Surely there's no better way to test the new 2024 Orbea Diem than on its home turf? Setting off from a hearty Spanish lunch in the countryside, Rob (our Orbea Account Manger) and I took a pair of new Orbea Diem 10 models out into the sunny hills between Arretxinaga and Etxebarria.  The all new 2024 Orbea Diem I've spent the last week at the Orbea factory and HQ in Mallabia, Spain. Business aside, taking a sneak peek at upcoming releases and getting some rides in was top of the agenda. The Orbea Diem is a brand new model range for the 2024 model year, building on Orbea's already very popular Vibe range and furthering their commitment to increase their market share in the Urban, Hybrid and Leisure sector. In true Orbea fashion they've once again achieved it with style, class and impeccable engineering prowess.  The 2024 Orbea Diem in focus The new Orbea Diem is the first bike to be launched under Orbea's updated urban market strategy, built on 3 key points - "unique, high-performance, high-quality products" achieved through "clean and minimal design and clever integrations". Given they've been doing these things so well in the Road and MTB sector for many years, there's no reason why they can't excel here too. The Orbea Diem model range is broken down into 3 distinct models; The entry level Orbea Diem 30 models features Shimano Cues 9 speed gearing, the Shimano EP6 motor and a 540Wh battery. The next model up, the Orbea Diem 20 offers riders an integrated hub gear system in the form of a Shimano Nexus unit and nearly maintenance free Gates carbon belt drive, the same EP6 motor but their biggest 630Wh battery. The final model in the range is the Orbea Diem 10. Offering the very latest in drivetrain technology, the Orbea Diem 10 model has Enviolo's constant velocity hub and a fully automated gear shift which can be adjusted using the accompanying Enviolo AUTOMATiQ app to set it to the riders preferred cadence. It also has the ever-so slightly lighter EP8 motor, 630Wh battery and a dropper post!  A Diem in the hills Setting off on a brand new pair of Orbea Diem 10 models, we headed out first onto the glass smooth tarmac of the road which winds up and down the valleys connecting Arretxinaga and Etxebarria. My first thought was not of the bike, but that the UK could learn a thing or two about road maintenance from this part of the Basque country! The roads in the northern regions of Spain are a cyclists paradise. The Orbea Diem 10 is fitted with the new Enviolo fully automatic gear shift. A strange sensation for someone who's never ridden one, I was surprised at just how well it worked. More surprising was the way it rode. The Orbea Diem 10 is far from the heaviest of the electric hybrids we have on offer, but its not quite as light as the Orbea Vibe. That's to be expected though - with the full power version of the Shimano EP8 motor pumping out 85Nm and a 630Wh battery its bound to be a bit heavier however being much lighter than most 85Nm bikes (like our Cube Touring Hybrid and Kathmandu models, or the Haibike Trekking models) it absolutely flies along if you really get into the pedals. It's also not so heavy that its offensive on the legs when pedalling above the 15.5mph cut off and it handles like a dream. We rode them for a little under 10 miles and during the course of our ride found ourselves on an unmade gravel track through farmland, where it never felt out of its depth. It's ebike specific 50c Vittoria e-Randonneur tyres held the constantly shifting ground with ease and the steering stayed positive yet light and point-able. The Orbea Diem really is a bike you can "seize the day" on. Its incredibly versatile and can swap from tarmac to gravel, fire road and forest tracks and back to tarmac with absolute ease. Although we didn't have anything to carry with us on the day, the front and rear luggage options offer ample and flexible cargo capacity. While riding through a tiny little Spanish village (which I later found out had a population of just 70 people), Rob and I discussed just how easy it would be to cover a 10-15 mile commute in an hour without breaking much of a sweat on an Orbea Diem, even given the unbelievably hilly nature of the Basque territory where elevation levels switched between 500m, drops to sea level and back up to over 600m in less than a mile of riding. (Its worth noting that in the UK, anything over 600m is called a "mountain"!). Technology is the order of the Diem Not content with being a rocket ship in a svelte dress, the new Orbea Diem packs an impressive amount of technology into the whole model range. The Orbea Diem has all of the usual refinements of a modern electric hybrid bike. A pannier rack, built in lights, a side stand and mudguards all make the cut but its not just their being there which counts - its the way they appear on the bike. Take the lights. They're not just lights. Hidden in the stem assembly, the front daytime running light has multiple modes and the extra high beam light built into the handlebars is separately selectable. The rear light, neatly integrated into the rear mudguard does a lovely little light show as it turns on and doubles as a brake light when you slow down. They're also made by Supernova, a leading brand in top end lighting solutions. The mudguards are made by Orbea specifically for this model and match the fork and rear stay profile perfectly while allowing for a marginally wider tyre if desired. They're also made from lightweight alloy - no "plastic fantastic" here... Even the rear rack is understatedly clever. Designed to accept the MIK luggage attachment, there are countless options available to click on and off in just a few seconds. These Hybrid/Leisure standard items aside, the Diem goes even further. Utilising the SP Connect twist fit connection, a mobile phone can be easily attached to the provided mount on the centre of the bars. From here, you can access the Shimano ETube Project app, maps, Strava and more. Cases are just ÂŁ29.99. Protect your phone, expand your horizon. Planning a longer ride and worried about Google Maps, Strava, Komoot or TrailForks zapping your phone battery dry? Your Orbea Diem has you covered. Hiding inside the stem is a USB-C output where you can charge your phone on the go directly from the Diem's internal 540 or 630Wh battery!   Designing the Orbea Diem Great care and consideration was taken when developing the Orbea Diem concept. Diligently crafting something around the specific needs of the most demanding urban and leisure cyclist, Orbea have crafted a bike which quietly takes care of some of the most overlooked parts of modern cycling. The design brief called for a bike which offers a geometry fitting of the urban cyclist, taking into account the need for clear forward vision and so it offers a relatively upright seating position. Added to this, the diamond shape of the rear seat and chain stay area isn't just cosmetic. Working with the fully carbon front fork, it's designed and tuned to remove the harsh vibrations and buzz of riding on poor surfaces and gravel paths. While ensuring that the rider is kept comfortable and relaxed, the rest of the bike works to create an agile, reactive, but ultimately safe riding experience. Furthering the thought processes on urban use, as much as the componentry as possible has been seamlessly integrated into the bike rather than attached to it to deter and minimise component theft when left unattended.  My final thoughts on the 2024 Orbea Diem The new 2024 Orbea Diem is a little marvel in a market saturated with bikes being designed to grab the attention of urban and leisure riders. An incredibly well thought out machine with enough punch to propel any rider up a mountain with the battery capacity to back it, its still light and manoeuvrable enough to dodge cars, pedestrians and wayward pets around the city. Although the very top end Orbea Diem 10 might be more bike than the majority will want or need, the Diem 30 and 20 are going to have lots of its competitors taking a look at the scales and reconsidering what's possible in this weight class and at its ÂŁ3,499 starting point.   Take a look at the 2024 Orbea Diem in action  We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our friends at Orbea HQ in Spain and their representatives here in the UK for their time and outstanding hospitality which made this review possible. Their continued support of E-Bikeshop with their products, aftercare and everything which happens behind the scenes is what makes it possible for us to continue providing their exceptional quality bikes to our customers in the UK and beyond. If you'd like to show your support for Spain's top bike manufacturer and help progress a wholly cooperatively owned business still hand building and painting their beautifully crafted frames, you can buy a new 2024 Orbea Diem today.Â
Taking advantage of the last of the UK summer sun and offering 54 riders the chance to ride the brand new 2023 Orbea Wild and Rise models, we headed to Queen Elizabeth Country Park in the Hampshire countryside for a day of thrills, spills and laughter on some of the best bikes in the business. Here's how the fully booked event went. 2023 Orbea Wild and 2023 Orbea Rise Demo at QECP  With Covid-19 lockdowns having put a halt to Owners Club Rides and Demo days for over 2 years, it was great to be back out on the trails with customers. There's a completely different dynamic to being out in the wild with current and potential customers which just isn't achievable in a store setting - it really brings out the fun of mountain biking and QECP is a great place for it. Queen Elizabeth Country Park Known to local riders as QECP or just "QE", Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a 1400 acre woodland park in the the South Downs National Park and includes Buster Hill, the highest point in the South Downs at 886ft. The park contains several locally well regarded, way-marked/graded and well maintained mountain bike trails, along with dozens of "pirate" trails created by many years of multi-generational mountain bikers. Despite having ridden almost every inch of it over the last 15 years, rocking up at the gates at 7.30am was still a first for me. Having driven there while the sun was still coming up, seeing the mist hovering in the canopy and morning dew on the grassy areas at the bottom was a welcoming sight, as were the friendly faces of Dom and Lee from Orbea and Factory Pro rider Ben Moore, who had flown over from Spain where he now lives full time especially for our event.  2023 Orbea Wild and Orbea Rise in the Paddock Set up in the gravel area outside of Southern E-Bike Rentals, the Orbea stand is as commanding as it is colourful, with all of the shiny new Wild and Rise models neatly lined up, clean and raring to go. The bikes on offer for the day were; 2023 Orbea Wild M-Team The brand new and award winning 2023 Orbea Wild M-Team, all painted in custom Orbea MyO custom colours looked incredible in the sunshine. Their carbon frame, fitted with the latest Bosch Generation 4 motor with 85Nm of torque and a 750Wh battery makes them the perfect tool to attack the steep climbs of QECP, especially in the winter when it can turn into a bit of a bog in some places. The Kashima coated Fox 38 Float Factory Forks, Float X2 Rear shock and a full XT group set place this bike firmly in the top end of current eBike technology.  