I recently tried out one of those electric bikes, and I can honestly say it was fantastic, it felt as if you were some kind of a superhuman.
The bike I tested used 'Peddle assist', as I peddled the motor assisted, this gave it the feeling that I could zoom along with very little effort.
Advantages are that you arrive at your destination without getting hot and sweaty, and it's just great fun. The battery life is fairly good if you go nicad, and for my 4mile commute would last about 7 years, (recharging twice a week), at a current cost of 5p a recharge. I might get a spare battery as well (?90), which will give a 14-year life (hopefully), and gets around the whole recharging time issue.
Some of the battery packs contain an integral charger and can simply be removed and charged up at work under the desk.
If you pick a bike, which is fairly light, and simple they can be used as 'normal' push bikes after that anyway.
The other advantage is that you can easily pull a trailer, for goods / kids etc, and there is no tax / insurance requirement.
They all give a top speed of 14 mph (for legal reasons) but with gentle peddling I was going at about 22mph, and could easily have gone faster.
You still have to change your clothes but we are all going to be spending more time outside so you might as well get used to it now...
Have a look on ebay for the latest deals.
Why would anyone want to drive when they could bike?
Moderator: Peak Moderation
My first post here! Go easy 
I am currently living car-free. Having recently graduated from university, I am soon to start a job and face a modest 3 mile commute - which I plan to cycle every day.
I have just ordered a hybrid commuting bicycle. Since reliability is my key concern with commuting by bicycle, I have opted for a bike with 8-speed hub gears, hub disc roller brakes, almost puncture proof road tires, but on a mountain bike style frame. Many of the same Shimano components as the Dutch bikes mentioned already. The hub gears and brakes should require a minimum amount of maintenance - and help me to survive the winter months. I'll be adding some panniers to do the shopping. I couldn't agree more with the title of this thread and am planning on joining my local cycling campaign group - who have had many successes in improving cycle facilities and routes around the town.
After a bit of hunting around, I found two other interesting resources, firstly this report by the government's health committee, on obesity, which states that increasing cycling is the best buy for tackling obesity:
I've given buying a car plenty of consideration over the past few months. My decision to live car-free is more than just a choice about how I spend my money. Unless the people who can make these decisions, actually choose to now, the change will come by force.
Who wouldn't if they could! Benefits to health, the environment, not to mention the lack of road tax, MOT, insurance, licensing, breakdown recovery services, and of course... those pesky fuel bills (unless you count Green&Blacks!).
I am currently living car-free. Having recently graduated from university, I am soon to start a job and face a modest 3 mile commute - which I plan to cycle every day.
I have just ordered a hybrid commuting bicycle. Since reliability is my key concern with commuting by bicycle, I have opted for a bike with 8-speed hub gears, hub disc roller brakes, almost puncture proof road tires, but on a mountain bike style frame. Many of the same Shimano components as the Dutch bikes mentioned already. The hub gears and brakes should require a minimum amount of maintenance - and help me to survive the winter months. I'll be adding some panniers to do the shopping. I couldn't agree more with the title of this thread and am planning on joining my local cycling campaign group - who have had many successes in improving cycle facilities and routes around the town.
After a bit of hunting around, I found two other interesting resources, firstly this report by the government's health committee, on obesity, which states that increasing cycling is the best buy for tackling obesity:
Secondly, it comes with this curious graph and lots of interesting comparisons to Holland and Denmark.?If the Government were to achieve its target of trebling cycling in the period 2000-2010 ? that might achieve more in the fight against obesity than any individual measure we recommend within this report.?
I've given buying a car plenty of consideration over the past few months. My decision to live car-free is more than just a choice about how I spend my money. Unless the people who can make these decisions, actually choose to now, the change will come by force.
Who wouldn't if they could! Benefits to health, the environment, not to mention the lack of road tax, MOT, insurance, licensing, breakdown recovery services, and of course... those pesky fuel bills (unless you count Green&Blacks!).
Going back to comments about different types of bike and the problems with cheap/fashionable bikes I can only add my own experience.
