September 8, 20232 yr Yep definitely a factor in my thinking. The thing that puts me off EAPC is warranties are short and once they run out you have a very expensive peice of tech that isn't cheap or easy to fix especially when batteries/motors are 'built in'. Conversions are less of issue in this regard and if I decide down the road that I no longer need/want assist then I still have a good bike once I remove the kit. I can really make a strong argument either way though hence the indecision. If you buy mid drive then yes, out if warranty they could be expensive trellis's as they are closed systems however a generic hub bike is a different thing and far more reliable over the long term.
September 8, 20232 yr Which bikes at 1k are better? Bikes that you like more. I like this one: https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Marin-Larkspur-2-2022-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_231704.htm I wonder if it is possible to mount battery between down tubes. Check https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ One can find few bargains there.
September 8, 20232 yr Although i ride on a kit conversion (i had a bike) I would just buy a ebike and be done, All kit installs have issues some minor like wrong colour zip ties others less so. why invite a headache.. Also a great bike costing 1000's may not necessarily make an even passable e-bike, Someone recently described a monster ebike build based on a top notch mountain bike fitted with a top notch mid motor 1000w iirc and 2 months after finishing it he had sold it and bought off the shelf.. i would aim at hub motor bikes with rear rack mounted batteries myself, then if a problem develops after warranties have expired its the motor, or the battery or an element of the control system that needs a fix or replacing.. all do-able imho And if you follow honest positive reviews you should get a lot of ebike for your budget
September 8, 20232 yr And if you follow honest positive reviews you should get a lot of ebike for your budget the OP is in a bit of a sub optimal situation because he already has his voucher. The retailer has to pay commission on the voucher. Different scheme providers charge different commission rate. The cheapest commission is Green Commute Initiative. Some scheme providers impose also additional conditions on the retailers such as what they can supply and whether the retailer can give to the customer any cashback etc. In short, his £1500 voucher can only be used optimally to buy from the scheme providers own stores. Outside the providers own stores. his choice of retailers is restricted to those approved by his scheme provider. If you want to buy on CTW for example at Woosh, please email support@wooshbikes.co.uk before applying for the voucher.
September 8, 20232 yr The ones currently on my list of potentials if I go the kit route are boardman HYB 8.6, Specialized Sirrus x 2.0 could maybe push to a 3.0 and a cannondale quick 4. Out of the 3, the Cannondale Quick 4 has best specifications, then the Boardman HYB 8.6. Your choice of bike limits the range of kits to lightweight kits like the XF08C rear hub kit or TSDZ2B crank drive kit. https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits#xf08ckit
September 8, 20232 yr the OP is in a bit of a sub optimal situation because he already has his voucher. The retailer has to pay commission on the voucher. Different scheme providers charge different commission rate. The cheapest commission is Green Commute Initiative. Some scheme providers impose also additional conditions on the retailers such as what they can supply and whether the retailer can give to the customer any cashback etc. In short, his £1500 voucher can only be used optimally to buy from the scheme providers own stores. Outside the providers own stores. his choice of retailers is restricted to those approved by his scheme provider. If you want to buy on CTW for example at Woosh, please email support@wooshbikes.co.uk before applying for the voucher. Happy to be corrected, I know nothing of the scheme its limitations and restrictions. I shall get my proverbial coat.. .
September 8, 20232 yr Author Out of the 3, the Cannondale Quick 4 has best specifications, then the Boardman HYB 8.6. Your choice of bike limits the range of kits to lightweight kits like the XF08C rear hub kit or TSDZ2B crank drive kit. https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?hubkits#xf08ckit It seemed to me that the sirrus and the cannondale had very similar specs (both tektro disc, microshift etc) but I liked the fact the sirrus had the slightly chunkier tyres. Wonder if the cannondale would take 42s?
September 8, 20232 yr It seemed to me that the sirrus and the cannondale had very similar specs (both tektro disc, microshift etc) but I liked the fact the sirrus had the slightly chunkier tyres. Wonder if the cannondale would take 42s? from the photos, possibly 700 x 42c without the mudguards but may be not with the mudguards. Bike comes with 700 x 35c tyres.
September 9, 20232 yr Author from the photos, possibly 700 x 42c without the mudguards but may be not with the mudguards. Bike comes with 700 x 35c tyres. Yeah that was my thinking. Mudguards will be a must. from the photos, possibly 700 x 42c without the mudguards but may be not with the mudguards. Bike comes with 700 x 35c tyres. How do think the from the photos, possibly 700 x 42c without the mudguards but may be not with the mudguards. Bike comes with 700 x 35c tyres. The other bike on my list was the Marin DSX. https://www.biketart.com/products/marin-dsx-2024?variant=42092695781555 Not sure how the specs compare to the cannindale and the specialized. They seem good but I don't know whether microshift is any good etc?
