Officially getting old... and...

[Mucker1884]

Have turned gender neutral, too!  ?

Just confirmed an order for a couple of these... 

 

Yeah... Yeah... I know!
But who needs a crossbar in this day and age!  The days of getting my leg over are soon to become a distant memory!  

Hired something similar for a couple of days when in France last month, as Muckerette had a bit of jip with her back, but didn't want to miss out on the cycling (the main point of the holiday) and I have to say, we were both immediately and exceedingly impressed at just how good these fancy battery bikes are. 
It also made a nice change to not be constantly overtaken by 70 year olds! ?

Still need to pedal, otherwise the motor don't help at all, so it's not a complete cop-out, fitness-wise.
Decided to go full-on continental, and follow the lead of our highly regarded Dutch neighbours, so opted for the Mary Poppins stylee!  After all, one man's "Ladies Bicycle" is another man's "modern unisex bike"!

Well, that's my defence, so laugh all you like... but I'll be laughing longest!  ?

[uttoxram75]

12 minutes ago, Mucker1884 said:

Have turned gender neutral, too!  ?

Just confirmed an order for a couple of these... 

 

Yeah... Yeah... I know!
But who needs a crossbar in this day and age!  The days of getting my leg over are soon to become a distant memory!  

Hired something similar for a couple of days when in France last month, as Muckerette had a bit of jip with her back, but didn't want to miss out on the cycling (the main point of the holiday) and I have to say, we were both immediately and exceedingly impressed at just how good these fancy battery bikes are. 
It also made a nice change to not be constantly overtaken by 70 year olds! ?

Still need to pedal, otherwise the motor don't help at all, so it's not a complete cop-out, fitness-wise.
Decided to go full-on continental, and follow the lead of our highly regarded Dutch neighbours, so opted for the Mary Poppins stylee!  After all, one man's "Ladies Bicycle" is another man's "modern unisex bike"!

Well, that's my defence, so laugh all you like... but I'll be laughing longest!  ?

The missus has got one of those. She uses it to get across town for work and stuff as she doesn't drive. Its quicker than using a car anyway for most of her journeys.

[Mucker1884]

9 hours ago, uttoxram75 said:

The missus has got one of those. She uses it to get across town for work and stuff as she doesn't drive. Its quicker than using a car anyway for most of her journeys.

From what research I've been doing, I'd say that's precisely what these are designed for.  I'll be amazed if she's anything less than delighted with it(?).
Our middle aged/slightly overweight cleaner at work has recently got one... just a basic one from Argos... and is absolutely thrilled at just how much easier her daily commute is.  A new lease of life, she says!

Ours are more for leisure cycling than commuting... although I may take the odd trip to the office, when the sun is out and no site visits are planned (thus not needing the car that day) but I've done that on my current bike a couple of times this year (It's only Chad to Ascot Drive, via Pride Park/Alvaston Park).

We've upgraded the battery, allowing for a claimed range of double what we would normally limit ourselves to... which has been in the region of 30 miles or so per day (36 is our max so far, with most days out being more likely c. 20-25).  I doubt we'll ever drain the batteries, but I'd like to think that, due to the added speed, and the reduced effort required, we should now regularly achieve 40-50 miles on a day out (whilst still stopping off for holiday snaps/boulangeries/cafes/bars/marchés/lakeside picnic lunches etc!).  More so on continental holidays to be fair, but we do take the odd trip out from home, when we get the chance, and certainly when away camping for a weekend (in UK).  Looking forward to getting around The Great Orme... without getting off to push all the way up one side, like we had to last time!  ?

Not cheap, and we've had to make a few minor compromises on our preferred spec, as we've already overdone the initial budget!
Not the smoothest ordering process in all honesty (UK dealer for a Dutch Manufacturer, and all by Email/online, as the shop is deep South Sussex!).  They cocked up with their stock levels, and couldn't supply us with what we initially ordered and paid for, so they've had to upgrade the models FOC!  Still over budget of course, but now with an excellent deal (re bang for bucks), as opposed to a good deal, so fingers crossed the delivery goes smoothly, and my research pays off, as to getting "the right bikes"!  ?