I started cycling to work (in London) in 1977 cos I was pissed of with being late at the whim of BR train drivers. I started with a traditional 2nd hand road/racer bike which was cheap but knackered after 2 years. Since 1980 I have had only two bikes - and the first one only died because of a crash which bent the frame in '91. Both were good quality steel (Reynolds 501) traditional frames with derallieur gears (both Dawes Galaxy's as it happens). Obviously the drive sets, tyres, brake blocks, and a couple of wheels have been replaced in that time, but the basic frame is sound and lasts more or less for ever.
If you are buying a bike to commute (and 6-10miles each way is the ideal distance in terms of both the exercise you get and being the fastest way of getting there) go for the best quality traditional frame you can afford and look on it as a 10 year (minimum) investment - for my next bike (I'm considering treating myself) I may well go for an alloy frame, but I will be expecting to spend around ?1200 for something to my spec which will last me at least another 10 years. Even at today's prices the fuel cost saving alone will pay for it within 5 years.
You absolutely do not need suspension (assuming a decent frame), chunky tyres or any other fashion items that add to the complexity & cost and decrease the reliability of what becomes a well loved tool.
If you want to go off-road for pleasure/sport then get a second bike (maybe a ?200 disposable) specifically for that purpose.
If you are in UK then there is probably a local cycling campaign group (LCC in London) who will provide advice and help lobbying your employer for facilities (lockers, changing rooms etc) - which they may be able to get a benefit back from the local council for.
I started cycling to work (in London) in 1977 cos I was pissed of with being late at the whim of BR train drivers. I started with a traditional 2nd hand road/racer bike which was cheap but knackered after 2 years. Since 1980 I have had only two bikes - and the first one only died because of a crash which bent the frame in '91. Both were good quality steel (Reynolds 501) traditional frames with derallieur gears (both Dawes Galaxy's as it happens). Obviously the drive sets, tyres, brake blocks, and a couple of wheels have been replaced in that time, but the basic frame is sound and lasts more or less for ever.
If you are buying a bike to commute (and 6-10miles each way is the ideal distance in terms of both the exercise you get and being the fastest way of getting there) go for the best quality traditional frame you can afford and look on it as a 10 year (minimum) investment - for my next bike (I'm considering treating myself) I may well go for an alloy frame, but I will be expecting to spend around ?1200 for something to my spec which will last me at least another 10 years. Even at today's prices the fuel cost saving alone will pay for it within 5 years.
You absolutely do not need suspension (assuming a decent frame), chunky tyres or any other fashion items that add to the complexity & cost and decrease the reliability of what becomes a well loved tool.
If you want to go off-road for pleasure/sport then get a second bike (maybe a ?200 disposable) specifically for that purpose.
If you are in UK then there is probably a local cycling campaign group (LCC in London) who will provide advice and help lobbying your employer for facilities (lockers, changing rooms etc) - which they may be able to get a benefit back from the local council for.
RogerCO
___________________________________
The time for politics is past - now is the time for action.
___________________________________
The time for politics is past - now is the time for action.
Ballard, which electric bike did you try out? I have a long steep windy hill to climb on my way out of Belfast on my 6 mile trip home, going from sea level to 450ft asl. This is a major issue as it is not a minor gradient and would simply be too arduous to cycle. Would an electric bike go up this hill (about half a mile) at 14mph? If so, I would seriously consider going this route for the office commute on days when I don't need to visit customers (which is the majority of days).
The other issue of course is safety. I may need to consider going a different route to and from work as I don't feel it is safe to go on windy roads with no pavements, never mind cycle tracks. There is an alternative route I could take but it will add another couple of miles both ways. The gradient is less steep, but over a longer distance.
Finally, we have a lot of rain in N Ireland - would just need a good waterproof cycle cape I suppose.
Thanks for all the great info!
The other issue of course is safety. I may need to consider going a different route to and from work as I don't feel it is safe to go on windy roads with no pavements, never mind cycle tracks. There is an alternative route I could take but it will add another couple of miles both ways. The gradient is less steep, but over a longer distance.
Finally, we have a lot of rain in N Ireland - would just need a good waterproof cycle cape I suppose.
Thanks for all the great info!
