Elderly and new to Electric-Bike's

[tomjasz]

Please, keep the answers simple as to what bike you would purchase for your grandparents, ok - as we' are yet to even see an electric bike. Much less understand how they work.

With respect,
Norwin

I also did a Google search and found at least two shops that have posted in the last month. As well as UK resellers delivering to Cayman. Here’s a link and search. http://bfy.tw/Mg5D

 

[Norwin]

I also did a Google search and found at least two shops that have posted in the last month. As well as UK resellers delivering to Cayman. Here’s a link and search. http://bfy.tw/Mg5D

Sir, I tried that Google search, as you suggested, and I did not receive in reply any link whatsoever ...as you has suggested I would find. Nonetheless, I tried. And, I remain grateful you offered to help me. However, it's not my problem finding any ebike company who will sell to me, as if pay the tariff and transit, it is rare someone won't sell to us here on the island.

The problem is in finding which e-bike is best suited to this ancient old man's needs and his beloved wife's best requirement.

Thus, I continue to spend hours in trying to narrow that search. And - I know will happen.

Admitted this forum and the gentlemen and gentlewomen like yourself have been generous with their advice, time and recommendations. I only wish I could test a bike or two to help me understand what I need know, what I should look for and look out for ...

Nonetheless, you're a good friend. And, I wish to personally thank you, Sir.

Norwin

 

[tomjasz]

Thus, I continue to spend hours in trying to narrow that search. And - I know will happen.

Your patience will pay off.

Unfortunately, I'm more familiar with kits and work supporting them from a couple of sources and that is not what you need.

BUT I am also a retired fellow and in quite poor health needing a specialized type of bike referred to as a "flat foot frame" Or "crank forward frame". A bicycle like the Electra Townie is in this class. I've converted 6 with different types of motors and motor locations. In my mind, those bikes are the safest and easiest to ride. I have at least 20 customers over the last year that have converted Townie bikes. When my niece and nephew gave in and looked for comfort they both went to Electra Townie factory built electric bikes.

The step-through design. a style like a bike Felix suggested is the easiest to mount. With the Electra, you step through and sit down. No climbing up on a saddle and no leaning over the handlebars and as shown in the pictures, an upright full view of surroundings.

My only caveat would be the Bosch motor, but the fellas here tell me it's a very durable reliable motor. My niece commutes 30 miles a day in good weather and has had zero problems with Bosch in her first year. I think Ravi is quite well, perhaps the best, versed of the posters here regarding that motor.

click on a photo for a larger view!

As to bike shops on the Caymans, I'm quite confused as to why I find some and they aren't found. I do remember that on St Croix and St John tourist businesses would come and go, some seemingly the same week. I'll link a few items I found again.

I've been musing and thinking I would have loved to have had an eBike for Island living. A ride to Cartagena de Indias would be a wonderful afternoon!

I've read that Uncle Bill's has helped locals find bike parts, leading me to imagine they might be helpful.


Uncle Bill's is listed as an Electra Dealer on the Electra worldwide dealer site. Bob's your uncle!
Uncle Bill's Home Improvement Centre - 343 Eastern Avenue, KY1-1001 George Town, Cayman





SuperCycles Electric Bikes Sales & Rental Shop Ltd.
KY1-1011
George Town, Cayman Islands
Call +1 345-916-0106

The Cayman Bike Company
Tel: (+1) 345 328 2662
Email us at [email protected]

 

[tomjasz]

 

[john peck]

At 70, & in spite all sorts of injuries, I tend to behave like an invincible teenager. However, should I survive to 80, it might
be prudent to consider a trike with a big basket for stuff. Something to carry a cooler & my fishing paraphenalia. My
ebike has all but replaced my car for most errands.

 

[AlanDB]

I think Thomas Jaszewski's suggestion of the Electra Townie is an excellent one. It is powered and geared the same way as my Gazelle Arroyo, using the Bosch Performance Line motor and the Shimano Internal Geared Nexus 8 speed hub. The internal geared hub is a joy to use in my opinion compared to a derailleur shifter. It allows you to shift into any desired gear whether you are stopped or moving. The Bosch motor provides a smooth natural feeling ride with plenty of assist and great range on a battery charge. The only negative is that the mid drive Bosch motor does not have a throttle, so you have to pedal to engage the motor. But again, the motor has plenty of power for smooth starts and climbing hills.

