Electric assist

[domtyler]

Just came across this link:

http://www.cyclone-uk.com/

I have had the thought creeping around in my head for a long time now but never really looked into it seriously. But I have to say that I would love to get this on my commuting bike. Just imagine being able to keep up a good speed into a howling headwind and up hills, even on a fully loaded bike!

Also it would mean shorter and even more predictable journey times.

What I find really interesting though is that only the 180 watt version with the speed limiter is road legal in the UK. So what would the 500 watt version with no limiter be capable of?

I think what I really want to be able to do is to have the capacity to keep up with motorised traffic in 30 mph roads at all times on my commute into and out of London each day, I have the feeling that the 500 watt version of this would let me do that easily. The only drawback would be that I would not be road legal but I would be happy to use it on the roads regardless of that.

How much would all this cost? £627 if all the most expensive options are taken with regard to battery and motor, including delivery.

 

[fossyant]

You'd get very fat using one of them.....as for 30 mph...just pedal faster....

 

[domtyler]

You'd get very fat using one of them.....as for 30 mph...just pedal faster....

Why? You have a throttle so can vary the amount of assist you are getting. I would just keep putting in the same amount of effort as I always do, all that would change would be the speed.

It is true that total calories burned would decrease though.

And can I assume that you can comfortably hold 30mph, uphill, into a strong headwind and with a child seat on the back of your bike?

 

[BentMikey]

Presumably you could make yourself road legal with the 500w setup? I don't know what's involved exactly, as a motorbike perhaps?

 

[domtyler]

Presumably you could make yourself road legal with the 500w setup? I don't know what's involved exactly, as a motorbike perhaps?

You'd have to have a number plate but I am sure it would be possible yes.

 

[fossyant]

It's cheating...time to take up golf if you are going to use one IMHO.

 

[BentMikey]

It's cheating...time to take up golf if you are going to use one IMHO.

I think so too, but only very slightly. I changed my mind after thinking about cycling solutions for my in-laws, when I realised it might be very good for them indeed. No success, they're still driving unfortunately.

 

[domtyler]

It's cheating...time to take up golf if you are going to use one IMHO.

Bah, rubbish! Why spend more time on the commute than necessary? Also I have a choice of three bikes, this would only be fitted to the one that would be used when carting lots of stuff and for bad weather. It weighs a tonne already too.

On beautiful days in summer when the roads are dry and the birds are singing I would be free to jump on the fixie. But in the depths of winter when there is a howling gale and I am late for work and still got to take the littl'un to nursery it would be a god send.

 

[fossyant]

It's OK for an old crusty who doesn't do much exercise, but not for a 'young ISH' person.....Dom has young kids so can't be too past it....

 

[domtyler]

I think so too, but only very slightly. I changed my mind after thinking about cycling solutions for my in-laws, when I realised it might be very good for them indeed. No success, they're still driving unfortunately.

Also for your situation surely Mikey, do you not do part of your commute by train due to the mileage?

 

[fossyant]

Noo...the wind, hills etc are all a test of character.... doesn't stop me, and there is a chance of a tail wind at some point. No point making cycling too easy cos you'll never get fit.... NO PAIN NO GAIN....grrr

 

[BentMikey]

Yeah, sometimes I take the train, but I'm trying to do the whole commute as much as possible. The biggest problem is that I do a tiring physical job as well as a long commute, and the next biggest problem is the hill climbs back up to Biggin Hill. I'm slowly getting fitter and more able to handle it, lets hope I manage to get in plenty of mileage this winter to prepare for next season.

 

[4F]

The biggest problem is that I do a tiring physical job .

Have you changed jobs then ? I thought you played around during the day on roller skates

 

[BentMikey]

LOL! Yeah, but it's hard work as well as fun. An excellent fat burner.

 

[BentMikey]

Oops, just realised that might come across the wrong way - no, it was aimed entirely at myself.