Lightweight e-bikes, capabilities and transport

[Archev]

I am hoping to have a bike to play with by then. And have you seen the night-time temperatures?

ETA: actually, I see it's only Sunday night that's forecast to be cold, so you should be OK. Something wrong with the BBC weather forecast at the moment though. It's telling me we currently have hurricane force winds from the north-east of 6,278 mph!

That’ll be a bit breezy then ?

 

[Rolfe]

That's some way beyond cool and well into mindboggle territory.

I see the BBC is still having trouble with its forecast. Even Florida isn't experiencing the weather we're being credited with. (The words "hurricane force winds" have at least been removed from the page!)

Still no news about bike delivery.

ETA: News now. They have advised me that the bike is out of stock and I can't expect delivery until 2nd January. This despite the web page looking like this.

I'm thinking of cancelling. In particular, I carefully budgeted to afford the bike in their three installments, with the last one payable in early December, expecting to have the benefit of actually riding the bike immediately. In fact, I think I will cancel. There are other bikes (more expensive ones) I looked at which I dismissed because they were listed as out of stock.

 

[Archev]

That's some way beyond cool and well into mindboggle territory.

I see the BBC is still having trouble with its forecast. Even Florida isn't experiencing the weather we're being credited with. (The words "hurricane force winds" have at least been removed from the page!)

View attachment 31130

Still no news about bike delivery.

ETA: News now. They have advised me that the bike is out of stock and I can't expect delivery until 1st January. This despite the web page looking like this.

View attachment 31131

I'm thinking of cancelling. In particular, I carefully budgeted to afford the bike in their three installments, with the last one payable in early December, expecting to have the benefit of actually riding the bike immediately. In fact, I think I will cancel. There are other bikes (more expensive ones) I looked at which I dismissed because they were listed as out of stock.

Very annoying.
Decathlon Edinburgh had what looked to be an ex demo which looked good for a reduced price think it had a crossbar though. They might have other offers.
Same with Go Outdoors and I suppose most bike shops at this time of the year ?

 

[Rolfe]

There are certainly other bikes available, although the C22 looked to be the best value for money by a long way. I require a step-through frame, the lightest weight possible, and a decent range. The C22 had most of it, with a question mark over the range, also the suggestion that the gearing was too high and it might be advisable to replace the chainwheel with something like a 40-tooth one (it's fitted with a 52-tooth one, which does seem a bit excessive). But chainwheels are replaceable, and there is an extension battery available, so I was fairly happy.

Now though, I think I'll have a longer look at the field in general. This page, although out of date, has some interesting items on it.

Best Lightweight Electric Bikes: 12 Great Options for 2023

In this article, I look at 12 of the best lightweight electric bikes available in 2023, and discuss the numerous benefits of riding a light e-bike...

www.ebikechoices.com

I have just weighed my own bike, which I have had since 1999, and it's 15.7 kg. That's with a basket and a nylon Karrimor pannier bag with some bits and bobs in it, but that's what I have been regularly pedalling around, and lifting in and out of the car. It does bode reasonably well for my ability to handle something no more than a couple of kilos heavier.

 

[DixieTGS]

I'll have to investigate what our laws are here. I'm sure Iv'e seen kids flying around on them without pedaling, but I may be getting confused with scooters. There's one of each zoom past me when I ride to the clubhouse.

The laws are ignored around here if they think there's no chance of being caught. So you see them now and then on quiet single track lanes doing up to about 40mph, but more of concern is a few times I've seen a lone rider at that speed around dusk on the amenity fields, when they know they can't be identified.

Toddlers are not often out at dusk, but I can see a dog and bike colliding as they go through a gap in the hedge. Hopefully the novelty will wear off pretty quickly and it'll stop soon enough.

 

[Rolfe]

When I was browsing YouTube videos about e-bikes I came across several bemoaning attempts to ban the things in various places in the USA. I think this is a reaction to the much more powerful bikes available there, and these being actually dangerous. A lot of the US "how to choose your e-bike" videos scorn anything with a motor less than 500 watts, and some favour up to 750 watts. The legal maximum here is 250 watts, and that feels plenty useful to me. I imagine if there was a persistent problem here the cops might get interested and do some investigating.