You might want to take a look at the Gazelle Arroyo while you are looking. It does not have the pedal forward design like the Townie, so in order to get the correct knee angle when riding you may have to raise the seat a little higher and use your tiptoes to balance when stopped, or just dismount from the saddle and stand. I find it quite easy to step back up on the saddle using the pedal when starting from a standing stop. The advantage of the Gazelle is that it has a much lower step through than the Townie, so is very easy to mount and dismount.

 

[harryS]

Wow, Crazy Lenny has a boat and a captain in Cayman, a second bike shop in WInter Garden, FLorida, and he stays up in Wisconsin selling bikes in the cold? He must really like snow. I met him when buying a bike from his shop.

Maybe the bikes on his boat are folders, and they're a lot of fun. Some can be lighter than a regular ebike and if so, easier to store. A little easier to mount/dismount if you get one with a low frame, A step thru woud be better if that's an issue, Not for going fast.

They're get stuck in sand, but look good by the water,

 

[Feliz]

I also think the Townie would be a good choice, I haven't owned one but I've taken a couple test rides and really liked it. I have the Bosch drive on my Haibike albeit a more powerful one and I really like it and they've proven to be reliable with good support if you do have issues. As pointed out above by Alan the IGH is great, I have the Alfine 8 on my eProdigy and so far not one issue. The Townie also has a very comfortable pedal forward riding position. Hard to find any negatives with that bike.

 

[Norwin]

I also think the Townie would be a good choice, I haven't owned one but I've taken a couple test rides and really liked it. I have the Bosch drive on my Haibike albeit a more powerful one and I really like it and they've proven to be reliable with good support if you do have issues. As pointed out above by Alan the IGH is great, I have the Alfine 8 on my eProdigy and so far not one issue. The Townie also has a very comfortable pedal forward riding position. Hard to find any negatives with that bike.

Sir,

I have 'zoned' in and onto your recommendation of the Townie. And, we have it and now only one other vying for first place in our quest to determine which e-bike to purchase.

Indeed, the company, who makes the Townie should be offering you a brokerage fee for your welcomed recommendation, if I proceed to purchase.

Of course, I will keep you apprised of our decision. As after the purchase of 'whatever' bike it is, I am going to next need your advice on how to ride, as well as, which accessories to add and how best to maintain the bike...Thus, I very much hope you will remain my constant and dependable new e-bike friend. Ok.

With much respect,
Norwin

 

[Norwin]

At 70, & in spite all sorts of injuries, I tend to behave like an invincible teenager. However, should I survive to 80, it might
be prudent to consider a trike with a big basket for stuff. Something to carry a cooler & my fishing paraphenalia. My
ebike has all but replaced my car for most errands.

John,

My experience in regard to your surviving to my age of 'eighty'...is quite simple.

If you just close your eyes. The next morning when you awake you too - will be eighty years old.

It occurs 'just' that quickly.

Those younger than yourself, now think of your age as being old. And, they like ourselves will get 'here' as quickly as we got here. In an instant!

One day, we were far too young to ride our big brothers two wheeler as it was too high to sit on the saddle and touch the ground. And, then the next day it' was our first automobile purchase, and then the next and the next and so on...and, on.

And, in the blink of an eye you are already an invincible seventy year old, a little tread worn, perhaps...but, seventy nonetheless.

Soon, my friend, eighty.

And, hopefully you'll come visit our beautiful island in the Caribbean and you will find this 'then' elderly ninety year old riding his fourth or fifth electric bike. Ok?


With sincerest respect, Norwin

 

[Norwin]

I think Thomas Jaszewski's suggestion of the Electra Townie is an excellent one. It is powered and geared the same way as my Gazelle Arroyo, using the Bosch Performance Line motor and the Shimano Internal Geared Nexus 8 speed hub. The internal geared hub is a joy to use in my opinion compared to a derailleur shifter. It allows you to shift into any desired gear whether you are stopped or moving. The Bosch motor provides a smooth natural feeling ride with plenty of assist and great range on a battery charge. The only negative is that the mid drive Bosch motor does not have a throttle, so you have to pedal to engage the motor. But again, the motor has plenty of power for smooth starts and climbing hills.

You might want to take a look at the Gazelle Arroyo while you are looking. It does not have the pedal forward design like the Townie, so in order to get the correct knee angle when riding you may have to raise the seat a little higher and use your tiptoes to balance when stopped, or just dismount from the saddle and stand. I find it quite easy to step back up on the saddle using the pedal when starting from a standing stop. The advantage of the Gazelle is that it has a much lower step through than the Townie, so is very easy to mount and dismount.

My new friend, Alan...

Indeed, the Townie is rapidly moving to the top of the quest'...

As I am to the others who also recommended the Townie, and who responded to my question.