Real money is gold and silver
Go for a good low gear (30T front by 28T rear on a 700mm wheel) and you'll find you can slowly and comfortably wind yourself up almost anything at a walking pace - as the fitness develops you'll simply do it faster.
Personally I would go for the extra 2 miles most days on the uphill leg but its good to have a choice of routes to provide variety.
The wind is the major problem rather than the rain (assuming you can change at work) - a traditional cape is quite good for keeping your upper body dry and aired but is a nightmare in a headwind. I use a light Kagoul with shorts in summer, and lightweight tracksuit bottoms in winter - the work keeps the legs warmish anyway.
Oh and given the raininess of N.Ireland do get a bike with mudguards - not fashionable, but practical (and you'll need a rear carrier anyway)
Personally I would go for the extra 2 miles most days on the uphill leg but its good to have a choice of routes to provide variety.
The wind is the major problem rather than the rain (assuming you can change at work) - a traditional cape is quite good for keeping your upper body dry and aired but is a nightmare in a headwind. I use a light Kagoul with shorts in summer, and lightweight tracksuit bottoms in winter - the work keeps the legs warmish anyway.
Oh and given the raininess of N.Ireland do get a bike with mudguards - not fashionable, but practical
(and you'll need a rear carrier anyway)RogerCO
___________________________________
The time for politics is past - now is the time for action.
___________________________________
The time for politics is past - now is the time for action.
-
fishertrop
- Posts: 859
- Joined: 24 Nov 2005, 11:09
- Location: Sheffield
Man, you can see RogerCO's years of experience commuting, he has it all covered 
I would second everything he says:
1) Big hills are not that bad with a good gear and some practice (the first time might be hard work!)
2) Varying distances mean very little - if you arrive not clapped-out and at the time you wanted then what does it matter if you went the (very) long way around?
3) Rain means virtually nothing - wind can be a real problem, and ice is not nice!
I would second everything he says:
1) Big hills are not that bad with a good gear and some practice (the first time might be hard work!)
2) Varying distances mean very little - if you arrive not clapped-out and at the time you wanted then what does it matter if you went the (very) long way around?
3) Rain means virtually nothing - wind can be a real problem, and ice is not nice!
My commute is 10 miles by bike and I also have to wear a suit. Also we don't have showers at work. My solution was to buy an electric bike. Now I can zip to work without breaking into a sweat and then pedal like mad on the way home!snow hope wrote:Although my work is only 6 miles away, I have to wear a suit and I have to visit customers. So at this stage I feel it is not feasable to ride a bike to work. I have a 'mountain' bike I bought 3 years ago for ?99 in Makro and I have used it a fair bit (not enough though). My youngest son (13) has a better mountain bike purchased in Halfords a year ago for ?190.
I would like to explore bikes a bit more as I would like to buy a couple for my older boys (man size now) that they can use when TSHTF. My target price would be around ?100 if possible as I don't want to spend to much.
I suppose the main requirements are strength and durability, comfortable seat and ride (thus suspension front and back) and a key requirement would be to take a basket at the front or rear for future practical purposes.
I actually saw very sturdy bikes when on hols in Majorca this year - didn't manage to find out the manufacturer unfortunately.
Bikes will be very important in the near future I would think. What about scooters and small motorbikes would they be sensible to purchase instead? What mpg can you get from them? All thoughts welcome.
I purchased mine from eBay although the seller now has a website www.ec-bikes.co.uksnow hope wrote:Which one did you get rs and are you pleased with it?
It cost ?350 and is a pedal assist. It's fitted with a 200w motor and a 24-volt Ni-MH battery. I live in East Anglia and it is ideal for this terrain. I can pedal to work at a comfortable 20mph.
If you're in a more hilly environment I'm not sure how this model would fare. There are other bikes with more powerful batteries that might get you up a hill quicker, but would be an absolute pain to ride if the battery ran out!
The best part is it has enabled me to flog my car so i've saved a stack of money since getting the bike.
Ahhh, using a good old bicycle to get from place to place 
.