I have ridden a motorbike in the past. I have a motorcycle licence. If I wanted to do that sort of speed I'd look at getting an electric motorbike. I don't. I want a bike I can ride normally, but with a bit of assistance getting up the hills. After all, you aren't doing much for your fitness walking up a hill pushing your bike, are you?

 

[Archev]

When I was browsing YouTube videos about e-bikes I came across several bemoaning attempts to ban the things in various places in the USA. I think this is a reaction to the much more powerful bikes available there, and these being actually dangerous. A lot of the US "how to choose your e-bike" videos scorn anything with a motor less than 500 watts, and some favour up to 750 watts. The legal maximum here is 250 watts, and that feels plenty useful to me. I imagine if there was a persistent problem here the cops might get interested and do some investigating.

I have ridden a motorbike in the past. I have a motorcycle licence. If I wanted to do that sort of speed I'd look at getting an electric motorbike. I don't. I want a bike I can ride normally, but with a bit of assistance getting up the hills. After all, you aren't doing much for your fitness walking up a hill pushing your bike, are you?

I noticed quite a number of electric bikes when I was in the USA recently.
I was amazed to find that my son has bought one but then he needs to try to keep up with his wife and especially his 13 yo daughter ??

 

[Rolfe]

I watched an interesting video where a keen cyclist who needed to get fit quickly for a particular event told about how he had been advised to get an e-bike. The rationale was that he could choose the intensity of exercise and gradually increase it as his fitness increased. Simply doing the rides at an intensity that wasn't exhausting him was far better than slaving away and perhaps picking up an injury.

 

[Archev]

I watched an interesting video where a keen cyclist who needed to get fit quickly for a particular event told about how he had been advised to get an e-bike. The rationale was that he could choose the intensity of exercise and gradually increase it as his fitness increased. Simply doing the rides at an intensity that wasn't exhausting him was far better than slaving away and perhaps picking up an injury.

Yeah you kind of analyse the terrain ahead and judge how much of it you can cope with yourself and what to use some battery power on.
Having said that I’ve been struggling to get my wee bike’s battery to accept a charge these last few days so I must look in to that.

 

[Rolfe]

I am currently sulking like a seven-year-old who has been told that Christmas has been cancelled.

I've been looking again at alternatives, and although there are a number of possibilities, none of them grabs me the way the Fiido did. It may of course be that I really liked the colour, but overall it seems to tick more boxes than the others, quite apart from being the cheapest.

• Step-through frame
• Weight no more than around 17 kg, preferably even less
• Reasonable range, preferably with a range extender battery available
• Rear pannier rack, and preferably suitable to fit a basket
• Mudguards, and preferably a chain guard
• Geared to allow non-powered riding without killing me

I quite like this one, and the company is based in Clitheroe so it's not impossible to go take a look.

Ribble Hybrid AL e Step Through | Ribble Cycles

Hybrid AL e Step Through

www.ribblecycles.co.uk

However, although the article referencing a triangular-frame version I sourced it from said 15 kg and a 252 wh battery, the weight and the battery size aren't included in the specifications on the company's web page! It only seems to have three levels of assist, while most of these bikes have five. Also, I don't see anything about a range extender battery. It's £1,824 and available in 2-4 weeks. It actually seems to be available! I might give them a ring.

There is also a Trek model that I don't like quite so much. There is a shop at Dobbie's Garden Centre at Sheriffhall that deals with these, but I don't think they actually stock the bikes for a casual inquirer to look at.

FX+ 2 Stagger - Trek Bikes (GB)

Discover your next great ride with FX+ 2 Stagger. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

The nice colours are sold out in my size so it's black or nothing. Boo. The battery is 250 wh, which is OK, but then they quote the range as only "up to" 35 miles, "up to" 70 miles with the range extender. If they're being realistic that's OK, but if you allow for marketing hype it isn't. Also, the bike is 18 kg. It's £1,700 and available in about a week. If I like black.

This next one is a bit strange. The company is based near Winchester, and guys, I don't live there any more.