2023 Orbea Rise M-Team Also available to ride on the day was the 2023 Orbea Rise M-Team. Painted in custom MyO colours and a personal favourite, QECP is a place where the Rise models should be right at home. The 2023 M-Team variant uses the Shimano EP8 motor with Orbea's own custom RS Tuning, Kashima coated Fox 36 Float Factory forks, their Float X shock and also uses Shimano's complete XT group set only on this model, its the Di2 electric shift version.  Your Orbea Demo Day Team The day was expertly set up and run by Lee and Dom from Orbea UK. Orbea, as with their bikes, put a huge amount of effort into their demo days. As well as arriving the day before to set up their huge Orbea branded marquees, both Lee and Dom were on hand throughout the day to help get riders set up and ready for their ride, including fitting supplied or customers own pedals and suspension tuning to get the most of out of the bike on the trails. Also along for the day was Ben Moore. Flying in from Spain for the event, Ben is an Orbea Global Factory Team Pro rider. He's also an "Urban Downhill Pro and top notch flapjack eater". His enthusiasm for the brand mirroring my own and his eagerness to do everything from set up bikes for the riders, lead rides and even replace a derailleur which ended up not attached where it should have been added an immense level of value and fun to the day. Having an impressive list of victories to his name, he's also not unused to nor bad in front of a camera, which is never a bad thing!  What the riders had to say After getting the very excited riders set up, out of the stiles and up onto the trails, it gave us all time to grab a drink and anticipate the feedback while discussing some of our own riding stories and how the Wild and Rise models compares and excels against its competition. There wasn't a frown to be seen on the faces of riders coming back, with everyone having discovered something they loved, whether it was about the bikes or the new found ability to fly to the top and get in more of the faster, flowy downhill sections. We'll let them tell you in their own words in the video below. A special thanks is owed to Orbea for putting on the day for us, and Ben for flying over to take part in the day. These kind of events are often difficult or impossible to pull off to this extent with out the support and backing of our manufacturers, and they wouldn't exist at all without our enthusiastic demo riders - You!  If you're looking to get your hands on the latest Orbea eMTB models, there's no better place than at E-Bikeshop in Farnham, Surrey. We're the only dealer in the UK where it's normally possible to see the whole 2023 Orbea Wild and 2023 Orbea Rise in all colours and sizes all in one place. Give us a call or Book an Appointment to come and see them today.Â
Its a new model year and already, with component supply finally easing, model year 2023 electric bikes have been landing in dealerships around the world over the last couple of months - but which ones are the best?  Which is the best 2023 electric mountain bike? Narrowing down our huge selection of 2023 electric mountain bikes was no easy task. There's a lot to consider and regardless of what any one person, magazine or otherwise says, there just isn't a "one size fits all" answer to "what is the best electric mountain bike" in 2023 or any other model year. If everyone is unique, there can't be one bike to rule them all! Instead, we're going to take a look at what makes a good electric mountain bike stand out. Motors, batteries, group sets, suspension specification and overall value are all under the microscope. 2023 eBike Motors. As a crank drive specialist retailer dealing solely in the supply of European maufacturered electric bikes, our showroom is dominated by 3 manufacturers. These three have been chosen specifically for their class leading power output, versatility, reliability and just as importantly - their globally recognised support, spares and aftersales network. Bosch Last year saw the launch of their brand new "Smart System" product ecosystem and this year, Bosch have really ramped things up with a host of new technology including "over the air" software updates, new displays and Bluetooth integration. On mountain bikes its rare to find anything other than the Bosch Generation 4 Performance CX motor and this year the range extends with their new Limited Edition CX-R or "Race" motor. Their top performing motor with 85Nm on tap and their own coveted "eMTB mode", this ordinary Gen 4 CX is one of the most widely used in mountain biking worldwide and features on our Orbea, Cube, Scott and Haibike model ranges. Yamaha Yamaha haven't really changed much in the last couple of years. There are a few new motors in the form of the PWX2 and PWX3 which for the first time puts their power outputs on par with Bosch. There are also a couple of new displays, but for the most part, Yamaha have been content with pumping out their same super reliable and "no fuss" systems. Every bit as reliable as their main competitor above, Yamaha continue to dominate their section of the market, most notably on our 2023 Haibike models. Shimano The all-too-often overlooked motor manufacturer, Shimano have been quietly developing their systems over the last couple of years and their latest EP6 and EP8 motors are every bit as good as the Bosch Generation 4 system. Sadly, they don't produce as many units as Bosch and Yamaha and its not a motor for everyone. Orbea's RS version targets those who already have a good degree of base fitness in order to reward them for being more efficient with the way they ride, they feature heavily in the super lightweight category, allowing manufacturers to build bikes which defy the normal conceptions of eMTB physics and enabling the creation of sub 16kg bikes. 2023 electric bike batteries. Batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Our smallest mountain bike version can be found on the 2023 Orbea Rise lightweight ebike range and are just 360Wh. The crown for the biggest currently rests on the head of Bosch, who offer a huge 750Wh option on many of the new 2023 electric mountain bikes like the 2023 Cube Stereo model range, along with much of the new 2023 Orbea Wild range. Again, which is "best" is subjective. The 360Wh battery found in the new Orbea Rise models is capable of around 40 miles of assisted riding. The Bosch 750Wh is "rated" for up to 160 miles but we know that in practice, most riders are tearing around in Turbo mode and seeing between 40 and 60 miles in most cases. With the average mountain bike ride lasting less than 40 miles, both of these options will normally see out the whole of a riding day for most riders and a bike shouldn't be chosen on the size of its battery alone.  2023 Electric mountain bike group sets. The most commonly found group sets on 2023 mountain bikes are made by Shimano and SRAM. From Shimano, these will mostly be coming in XTR, XT and SLX flavours with a couple of Deore options thrown in for good measure. From SRAM, we'll be seeing much more of the Eagle SX/NX/GX as well as X01 X1 and XX1 systems and an increased use of their AXS electronic shifting system. Shimano and SRAM are both leaders in their industry and produce great quality braking and gear shifting systems jointly owning more than 65% of the global trade of these components. Well known for their wide range of fitment options, ease of servicing, availability of spares, pro-proven performance and outstanding reliability, these two manufacturers are the only two you'll find listed on our top 10 2023 electric mountain bikes. 2023 electric mountain bike suspension. Getting up and down your favourite trail or mountain is much easier with the right amount of suspension travel. Head out under-sprung and you'll find yourself bottoming out on every drop and landing. Pedal around over-sprung and you'll be wasting effort as well as draining unnecessary battery power. Our top 10 2023 electric mountain bikes in this article heavily feature components from Fox and Rockshox. Much like Shimano and SRAM, these two suspension power-players supply the components for every type of rider from novice to world stage pro. Many riders have their own brand preference but set up well, either will provide you with the performance you need to make it up and down your favourite route with confidence inspiring grip and handling. How we judged the top 10 electric mountain bikes to buy in 2023. As well as considering the type of components fitted to the bikes in this article, deciding whether they're worthy of a spot on the list of top 10 electric mountain bikes to buy in 2023 also comes down to value. "Does the bike offer the customer good overall value for money"? Sure, slapping a ÂŁ14,000 price tag on a bike with swanky components works for manufacturers, but does that work for the customer and could they get a bike with the same performance for less money from another brand? This is perhaps the most difficult question of all and requires breaking the bike down into its component parts and assessing them against the use case of the bike and the type of rider who might be buying them.  E-Bikeshop's Top 10 Electric Mountain Bikes to buy in 2023. Narrowed down by our team of electric bike experts and offered in no particular order because we just couldnt decide, the Top 10 Electric Mountain Bikes to buy in 2023 from E-Bikeshop have been chosen based on their specification, componentry, design and overall value proposition. For each, we offer an alternative lower priced option for those who need less bells and whistles from their new eMTB.  Orbea Rise M-Ltd 2023 The 2023 Orbea Rise M-Ltd is the very definition of total balance in power and weight. Tipping the scales at at little as 15.9kg and offered in 4 sizes and 2 colourways as well as a "MyO" custom paint and specification option (contact us or visit Orbea to find out more). Suspended by the very latest top tier Fox Factory equipment, driven and stopped by a complete Shimano XTR group set and powered by the exceptionally well renowned "RS Tuned" Shimano EP8 motor, the Rise M-Ltd has been the lightweight to beat on the trails since it launched a little over 2 years ago and retails at ÂŁ9,999. Learn more about the 2023 Orbea Rise M-Ltd on the product page on our website. If the M-Ltd is too much bike for you or your trails, there are lots of other 2023 Orbea Rise model options available. Scott Patron eRIDE 900 Ultimate 2023 Is there was a Rolls Royce of eMTB, the 2023 Scott Patron eRIDE 900 Ultimate would be it. Everything about this bike, from its brand new Bosch Performance CX-R "Race" motor to its Kashima coated Fox Factory suspension, Shimano Brakes to its top end SRAM XX1 wireless electric shifting group set screams nothing but the very best in performance componentry. Imagine walking into the worlds biggest bicycle component warehouse and plucking every part you need from the very top shelves - this is the bike you would have created. At ÂŁ11,999 it's the most expensive on this list, but boy does it command it. Check out why on the 2023 Scott Patron eRIDE 900 Ultimate product page, or alternatively, take a look at its marginally lower spec siblings in the 2023 Scott Patron eRIDE range.  