First post, please be gentle.
I'm considering getting a ladies HYB 8.9E 48cm for my wife, so we went into a Halfords store recently that had (incidentally) both men's and women's versions of this bike, as well as the ADV 8.9E.
The men's version and the ADV had the new release mechanism below the down tube, and in both the battery+motor unit was very easy to remove. Turn the key, pull the latch (IIRC), out pops the unit. Replacing was similarly easy, with it clicking into place with a nice solid feel.
The women's version had the old release mechanism with a button on the top of the down tube; it took about 5 minutes of key twiddling by myself and the two (helpful) Halfords assistants before the unit was released. Even then, putting it back felt a bit mickey mouse, and not something I'd be inclined to rely on. It was a nightmare demonstration for the sales staff - who did their best - but it showed me that it would be completely unworkable for my wife to use.
So, we do like this bike, but I'd want to make sure that it came with the new mechanism. Unfortunately, the staff said there's no way you can specify that, so it's just pot luck as to what comes in from their warehouse. I'd rather not risk it (and although I know one can get a refund, that's not a practical option), so my question is:
Has anyone recently purchased a women's HYB 8.9E 48cm and did it have the new mechanism?
Thanks for your help.
I'm considering getting a ladies HYB 8.9E 48cm for my wife, so we went into a Halfords store recently that had (incidentally) both men's and women's versions of this bike, as well as the ADV 8.9E.
The men's version and the ADV had the new release mechanism below the down tube, and in both the battery+motor unit was very easy to remove. Turn the key, pull the latch (IIRC), out pops the unit. Replacing was similarly easy, with it clicking into place with a nice solid feel.
The women's version had the old release mechanism with a button on the top of the down tube; it took about 5 minutes of key twiddling by myself and the two (helpful) Halfords assistants before the unit was released. Even then, putting it back felt a bit mickey mouse, and not something I'd be inclined to rely on. It was a nightmare demonstration for the sales staff - who did their best - but it showed me that it would be completely unworkable for my wife to use.
So, we do like this bike, but I'd want to make sure that it came with the new mechanism. Unfortunately, the staff said there's no way you can specify that, so it's just pot luck as to what comes in from their warehouse. I'd rather not risk it (and although I know one can get a refund, that's not a practical option), so my question is:
Has anyone recently purchased a women's HYB 8.9E 48cm and did it have the new mechanism?
Thanks for your help.