September 9, 20232 yr https://off.road.cc/content/review/groupsets/microshift-advent-drivetrain-review-7989
September 9, 20232 yr Don't have an old bike and it would mean spending money on buying one and upgrading the parts and I'd then once I'd bought the kit I'd still have plenty left on the voucher that I couldn't spend lol Isn't the voucher just a loan? Don't they take the money back from your salary? If that's the case, you might want to think again about your logic that's telling you the more you spend the more you save.
September 9, 20232 yr Author Isn't the voucher just a loan? Don't they take the money back from your salary? If that's the case, you might want to think again about your logic that's telling you the more you spend the more you save. I didn't say that at all. I'm saying I already have the voucher. The voucher is for a set amount. I can't change that now. Once you have the voucher for the set amount you can't change it. I didn't make the decision to go with a new donor bike because I thought it would save me money. I just couldn't find any 2nd hand ones that were right for me at the time. So I applied for a voucher that would cover either a new ebike or a new donor and kit. And that's where I'm at now. Deciding which to go with.
September 9, 20232 yr Author https://off.road.cc/content/review/groupsets/microshift-advent-drivetrain-review-7989 So its decent but flawed as expected for the price range. https://off.road.cc/content/review/groupsets/microshift-advent-drivetrain-review-7989 Thanks for sharing. So they sound fine for the price point. What I don't know is how they and the other parts used compare with those used in the sirrus x 3.0. Its just total lack of knowledge and experience on my part but makes it difficult to what the better bike is. Maybe there isn't enough difference to matter?
September 9, 20232 yr There isn't much difference between those 3 to worry about. When riding on electric, you would never need the small chainring. Single chainring leaves you with more space on the handlebars.
September 9, 20232 yr What makes a good donor bike ? Not sure it is quite the same criteria as choosing an analog bike ? More emphasis on how rugged the components are rather than lightness, particularly the chain / gears in a mid drive that is going to have to cope with several times the power a human could generate ? Hydraulic brakes. Also gears, don't really use the lower gears on an electric bike
September 9, 20232 yr Author There isn't much difference between those 3 to worry about. When riding on electric, you would never need the small chainring. Single chainring leaves you with more space on the handlebars. What makes a good donor bike ? Not sure it is quite the same criteria as choosing an analog bike ? More emphasis on how rugged the components are rather than lightness, particularly the chain / gears in a mid drive that is going to have to cope with several times the power a human could generate ? Hydraulic brakes. Also gears, don't really use the lower gears on an electric bike Yeah I am going in knowing the chain will probably give out at some point with a mid drive but then you just replace it with something heavy duty right? Want to start with a decent set of hydraulics and decent shifters.
September 9, 20232 yr If it is good components you are after, then maybe you would consider mtb? For some reason retailers offer better discounts on mountain bikes. For example: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/vitus-nucleus-27-vrs-mountain-bike?utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=HotUKDeals&utm_term=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&utm_content=Discount+Code&awc=2698_1694275646_aee199ede00a6315342a6482931af260&sv_campaign_id=47868&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax2=&sv_tax3=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=47868 or https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/vitus-sentier-27-vr-mountain-bike?utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=HotUKDeals&utm_term=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&utm_content=Discount+Code&awc=2698_1694275596_fcb71d13dd9c810a13589a67fbda4b09&sv_campaign_id=47868&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax2=&sv_tax3=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=47868
September 9, 20232 yr Author If it is good components you are after, then maybe you would consider mtb? For some reason retailers offer better discounts on mountain bikes. For example: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/vitus-nucleus-27-vrs-mountain-bike?utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=HotUKDeals&utm_term=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&utm_content=Discount+Code&awc=2698_1694275646_aee199ede00a6315342a6482931af260&sv_campaign_id=47868&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax2=&sv_tax3=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=47868 or https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/vitus-sentier-27-vr-mountain-bike?utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=HotUKDeals&utm_term=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&utm_content=Discount+Code&awc=2698_1694275596_fcb71d13dd9c810a13589a67fbda4b09&sv_campaign_id=47868&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax2=&sv_tax3=Pepper+Deals+Ltd&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=47868 I don't find mountain bike very good for long rides on road which is why I was looking at the rigid fork hybrid range.