Next step is to sort insurance out... before I even consider leaving it locked up outside the club shop on a matchday!  ?

[Day]

If I ever get old enough to consider riding one of those, please put me down. I've had my life.

[Boycie]

1 minute ago, David said:

If I ever get old enough to consider riding one of those, please put me down. I've had my life.

Still got your electric scooter? Ahem.

[PistoldPete]

10 hours ago, Mucker1884 said:

Have turned gender neutral, too!  ?

Just confirmed an order for a couple of these... 

 

Yeah... Yeah... I know!
But who needs a crossbar in this day and age!  The days of getting my leg over are soon to become a distant memory!  

Hired something similar for a couple of days when in France last month, as Muckerette had a bit of jip with her back, but didn't want to miss out on the cycling (the main point of the holiday) and I have to say, we were both immediately and exceedingly impressed at just how good these fancy battery bikes are. 
It also made a nice change to not be constantly overtaken by 70 year olds! ?

Still need to pedal, otherwise the motor don't help at all, so it's not a complete cop-out, fitness-wise.
Decided to go full-on continental, and follow the lead of our highly regarded Dutch neighbours, so opted for the Mary Poppins stylee!  After all, one man's "Ladies Bicycle" is another man's "modern unisex bike"!

Well, that's my defence, so laugh all you like... but I'll be laughing longest!  ?

Isn't there a risk of getting it nicked? Where do you leave it if you are riding about town?  

[Day]

10 minutes ago, Boycie said:

Still got your electric scooter? Ahem.

Been sold. ?

[uttoxram75]

1 hour ago, Mucker1884 said:

From what research I've been doing, I'd say that's precisely what these are designed for.  I'll be amazed if she's anything less than delighted with it(?).
Our middle aged/slightly overweight cleaner at work has recently got one... just a basic one from Argos... and is absolutely thrilled at just how much easier her daily commute is.  A new lease of life, she says!

Ours are more for leisure cycling than commuting... although I may take the odd trip to the office, when the sun is out and no site visits are planned (thus not needing the car that day) but I've done that on my current bike a couple of times this year (It's only Chad to Ascot Drive, via Pride Park/Alvaston Park).

We've upgraded the battery, allowing for a claimed range of double what we would normally limit ourselves to... which has been in the region of 30 miles or so per day (36 is our max so far, with most days out being more likely c. 20-25).  I doubt we'll ever drain the batteries, but I'd like to think that, due to the added speed, and the reduced effort required, we should now regularly achieve 40-50 miles on a day out (whilst still stopping off for holiday snaps/boulangeries/cafes/bars/marchés/lakeside picnic lunches etc!).  More so on continental holidays to be fair, but we do take the odd trip out from home, when we get the chance, and certainly when away camping for a weekend (in UK).  Looking forward to getting around The Great Orme... without getting off to push all the way up one side, like we had to last time!  ?

Not cheap, and we've had to make a few minor compromises on our preferred spec, as we've already overdone the initial budget!
Not the smoothest ordering process in all honesty (UK dealer for a Dutch Manufacturer, and all by Email/online, as the shop is deep South Sussex!).  They cocked up with their stock levels, and couldn't supply us with what we initially ordered and paid for, so they've had to upgrade the models FOC!  Still over budget of course, but now with an excellent deal (re bang for bucks), as opposed to a good deal, so fingers crossed the delivery goes smoothly, and my research pays off, as to getting "the right bikes"!  ?

Next step is to sort insurance out... before I even consider leaving it locked up outside the club shop on a matchday!  ?

Got the missus' bike from here, The Bike Shop, 100-102 Monk St. (off Abbey St.) Derby DE22 3QB.

https://www.thebikeshopderby.co.uk

 

Really good in there, great advice, after service, free battery replacement within 2 years if needed. Couldn't fault them.

[Mucker1884]

36 minutes ago, PistoldPete said:

Isn't there a risk of getting it nicked? Where do you leave it if you are riding about town?  

Built in frame lock (aka "Cafe lock"), to stop it being rolled/ridden away... will use that as the name implies... sat outside a cafe etc, with the bikes in full view, and within a few steps from our table.