Scott Lumen eRIDE 900 2023 Another Scott, this time in a totally different package. Their first entry to the super-lightweight world of EMTB, the new 2023 Scott Lumen eRIDE 900 takes the worlds fastest XC/Trail frame of the Spark, and electrifies it. The brand new TQ Systems HPR 50 motor and 360Wh battery, Fox suspension, Shimano XT brakes and a wireless electronic shifting system in the form of the SRAM GX set up make this a super quick trail shredding machine. The 2023 Scott Lumen eRIDE 900 is available at ÂŁ9,299, with the Lumen eRIDE 910 priced at ÂŁ6,499. Haibike Lyke CF 11 2023 Continuing the market trend of riders looking for lower power, lightweight options, one of the worlds most recognisable brands has finally entered the market with the Haibike Lyke range. The 2023 Haibike Lyke CF 11 is the middle model in the range and offers impeccable value. Powered by the new Fazua Ride 60 drive system with a 430Wh built in battery, Shimano XT group set and Fox suspension, we expect to be seeing a lot of these on the trails in Summer 2023 and beyond. The 2023 Haibike Lyke CF 11 product page has the full specification and information, and there's a dedicated page for the full 2023 Haibike Lyke CF range too. Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Action Team 750 2023 Along with the prize for probably the longest eMTB name ever, this is a bike which just gets better with every year while remaining impossible to beat on value. At just ÂŁ6,999, the 2023 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Action Team 750 packs in a specification list you'll only find from other manufacturers at the ÂŁ8,000+ price points and is the main reason such a huge number are pre-ordered long before they start arriving in dealers. The latest Bosch Generation 4 85Nm motor with Smart System software, their biggest 750Wh battery, a complete Shimano XT group set and Kashima coted Fox Factory suspension at sub ÂŁ7k is just unheard of. Until now. Jump over to the 2024 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Action Team product page to read more, or check out the rest of the superb value 2024 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160mm travel range. Orbea Rise H10 2023 Another Orbea to make the shortlist and for good reason. When Orbea launched the H (for Hydroformed Alloy) series back in 2022, we fully expected it to be an instant hit and like most dealers, we weren't wrong. Offering a larger (540Wh) battery than the Carbon (360Wh) versions and a lower starting price point, it bought the lightweight category bikes down by over ÂŁ1,000 and into a price bracket which included many more riders. The 2023 Orbea Rise H10 is the top specification Alloy version of the Rise at ÂŁ6,299 but incorporates all of the most desirable specification from the mid-range Carbon options. You can see the full specification and write-up for the 2023 Orbea Rise H10 on our product page, as well as the now 7 bike strong full 2023 Orbea Rise model line up on its own category page. Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLX 750 2023 Another bike from Cube in the mix for the longest name award, the 2023 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLX 750 is the pinnacle of value in the world of Bosch driven eMTBs. At just ÂŁ5,299, to be offering the latest Bosch G4 Smart System, the 750Wh battery, a Kiox 300 display, Fox suspension and a full Shimano XT group set, we challenge riders to find a better value bike than the 140 SLX in its class. We tried. We can't! The 2024 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLX 750 is going to be a tough bike to beat this year, and is just one of a vast range of 140mm travel bikes in the 2024 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC range. Orbea Wild M-Team 2023 Having changed the name post release so as not to be confused with the previous "Wild FS" M-Team, the new 2023 Orbea Wild M-Team name alludes to an entirely new bike and also because.. well... everyone knows the Wild is a Full Suspension by now! Longer overdue and with no meaningful changes since 2019, the Wild M-Team offers a brand spanking new frame to take advantage of the new Bosch Gen 4 85Nm powered Smart System, coupled with all of the Orbea handcrafted genius and finish you expect from this unique Spanish brand. We wont rattle on about this bike. You really need to look at the close-ups to appreciate the beauty of an Orbea eMTB and the 2023 Orbea Wild M-Team is no different. One of a vast range of 2023 Orbea Wild models, these are some of the most unique bikes you'll ever ride. Haibike AllMtn CF SE A "rollover" model from 2022 to the new model year because "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Also because due to parts availability, the Haibike AllMtn CF SE was a little bit late coming to market in 2022, Haibike are carrying it through to the new model year which is great news for riders because at ÂŁ6,699, this aggressively styled "one bike does it all" option from Haibike rivals Cube in the value stakes. A carbon frame, the latest Bosch Gen 4 Smart System tech, top-tier Rockshox suspension and electric gearing make the AllMtn CF SE a highly attraction value proposition. The Haibike AllMtn CF SE is just one of an ever expanding range of AllMtn models from Haibike. Scott Strike eRIDE 900 Evo Last but by no means least, the new 2023 Scott Strike eRIDE 900 Evo earns its place in the list for being able to do just about anything you ask of it. Based on the Patron frame system, the Strike is designed to be an "all mountain" bike and with 150mm of super plush and instantly lockable Fox Suspension, SRAM Eagle AXS wireless shifting and Shimano XT brakes, taking off and coming to a stop with the Bosch Gen 4 Smart system couldn't be easier. The 2023 Scott Strike eRIDE 900 Evo is the top model in the 2023 Scott Strike eRIDE model range. Which of our Top 10 Electric Mountain Bikes to Buy in 2023 are you considering? If you're interested in any of the above bikes and need more information than is offered on the product page, brand impartial advice from an electric mountain bike expert or anything else at all, please don't hesitate to Contact Us or Book an Appointment to see one of the team.Â
Alan Little, Director of Cycle Britain Ltd contacted us in January of 2021 with an idea - a completely bespoke, fully supported electric cycle hire and accommodation package for people of all experience levels to tackle the mighty "LEJOG". 1030 miles over 23 days, taking in some of the greatest sights the UK has to offer. Alan's own Journey in cycling "started with a Raleigh Chopper as a young boy in Yorkshire. We started intrepid journeys at a young age into the Yorkshire Dales. The sense of adventure that inspired me then still provides the excitement today". He has road biked, raced, competed in and coached triathlon, cycled across Asia solo, mountain biked volcanoes and cycled in Tibet. What does it take to run a successful ebike hire business on the historic Land's end to John O'Groats route? Cycle Britain has a simple but effective mission statement - "To Inspire Everyone to Enjoy an Amazing Cycling Experience". Having an already thriving business in cycle touring, the bolting on of an eBike option to an already impressive portfolio of available tours greatly increases the scope of the type of riders able to take part in such a historic challenge where otherwise, the lack of accessibility, fitness or experience of the route might prevent them. The problem... As with any hire business which requires a physical product to operate, there are a huge number of factors to consider and arguably more so in cycle hire. Riders come in many shapes and sizes and their fitness levels and cycling experience can vary as widely as the terrain they'll have to tackle to make it to the end. Cycle Britain identified that to meet their revenue target for the tour, they needed a fleet of 10 bikes. From here, we discussed the tour in great detail and tried to identify as many potential problems as we possibly could early on in the "due diligence" process from both sides in a case study. Between us, we highlighted quite a list of "necessaries". Here are the most important ones; Power Low power motors might be enough for a reasonably fit and experienced cyclist, but might not be enough for those who'll need a little more support. Range The bikes need to be able to cover at least the 50 miles per day on the longest stretch of the tour, but building in flexibility is always a good idea. Headwinds, extra luggage and less fit or experienced riders will all place a bigger drain on the battery of an eBike. Reliability The bikes must be exceptionally reliable with an aimed for "zero downtime" outside of very basic maintenance/cleaning before and after the days riding or the occasional (and inevitable!) puncture repair. The route and scenery, experience and support of the team and the accommodation aside, they're the core product being paid for. Any downtime is potentially lost revenue making this easily one of the most important factors to consider. Multi-terrain The terrain between Lands End and John O'Groats will be continually changing and the bike needs to be able to cope with more than just smooth tarmac. Functionality The electric and ordinary bicycle controls need to be intuitive and accessible for everyone. Many of the riders may never have ridden an electric bike and overly fussy or complicated controls might detract from the experience. Sizing Riders come in a huge range of shapes and sizes and the 10 bikes need to be able to cater to them. Equipment The bike needs to be well equipped. Mudguards, a pannier rack for personal belongings and light spares and good lights would be an absolute "must have" for this kind of riding. Repair / Maintenance / Warranty They must be relatively easy to work on. If there is a problem, its needs to be able to be fixed very quickly at the side of the road. While Cycle Britain tours are chaperoned by a "team bus" for when the legs get too tired, customers are paying to ride, not to watch the rest! Spares and support availability The bikes will be covering at least 1000 miles each month, as many as 12,000 miles per year - average car mileage! The components on the bike need to be easily and readily serviceable along the full route of the tour and so proprietary or unusual components need to be kept to an absolute minimum. The Solution... Combining Alan's experience of running cycle tours and our own 15 years of experience supplying some of the best and most reliable European manufactured bikes available, there was one very clear