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Yay it worked! For me at least - me and my lapierre on our way to last place at the Boltby Bash!
Out of curiosity, where do units like the Bafang BBS02 sit legally? Does a power output over 250 W or the supply of power at speeds over 15.5 mph mean that these are legally classed as motorbikes? Only ask after coming across the following link whilst looking for something else:
https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules
The 250w are legal when restricted to 15.5mph. Above 250w and derestricted aren't legal, and would need to be type approved, moped license and insurance, as they would be a different class of pedalecs. Still not motor bikes mind.
does S-pedelec exist in the uk as a type to be approved yet ?
technically, not sure, apparently a rigmarole regardless. I think it'll probably just be essentially legalising it as a moped at the moment, I think the EU laws are voluntary.
Denis99
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<div class="bbp-reply-content">My Trek Super Commuter 8+ with NuVinci hub.
Had this bike about 8 months now. Enjoy being able to do a decent mileage and carry some photo equipment with me.
Very expensive to buy, but the NuVinci hub has been great, smooth, quiet, reliable.
Brooks saddle and a Thomsom layback post have been the only component changes.
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Nice. I have the other version of this bike with 1x11 XT, I was tempted to pay the extra £200 for the internal hub gear version, but the red frame won me over.
I also went for a brooks saddle.
How do you find the magura brakes on your bike? The shimano (M615) brakes on mine are ok in normal use, but fade scarily quick on longer descents when I've been out in the peaks. I'm considering upgrading them to XT's and ice tech rotors, which is a shame to have to do on a £3.8k bike!
I thought about getting the slightly cheaper version with the Shimano gears, but plumped up for the NuVinci model.
The red frame does look better in my opinion though.
The Magura brakes have been very good, slightly wooden feel to them, but they have good power and I have never thought I have been under braked.
Probably ridden the bike for about 2,000 miles now. Apart from a very occasional chain adjustment and very easy chain cleaning, it just keeps going.
I think there is more resistance with the NuVinci geared hub compared to the conventional derailleur system though.
Can usually get about 55 miles to a full battery.
A wee donner from milngavie up and over the kilpatricks, wanted to see what the link track was like (terrible btw just a big gravelly fireroad that is pretty horrible to cycle on, only gets good once you hit concho).
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I'll get a better picture out on the trails, but only got it yesterday - working down London in the week and don't want to stick it in the shed, so the very understanding Mrs STR has let me keep it in the lounge (excuse the horrible fireplace - I've been meaning to change it for the last 13 years 😉 )
[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/938/42193486450_a1f2d9944a_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/938/42193486450_a1f2d9944a_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/27huDwj ]2018-08-12_10-52-20[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/85252658@N05/ ]davetheblade[/url], on Flickr
Those cargo bikes are cool, couldn't justify one myself but I like them.
It's hilarious ebikes loaded up, went camping once so far with stuff attached to the bike, hardly even noticed it beyond the steering/handling being a bit heavier!
The Yuba is an awesome thing to ride 😆
According to the max load stickers, it will carry 300lb on the rear, 50lb in the front plus the rider. And the bike itself weighs 65lb !
But it feels great to ride. Had my little boy and MrsG on the rear deck and could barely feel them.
Currently commuting a hilly 30km a day and loving it. Drop the boy off at childminder on the way. No bag on my back, no issues with what I can take with me, can do the shopping on the way home no problem.
And I can leave the car at home most of the weekend too, bike to the park at the weekend carrying the little man and his bike on the back, shopping, etc etc
Loving it. 👍
Anyone got a Vitus E Sommet VR or just the E Sommet? Quick scan of one of the mags in a shop had the VR getting 10/10. Trying to get my argument together as to why i NEED one of these for the missus. N+1 doesnt wash anymore. Nearly got done in for buying the last one around a year ago.
These are the future of commuting and personal transport.
People just need to get over their fear of the rain!
@haggis1978 I do. A small VR. Currently back at CRC under warranty. (E8000 BB bearing gone. 3 months old 800. rad Miles 'on it.) other than that it's an absolutely brilliant bike. Although it rides far better with faster rolling, lighter tyres than the 3C DDs it came with and the motor is smoother after its been updated via the app.