Estarli E28.X: Lightweight Hybrid Electric Bike

Discover the new Estarli e28.X lightweight e-bike, featuring an integrated 2-speed automatic gearbox with belt drive for seamless gear changes and a high-tech torque sensor for optimal power output. Book a test ride or video call to learn more about the Estarli e28.X.

www.thecyclecompany.co.uk

The weird part is that it doesn't have normal derailleur gears, it has a two-speed automatic gear so you don't change gear at all, although it does have five levels of assist. I have no idea how that works. It also has one of these rubber strap things rather than a chain, which I kind of like even though I've never tried it. It weighs in at 18.9 kg, BUT the battery is removable and they recommend removing that to lift the bike into a car, to make it just 16.9 kg. The battery is 360 wh, which is a decent size. This one is £1,895.

These are all reasonably affordable, but then there is the really expensive one. The nearest store is in Harrogate.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 Step-Through EQ

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 Step-Through EQ Brushed Aluminum / Black Reflective £2600.00

www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk

The medium size is all sold out, so I guess this isn't a runner anyway, even if I was prepared to cough up £3,400. The battery is 320 wh and there is a range extender. I don't see the actual weight, just that it's "a featherweight marvel, weighing 40% less than traditional e-bikes", which is as long as a piece of string. I thought I read 15 kg somewhere, but I can't see it.

So that's the runners and riders, gathered together for my convenience. Unless someone knows of something else.

If I don't want to wait for the Fiido, the Ribble one is the most attractive. There is something to be said for getting something made in Britain. But on the other hand I was strongly attracted to the Chinese-built Fiido the minute I saw the reviews, in much the same way as I was attracted to the MG4, thinking, that's exactly what I want. Mainly right now I'm mad at Fiido for taking my money under false pretences, and I want a refund.

 

[Archev]

I am currently sulking like a seven-year-old who has been told that Christmas has been cancelled.

I've been looking again at alternatives, and although there are a number of possibilities, none of them grabs me the way the Fiido did. It may of course be that I really liked the colour, but overall it seems to tick more boxes than the others, quite apart from being the cheapest.

• Step-through frame
• Weight no more than around 17 kg, preferably even less
• Reasonable range, preferably with a range extender battery available
• Rear pannier rack, and preferably suitable to fit a basket
• Mudguards, and preferably a chain guard
• Geared to allow non-powered riding without killing me

I quite like this one, and the company is based in Clitheroe so it's not impossible to go take a look.

Ribble Hybrid AL e Step Through | Ribble Cycles

Hybrid AL e Step Through

www.ribblecycles.co.uk

However, although the article referencing a triangular-frame version I sourced it from said 15 kg and a 252 wh battery, the weight and the battery size aren't included in the specifications on the company's web page! It only seems to have three levels of assist, while most of these bikes have five. Also, I don't see anything about a range extender battery. It's £1,824 and available in 2-4 weeks. It actually seems to be available! I might give them a ring.

There is also a Trek model that I don't like quite so much. There is a shop at Dobbie's Garden Centre at Sheriffhall that deals with these, but I don't think they actually stock the bikes for a casual inquirer to look at.

FX+ 2 Stagger - Trek Bikes (GB)

Discover your next great ride with FX+ 2 Stagger. See the bike and visit your local Trek retailer. Shop now!

www.trekbikes.com

The nice colours are sold out in my size so it's black or nothing. Boo. The battery is 250 wh, which is OK, but then they quote the range as only "up to" 35 miles, "up to" 70 miles with the range extender. If they're being realistic that's OK, but if you allow for marketing hype it isn't. Also, the bike is 18 kg. It's £1,700 and available in about a week. If I like black.

This next one is a bit strange. The company is based near Winchester, and guys, I don't live there any more.

Estarli E28.X: Lightweight Hybrid Electric Bike

Discover the new Estarli e28.X lightweight e-bike, featuring an integrated 2-speed automatic gearbox with belt drive for seamless gear changes and a high-tech torque sensor for optimal power output. Book a test ride or video call to learn more about the Estarli e28.X.

www.thecyclecompany.co.uk

The weird part is that it doesn't have normal derailleur gears, it has a two-speed automatic gear so you don't change gear at all, although it does have five levels of assist. I have no idea how that works. It also has one of these rubber strap things rather than a chain, which I kind of like even though I've never tried it. It weighs in at 18.9 kg, BUT the battery is removable and they recommend removing that to lift the bike into a car, to make it just 16.9 kg. The battery is 360 wh, which is a decent size. This one is £1,895.