solution; The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid EXC 750. Cube E-Bikes A German manufacturer and with a product portfolio so far reaching that even we are unable to stock every single model each year, Cube offer exceptionally reliable and exclusively Bosch driven ebikes at a price point which makes competing with them incredibly difficult. The Kathmandu electric bike, as its name suggests, is designed specifically with long distance touring in mind and has a specification list to match. Driven by Bosch Fitted with Bosch's newest and most powerful Generation 4 Performance CX motor, it has a maximum output of 85Nm. In "Turbo" mode, this equates to 340% assistance. The same as you and another 3.4 pairs of legs pressing on the pedals. Brand new in 2022, the EXC model also had Bosch's new range topping 750Wh battery. Rated for up to 160 miles on a single charge, the Kathmandu gets a battery in keeping with a bike designed to lug a rider and all of their gear long distances over varying terrain. Having stocked Cube electric bikes for the last 5 model years, they've proven themselves to be highly reliable. Despite being our largest ordered brand and shipping to 154 countries, they're the least rarely seen back in our workshops and make up the smallest percentage of warranty work or parts replacement undertaken. Simplistic control Fitted with 29" wheels and extra volume Schwalbe Energizer Plus 55c tyres on Cubes own EX23 wheels, the Kathmandu models are one the most rugged hybrid leisure bikes available and the frame is for the most part probably over-engineered, allowing it an ultra wide flexibility of use. Its just as happy rumbling over gravel, through forest trails and up mountain paths as it is on smooth tarmac roads. The electric bike controls are simple, but do offer a huge amount of data for those who are interested. The new Bosch Kiox 300 display offers a basic "at a glance" screen showing currently selected power mode, speed and battery status but using the LED Remote switch to scroll through further "pages" on the screen will provide data on miles covered, time, average speed, calories burned, rider input vs bike output, and much more. It even has a sat-nav function and Bluetooth heart rate monitor integration! The brakes and gears operate in exactly the same way as an ordinary bike and wont feel at all alien to even the most novice rider. Highly versatile Available in 3 frame styles and 5 sizes, the 15 different variations of the same bike allow the perfect amount of flexibility for hire businesses. Alan has a good spread of bikes which allow him to service almost any group of rider. Straight "out of the box", the Kathmandu is very well equipped. Factory fitted mudguards are flexible yet tough, the pannier rack is a welded-in and integral part of the frame and the front and rear low drain but high output LED lights operate with a single button click from the Bosch handlebar remote and are powered directly from the eBike battery. It also has a factory fitted side stand and a chain guard to keep the dirt off! It was mutually agreed to stick to a single model for Cycle Britain's hire solution. Not only does this make pre-tour tuition much easier if everyone is riding the same bike, but it also means that parts and spares will always be quickly interchangeable. It also allows him to take a spare bike or two where all 10 aren't out on the same trip so that if the worst happens, he has an immediate replacement for his rider without the need to teach someone a whole new control setup. Maintenance made easy Lastly, yet often one of the most often overlooked aspects of hire bike business is the breaking down of the bike to its individual components. Needing to cover more than 10x the mileage of an average bike each year, parts and spares for the Kathmandu importantly are readily available. Using brakes and gears from Shimano for example means that consumables like brake pads and chains can be found readily stocked in almost every good quality bike store along the route as a backup to us being able to ship spares straight to the next hotel on the tour in advance of their arrival. How its going... Prior to the arrival of the bikes, Alan took the very creditable decision to put himself through both the Cytech Bike Technician and the Bosch eBike Technician courses. Not only does doing this demonstrate his dedication to expanding his knowledge of bicycle maintenance and providing his customers exceptional service, it also puts him in the highly advantageous position of being able to both carry out his own repairs and help us at distance by being able in many cases to self-diagnose any issues he comes across on the electrical side. While its not practical to carry a full Bosch diagnostic suite with him, one of the major advantages of the new Bosch Smart System fitted on his fleet of bikes is that it has a basic diagnostic system built-in using their Bosch bike Flow app. Alan says; Ben and the team at the E-Bikeshop advised me carefully on the ebike most suitable for the tours that we are running on ebikes. We have successfully delivered 12 day and 23 day tours on the superb Cube Kathmandu bikes as well as Hebrides tours. The ebikes have also recently been used in Italy to deliver a tour across the Dolomites on gravel tracks. The bikes have on the whole been fantastic. Where we experienced issues with seat post clamps, ordering various alternative tyres and other parts needed, the team at the E-Bikeshop have been extremely knowledgeable and provided fast, easy to understand solutions to the problems. The team despatched spares at short notice to our future locations and assisted us on building a range of spares which enable us to cover off almost any possible downtime. What we've learned... Running a successful cycle hire business, especially over such long distances and where the bikes are expected to perform faultlessly day after day for weeks on end, was never going to be without is challenges. Accelerated wear One of the first issues which came to light were the factory fitted seat clamps. Constantly being moved to account for multiple riders meant they failed much earlier than would be normal on a "one owner" bike where you would simply "set and forget". We replaced these with Hope adjustable quick release clamps. The need for "on-hand" spares Consumables such as brakes pads, chains, cassettes and tyres are now something which Alan and his team carry as "stock" items, but with different riders of different levels, it was always a bit of a guessing game on what would be needed and when. "Future dated support" We hold almost all of the most commonly used spares in our own warehouse and Alan and his team know that they only have to tell us what they need and which hotel they will be arriving at the following day, and we can get them out on an overnight service to arrive at their next location. For anything else, we can advise a lead time and marry it up with their planned stops to ensure they get what they need in the fastest possible time. Having got a few tours under their belt, together we've built up a better picture of the types of issues we're likely to face and each others capability and speed at resolving them either via parts and spares availability, or over the phone/emailed technical advice. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, take a look at their video below, where you can see the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid EXC 750 in action and when you're done, get yourself booked onto Cycle Britain's E-Bike Tours! If you're considering starting your own cycle hire or tour business, looking to add an eBike offering to an existing business or need any further information on how fleet supply of eBikes can support your plans, please get in touch or book an appointment to see us today.Â
Today Gocycle announced a new era of electric folding bike. Codenamed the Gocycle GX, it's the first electric bike in the range to physically fold down in seconds. The new Gocycle GX folds in under 10 seconds due to its ingenious design. The frame folds in half and the handlebars fold down too, thanks to its special quick release mechanism. Ex-Formula 1 engineer and Gocycle company director Richard Thorpe said:- The Gocycle GX is probably the most important product we have launched since the G2 back in 2012. It will be aimed directly at the Commuter & anyone else looking for a fast folding or compact electric bike. We feel that there is no product on the market that will offer the same level of lightweight performance & folding versatility of the GX and initial presentations of the prototype have supported this view  New Gocycle GX eBike Features The GX is the first bike from Gocycle where the wheels can remain in place as the bike is folded. This also doubles up as a handy rolling chassis when folded so the user can push the bike along with ease using the saddle and a handle. On top of this, no items at all need to be removed from the bike to fold it down. Hence the quick 10-second fold and usability. This includes QR bolts, battery, mudguards and lights. With all other generations of Gocycle, the battery is positioned within the frame and not designed to be removed for charging. On the new Gocycle GX, the battery can easily be removed from the frame and charged away from the bike. The Gocycle GX is fitted with high volume Vredestein tyres with low rolling resistance and more all-weather tread than the standard Gocycle Performance tyre. The grips have also been updated to comfy ergonomic grips to offer comfort up top too.  Is this a Brompton electric killer? The Brompton folding electric bike and Gocycle GX sit very closely when it comes to price, with the Gocycle GX at £2899 and the Brompton electric bike starting at £2595. The Brompton electric bike has small wheels, a big battery on the front and all the chain, spokes and cogs etc. exposed. Whereas the Gocycle GX is completely enclosed and has the battery positioned centrally within the frame. It'll likely fold down quicker and into a smaller space too. Although the Brompton does have lights and mudguards included, the Gocycle GX can be specified with these, should they be required. Ultimately we'll let you decide if the Gocycle GX is a Brompton killer? Drop a comment below.  What do we think? This is certainly a game changer for both Gocycle and the industry too. Now we can offer a modern, clean and practical folding electric bike for sub £3k. Whether it is for riding to work or popping in the back of the car for a leisurely Sunday ride, the Gocycle GX has it covered! Many features are shared from the current Gocycle GS & G3 which will run alongside the Gocycle GX moving forward. This includes the clean, ergonomic frame design, the clean drive which has all moving parts contained, the 300Wh battery and of course the smartphone connectivity. You can choose from 3 Gocycle GX colours: Black, White and Blue. You can view the full spec of the new Gocycle GX here. We are taking reservations now for delivery in April for all those early on the list with a small £199 deposit.
