PRINTABLE VERSION

> | >>

CYCLE-OPS

MODEL NAME: CYCLE-OPS A guide to Electric Bikes

PRICE: Ring/Email for Price

PRODUCT OPTIONS: . IN STOCK
Description: .

There are effectively three types of electric bikes -

• 1/ Those that use a front hub motor, powered from a battery stored somewhere on the frame.
  These can provide light and nimble machines, but are also found on heavy clunkers. The quality of the motor, battery and controls are all important, whilst you need to look for a quality frame and good components otherwise. These bikes work best with lower powered motors, as otherwise the front wheel can skip - especially uphill, or on loose surfaces.
  Look at the Wayel bike range, for a good example of this type of bike.
• 2/ Those that use a motor attached to the crank drive axle, and have a battery between the seat tube and the rear wheel.
  These can make powerful and versatile bikes, but can sometimes be underpowered and too lightly geared - these are oftern configured in a Dutch style, and as such are heavy and geared for load carrying at slower speeds. These bikes also tend to have long wheelbases, and can be unwieldy to handle, and hard work when the electric assist is not being used.
  We have chosen not to stock these bikes, as we carry bikes with...
• 3/ The Bionx system, which has a rear hub motor, that can additionally be used as a brake -
  - allowing for some regeneration of the battery, and reducing wear on the brake pads. This is known as Regenerative Braking. A smart control system allows you to call on power at four different levels, giving you everything from a light assist, to brute power. You can also set to regenerative mode when going downhill (to extend battery life). It also features built in lights, activated remotely from the handlebar controller. The system is factory fitted to a range of standard Trek bikes, ensuring a quality bike at heart.
  Look at the Trek Ride range.

When buying an electric bike, the most important things to look out for are -

• Quality of Components - many cheap (oftern Chinese built) bikes have very poor quality brakes, gears, wheels, and control systems. These wont last long, and your bargain bike wont look like such a bargain anymore.
• Reliability of back up / service from the retailer - in our experience electric bikes require a little more care than standard bikes, and owners often find they need more help and advice in the first few months to understand the bike and electric systems. Bear this in mind when purchasing from a mail order company.
• Warranty and Support from the supplier - by their nature there is more that can go wrong on an electric bike, so make sure you buy from an established brand, who have been in business long enough to show they are financially stable, and will honour any future warranties.
• Anything below £1000 will probably fail at least one of the above criteria, better to spend £1300 upwards, and get something that passes these tests.

Feel free to call us on 01732 500533 for more info, or to book a test ride.