These are all reasonably affordable, but then there is the really expensive one. The nearest store is in Harrogate.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 Step-Through EQ

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 Step-Through EQ Brushed Aluminum / Black Reflective £2600.00

www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk

The medium size is all sold out, so I guess this isn't a runner anyway, even if I was prepared to cough up £3,400. The battery is 320 wh and there is a range extender. I don't see the actual weight, just that it's "a featherweight marvel, weighing 40% less than traditional e-bikes", which is as long as a piece of string. I thought I read 15 kg somewhere, but I can't see it.

So that's the runners and riders, gathered together for my convenience. Unless someone knows of something else.

If I don't want to wait for the Fiido, the Ribble one is the most attractive. There is something to be said for getting something made in Britain. But on the other hand I was strongly attracted to the Chinese-built Fiido the minute I saw the reviews, in much the same way as I was attracted to the MG4, thinking, that's exactly what I want. Mainly right now I'm mad at Fiido for taking my money under false pretences, and I want a refund.

Tough luck there with that machine.
Have you considered Halfords. They have a range of machines and have trial bikes that you can use to check them out for your needs. They’ve got branches all over.

 

[Rolfe]

I have, but when I searched their web site there didn't seem to be anything suitable. There's certainly a branch near me, though. I passed it this afternoon but didn't go in. I suppose I could ask for a trial, but they don't have anything that grabs me at all. Just one thing at 19 kg which is quite ugly-looking and has no mudguards.

 

[Archev]

I have, but when I searched their web site there didn't seem to be anything suitable. There's certainly a branch near me, though. I passed it this afternoon but didn't go in. I suppose I could ask for a trial, but they don't have anything that grabs me at all. Just one thing at 19 kg which is quite ugly-looking and has no mudguards.

It’s a pity Farnborough isn’t a bit nearer. I’m guessing there’s plenty of them to play with there this weekend at the Fully Charged event - doesn’t mean you’d actually get one readily though.

 

[Robf]

Rolfe

Given you already have a bike, perhaps an electric kit for it would be a better, lighter (and cheaper) solution? They will even fit it for you the next time you are down South (Winchester don't you know).

Electric bike conversion kits: Add a motor to your bike

Upgrade your bike with our comprehensive guide to electric bike conversion kits and how to use them

www.cyclingnews.com

 

[Rolfe]

It’s a pity Farnborough isn’t a bit nearer. I’m guessing there’s plenty of them to play with there this weekend at the Fully Charged event - doesn’t mean you’d actually get one readily though.

I did get to play with one at Harrogate, that's what started this. But I didn't like the model that was on demonstration. Weighed a ton for a start. There weren't multiple firms showing off a wide range of models, just the one outfit with a demo area.

Coincidentally I just had an email from that outfit this morning, because I registered with their app to get the test ride. They were alerting me to their presence at Farnborough.

Talio Electric Bikes | Enjoy The Ride

Electric Bikes For Sale, Electric Bike Rentals and Tours In the UK and across Europe

www.talioelectricbikes.com

There's nothing on their web site of interest. They seem to have a very limited range of products and there's very little information about the bikes to be had. The weird hand position is also as I remember it from the test ride. I came away from that saying, I love this, I want an e-bike, but not one of these!

 

[Rolfe]

Rolfe

Given you already have a bike, perhaps an electric kit for it would be a better, lighter (and cheaper) solution? They will even fit it for you the next time you are down South (Winchester don't you know).

Electric bike conversion kits: Add a motor to your bike

Upgrade your bike with our comprehensive guide to electric bike conversion kits and how to use them

www.cyclingnews.com

But I like my bike the way it is, and don't want to change it. Also, it already weighs 15.7 kg. Not going to get any lighter if it has a motor and a battery added.

