Electric assist

[4F]

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

What you trying to say ? I am just short for my weight right

 

[domtyler]

Go on FF, 'ave 'im!

 

[PrettyboyTim]

I think there's too much macho bollocks surrounding the discussion of electrically assisted bikes. I think they're a great idea. My current commute is 7 miles each way, which I found achievable when I first started out but it would have been much more daunting and wearing if my commute had been a few miles longer.

Seems to me that electrical assist could easily extend the range of the average person, making previously infeasible journeys feasible by bike.

 

[4F]

I think there's too much macho bollocks surrounding the discussion of electrically assisted bikes. I think they're a great idea. My current commute is 7 miles each way, which I found achievable when I first started out but it would have been much more daunting and wearing if my commute had been a few miles longer.

Seems to me that electrical assist could easily extend the range of the average person, making previously infeasible journeys feasible by bike.

There is nothing wrong with an electrically assisted bike, as long as you are over 60

 

[HLaB]

I see that the http://www.electriccyclecompany.co.uk/ are partners in the cyclescheme the work has just joined; its not for me but if it gets people out of their cars, hey ho.

 

[mickle]

HLaB; nail, head.

My brother (spit), when I was still talking to him reckoned that a simple go-kart powered by a standard car battery and using a standard starter motor will achieve 40mph for an hour.

The trouble with any lecky vehicle is the weight of the batteries. I'd love a moped made from a decent bicycle with a tiny (10 to 20cc) petrol engine.

 

[redcogs]

i have installed an electric hub kit on to my bike only recently.

Verdict?

Fantastic. i should have done it long ago. Its ability to 'level out the hills' and to enable a slightly faster average has meant that i can cover more distance in the same period of cycling, and do it with a greater degree of comfort and satisfaction. Previously, i was in the habit of a daily 10 miler, after which i was absolutely sweat soaked and in need of a recouperative sit down. Now, with the thumb throttle used intelligently, i easily cover 20 miles, and remain comparitively sweat free, and can still stand up when the ride is over.

i cycle to try to retain a degree of physical fitness (i've a cardiac condition and a knee disability), so its important that i aerobically exercise to keep the old cardio pulmonary in good fettle, but without over exertion. The electric option enables just that.

i'd caution against a 500 watt job though Domtyler. They are apparently capable of really high speeds in excess of 30 mph on the flat. The legal limitation is i think 15 mph without pedal assistance, which seems quite reasonable under most circumstances.

i've yet to hear a complaint from anyone who has properly experienced the leccy option.

 

[domtyler]

i have installed an electric hub kit on to my bike only recently.

Verdict?

Fantastic. i should have done it long ago. Its ability to 'level out the hills' and to enable a slightly faster average has meant that i can cover more distance in the same period of cycling, and do it with a greater degree of comfort and satisfaction. Previously, i was in the habit of a daily 10 miler, after which i was absolutely sweat soaked and in need of a recouperative sit down. Now, with the thumb throttle used intelligently, i easily cover 20 miles, and remain comparitively sweat free, and can still stand up when the ride is over.

i cycle to try to retain a degree of physical fitness (i've a cardiac condition and a knee disability), so its important that i aerobically exercise to keep the old cardio pulmonary in good fettle, but without over exertion. The electric option enables just that.

i'd caution against a 500 watt job though Domtyler. They are apparently capable of really high speeds in excess of 30 mph on the flat. The legal limitation is i think 15 mph without pedal assistance, which seems quite reasonable under most circumstances.

i've yet to hear a complaint from anyone who has properly experienced the leccy option.

Very interesting Redders, can I ask you for the details? Make, Brand, size etc. Any issues fitting?

Thanks for the concern over the 500 watt and speed but I cycle at way over 15mph unaided already, I want to be able to maintain 30 mph at all times ideally.

 

[hackbike 6]

Blimey dom but you are getting on a bit.

 

[redcogs]

The hub kit that i have is distributed by 'Alien' via Ebay dom. Its a 36v lith-ion witha 250 watt hub built into a wheel. i can't really coment on long term reliability so far (only had it two weeks), but it is well constructed, and all major parts are guaranteed for the standard year.

my bike is a Thorn Raven Sports Tour (with a Rohloff). Its quite a heavy set up (especially when i'm on it ;-)!), but it serves my purposes. The kit you placed the link for works on a different drive principle i think, utilising the chain and rear wheel drive. mine is front wheel drive and can only achieve 30 mph down hill - it won't deliver power above about 20 mph.

Here's a link:

http://www.alienbikes.co.uk/

 

[redcogs]

Sorry, forgot to mention that it was easy to install. Straight forward idiot proof wiring, and is nicely disguised by panier bags.

Shall i try and stick a photo on?

 

[hackbike 6]

Yeah,why not im game.

 

[PrettyboyTim]

There is nothing wrong with an electrically assisted bike, as long as you are over 60

I think you've just demonstrated my point.

Nobody blinks at a young man driving a petrol-powered car or moped, but suddenly put the drive onto a bike and everybody thinks it's odd?

 

[redcogs]

jpg.gif electric bike 001.jpg

 

[redcogs]

Another

electric bike 002.jpg