting me started at junctions and on hills. However, on the welcome thread, another forum member suggested that I might just need a bike with a better sensor. They recommended the Wisper Torque, but I've checked on their website and they would pair me up with a dealer who's over 20 miles away – not viable for me.

 

I've tried out the Volt Kensington at one local dealer, but I didn't like it much (brilliant saddle, didn't like the handlebars). My favourite bike shop in town is recommending either the Ridgeback Electron Plus or the Raleigh Motus - both of which are eye-wateringly expensive - and neither of them came up when I tried the Pedelec's Bike Search. I tried the Ridgeback Electron Plus a couple of days ago - it was very impressive, but there are no online reviews as yet. The Motus is down as a 'Best Buy' on at least one review - but of course it's been around for much longer - maybe the Electron Plus is just too new?

Hello

 

Sounds like a crank drive would suit. If you want off the peg then maybe try a Bosch driven bike or two

 

If you convert yourself then you can keep the throttle in addition to pas. Highly tried and tested is the bafang bb02 kit. Woosh bikes in. The UK are largest supplier I believe. Good customer service and will convert a suitable bike for you. As will Brighton ebikes (where I live)

 

What's your budget is a good place to start?

 

But

The Electron+ looks OK, well equipped. Some people think the Steps motor is a little soft. It would be a better balanced bike with the battery on the down tube, you could still get your foot through.

Kirstin S - thanks for the suggestion. I gather a lot of people on here use conversion kits very successfully but I don't have the understanding, skill, time or patience to go into all that and be able to look after it afterwards. It's important for me to be on good terms with a local shop who will sort out most problems (that don't involve ordering parts) within a day or two - and I would also prefer anyway to give a local dealer the custom. As regards budget - good question. I'm in the fortunate position that, if I have to spend £2k - £2k+ on a bike, I can afford to do so, provided I'm reasonably sure that it will last for years. I'd rather not be spending that much - I'd prefer not to go above £1,600, so I am also hoping to test ride one of the cheaper Raleighs - the Spirit, I think.

 

anotherkiwi - yes, I agree about the placing of the battery - I'm not keen on those that have them over the back wheel, but - of the ones I can test ride locally - pretty much all of them seem to have that. I know what people mean about the motor feeling soft - but it also feels very natural, which I like. Just wondering if I might have to push too hard on a hill, or resign myself to a snail's pace.

the steps motor is the most expensive of them all if you have to replace it after 2 years that is.

Thanks, sound wave - is that likely, in your opinion?

not seen any that have failed so far but there 800 euro worst case, tho they have a new one out for 2017 so should come down in price.

I have some ex demo KTM bikes coming up soon....there are 30 plus bikes in total...if you look up KTM range and fancy one I can give you a competitive quote.

Also a couple of Raleigh Motus,good prices.

I really like the KTM Fun as a commuting bike.

KudosDave

Where are you Libster?

Agree with you regarding local bike shops, many of which have had a hard time generally this year.

If your local bike shop is also an ebike specialist then that's perfect for you.

 

However a 20 mile trip to a specialist could be well worth the trouble to see a bigger range.

Hi JuicyBike - the three nearest retailers aren't specialists, but I've just discovered that there is a specialist centre within relatively easy commuting distance. I might go and take a look, as apparently they have Wisper - but I'll be interested to hear about the after-care arrangements. I gather they've only been open a year, whereas the local dealers have been around for decades.

Hi JuicyBike - the three nearest retailers aren't specialists, but I've just discovered that there is a specialist centre within relatively easy commuting distance. I might go and take a look, as apparently they have Wisper - but I'll be interested to hear about the after-care arrangements. I gather they've only been open a year, whereas the local dealers have been around for decades.

That makes sense.

We encourage our customers to have their bikes sent to their local bike shop if there isn't a Juicy Bike Retailer nearbye.

Good luck with your test ride.

Many thanks - in the end the local shop seemed the safest option, and I'm very happy with a crank drive Motus.

You would like the Wisper....worth having a go to see what you think..

Yes, thanks, I tried out the Wisper - and I did like it very much, but the fact that there's no dealer within walking distance is a deal breaker for me.

Hi Libster, if you would like a Wisper please drop me an email and I will see if I can find someone local to you to take them on. David@amps.bike

 

We are only at 50% of our target for stockists in the UK so there are a lot of dealerships still available.

 

All the best, David

Yes, thanks, I tried out the Wisper - and I did like it very much, but the fact that there's no dealer within walking distance is a deal breaker for me.

Where in the west midlands are you?

Thanks, but I already have a bike now.

What did you buy?

A Raleigh Motus - very happy with it. My bank manager may not be quite so happy, but s/he will get over it.