Thomas Robinson, aged 11, a Crewe schoolboy who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy now enjoys riding with the family with a new Haibike Kids Electric Bike. Thomas was diagnosed with muscle wasting disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was just 6 months old, and his parents were told that he would likely be permanently using a wheelchair between the ages 8 and 11. Thanks to daily physiotherapy, strong steroids, and a trial drug, Thomas has so far defied doctors expectations and often continues to walk unaided, even riding his bike and a scooter. Thomasâ Mum Karen, a graphic designer, explains:- Thomas has always been very independent and loves going out with his friends, but we noticed him starting to have difficulty keeping up with them when they go out to play, so we realised he needed an extra boost. Thomasâ family, therefore, decided to start fundraising for an electric bike, which would allow him to keep up with his friends, and also allow him to join his family for bike rides in the countryside. In July Thomas was presented with a ÂŁ600 cheque from Crewe and Nantwich District Round Table to help pay for an electric bike to help with his mobility. Thomasâ Dad Neil says:- Instead of buying Birthday and Christmas presents for us, we asked our family to consider putting money towards an electric bike for Thomas, as that would really be life-changing for him. Heâll still need to pedal, but the bike will provide extra power, and itâll mean his muscles wonât be damaged afterwards. Crewe and Nantwich District Round Table chairman Josh George says:- We heard about Thomas and we decided what a big difference it could make to his life if he were able to ride along with his friends, so we were delighted to be able to support him by giving him this donation. Thomas Mum, Karen, proceeded:- Thanks to the support of Crewe and Nantwich District Round Table, lots of generous donations from friends and family, and this yearsâ warm weather, Thomas is loving being able to get out and about with his friends, and we are all extremely grateful for the support weâve received. E-Bikeshop.co.uk also contributed towards the new electric bike for Thomas. It's great to see a success story, where an electric assisted bicycle can be a complete game changer. The Robinson family said:- Many, many thanks again for your excellent customer service and for contributing to the bike- Thomas loves it- heâs never done so much riding, and itâs nice knowing he can now ride with his friends, without us worrying about the bad effects on his muscles. If there is ever anything we can do for you, then please let us know, and weâd be more than happy to assist. We really appreciate your support. To keep up with Thomas and his adventures, visit www.therobinsonshouse.com. Donations can also be made via the Just Giving page here.
We handed the brand new Scott E-Genius 720 2018 electric mountain bike over to our tamed MTB rider Fred, who put the new Shimano E8000 eBike through its paces. Introduction Iâve been looking forward to getting out on a Shimano Steps E8000 system for a little while now, so when Scott dropped by with a Demo E-Genius 720 2018 in my size, I was soon brandishing a shock pump and my favourite winter pedals. A quick play with air pressures, rebound settings, and some wheelies in the carpark (why not), the 2018 E-genius was soon squirrelled away in the back of the car, âclaimedâ for the weekend. Initial Impressions Turning on the Shimano Steps system is as simple as pressing the power button situated on the downtube. After a couple of seconds the display changes from the loading screen to show speed, assistance mode and battery levels, a nice little touch is a power bar showing the input from the motor. The Shimano E8000 display has a nice little clicky button to scroll through display modes, showing speed, trip distance, full distance (ODO), range, trip time, ave speed, max speed, cadence and a clock. I found the display to be clean and uncluttered, making it super easy to read at a glance. Assistance Modes Assistance modes on the Scott E-Genius 720 are controlled via a Shimano Firebolt Shifter on the left-hand side of the bars. This same shifter design is used for Shimano Di2 groupsets and has a light throw with an excellent tactile click, so no guessing if youâve changed modes here. For me having the control triggers slung under the bar is an excellent design choice, making changing assistance on the fly a breeze without having to adjust your grip. Riding The Scott E-Genius The start of my ride on the Scott E-Genius 720 was along some freshly laid tarmac in eco mode, hardly a grueling test for the bike but I found myself exceeding the Shimano motors assistance on the flat easily enough, this was noticeable compared to other systems where you can feel a little resistance through the motor, requiring a bit more effort to get the bike past this. Whilst I could feel the weight of the eBike with the system off compared to my sub 13kg 160mm enduro bike, this electric bike still picked up speed and rolled along just fine. Clicking up into Trail mode for the first steep hill and dropping a few cogs on the rear block to keep my usual preferred cadence, the additional power eased in very smoothly, offering a welcome surge keeping my speed from dropping below 15 mph. Very nice! Moving Off Road My first stretch of off-road was along a local bridal path, whilst a relatively flat route, the recently melted snow added to some amusing puddle skipping, and plenty of claggy mud sections. With one section, in particular, I found my shoes and pedals were being introduced to the detritus, but eco mode continued to push on keeping me from dropping too much speed and having to wade out. A quick hop back onto the roads and I was soon at my next little test section, a rooty singletrack with some off-chamber sections followed by some technical climbing. This particular section is clay giving way to a bed of chalk in certain sections, so I was glad for Scott's sensible tire choice of some Maxxis Minions on the 2018 E-Genius. These shed the mud well when keeping a relatively relaxed speed going and helped to keep me rubber side down. Assistance Modes Whilst Riding I found myself skipping between the 'Trail' & 'Boost' mode through this section, using 'Boost' to get a bit of speed up quickly for a technical feature and dropping down to trail when a bit more traction was needed. The Shimano Firebolt shifter allowed for these snap changes in assistance modes with little thought or planning, allowing me to focus on the important stuff. If I was riding this particular terrain all day, I would likely adjust the 3 assistance levels using the Shimano Steps Etube app to fettle the power given as a couple of occasions I found the boost mode giving too much power and losing traction. As previously mentioned I was able to quickly bail out with the Firebolt shifter and regain some grip, and this is fairly common with most âfull powerâ modes on electric bikes where some finesse is needed on the more technical climbs. To Conclude I found the Shimano E-8000 system to offer smooth power from starting off, and plenty of power when out on the trails and rolling. With the Q factor of the cranks matching that of a standard XT chainset, hopping on this bike for the day felt incredibly natural compared to my usual steed. The motor definitely rewarded use of a higher cadence on the climbs much like an âanalogueâ bike, whilst still offering plenty of usable assistance for those with a slower cadence who prefer to âgrindâ up the hills. With the motor off you could almost believe it was a standard bike, if not for a little-added weight. Combining all this with the option for super clean integration of Di2 shifting, an uncluttered display and ease of use, this system and the Scott E-Genius 720 2018 is a seriously strong contender for anyone's hard earned money. The Etube phone app offers easy customisation for Di2, power modes and also allows for system updates too, another plus in my books. With thanks to Fred for this bike review. To view the full spec click here â Scott E-Genius 720.