Got back from the Alps trip and after one weekend away decided we would keep an eye out in the sales for another, hopefully less sharing.
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Saw one yesterday lunch time so took the plunge
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I can feel Cutgate for its first ride at the weekend
Speaking of stats, I do love my big battery! 😆 Only used about 35% yesterday! (The game is to get that down even further now, get more economical and to go much much further!)
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Lets be seeing more stats if you all have any btw, curious to see the range and usage people are getting out of different systems?
Mines is an 850wh battery btw.
Why are so many Ebikers obsessed with stats?
It's not as if they're your stats, just a batteries'
Not interested in stats ebike or not. Just in the fun
It’s not as if they’re your stats, just a batteries’
I'm interested in the range people get out of their batteries on different machines. What's wrong with that?
from a personal perrspective it's something i want to know so i know the limits of the machine/me combo, helpful to know fr plannig routes. i'm also curious what other people get.
Nothing's wrong with it. I just wondered why. Thanks for answering.
The thing with comparing battery range though is that range increases the less elevation, lighter the rider, smother the terrain, faster rolling the tyres are and lower the assist mode they use. So unless you weight the same and ride the same route, in the same conditions in exactly the same way it's not really a comparable stat.
I could easily get 100miles out of one 504wh battery if I really wanted to, or could use the entire battery up in 10miles on another ride.
yeah, I know that! as I say just curious to what others are getting.
Haggis1978, I have one the E-Sommet VR, I've done just short of 1000 mile with no grumbles from the BB yet, even though I've been riding it since feb in all that crap we started the year with. Great bike, a well thought out package & thoroughly recommended. I've put some 2.8 NN's on it and it's an even bigger laugh, those and grips/seat is all I've changed from the std spec. I think your main issue will be sourcing one this year, unless the last of the 17" 'lower' model fit you. Wiggle and crc have no current stock and being as they've had two deliveries already I'm doubtful they'll bring in more this year but never say never.
My BB issue is definitely not from poor conditions.
2019 models should arrive soon (late September?). Well worth waiting for if pricing remains the same.
Can't wait to get mine back.
@Tracey what kind of trails are you riding on your Levo? Have a Spesh Enduro Elite 2017 650b just now. 65.5 degree headline angle. Just wondering if I can get the Levo down the golfy at Innerleithen no problem.
Bought the Enduro about a year ago in the sales and it's awesome but very e-bike curious. The Kenevo should be the obvious one to get but prefer the look of the Levo.
Vitus e-mailed vr are all sold out 😦
Ard Rock demo on the Haibike and Cube SL160, Hope to get the Cube soon been my favourite of those I’ve tried.
My ebike is an add on kit and has been swapped around between frames - 375 w battery. Range - best - 35 miles with 2000. ft of climbing 50 / 50 road / offroad. Thats not enough for me. worst? 7 miles! de-restricted and chasing german motorcycle tourers on a wee road. I was doing 35 - 40 mph and gently climbing on it tho
Tech is moving on at a fair old pace and the range limitations I have found may not be as acute on the latest kit but for me they are not that much cop offroad. the extra weight spoils the descents and the range limitations mean I can end up pedalling a heavy bike home
Mines main use is as a utility bike - towing a heavy trailer of stuff around
I'm 95kg + and thrashed the hell out of my 24kg Kenevo first ride - 18 miles and 2500ft, but the 2500ft was in turbo and a lot of the rest of it was in trail, when I could have managed in eco. Not too fussed about stats, but would like to see if I can get the yardstick 30 miles at my weight using it properly
Haggis
All and everything. From the pub to Wharncliffe DHs but mainly in the Peak. Found it hard to share between four of us so that's why we have just bought another this week. Just had a couple of weeks in the Alps, didn't take the Levo due to no spare room in the van but saw them been used on the trails in Verbier down some insain stuff. Will be taking it out to Ainsa and Finale in September hopefully with a day stop over in Vallnord to try it there. Most of our other bikes are Enduros or Stumpjumpers so tend to just throw my leg over what I fancy and is available.