Just upgraded our main locks (for when the bikes aren't in view) to a couple of these...  
https://mobil.abus.com/int/on-road/Highlights/BORDO/Folding-Locks/BORDO-Big-6000-120-black-ST

With the added option of hanging one of these from them for added effect...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B013I2IDAK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Add in a couple of "secret" apple air tags per bike... hopefully with at least one on each never being found by a thief!

Just leaves insurance to sort, which looks like being around the £180pa mark, for the pair (Just theft/loss/damage/vandalism etc.)

If that doesn't cover it, then we were doomed from the start!   ?  

[Mucker1884]

59 minutes ago, David said:

If I ever get old enough to consider riding one of those, please put me down. I've had my life.

I've been saying that for a while... then I got to the point where I got old enough to consider riding one... etc... etc...  ?

[Day]

3 minutes ago, Mucker1884 said:

I've been saying that for a while... then I got to the point where I got old enough to consider riding one... etc... etc...  ?

Have you thought about something a little less embarrassing like a mobility scooter?

I can't wait to get mine. Can even get covers on so the seat doesn't get wet whilst you're in the pub.

[Mucker1884]

15 minutes ago, uttoxram75 said:

Got the missus' bike from here, The Bike Shop, 100-102 Monk St. (off Abbey St.) Derby DE22 3QB.

https://www.thebikeshopderby.co.uk

 

Really good in there, great advice, after service, free battery replacement within 2 years if needed. Couldn't fault them.

Yes.

One of the few options we had to actually view in the flesh. 

Very helpful advice from them, but ultimately wasn't drawn to any models they had available, be that aesthetics, or spec levels.  ?

[Boycie]

1 minute ago, David said:

Have you thought about something a little less embarrassing like a mobility scooter?

I can't wait to get mine. Can even get covers on so the seat doesn't get wet whilst you're in the pub.

[Mucker1884]

2 minutes ago, David said:

Have you thought about something a little less embarrassing like a mobility scooter?

I can't wait to get mine. Can even get covers on so the seat doesn't get wet whilst you're in the pub.

Still agile enough to pedal.  They do say that despite them being easier (than a non-pedal assist), they are that great, you actually use them more often/for longer (time and miles), so end up taking more exercise than if you had a "normal bike"

Anyway(1):  I'm months away from needing a mobility scooter, yer cheeky sod!

Anyway(2):  Just feck off!  ?

[Gee SCREAMER !!]

According to the government, no-one gets old.  We all live till were 90 and can walk up mountains till we shuffle off..  Thats why they're on about pushing state pension age up another year and they want me to have my work pension at 67.  Your spouse won't need any of your state pension either if you die before you get it. That's why they stopped that carry on in 2016.  Why have a law when we all live to 90 anyway and you'll be more than covered for that 60k-80k you've shoved into the system.  They'll never get to keep it.  68 is fair.  You won't be riddled with hernias and arthritis at that stage from working outside for 50 years, or have a spine like a tortoise shell and horrific carpal tunnel from 50 years of hammering a keyboard- plus maybe 1 or 2 problems with the heart from sitting there all that time.

I think they should add another couple of years.  If your under 40 they probably.

[Ram-Alf]

Senior Grandson works here   https://www.moorelarge.co.uk/bikes.html

Started around 12months ago, Works from home 2-3 days a week, They had 1000s of unsold bikes, He sells them through eBay and the like at a discounted price. 

[Mucker1884]

59 minutes ago, Mucker1884 said:

Just upgraded our main locks (for when the bikes aren't in view) to a couple of these...  
https://mobil.abus.com/int/on-road/Highlights/BORDO/Folding-Locks/BORDO-Big-6000-120-black-ST

 

Oops!

Just realised Amazon have ripped me off, as I ordered 120cm long, and received 90cm long!

Process now done, and they'll be going back for refund once I get to the office printer on Monday, and drop off for UPS return.

Do I re-order, and hope for the right length next time, or expect same result, as they'll be coming from the same seller?  ?‍♂️
Think I'll look at other options!  ?