We were sent a bag made by XLC bike products to test out the various functions of this new electric bike specific bag. With eBike specific built-in battery holder and back protector. The new E-Ride 23 Rucksack from XLC features some clever additions to separate itself from other bags on the market, it's solely designed around electric bikers! Let's check out some of the features in more detail: Waist & Chest Straps Both sides of the waist straps have open cell padding for ventilation and pockets for smaller items such as keys. Chest strap features an safety whistle for emergencies or irritating everyone nearby with repeated blasts. Bottle Holders Two external bottle holders are present on the E-Ride 23, on either side of the rucksack. An elasticated opening and further clinch down webbing straps keep your bottles secure whilst still being easily accessible on the move. Glasses Pocket A glasses pocket is featured at top of the bag to help avoid potential crushing when fully loaded. Softly lined to avoid damage to lenses. Goggles can also be stashed here if required. Mesh Dividers The outer Compartment of the E-Ride 23 offers mesh pockets with elasticated openings to help keep your snacks/tools/spares/recovery beers organised and static. With ample space to hold larger items such as a waterproof jacket, offering quick access and minimal fuss. Clinch down straps on either side of the compartment help to hold the load close to the pack and the rider. Helmet Holder Featuring its own stash pocket of which it is sewn into, the helmet holder is elasticated with two webbing straps. These cinch down to the outside of the bag, ensuring your helmet is securely held in place. The stash pocket extends up into the outer storage compartment cover, offering plenty of space for additional items. Rain Cover Much like the helmet holder, the rain cover (with internal storage pocket) is stored in its own stash pocket at the base of the pack. It's sewn in to ensure it doesn't go wandering when you need it. The cover has an elasticated edge to allow for easy fitment over the pack, with full coverage regardless of how loaded the E-Ride 23 is. Battery Holder The main compartment of the E-Ride 23 features a dedicated battery holder. Suitable for both Bosch & Yamaha batteries, with a top opening velcro strap to keep the battery secure. The back protector (mentioned below) offers that comfortable support between rider, bag & battery. Something not commonly found with heavy batteries rolling around in your bag! Main Compartment A further large mesh pocket at the top of the bag helps to keep smaller items organised and within easy reach. Ample storage is offered either side of the battery holding compartment. Back Protector The CE approved back protector from german protection company SAS-TEC is made from a Visco-elastic soft foam. Measuring roughly 49.5cm by 26cm. Offering lightweight, flexible and ventilated impact protection. The protector is designed to withstand multiple impacts, so youâll unlikely need to be ordering a new protector anytime soon. Meaning you can wisely spend that time uploading your latest stack on youtube for your friend's amusement. It slides into its own retaining sleeve, offering wide back coverage, helping you to shrug off those moments you accidentally set off the ejector seat. The eBike bag is priced at ÂŁ139.99
Orbea Bikes loaned our chief eBike Technician, Jeremy (aka Roadie Master) an Orbea Gain D10 2018 road electric bike to ride and review. Read on for his full electric road bike review. Where did it start? On Thursday 2nd of November, I had the opportunity to test ride the new Orbea road e-bike. The Gain D10 bike looked great in a bright orange finish, including a Shimano Ultegra groupset, disc brakes & carbon clincher wheels. It was hard to tell at a glance that this was even an eBike. Aside from the Gain D10 electric bike, there is also a base spec road version called the Gain D30 and an 'All Road' version with slightly wider cyclocross tyres called the Gain D20. Setting up the Orbea Gain? I set the Orbea Gain bike up, made sure it was fully charged, put my own pedals on and off I went. It is very easy to use as an ebike with no big obtrusive display on the handlebars. I just used my normal Garmin to record my data for the ride. To change assistance modes and see how much power is left in the battery you just press a button embedded into the top tube. Different colours indicate you what mode you are in: White = Off, Green = Eco and Red = Boost. It then defaults to a colour that shows how much battery life you have left. You can also download an app to your phone in order to see more data. A quick tap reverts to show you what mode you are currently in and a double tap alternates the modes. The Orbea Gain is really easy to use. How's the Orbea to ride? I rode from our HQ over to my local cycling club for the weekly Thursday ride. When I turned up the Orbea Gain certainly got a few reactions from most people not even initially realising it was an ebike and most people just liked the general look of the road bike. On the ride, the Gain D10 felt great, not too heavy at 13.75 Kg compared to other e-bikes that I have tried on the road. It flowed really well with no assistance when riding over 15 mph as this is the legal limit for e-bikes in the UK when the motor stops assisting you. Riding the Gain over a longer period? I covered 61 miles on the Orbea Gain in 3 hours 45 minutes with 4157 ft of climbing. The assistance from the motor really helped on the climbs and you could really feel it powering you forward although you didnât want to push it too hard or you lost the assistance over 15 mph. As the e-bike is only âhelping outâ, so to speak, I still burnt plenty of calories and had a heart rate score of 105 on Strava for a âTough suffer scoreâ. I was still really working on the ride and really pushed hard on the climbs in order to see if I could beat my previous segment times. The motor on the Orbea Gain is developed by a Spanish firm called eBikemotion. It detects your pedalling via a torque sensor in the rear hub. This then relays information to the motor and assists as necessary. The motor is tuned to offer the best performance between 10 â 15 mph. Itâs really quiet even when you are really working it hard on the climbs. Riding in a group of Roadies? As I was riding in a group of 10 other riders (on non-ebikes) we were pushing around 20 mph on the flat and I was easily keeping up without assistance as the Orbea Gain road bike flowed and didnât appear to have any drag from the hub motor. On the downhills, the extra weight meant that the bike was very quick and handled very positively with the aid of the great Shimano disc brakes for slowing you down very quickly. What about battery range? When I finished the ride, after 61 miles, I still had 42% charge left on the Orbea ebike battery. For me this is more than enough for a full days club ride, with a nice buffer left over should I wish to push both myself and the electric road bike further. For longer distances Orbea tells me, there is going to be a plug and play âAdd Onâ battery neatly hidden in a bottle/cage should you wish to use the Orbea Gain electric bike for more long distance touring. Interestingly it also has eyelets for full mudguards and a rack should you wish. Something missing from my current road bike! Overall conclusion? I was really impressed with the ride and handling and some flow of the Orbea Gain ebike. This bike is incredible for the money and itâs definitely the future of fun. I have already got a few of my Clubmates on the list for a test ride. I canât think of a reason not to buy one if you enjoy cycling and enjoy having fun on your bike in the outdoors. Whether you ride alone or in a group, the Orbea Gain electric bike is going to get you out riding more and covering more miles. #grintastic With thanks to Jeremy Ray for this write-up. Want to learn more about this electric road bike? Click - Orbea Gain D10 Road eBike.
It's always great to hear feedback on the electric bikes and service we offer. This eBike review just came in from a customer who's taken delivery of a Haibike Fat Six electric bike. Â Where did it start? After a great deal of research, I chose to purchase online from e-bikeshop.co.uk of Farnham, Surrey and was impressed by their service and the prompt and helpful answers to my questions prior to purchasing from Alfred, their sales/support guy. This was important as I had very specific requirements. Â Rider requirements? I am 66 years old, a lifelong cyclist, took up mountain biking with a passion at the age of 40 and had to give up my classic Gary Fisher hardtail altogether about 6 years ago due to the effects of age and injuries. To be brief, I have extensive nerve, ligament and tendon damage to my left arm, leg and lower back, limited neck movement and arthritic comedy hands. Given that I have been 6 years out of the saddle and am not properly cycling fit, I have been delighted with the results so far I live on the coast in the northwest Highlands of Scotland. From the village, everywhere is uphill and I needed a bike which offered me a chance to get out again in comfort and of course - style. I can report that the Haibike FatSix met those requirements beautifully. Â How is the bike? It's effectively wiped around 20 years off the decrepitude slate for me. It has also attracted some curious stares, which I put down to the bike rather than the fact that, according to a friend, it is apparently being ridden by an elderly wizard in a deerstalker. Ordered on Monday, it arrived on the Wednesday morning, charged and ready to go. I had asked Alfred to fit a Selle Royale Drifter saddle, which he did free of charge, enclosing the original saddle â which was appreciated. I had to take 50mm off the seat post to get it properly set up and within 30 minutes I was off. It took a little while to realize that the front forks were seriously under pressure but luckily a shock pump was to hand and with a bit more tinkering here and there, I got it set up perfectly. Â How is the riding? I have now completed several test rides on roads and estate tracks, including a relentless 1.5 km uphill section of road, most of which I managed on the Eco+ and Eco settings, with Standard and High levels of assistance being needed at around 1 and 1.2 km respectively. Every ride on the Haibike provides a workout and allows me to test my limits without the pain and discomfort which comes with being old and knackered. Even without power, the Haibike FatSix is easy to pedal and handles very well. The 11-gear spread covers every eventuality, the beefed-up derailleur is very positive and precise and the remote front fork lockout is an absolute boon. The disc brakes provide excellent, smooth stopping power which, given the weight of the rig ( and me at 95 kg. ) is just as well. I currently estimate around 30 off-road miles to a charge at my present level of required assistance. Â Conclusion on the Haibike Fat Six? Given that I have been 6 years out of the saddle and am not properly cycling fit, I have been delighted with the results so far. The Haibike FatSix suits me and my eccentric sense of style down to the ground and whilst I appreciate that fat bikes are not everyoneâs cup of tea, I would thoroughly recommend the whole electric bike thing to anyone, particularly those with similar problems to mine, who would like to get back out on a bike again. Thanks to Alan Booth for this review. Click to learn more about our Haibike Electric Bikes.