My Super Commuter 8. Love the bike so far, not used the motorbike or a car for over a month now.
It's so nice riding to work in normal clothes and just enjoying the sun and sights. Can ride much harder on the days I take the normal bike too.
The other day on the way home from work, I had a little detour through Wharncliffe and Grenoside on the fire paths, and it was ace. Making me think about getting an E-MTB too...
Just wondering if I can get the Levo down the golfy at Innerleithen no problem.
No problem at all. but there's nothing there you can't get a 100mm hardtail down.
The Levo is a way better bike than the first generation of DH bikes we raced on the old DH tracks at the golfie, inners and Fort Willaim 20 years back.
the extra weight spoils the descents
I don't really notice a great deal of difference on the downs tbh, bit more draggy and harder to lift the back wheel, but other than that, feels fine I think.
Mines a hardtail and I am used to riding a sub 25lb hardtail so making it a 40 lb hardtail I really feel the difference. Same bike as its an add on kit. ( bb mount)
good effort, I like the one title "used to be a slog!" 😆
Geex you must be a far far better rider than me then dude cos my @rse still twitches going down there on my Enduro 😃
Sounds like it, yes.
not even a flinch! 😆 love it!
I'm in love with this bike. Came home from work, rode 15 miles/2000ft in an hour and a quarter, had a decent workout and got to the pub for the same time as if I'd ridden 8 miles on an acoustic bike....
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/42290147530_91d06b39ef_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/42290147530_91d06b39ef_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/27r34uE ]IMG_20180817_173121[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/85252658@N05/ ]davetheblade[/url], on Flickr
Only two of us out today so no arguments I took the new one. Over and back on Cutgate from Langsett. Had a great time. Left it in Eco all the way and 82% left.
Stopped to let some riders past on the way back. First time I've been told its cheating. He was pushing at the time so had a laugh
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Tracey, if the guy was pushing then just how slowly were you going in order to have to let them pass? 😉
We were going down and there was a team of them coming up. Was the polite thing to do. Would have done the same on any bike.
South Yorkshire hospitality 😊
Tracey
You should have asked him to show you what rule you were breaking.
Either that or told him to do one.
I've done 50 miles since I got this last weekend - I'd have probably done zero on any of my other bikes. Been out today and really getting into this beast now. Not only are the uphills now fun, but it's amazing DH - setting some faster times than on my Capra (and I'm out of practice/confidence at the moment) - then they all disappear off Strava when I change it to Ebike 🙁
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/43401092734_be0f5d85ba_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/43401092734_be0f5d85ba_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/298cWNj ]IMG_20180818_163401[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/85252658@N05/ ]davetheblade[/url], on Flickr
All those who say its cheating are laughable. To me I feel DRIVING to a ride feels like "cheating" a lot more. But its essential in my case, otherwise I'd be stuck with riding same route all the time! But I get some sense of achievement when I've set off from my house and done a big ride, which I don't get if I've driven there.
I want to get an Ebike, as having Fun is the main objective to my Biking rather than Fitness. I don't have much Fun in my life apart from Biking.
I do however have a lot of money. I've got £25K spare at the moment.
I have no problem getting up hill - on my regular routes I am in the top 5 to 10% on Strava on most segments. However I feel that an Ebike will allow me to have much more fun on my rides, by going uphill at 25kph and having just as much fun on the climbs as on the descents.
Riding into a headwind will also no longer be a slog.
How many times will a modern Ebike get round the Llandegla Black before the battery runs out ? I'm talking when going fast on every uphill, not going round slowly in eco
Not that Llandegla Black is my favourite trail or anything, but I'm using it as an example because nearly everyone knows it.
Well, say look at rough numbers. some of these ebikes will punt out 500watts+ on turbo. And they run, most likely on 36v(I'm speculating, they are very coy about giving these numbers out, instead telling you about NM instead, which doesn't tell you alot.)
But a 36v machine punting out 500W is 13.8889Amp (500/36). amps x volts = watts, tells you how much power the machine is using(or has available to it in a particular setting, user input means it won't necessarily be using all of that).