 

[Rolfe]

I had a video call with Ribble Cycles this afternoon. They seem very clued-up, despite some YouTube comments saying they sold rubbish bikes decades ago. (I think a company that was a bit rubbish decades ago must have upped its game considerably to still be in business now.) Young man called Paul answered all my questions favourably. The battery is 250 Wh he thinks. He said the bike only weighs about 14 kg, which is frankly miraculous. There is a range extender available, although it's pretty expensive. (It's not something I'd buy immediately anyway, only if experience suggested I needed it.) And the front wheel comes off quite easily with an Allen key - looks like the same mechanism as the Fiido uses, he took the wheel off a similar bike in the showroom to show me.

I asked about the fact that the bike only has three levels of assist, and the lad said that there is a phone app through which these can be customised to the rider's requirements, so that once it's set up you should only need three levels. This sounds reasonable. It's definitely a bike to be ridden as a bike, but with a boost for hills and adverse conditions (poor road surface, headwind), which is what I want. I don't want a motorbike.

The upshot of all this is that I have booked an appointment at the Clitheroe showroom next Friday to try out a similar bike and make my mind up. It's about a three-hour drive with a fair wind, but then add a charge at Tebay - if I leave at ten I should get there for two. If I really like it, I could order then and there, and get it in 2-4 weeks. I could even go back and collect it.

I still like a lot about the Fiido (including the colour!), but hey, 14 kg??!! And there is something to be said for getting a bike from a company close enough to take the bloody thing there in person if it needs any attention.

 

[decrep]

Looks positive Rolfe, good luck with that

 

[Rolfe]

Looks like it's this (the Ribble model)

or this (the Fiido model)

What think you? I've pretty much discounted the others. Yes, the Ribble bike has no pedals. Pedals are extra. (£25 for the standard ones.) Apparently some people would rather choose their own pedals than have whatever the manufacturer has fitted. Never come across that before. People change all sorts of things on bikes, but you usually expect to get a complete bike to start with.

Look at the difference in the gearing. I'm definitely more attracted to the Ribble's lower gearing, it would be much easier for me to ride as a normal bike, and I think with the Fiido I'd have to replace the crank wheel.

The Ribble has something of a retro look to it, which I'm trying to get to like. The rear forks have a weird kink to them, don't know what that's all about, but whatever. The range extender battery fitted to the Fiido looks horrible. I think the Ribble range extender battery is just as horrible, besides being about three times the price, but they just haven't photographed the bike with it on. No support rack for a basket, but the web site says you just strap on a basket the same way you would any other bike.

And - 14 kg. Really? That's a pretty big attraction. Even though it is more than £700 more expensive.

 

[Archev]

Looks like it's this (the Ribble model)

View attachment 31180

or this (the Fiido model)

View attachment 31181

What think you? I've pretty much discounted the others. Yes, the Ribble bike has no pedals. Pedals are extra. (£25 for the standard ones.) Apparently some people would rather choose their own pedals than have whatever the manufacturer has fitted. Never come across that before. People change all sorts of things on bikes, but you usually expect to get a complete bike to start with.

Look at the diffeence in the gearing. I'm definitely more attracted to the Ribble's lower gearing, it would be much easier for me to ride as a normal bike, and I think with the Fiido I'd have to replace the crank wheel.

The Ribble has something of a retro look to it, which I'm trying to get to like. The rear forks have a weird kink to them, don't know what that's all about, but whatever. The range extender battery fitted to the Fiido looks horrible. I think the Ribble range extender battery is just as horrible, besides being about three times the price, but they just haven't photographed the bike with it on. No support rack for a basket, but the web site says you just strap on a basket the same way you would any other bike.

And - 14 kg. Really? That's a pretty big attraction. Even though it is more than £700 more expensive.

Good looking bikes. I’m intrigued by the differences in weights.
I had a look at the machines pedalled (see what I did there ?‍) by Easygo Bikes in Linlithgow and they have two or three similar but looks like they’re a couple of kilos heavier.
I noticed they do the Haibike brand and I remember now that’s what I hired in Aviemore.
So the only way to decide is really to be able to try them against each other and of course to check out the relative weights and ease of removing the front wheel for yourself if they’ll allow that.
Personally, I’m having long looks at the latest Citroen Berlingo Multispace cars. I had two of the diesels in the past and they were delightful reliable vehicles. The latest electric versions have over 200 mile range and the seats are even better than before (and they were terrific, and removable then). I ve enquired about VtL but still waiting on confirmation of that.