This July, we gave two people the opportunity to road test two Haibike eBikes for a month. Learn how Carlo and Elizabeth got with the electric bikes in this article. The bikes were loaned primarily to provide cycle support for their friend Robert Groves hand-cycling around the coastline of England and Wales for the Coastline Challenge charity event. This scenario evolved over time which allowed them also to incorporate the bikes into their regular lives and see how people could benefit from these machines in a number of ways. Electric Bikes? Not a new phenomenon, cycles have had motors added to them in various guises for more than a century. It can be said though that never have they been so sophisticated, nor so efficient. The bikes used were kindly loaned to us through Martin Brown of e-bikeshop.co.uk, and the manufacturer, Haibike. They chose the Hardseven 4.0, two models, the xDuro, powered by Bosch and the sDuro, with a Yamaha motor. Both share a number of common features, such as the frame, headsets, bars, tyres, but different suspension, crank and switchgear arrangements. Where did it start? On a bright July Sunday, we left West Sussex to join our hand-cyclist friend Rob and a support motor home driven by Chris in convoy, on a ride to the New Forest and the Dorset coastline. The Coastline Challenge journey was undertaken to promote new ways to view and care for our oceans, and as the name suggested we followed coastal roads where possible. Urban cycling in towns such as Southampton and Portsmouth was a challenge due to the heavy traffic, road layout and hilly overpasses. Battery Ranges? On occasion, the brakes were used to their full effect, in order to avoid elderly gentlemen and errant drivers. The Tektro brakes bite quickly and quite fiercely. Pausing for a pub lunch gave us an opportunity to replenish our own energy resources and those of the e-bike batteries. The Yamaha used 60% battery life covering 40 miles at a regular speed of 15mph. The quick take offs and undulations of Southamptonâs crowded A roads. Then the more gradual but ever present hills of the New Forest, coupled with a rider growing accustomed to their respective steeds, drained battery power more quickly than on other rides of the trip. The Bosch lost more charge on this leg, down to 20% when stopping for the lunchtime recharge. Once more accustomed to the riding rhythm the battery range improved, along with the enjoyment of letting the bikes amplify our efforts. Assistance Modes? There are 3 modes of assistance on the Yamaha motor and 4 on the Bosch, the difference being the Turbo mode, giving up to 275% back to the pedals. This was useful in getting up to speed at roundabouts and hill climbs, coping with traffic etc. The 3 main modes used interchangeably depending on the need- eco for flats, standard and high/sport for everything else, the latter especially useful for inclines, which are uncannily easy to climb. The xDuro Bosch control system and Intuvia Display are well designed and very easy to use. Riding the eBikes? We spent the next few days traveling together, or taking it in turns to cycle alongside our friend, Rob, on our journey west. From Sussex through Hampshire, Dorset and into Devon, using coastal roads where possible, the e-bikes performed faultlessly, each exhibiting individual characteristics over time. At the end of each day, we arrived at the allocated camp site, pitched our tent, fed, washed up and got through the observations, photographs, maintenance, and other issues that might have arisen throughout the day. To be able, for instance, to tackle some of the hills of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, was a demonstration as to the capability and enjoyment these bikes offer. A reward on that particular stretch was arriving at the azure blue bay of the English Riviera at Torquay. Riding to Lands End Something that soon became apparent was the isolated nature of some of the campsites we visited. The further we traveled west, the less technology and electricity worked. Soon enough we would reach a site only to find no internet or phone access or just enough power to charge up the batteries. The views, however, were stunning at times. From here we journeyed into Cornwall, on to Landâs End, where the opportunity to get us and the bikes in at the famous sign was taken. Setting off the next day from Geevor mine, it was a damp morning that saw us cycle from St Just to St Ives, along the north coast road. Arguably one of the most enjoyable roads to cycle in Cornwall, the twists, turns, and hills provide a changing backdrop of villages, farms and sweeping views over the Atlantic. It was also the setting for the original version of âStraw Dogsâ, and has its own eerie sense of foreboding⌠Taking the coastal roads to St Agnes, we spent the night at Cligga Head before setting off for Tintagel. Cornwall can be wet at times but for this trip around we had one really bad day. Following heavy rain and high winds, upon reaching the camp site on Tintagel headland, it proved impossible to pitch the sleeping accommodation for the night. A friendly B&B next door proved welcoming. The next few days journeying up the north Cornwall coast, through north Devon and Somerset, was accompanied by glorious sunshine. At this point, circumstances beyond our control necessitated a return to West Sussex, so we left the traveling band to carry on around the coastline, and took the bikes on the train. Packed with friendly commuters and cyclists, we managed to cram on. The good looking and electric nature of the bikes are such that they started conversations about them wherever we went, and some interesting comments on build, performance, etc were expressed while we made our way back home. Back home, on the Sussex coastline, we had hoped to rejoin our friend Rob on his cycle tour further up country but was not to be. So, while doing our own things, we took the opportunity to utilize the bikes in a domestic environment. How the bikes performed? Temporarily shunning fossil fuel alternatives, the Haibike's became the preferred mode of transport for trips to the village shops, along the sea front day or night, and further afield. Having electrical assistance up to a maximum speed of approximately 17 mph allows for effortless short journeys, the sDuroâs Yamaha motor responding quickly from standing start. These e-bikes are superb up hills and down dales but also excel in the urban environment, a modern revolution in personal mobility. Those who enjoy the freedom of cycling, but not the effort sometimes involved, or those who might benefit from the motor assistance, will find these bikes just the thing for improving the quality of oneâs life, health & enjoyment of the great outdoors. Personally, living near the Sussex South Downs, we took the opportunity to try the bikes out and enjoy the scenery on offer. The all terrain ability of these machines makes for exhilarating fun & the outside more accessible. To sum it all up? During this review period, we had the fortune to be able to travel some of the most scenic roads in the south west of England. We took in miles of unspoiled rolling hills & stretching coastlines. We met with members of coastal communities, who, behind the scenes, for the most part, organize beach cleans, produce educational material, introduce plastic reduction schemes, monitor sea life and who create petitions for change in the way we care for our waters. They are inspirational people. We hope this review and accompanying photographs say enough to encourage you to try the e-bike experience. These particular Haibike's are excellent in design and performance and completely changed our lifestyle for the month. Thank you for the opportunity to do so. With special thanks to Carlo and Elizabeth Marogna for this article. Bikes Used: Haibike xDuro HardSeven 4.0 and the Haibike sDuro HardSeven 4.0 eBikes.