This is one place where local governments have to be credited occasionally too. For example, the housing estate I live near (and have to cycle through to get to 6th form) was built with a cycle track running through, and a cycle track running in front of the whole estate. The advantage of this is that according to www.saferoutestoschools.org.uk the local high school is:
Then again, I wouldn't really want to go further than there around this area. I do not feel safe on the roads, and even cycling into the town (2 hours or so to walk in) would be a nightmare. If you weren't knocked off by the RMC Aggregates lorries, or run over on the hellish roundabouts - there's just nowhere to put them that's safe.
If you chain it to a post then the wheels and the seat will be stolen. I suppose you could go for a folding bike, as has been mentioned on this thread already.
In only cycle a measly 1 1/2 miles each way, but there's a pupil here who cycles 9 1/2 miles each way. Now that's commitment!
Think of all the money it saves you not having to pay to go to the gym
.This is one place where local governments have to be credited occasionally too. For example, the housing estate I live near (and have to cycle through to get to 6th form) was built with a cycle track running through, and a cycle track running in front of the whole estate. The advantage of this is that according to www.saferoutestoschools.org.uk the local high school is:
This is a bit dated though, as the school has increased somewhat in size - but there are still just as many people cycling every day.Probably the school with the most pupils cycling to school in the UK (61%)
- http://www.saferoutestoschools.org.uk/index.php?p=CS1
Then again, I wouldn't really want to go further than there around this area. I do not feel safe on the roads, and even cycling into the town (2 hours or so to walk in) would be a nightmare. If you weren't knocked off by the RMC Aggregates lorries, or run over on the hellish roundabouts - there's just nowhere to put them that's safe.
If you chain it to a post then the wheels and the seat will be stolen. I suppose you could go for a folding bike, as has been mentioned on this thread already.
In only cycle a measly 1 1/2 miles each way, but there's a pupil here who cycles 9 1/2 miles each way. Now that's commitment!
Think of all the money it saves you not having to pay to go to the gym
Thanks Rs,rs wrote: It cost ?350 and is a pedal assist. It's fitted with a 200w motor and a 24-volt Ni-MH battery. I live in East Anglia and it is ideal for this terrain. I can pedal to work at a comfortable 20mph.
I spotted these on ebay, and although I tested an electric bike it was one of those folding jobs with small wheels, no good for my off road commute. I liked the look of the one you've got because you can still use it when the battery has died, it looks like a standard mountain bike that?s been kitted out with the power kit.
I hope to get one soon, plus a second battery so that I can swap batteries without waiting for the recharge. One question, I?m six three, is the frame big enough and would you recommend your particular model?
pɐɯ ǝuoƃ s,plɹoʍ ǝɥʇ
Hi Ballard,
I'm 6'1" and get along with it fine. I've been using mine daily for several months now and have done a couple of thousand miles on it already.
My observations so far:
1) Weight - It is obviously heavier than a normal bike. Approx 31kg. While you can continue to pedal it if the battery runs out, you will notice the extra weight! My speed goes from about 19-20mph down to about 13-14. I wouldn't want to ride it for more than a few miles like this but if you get caught out you can still get home.
2) Battery - Normally charges in around 3-4 hours. I've bought a 2nd charger which I leave at work so I can recharge it for the return journey.
3) Range - It is around the stated distance at about 15 miles.
4) Speed - Supposed to be limited to 15mph. Mine will go as fast as I can peddle! You do have a couple of options with regard to power. There is a twist throttle where you can let the bike do the work. It will get you up to around 15mph but not very quickly! This bike is really designed more for the 2nd option which is pedal assist. You do one revolution with the pedals and then the power kicks in. Feels a bit like someone behind you giving you a push.
Where I live there aren't many hills so I really don't know how this bike would cope in a hilly environment. There are other bikes out there with more powerful 36v batteries but as I said before, they are much heavier and probably horrendous to ride if the battery ran out. It all depends on your requirements really.
The only other things I have done is replace the crappy tyres with some Schwalbe Marathons (after getting a puncture on the 2nd day!) and changing the front chain ring for a larger one. If you want to fit a rack, Argos do a good one designed for dual-suspension bikes for around ?25 quid.