So on full pelt with absolutely zero resistance and 500 watt hour battery should last you exactly 1hr, but you are pedalling so you'll get more.
So to sumarise. On a 500 watt hour battery run the thing at: (All your setting will be doing is limiting the amps(althought differnt settings might be programmed different, they are other variables you can change to affect power useage too, but I'll keep it simple to variable amps))
1000watts you'll get 0.5 hours min
500watts, 1 hour min.
250watts, 2 hours min
125watts, 4 hours.
62.5watts, 8 hours.
You get the picture.
These are minumums and don't include the human input figure which is highly variable, and they also fluctuate, ie a 36v battery will charge up to about 41v at 100% I think and drop down to 31/32v the closer you get to 0. So there's a fluctuation there too. (fully charged up bikes are more powerfull that a quarter charged one for instance.)
In that sense, I think you are better thinking of your battery in time rather say in distance, as obviously gradients will play a huge factor.
Basically, I think you could probably say on turbo, most will run up steep gradients for 1 hour(min again, pedal input is a massive factor here in extending your longevity.)
That's my fag packets mathematics done for the day! 😆 And I'd say is a decent base line for understanding how far, or rather how long your ebike will go. After that you really need to guage how much your individual effort contributes to the puzzle.
seosamh - biggest ride I've done on mine was https://www.strava.com/activities/946382188 and I had 2 or 3 bars left. Specialized Levo mostly on 10% mode. Did 60km last weekend with a mix of 25 and 10% (plus a bit of 50 toward the end) and had 4 or 5 bars left too.
spot on cheers chvck. 🙂
Speaking of the Levo
These guys tested the Levo, actual watt output at full power, came up with 660watts. which makes sense.
https://electricbikereview.com/forum/threads/tested-turbo-levo-watt-output-surprising-results.14452/
ie(I'm assuming they tested fully charged.) on full power if the battery is using around 41.25v (660/41.25 = 16). that means, the Levo at 100% is running at 16amps.
Which also means run that at 100% going as fast as you can and you'll get less than an hour if you aren't helping the motor out yourself..
Speaking of running on 10% mode - Does this really speed things up much ? I'd think you'd need 10% just to overcome the extra weight of the bike on the climbs - Is 10% mode any faster/easier than riding a normal bike ?
The Levo has three settings as standard, Eco is 20%, Trail is 50% and Boost is 100%. in the Eco mode comparing it to the same non ebike on the same trail in very much the same conditions the bike is faster up hill than the normal bike. If that makes sense.
Trail Cutgate
Turbo Levo Carbon compared to Stumpjumper carbon
Both bikes fitted with Sram 11 speed
Picked up in the week, first ride on trails I knew as done demo days till now and Long Mynd which I didn’t know well.
I did Llandegla Black with red end missing b-line, back up for the blue taking in the Green on the way up then back up to do the final section of the decent where the green is. 21.8 miles in 2 hrs.
I didn’t have much time yesterday so it was great to pack so much in, loved it, need to adjust technique, look at small pedals as a few pedal strikes.
Ran mainly in Eco/Tour used emtb a little and turbo for the final short run up and down 🙂
Good thread. Some real world views with no animosity. It’s got me thinking of a Bafang kit for my old SIR.9.
Pedal strikes are 100% down to user error. But many emtb riders are switching to 150-155mm cranks so they don't have to bother learning to look ahead, time pedal strokes or position their cranks appropriately.
Miranda cranks seem to be most popular
https://mirandabikeparts.com/en/products/ebike-parts/#area69
Speaking of running on 10% mode – Does this really speed things up much ? I’d think you’d need 10% just to overcome the extra weight of the bike on the climbs – Is 10% mode any faster/easier than riding a normal bike ?
I have my Levo settings so that Eco is 10% rather than 20% and it definitely does make a difference. I can't ride much more than 10-15km on pretty easy terrain on a normal bike but can do a hilly 60 on eco (plus a bit of 25% toward the end usually). It's not fast but does make it easier. 10% also means that I can ride with friends at a similar pace, there are plenty of people who I can't keep up with on 10% though.
geex - Ebike seems lies forgiving to strikes, back end of the ride had less as was being a bit more thoughtful on pedal position which is no bad thing.