It's great to see a dedicated dirt bike magazine as prestigious as Dirt Bike Rider, swapping out throttle power over to pedal power with the Haibike electric mountain bike. Can a power assisted off-road bicycle offer up as much fun as a full on petrol powered dirt bike? This August Dirt Bike Rider Magazine jumped at the chance to test out the all new Haibike sDuro electric mountain bike. To achieve this Dirt Bike Rider Magazine have all been using the Haibike as frequently as possible for day-to-day tasks like nipping to the shops as well as going on lengthy rides both off-road and on. The Haibike sDuro All Mountain bike, powered with a Yamaha eBike drive system, bridges the gap between mountain bikes and the more traditional off-road machines Dirt Bike Rider Magazine is used to seeing. Unlike a motorbike, there's no throttle as such and the Yamaha motor that the Haibike sDuro AllMtn 6 is equipped with only comes in when you are pedalling. On the full power setting the Yamaha motor offers up to 280% assistance, meaning climbing hills become a breeze and building speed up on off-road trails is effortless & a whole lot of fun! Quote from dedicated mountain bike nut, Tom Butcher:- I rode places I have never ridden before simply because I could. The energy you save for the real fun bits is priceless. The joy that was summoned from deep within is something few bikes give me. Ready to get powered up with a new eBike? Check out the featured Haibike sDuro AllMtn 6.0
Thinking of buying a Haibike Full Carbon Ultimate electric bike? A really good review here from one of our customers (Peter) who has a few Haibike eBikes, this actually sums up the experience of the xDuro FullSeven RC, NDURO PRO & the Full Carbon Ultimate. Read on..  A little history I purchased my ďŹrst Haibike from Martin when he was in Alton, it was a 2012 Xduro, the bike was excellent never had any problems, the only minor issue for me was it was very fast in turn and I prefer a lazy front end. I sold it to fund my next Haibike a 2014 Xduro Nduro pro which I still have and love it, this ticked all the boxes for me. Again this has been reliable with only a bearing replaced at a cost of ÂŁ5, not bad for 2 years use. Read Peter's previous review on the Haibike xDuro NDURO PRO 2015.  Present day I made an appointment with Martin to purchase an E-bike for my wife. Martin recommended an Xduro Fullseven RC. While she was deciding I saw the full carbon (a customers bike Martin had in stock), memories came ďŹooding back from my Marin days when Carbon was something very special and I said one dayâŚ.. My wife being the understanding person she is (or canât stand me going on and on and on) told me to purchase the Carbon, I was in the lucky position of having the money without having to raise a mortgage. We purchased two bikes, the RC for my wife and the Carbon. The RC was in stock so we were able to collect a few days later, the Carbon was about a month away but as I had another E-bike time was not an issue. Martin kept me updated on expected delivery times.  Our ďŹrst ride out With my wife on RC and me on Nduro, she is not experienced on E-bikes and has not ridden for quite a few years, so she took it nice and easy. The ride near Salisbury was mostly tarmac with some steep hills. She loved everything about the bike apart from the saddle. A short 6 mile trip ďŹnished with a very steep climb and some green lanes. She lead the return journey, as I did not want to show off and leave her miles behind. I got that wrong - by the time we reached the top of a steep hill she was a good 70 ft ahead of me - Have the bikes changed or did I forget to connect the battery on my bike? The bikes must have changed. Second ride - again near Salisbury - about 12 miles mainly tarmac. I am faster downhill, she is faster uphill (itâs the bike). She loves the bike but for some reason does not want to ride it without a pillow tied to the saddle!!  After a few delays the Carbon arrived Wow what a bike, very understated (which is a good thing), I was a little unsure about the riding position as the bars drop slightly but give it time⌠I opted for a dropper post and new saddle, the saddle and seat post that are supplied with the bike are carbon and weigh about the same as a coffee cup (empty) and probably about as comfortable to sit on as a coffee cup. Martin has a device for measuring sitting bones to ensure the saddle size is correct (highly recommended), I also changed the front sprocket for a larger one (more top speed, about 17mph assisted). I have done this on all my bikes, I never use 1st gear so happy to lose a bit on the climbs. It was also recommended that I ďŹt protective tape over the Carbon parts of the bike that may suffer from stone chips, a very simple process at a cost of about ÂŁ7 for a meter (I have used about 11 inches in total). First ride on the carbon was about 16 miles, bridal way, beach, hard mud and tarmac. Initial thoughts - this bike just rolls and rolls, maybe the tyres maybe the 27.5inch wheels, maybe better bearings, all I can conďŹrm is it never came out of ECO mode. The assist was in the OFF position for a fair bit of the ride, this is a major difference between the Carbon and the Nduro. The xDuro Carbon Ultimate feels lighter, after 16 miles the riding position is ďŹne, however the gear selector is driving me nuts. Haibike have moved the levers, every gear change is wrong, I want to go up a gear, I go down, I want to go down I go up, just a case of getting used to it I guess. (Update: After seeking e-bikeshops advice, I have since found out I can actually invert the shifting lever using the cable and software Martin supplied me with the bike. Neat!) While on gears the electric gear change is quick and is accompanied by a audible clunk, you know the gear has changed. Itâs a shame the shifter has its own re-chargeable battery that has to be charged via USB and is not powered from bike battery. I have been told about 25 hours between charges so maybe not a big deal, time will tell.  How does the Carbon eBike ride? We have just completed Queen Elizabeth Park (QEP,Butser Hill) to PetersďŹeld and back - a brief description for anyone who does not know the area - starts in the main carpark at QECP, short tarmac road to start of climb, gentle path through woodland, bit more gravel track then back through wooded section full of tree roots, a horrible descent on hard uneven gravel that was very overgrown to the lower carpark, then another descent through the old chalk pits at Buriton followed by country lanes to PetersďŹeld pond and the cafe. The return was a similar route until we left the main track and hit the blue route (the easier ride), ending back at the Cafe at QEP visitor centre and the car. Both bikes performed as they should, the biggest surprise for me was the amount of braking I had to do. As I previously said the bike just rolls, on a steepish decent a release of the brakes saw the bike accelerate from standstill to 26mph in less that 100 ft. I regularly see over 30mph on downhill tarmac (on the same road the Nduro would max at 22mph). On to the Blue section, this is what the bikes are designed to do. Select sport mode, lower the saddle and begin the zigzag climb, fantastic. I have done this section on many bikes and the carbon was best by a mile, I was hitting 16+mph in the uphill sections, I would speed ahead then wait for my wife to catch up, making sure she was OK before I zipped away. She was ďŹne and loved every minute of the ride, for someone that has not ridden for some time her bike made it possible to enjoy a route that would not have been possible for her on a non E-bike (I did change her saddle for a touring one).  Final thoughts Was the RC worth the money? Yes every penny, my wife keeps asking where to next, she loves it. Was the Carbon worth it? Probably not, I will never be a good enough rider to really get the best out of the bike but I donât care. I was told to keep the bike in mint condition as it will probably increase in value but I canât do that. I will clean, polish and maintain it to the best I can, but it will be used, as much as possible. I believe if you buy something it should be used, if you donât use it you donât need it so sell it. Do I prefer my Carbon to my Nduro? Yes and no, they are very different bikes. The Nduro will always be better downhill, 180mm travel does that, the Carbon will be better overall. Will I keep both bikes? I donât know. If I enjoy the carbon so much I donât use the Nduro, it will go - then I would regret it and want another. Special thanks to Martin for his help and support. It is great to be able to make an appointment and have 60 minutes of one to one time with someone that is passionate about what he sells. The only negative aspect about Martin and his warehouse full of goodies is the hit on my wallet when ever I visit Thanks so much to Peter for his words on the â Haibike xDuro Carbon Ultimate 2016
We are pleased to look at the new Gocycle G3 front pannier luggage bag which will be released to the public very soon. Here we take a look at some of the new features. The new bag will attach directly to the front of any Gocycle G2 or G3 without the need for any extra pannier mounts, rods or fixings. A smart solution for many Gocycle users answering previous load-carrying dilemmas. This versatile product has been specifically designed by the Gocycle team based in London, UK. The new Pannier Bag doesn't compromise the Gocycle's seamless design or ability to fold and become portable, taking only seconds to remove, without tools, whilst leaving no brackets or fixtures. Richard Thorpe, designer of Gocycle said: I use my Gocycle daily for commuting and running errands. The hassle-free convenience Gocycle offers is unmatched. But when it comes to carrying stuff , traditional bike panniers just donât cut it! Theyâre cumbersome, inconvenient, and ugly, and my complete dissatisfaction with using them has led to the development of a new, no compromise front pannier designed specifically for Gocycle. Richard Continues: We started by maximising all usable space, using expanding pockets wherever possible - the rear facing double baguette holders being a personal favourite! Weâve chosen lightweight, water resistant materials and selected moulded zip pullers for easy access even when wearing cycling gloves. Weâve designed a bespoke and integrated mounting system which maintains Gocycleâs clean and seamless lines when the pannier is not in use. Inspired by high-tech backpacks, the pannier has a lightweight and rigid internal support structure to transfer weight directly to the Gocycle for confident handling. Versatile, convenient, and fun - itâs a no compromise design - just like Gocycle! Features Multi-use rear and side pockets with drawstring adjustment to suit any occasion, making use of all available space. Deep main compartment designed for maximum useable volume. Internal support structure ensures a robust connection with the Gocycle for re-assuring handling when fully loaded. Top pocket and colour-matched, soft-touch moulded zip pullers for fast access to your essentials even when wearing gloves. Internal padded pocket for tablets and laptops locates weight close to the steering axis for sure-footed handling. No cumbersome mounting brackets are required to be fitted maintaining Gocycleâs clean and seamless design. Inspired by Gocycleâs patented PitstopwheelÂŽ, with one simple movement, the front pannier can be effortlessly detached or re-attached Available for pre order now with first stocks arriving in late August / early September. See the full spec & more pictures on our dedicated pre order page here -Gocycle Front Pannier.