The thing I like about this bike is it is fairly inconspicuous. With all my gear on the bike I look just like any other commuter, just a bit faster!
cheers
I'm 6'1" and get along with it fine. I've been using mine daily for several months now and have done a couple of thousand miles on it already.
My observations so far:
1) Weight - It is obviously heavier than a normal bike. Approx 31kg. While you can continue to pedal it if the battery runs out, you will notice the extra weight! My speed goes from about 19-20mph down to about 13-14. I wouldn't want to ride it for more than a few miles like this but if you get caught out you can still get home.
2) Battery - Normally charges in around 3-4 hours. I've bought a 2nd charger which I leave at work so I can recharge it for the return journey.
3) Range - It is around the stated distance at about 15 miles.
4) Speed - Supposed to be limited to 15mph. Mine will go as fast as I can peddle! You do have a couple of options with regard to power. There is a twist throttle where you can let the bike do the work. It will get you up to around 15mph but not very quickly! This bike is really designed more for the 2nd option which is pedal assist. You do one revolution with the pedals and then the power kicks in. Feels a bit like someone behind you giving you a push.
Where I live there aren't many hills so I really don't know how this bike would cope in a hilly environment. There are other bikes out there with more powerful 36v batteries but as I said before, they are much heavier and probably horrendous to ride if the battery ran out. It all depends on your requirements really.
The only other things I have done is replace the crappy tyres with some Schwalbe Marathons (after getting a puncture on the 2nd day!) and changing the front chain ring for a larger one. If you want to fit a rack, Argos do a good one designed for dual-suspension bikes for around ?25 quid.
The thing I like about this bike is it is fairly inconspicuous. With all my gear on the bike I look just like any other commuter, just a bit faster!
cheers
I've now sold my car...
So I've now got two choices, the bike or expensive public transport.
Dropping the kids off at school is a bit of a chore, I'm using one of those trailers, I'll see how it goes, but one of those bikes looks very tempting.
It's a bit wet today however...
So I've now got two choices, the bike or expensive public transport.
Dropping the kids off at school is a bit of a chore, I'm using one of those trailers, I'll see how it goes, but one of those bikes looks very tempting.
It's a bit wet today however...
pɐɯ ǝuoƃ s,plɹoʍ ǝɥʇ
My experience: At the time when I was old enough to take driving lessons I couldn't afford them, so I never bothered, and got around either by bike or by public transport. Now I'm really glad I didn't bother. I've saved so much money and hassle.
Where I live now (Teesside), the road system has clearly been designed by someone who has never lived here so unless you use the major roads to get around it's actually faster in most cases to travel by bike. Anything we need gets put into our Ortlieb panniers - I really recommend these, they are superb and you can carry a lot. To collect govt brownie points a lot of cycle routes have been put in which help, and are used quite a bit. One unforseen extra is that when we bought our house we were able to rip the drive up and gain extra food growing room. To cope with the winter weather we have kitted ourselves out with good weatherproof clothing. I estimate that in the course of a year there are only around two or three weeks when we cannot use our bikes due to the weather, we have a tourer and a hybrid to give you some idea.
T'other half uses a beaten up old (very old ) racer to commute the 3 miles to work, he paid 30 quid for it second hand, the bus fare one way is 90p, we've spent about another 30 quid on the bike in the two years we've had it.
Where I live now (Teesside), the road system has clearly been designed by someone who has never lived here so unless you use the major roads to get around it's actually faster in most cases to travel by bike. Anything we need gets put into our Ortlieb panniers - I really recommend these, they are superb and you can carry a lot. To collect govt brownie points a lot of cycle routes have been put in which help, and are used quite a bit. One unforseen extra is that when we bought our house we were able to rip the drive up and gain extra food growing room. To cope with the winter weather we have kitted ourselves out with good weatherproof clothing. I estimate that in the course of a year there are only around two or three weeks when we cannot use our bikes due to the weather, we have a tourer and a hybrid to give you some idea.
T'other half uses a beaten up old (very old ) racer to commute the 3 miles to work, he paid 30 quid for it second hand, the bus fare one way is 90p, we've spent about another 30 quid on the bike in the two years we've had it.