GoCycle - any thoughts?

VincentHanna · 12 Jun 2020 at 08:17

I'm looking at E-bikes but storage at my home is a real struggle so my options are limited to something that folds down.

Thing is I'm not actually going to use it to commute as work is too far (15 miles on rural roads each way or 10 miles via A roads) so this will only be for pleasure/getting out and about.

So would a GoCycle be suitable for such journeys? I'm looking at the fast folding GX version. Or am I just wasting my money here?

Apparently you can simply set your location to North America when you setup the bike, using their app, which enables 20mph assistance and throttle control, which would be handy.

bimbleuk · 12 Jun 2020 at 09:28

I'd have one myself but I also commute cross country so converted my road bike with a Dillenger rear hub kit. Actually the front 250W kit would still be sufficient for that sort of commute as it's simpler to fit for most people. There's the Brompton electric but just as expensive and not as integrated as the go Cycles.

Cost no issue then yeah go for one and yes you can set the location to get around the local limit. Otherwise you could convert a cheaper bike with a kit like the Dillenger 250W front hub kit (£699) or the Swytch kit (£500-700) if you can get hold of one. The Dillenger kit may not have an option for small folding bike wheels though. Plus the battery they supply is quite large for a small bike.

If you want to sustain speed over distance then a road/hybrid bike with a 10Ah or more battery would be a better option than the "urban" bikes that tend to give you pedal assistance in bursts.

I quite like the G-Tech Sport e bike with the Gates belt drive at less than grand though that does mean some compromise on the bike quality. You may need the extra battery for longer rides.

VincentHanna · 12 Jun 2020 at 14:19

I know a hybrid probably makes more sense for me, but secure storage will be an issue with a non folding bike. I don't have the space to have it indoors.

VincentHanna · 14 Jun 2020 at 21:15

I've decided the GoCycle wouldn't be suitable really.

I've spent half the amount on a Vanmoof X3 and I'll put the savings towards some storage.

https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/21/21227976/vanmoof-s3-electric-bike-review-price-specs

VincentHanna · 29 Jun 2020 at 13:39

They were quoting end of September for delivery, so this is good news:

Hi rider,

When you ordered your new bike, you may have noticed the long waiting time for shipping. We originally planned to produce 6,000 bikes per month, but we have since scaled up our production to meet the incredible demand for the new VanMoof S3 & X3. This means we are now on track to manufacture 12,000 bikes per month by the end of this summer.

As a result, your bike may arrive earlier than promised! If there is any change in your delivery timing, we’ll let you know immediately and update your My VanMoof account.
Your place in the queue won’t change, and all bikes will still ship in order of purchase. As always, you can see your latest shipping information in My VanMoof, and we’ll keep you notified every step of the way.

chroniclard · 8 Feb 2022 at 17:20

VincentHanna said:
They were quoting end of September for delivery, so this is good news:

Did you end up with your Vanmoof?

Just put a deposit down for a Vanmoof V, end of the year estimated though.

Was curious about the speed limits.....

VincentHanna · 16 Jul 2023 at 15:12

I cancelled the order in the end. It kept going back and back and I wouldn't have gotten it until late autumn (2020), when I wouldnt have been riding it anyway.

Then I moved house in 2021 and didn't need a bike.

But in hindsight this was a good thing as it sounds like they are about to go bankrupt!