E bike for 6 mile (each way) commute and exploring

413x

413x

413x

Caporegime
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Llaneirwg
Looking for a bike suitable for above

I was looking at the 1k carrera Cross bike with drop handle bars.

I'm used to a racing bike but haven't ridden in a few years. I want an ebike for

Not being sweaty in office
I have a few knee issues and not sure if a non electric is suitable
Id like to explore the coastal path and other parts of Wales and my road bike is too fragile

Any suggestions?

Seems very limited under 2k..amd that bike is 1k!

For reference I have had a cheap carrera virtuoso road bike from when I was 14! Now 34

Note, I think an e bike will save me needing a car!
 
Walkerie said:
I've just done the same thing, dodgy knees but love riding my MTB.

I had a voodoo bizango hardtail, just bought the e-bike version last week. It's £2k - really impressed with it so far and already done 80 miles since I've had it. I looked at the Haibike and Cube also.
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How do you get on with it?
I'm 34 and obviously didn't expect dodgy knees. No fun.


Both you guys are suggesting the upper price bikes
At 2k is it better to get a normal bike and a conversion kit?
 
MadMossy said:
Cube Acid Hybrid probably worth a look, retail about £1700

or

Haibike Sduro Hardseven retails for a similar price.

Both are electric and depending on your weight should be good for 30-60 miles range in Eco or 15-25 in High/Turbo mode.

Cube has 500wh, Haibike 400wh batteries so range is varied.
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Cube looks good actually. Bit pricy but the one I was looking at doesn't look up to exploring.
 
MadMossy said:
Get what you pay for really, you can go halfrauds and buy some random ebike for under £1000 and it'll function just about, but if your planning on longer rides or ride a lot, paying a bit more for something that is likely to be more durable and have better components is worth it in the longterm.

It's also worth learning how to do any maintenance yourself otherwise you'll be spending a fortune on even basic repairs.
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To be fair my carrera Road bike is still going after having it 20 years.

Is that one thing About these electric bikes.. How can you self repair them if all electronics are hidden away?
 
Feels like it's safer to get one of the standard e bikes.

I kind of liked I could pick my bike and then attach a battery and motor but sounds like to much hassle
 
Outcast said:
The 48v I've dropped back to was no hassle.
Just bolt on.. connect & go

My hassle is because I wanted the extra oooomph.

48v felt like the Dogz when I first upgraded to it but when you feel the acceleration of 72v.. Well.. 48v now feels like driving a Trabant.

It should be noted that I only do about 20mph generally but when I'm coming home at 03:00 -------------------------> Whoosh

It's the acceleration that's the rush
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The appeal of the DIY is that freedom

The negative is that its a lot messier.
I'm not sure. But is it also true that the off the shelf ebike has a better 'assist' rather than just power settings? But I may be wrong.
 
My bike came.
Love it. Its like pedalling on flat ground all the time. I like how you still have to pedal but the resistance doesn't really change.

Did 16 miles on it, but of road, bit of rough path (Welsh coastal path) on Monday evening. No knee pain as of yet at all.

It feels a massive bike compared to my road bike. (but I've had that since 14)

It is heavy! Having to lift it over gates! Think it's 20-25kg!

lGnuY5cl.jpg
 
MadMossy said:
They are indeed heavy, mines 24kg so a bit of a beast to lift over gates but like you said its the ultimate hill flattener. Even with the assistance it's still a good workout, you'll often find yourself riding further than you would normally, just because if you do get tired, you know you have the assistance to help get you back.
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Yeah that's exactly it. I was going to take it out for a little ride. Ended up 16 miles as basically doing 15mph plus whole time.
It's second time I've been on a bike in over a year.
Took my road bike out few weeks ago. Did 10 miles, hurt knees a bit on hard hills.

Got a sore crotch as I stupidly wore my normal shorts as just didn't plan on that ride length! :o
 
wesley said:
How much harder to pedalling on electric bike after 15.5mph cut out on flat terrain than non electric bike..

Ie cruising at 17mph on flat cycle path

I do cycling quite fast on my hybrid bike, I often overtake electric bikes....got me thinking it may be too hard to pedal after the speed limiter due the weight
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If you're regularly over 15mph (I even get there a lot) there isn't any point having one really.

Or build one like others suggested that isn't restricted
 
Outcast said:
The 48v I've dropped back to was no hassle.
Just bolt on.. connect & go

My hassle is because I wanted the extra oooomph.

48v felt like the Dogz when I first upgraded to it but when you feel the acceleration of 72v.. Well.. 48v now feels like driving a Trabant.

It should be noted that I only do about 20mph generally but when I'm coming home at 03:00 -------------------------> Whoosh

It's the acceleration that's the rush
Click to expand...

I can definitely feel the appeal of custom.
I'm now (after one ride) used to the little push I get on mine
 
Outcast said:
Lovely looking bike mate.
Then centre motor is excellent for weight distribution.
It's really quite difficult to explain to people the pedal resistance bit. It's not until you have a go on one that you then truly understand.
You'll also find out that it aint so much the top speed which can easily be bested by most reasonably fit people, it's the SUSTAINED speed.
Aint no good "winning" the 500 yard dash if you get destroyed up the hills & over the 20 mile range !
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That's what I was telling my friends last night.
You never really have to go below 15mph.
Sure it drops on steep hills. But miles clock so quickly. Mine is to be used for commuting and exploring Wales .

No longer will I need to limit myself to 'better not go any further, I might not be able to get back'

If the weather is good this weekend I might take a trip to Caerphilly and go on some of the paths round there. Which is a good trek!


And, best bit of all, since getting this my knees haven't been this good in 2 years! Might be best thing I've ever bought! They feel like they were before I had the issue!
 
arknor said:
yea but if you live somewhere not flat I'm sure theyre a god send.

also I doubt many people on electric bikes are actually trying to get fit, and I doubt they care about going fast at 90 cadence, surely they are more likely just wanting to explore the outdoors
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Exactly my scenario

I actually probably get more exercise out of mine as i use it more as I know I'm not going to die going up the Welsh hills
 
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