Don't want to run 150/155mm cranks would rather a smaller pedal as they are wide and get the technique more polished 🙂
Anyone seen any good deals in the sales which seem to be starting now?
Rutland cycles have some good deals on turbo Levo + extra deal this weekend
Ebike seems less forgiving to strikes
Er... not really. It's still the rider, no Emtb has a BB height anywhere near as low as my regular bikes do. My Emtb is the lowest I could find and I'm happily running 170mm cranks with no problems.
The difference with an Emtb is that with assist you climb far faster so any potentially pedal clipping objects come up quicker and because of the assist (and also how it cuts in and out between freewheeling and pedalling) it's tempting to just pedal blindly through everything without judging pedal clearance as you approach.
When descending rough ground would any experienced rider do the same? Hopefully not. And you'd at least expect them to start learning to think about pedal position after the first few pedal initiated ejections. On an Emtb you do need to re-think your pedal timing and positioning (or go the easier route and fit super short cranks)
I still ride my normal mtbs as much as my Emtb so am not really keen on picking up poor habits from running super short cranks on my Ebike.
Good points geex
I still ride my normal mtbs as much as my Emtb so am not really keen on picking up poor habits from running super short cranks on my Ebike.
This ^^ is why i don’t want super short arms either, by more forgiving it was more I didn’t get turfed off the bike it’s just kept pretty stable on its path like a subtle reminder. I am sure once I’ve ridden it a few times I’ll be more mindful of pedal position and it not happen, was only the first proper run, I suspect novelty of assist played a part too 🙂
Update to pedal strikes, longer ride, opted for a more thoughtful pedal positioning, and using momentum like I’d normally do and today 1 strike which was near the end tired and poor pedal position.
So no changes needed took onboard geex feedback and the results spot on, many thanks geex
The leopard really has changed it's spots.
I'm impressed.😉
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned in here but please keep your eyes peeled for a stolen green Scott ebike around Oldham. A couple of young Asian males releaved a 76 yr old lady of hers this week in Alexandria Park. It was £3000, think it was a Spark, mostly green with black.
Im lucky enough to have a small fleet of e bikes
started with a used Mondraker E vantage then bought a Merida E160
a year on its not skipped a beat, only change has been new grips, saddle and a 203 rear rotor , love the shimano engine and while some folk like the integrated battery it makes life easier with an external pack , especially when you've just picked up an E120 with the same drive system and battery
picture is Ryvoan both / Abernethy estate in the Gorms
A white out this early in the season?, should’ve posted in the “sick of the incessant snow updates” thread
Rutland cycles have some good deals on turbo Levo + extra deal this weekend`
I read your post Tracey, so I thought I'd have a causal browse of the deals ..... and then this happened ....
Ex Demo 2018 Powerfly 9 in XL - 40% off list plus an extra £200 discount. Seemed silly not to. Only a couple off little marks on it which I can live with for that discount.
First ride yesterday. Firstly, wow - the traction! and then it's the "go up anything you point it at" ability. Came hope with a stupid grin on my face.
Update to my post above..I had a few issues with the Trek - I think it may have had quite a hard life as a demo bike before I bought it.
Rutland Cycling in Nottingham were superb - totally excellent customer service.
They tool the Trek back and did me a deal on a 2018 Levo.
OK it cost a bit more but it feels totally different to ride. Much more lively and much less noticeably Ebike.
Upgraded the wheels and tyres on mine. Sixth Element carbon on Hope pro4 and the new 2.8 Butcher Blck Dmnd.
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I can’t imagjne anything having had a harder life than an ex-demo Ebike!
I got to ride the new Lapierre E-Zesty with the Shimano steps motor and the new Snake Battery.
I have never thought much of any Lapierre bike I have ridden before, but this this absolutely ripped. Suspension felt lovely and plush. It felt much nicer than the 2019 Levo I rode the week before.