September 9, 20232 yr What makes a good donor bike ? Not sure it is quite the same criteria as choosing an analog bike ? More emphasis on how rugged the components are rather than lightness, particularly the chain / gears in a mid drive that is going to have to cope with several times the power a human could generate ? Hydraulic brakes. Also gears, don't really use the lower gears on an electric bike It depends what you want to do with the bike. For basic transport a triangle framed catalogue bike with disc brakes and 1 1/8" steerer suspension forks works extremely well. For longer commutes, say more than 10 miles each way, a bike with air suspension at both ends becomes increasingly more desirable. These take some beating for that and they can be had from about £250: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256208221814?hash=item3ba7333676:g:-TsAAOSwXSJktqdg&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0J4Xv52flZT3inr559dNPqCz5eWhBDsm3PNjgYNhwgawGIOKxdcVNlz1ehJ%2B2td1qU1oxMN3I8Wm6iLqbP90RY8jf%2Fyy4vnXT%2BkhnsT1a8eAW51cO%2FI0zFeGVha99uBCDj9huljQcYUtv7Bq6tvdVGZ1OWOkmDPlrx53Mu2Tpr%2FYUfKGvYUYSohhRLmcuqeo5G09pVD0bMDfC775uW2jg3EtiL0YB%2Bg3nk7TocutRWjeNNcMQYy%2FCm6x0k0sX5ObHU9DvRspHm%2FdJ3bfvhW3zMI%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7TCtazPYg If you're already a keen cyclist or live in an upstairs flat, then a lightwight hybrid type with rigid forks is nice, but you need a lightweight kit to go with it, otherwise it's wasted and you only get the disadvantage of a rougher ride. As you say, when it comes to crank motors, you're much better off sticking with older bikes that have 9-speed cassettes. 10, 11, 12 speed offers no advantage when you have a motor. They just cost more when they break or wear out, which happens faster than with the more rugged 9-speed ones. Even 8- speed would be OK. A decision shouldn't hang on whether it has hydraulic brakes or not. If you can find a cheap enough bike with cable discs, it's very cheap, quick and easy to upgrade them to hydraulics. If you want a front motor for whatever reason, you should look for a bike with steel forks and sizeable drop-outs. The rest doesn't really matter. If you're the type of guy that chooses a front motor, you probably don't know or care too much about bikes, anyway. Still, it should have disc brakes and a suitable place to put the battery. Definitely don't choose a bike with expensive suspension forks because the motor will stop the forks from working properly and they rarely have strong drop-outs.
September 10, 20232 yr Halfrauds have a few Boardman hybrids for around £600. I've never bought a bike from Halfrauds, but many people sure do express misgivings.
September 10, 20232 yr Author I don't find mountain bike very good for long rides on road which is why I was looking at the rigid fork hybrid range. That was my thinking anyway! Halfrauds have a few Boardman hybrids for around £600. I've never bought a bike from Halfrauds, but people sure do report a lot of horrible happenings. Yeah that seems to be the general narrative. I do wonder though. They sell vastly more bikes than everyone else so you would expect to see more negative experiences. Be interesting to see if the ratio of positive to negative is actually worse than other providers/manufacturers. I've seen a lot of really good reviews of boardmans as well. On balance I don't think boardman have the right combination for me anyway as I'm looking for a 1x and they tend to be 2x.
September 10, 20232 yr For basic transport a triangle framed catalogue bike with disc brakes and 1 1/8" steerer suspension forks works extremely well. For longer commutes, say more than 10 miles each way, a bike with air suspension at both ends becomes increasingly more desirable. These take some beating for that and they can be had from about £250: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256208221814?hash=item3ba7333676:g:-TsAAOSwXSJktqdg&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0J4Xv52flZT3inr559dNPqCz5eWhBDsm3PNjgYNhwgawGIOKxdcVNlz1ehJ%2B2td1qU1oxMN3I8Wm6iLqbP90RY8jf%2Fyy4vnXT%2BkhnsT1a8eAW51cO%2FI0zFeGVha99uBCDj9huljQcYUtv7Bq6tvdVGZ1OWOkmDPlrx53Mu2Tpr%2FYUfKGvYUYSohhRLmcuqeo5G09pVD0bMDfC775uW2jg3EtiL0YB%2Bg3nk7TocutRWjeNNcMQYy%2FCm6x0k0sX5ObHU9DvRspHm%2FdJ3bfvhW3zMI%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7TCtazPYg That Rocky Mountain Element + Bafang BBS01 would make an excellent e-bike with some cash to spare.
September 10, 20232 yr That Rocky Mountain Element + Bafang BBS01 would make an excellent e-bike with some cash to spare. They nearly always have top-spec parts on them as standard, and often those have been upgraded with even better parts. I have two of them. I've never found a better bike for touring and commuting, though the high spec chainrings wear quite quickly, so probably a good idea to downgrade that to a cheaper steel one. My main one has a Q128C motor. If I could find a better motor, I'd fit it, but this one has given stirling service and all the power necessary to get me up the steepest hills without any maintenance for 8 years (around 7000 miles). I can't think of any reason to use anything else.
September 10, 20232 yr They nearly always have top-spec parts on them as standard, and often those have been upgraded with even better parts. I have two of them. I've never found a better bike for touring and commuting, though the high spec chainrings wear quite quickly, so probably a good idea to downgrade that to a cheaper steel one. My main one has a Q128C motor. If I could find a better motor, I'd fit it, but this one has given stirling service and all the power necessary to get me up the steepest hills without any maintenance for 8 years (around 7000 miles). I can't think of any reason to use anything else. That's very interesting, what size battery do you use with it and where did you mount it ?
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