 

[PistoldPete]

On 08/10/2022 at 10:33, Mucker1884 said:

Oops!

Just realised Amazon have ripped me off, as I ordered 120cm long, and received 90cm long!

Process now done, and they'll be going back for refund once I get to the office printer on Monday, and drop off for UPS return.

Do I re-order, and hope for the right length next time, or expect same result, as they'll be coming from the same seller?  ?‍♂️
Think I'll look at other options!  ?

 

In the Finance Thread we looked at the cost of running a car. Not sure what an ebike costs to run.. main cost I guess is the outlay, especially if you are getting one for both of you. How much do they cost if you don't mind me asking?  

[Mucker1884]

1 hour ago, PistoldPete said:

In the Finance Thread we looked at the cost of running a car. Not sure what an ebike costs to run.. main cost I guess is the outlay, especially if you are getting one for both of you. How much do they cost if you don't mind me asking?  

The odd snippet I've spotted claims literally single-figure pennies per mile.  Truth is, whilst I'd expect that to include charging, general maintenance/servicing etc, I'd doubt it includes subsequent replacement parts, and insurance (not a legal requirement for pedal-assist, but certainly wise in my opinion.  Truth is, I couldn't accurately answer your question re running costs.  (It wasn't a consideration behind our purchase).

As for purchase price, I'm aware of them being available at Argos for under a £grand.  £6k is not uncommon, and no doubt it ain't the max either.  However, it's probably fair to say that would likely be for something a little more specialised than our needs!  I suspect the average purchase price would be anywhere between £1500-£3k each?  Certainly for the leisure/commute end of the market, as opposed to full-on touring/racing/Off-road comps/other specialist markets etc.
I was initially hoping to find something to our liking for nearer that lower figure, but ended up paying much nearer to that higher limit... even with a generous discount for buying two bikes, and for buying what is effectively the last  dregs of end-of-line 2018 models, which limited the availability of certain spec/colours/frame sizes etc!  (Muckerette has "had to accept" hers in black... which wasn't on her desired list!  Similarly, I failed to get them with disc brakes... the compromise has ended with ours being fitted with hydraulic rim brakes... which I didn't even know were a thing, until last week!)

For the record, all my comments on here are for the pedal-assist bicycle versions, not e-mopeds etc.

Edited October 9, 2022 by Mucker1884

[PistoldPete]

8 hours ago, Mucker1884 said:

The odd snippet I've spotted claims literally single-figure pennies per mile.  Truth is, whilst I'd expect that to include charging, general maintenance/servicing etc, I'd doubt it includes subsequent replacement parts, and insurance (not a legal requirement for pedal-assist, but certainly wise in my opinion.  Truth is, I couldn't accurately answer your question re running costs.  (It wasn't a consideration behind our purchase).

As for purchase price, I'm aware of them being available at Argos for under a £grand.  £6k is not uncommon, and no doubt it ain't the max either.  However, it's probably fair to say that would likely be for something a little more specialised than our needs!  I suspect the average purchase price would be anywhere between £1500-£3k each?  Certainly for the leisure/commute end of the market, as opposed to full-on touring/racing/Off-road comps/other specialist markets etc.
I was initially hoping to find something to our liking for nearer that lower figure, but ended up paying much nearer to that higher limit... even with a generous discount for buying two bikes, and for buying what is effectively the last  dregs of end-of-line 2018 models, which limited the availability of certain spec/colours/frame sizes etc!  (Muckerette has "had to accept" hers in black... which wasn't on her desired list!  Similarly, I failed to get them with disc brakes... the compromise has ended with ours being fitted with hydraulic rim brakes... which I didn't even know were a thing, until last week!)

For the record, all my comments on here are for the pedal-assist bicycle versions, not e-mopeds etc.

Well I would have to factor in depreciation which I think is the main cost. Cost of two bikes at the top end is more than I paid for my second hand car. And could you really do 10 miles a year like I do with my car?

How long will these things last? The risk of them being nicked is quite  high I think so if you don't have insurance you would probably need to replace at some stage due to theft.