e-bike recommendation for a friend please

The Other PaulG

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Hi -

I am a cyclist of many years, but know next to nothing of e-bikes.

A mate just asked me for an e-bike recommendation - I said I didn't know but I knew some people who would know!

Spec -

For his wife.
Moderately fit but not a regular cyclist.
My mate's an ex-rugby player, so not a cyclist per se but has decent fitness. He has regular bikes, they want to cycle together.
New Forest, so flattish forest tracks and quiet tar roads.
Approx 30-40km loops.
He knows he'll be spending £2k plus.
MTB or hybrid


What would the collective recommend??

He has seen a Specialized Vado 3.0 and thinks it'd be about right, any thoughts?

Paul
 
I have not long bought two Trek Powerfly 5, love them to bits, I can get around 45-55miles per charge (i'm 6'2" and 16 stone) great for fire roads etc. Bosh motor 625w battery

4 different power modes, so you can put in as much effort or as little as you want.

Best advice go to a couple of shops and get the feedback, we also had a day in Dalby Forrest on their hire e-bike which I would definitely advice before he buys

Rob
 
Try the e bike shop at Farnham they are a main distributor and have a comprehensive showroom by appointment at the warehouse.
 
Hi -

I am a cyclist of many years, but know next to nothing of e-bikes.



What would the collective recommend??

He has seen a Specialized Vado 3.0 and thinks it'd be about right, any thoughts?

Paul

My wife has put 1200 miles on a Specialised Vado 4SL this year. Mostly road but some forest tracks. Stunning bike, not cheap ( £3.2k) range , well put it this way we have never run out . Easily does 50 miles 3500 ft climbing. Cant recommend it enough

And remember the SL is 15 kgs so is OK to hump into the back of a car, other models are 25kgs and I have friends who cant lift them in and out of their cars.
 
Don't make my mistake and assume that the size guides will be true, it really is best to try for size.

Also consider how easy it will be to take it in for service and repairs, as not every bike store will repair bikes that have been bought elsewhere.
 
As a Hybrid, one of the best VFM is the Boardman HYB 8.9e Womens that uses the highly recommended Fazua drive system. 10% off at the moment at just under £2k. I have one and rate its Frame highly and the flexability (tuning options) and factory support of the Fazua system is excellent.
 
but, why bother its only 250 w pedal assist and 16mph max thats allowed on the road ?
 
Hi, just my 2 p's worth but have they considered a "trekking" type of Ebike? Good on roads (esp with 29" wheels which roll over bumps) and more than capable of tracks/trails without the expense and maintanence or rear suspension. They tend to come fully equipped so rack, lights, mudguards etc. so good for nipping to shops etc. As above the advice re going to shops and trying them is invaluable, no point having the "best" bike that you can't fit on or just don't like:D Cheers:beerjug:John B4
 
Battery size is really important. Cube now offer 0.75KwH batteries.

The Bosch system feathers the power as you approach 16mph - not just an off-switch.
 
Thanks again for the ongoing advice - I suspect my mate has made his purchases by now, but I will forward the additional info regardless. Cheers.

I'll leave the thread open to gather more useful info, in case it's of use to others with a similar question.
 
Cube do great bikes. :thumb2 I’ve had mine for about 4 years now. Never let me down but it is regularly serviced by my local bike shop. Only the 500w motor but that’s plenty for my needs. The battery is good for about a 40+ mile ride using it conservatively.
I had my local bike shop build me a spare set of road wheels too. They make a huge difference if you’re only riding on tarmac. :thumb2
 

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