Thank you, kindly - Sir.

With my sincerest respect,

Norwin

 

[tomjasz]

I think Thomas Jaszewski's suggestion of the Electra Townie is an excellent one. It is powered and geared the same way as my Gazelle Arroyo, using the Bosch Performance Line motor and the Shimano Internal Geared Nexus 8 speed hub. The internal geared hub is a joy to use in my opinion compared to a derailleur shifter. It allows you to shift into any desired gear whether you are stopped or moving. The Bosch motor provides a smooth natural feeling ride with plenty of assist and great range on a battery charge. The only negative is that the mid drive Bosch motor does not have a throttle, so you have to pedal to engage the motor. But again, the motor has plenty of power for smooth starts and climbing hills.

You might want to take a look at the while you are looking. It does not have the pedal forward design like the Townie, so in order to get the correct knee angle when riding you may have to raise the seat a little higher and use your tiptoes to balance when stopped, or just dismount from the saddle and stand. I find it quite easy to step back up on the saddle using the pedal when starting from a standing stop. The advantage of the Gazelle is that it has a much lower step through than the Townie, so is very easy to mount and dismount.

You may be right, I suggested the Townie based on him being on an island, and having an Electra dealer. IME island living can sometimes be isolated. Getting support and parts in a sparsely populated spot can be difficult. Thanks for the additional idea. What a nice bike!

 

[tomjasz]

The next morning when you awake you too - will be eighty years old.

Yes indeed. It seemed like 16 at 14 was decades away. Time had a different tick. These days it’s as if we got kicked into hyper speed.

 

[tomjasz]

Sir,

I have 'zoned' in and onto your recommendation of the Townie. And, we have it and now only one other vying for first place in our quest to determine which e-bike to purchase.

Indeed, the company, who makes the Townie should be offering you a brokerage fee for your welcomed recommendation, if I proceed to purchase.

Of course, I will keep you apprised of our decision. As after the purchase of 'whatever' bike it is, I am going to next need your advice on how to ride, as well as, which accessories to add and how best to maintain the bike...Thus, I very much hope you will remain my constant and dependable new e-bike friend. Ok.

With much respect,
Norwin

The Townie is rather nicely equipped. Saving headaches fitting fenders and lights! Best of all, IME, you appear to have a stable seller to support your purchase. In my opinion, a critical factor. I was involved in one of the first photo labs, one hour, on Cayman some 30 years ago. What an incredible place!

 

[Alex M]

Ok, on to the primary subject...and that is, what the heck do we purchase?

I am just under two hundred pounds in weight. And, 5'9. My wife, more diminutive is 5'3 and about 135 in weight. Our island is relative flat. No major hills, and we have no intention of racing. Seriously, none.

However, we would like to be able to get to market and back, post office and back and do some daily cycling too. Not too strenuous, but just to keep the knees from totally freezing up, you know.

Another question would be "HOW the heck do we purchase it" ... LIthium batteries are not allowed in airplane luggage, shipping is expensive and not every company will do this, either separately or with the bike.

Take a trip to Miami. Visit a few ebike stores, take a test drive. General direction would be - step-through, with rear rack, motor up to 500W (your wife should be fine with 250-350W), battery 350-650WH. Must have both throttle (to ride without pedaling) and PAS (motor assistance proportional to your pedaling efforts). I would also look into 20" wheels like folding models Amego Freedom, RAD Mini Step-Through, Blix Vika (and there was some non-folding 20" model, the name escapes me). When you sit close to the ground, you feel more confident.

These machines are rather individual. Some are "jumpy", too much power even on the lowest PAS level. Some have throttle working only when you set PAS to maximum, some have throttle that will override your PAS. Some have too few PAS magnets and therefore PAS is slow to respond. Test ride is highly recommended. Give shop a call before coming.

Or take a deep breath and order something with the features mentioned above, without test-ride.

 

[Norwin]

The Townie is rather nicely equipped. Saving headaches fitting fenders and lights! Best of all, IME, you appear to have a stable seller to support your purchase. In my opinion, a critical factor. I was involved in one of the first photo labs, one hour, on Cayman some 30 years ago. What an incredible place!

Hi Thomas,

Would I know you from the time you spent on the island?

Where was your photo lab? Who was your partner?

I may be quite old, but sometimes I can remember as far back as thirty years, ya know?

Norwin

 

[Norwin]

The Townie is rather nicely equipped. Saving headaches fitting fenders and lights! Best of all, IME, you appear to have a stable seller to support your purchase. In my opinion, a critical factor. I was involved in one of the first photo labs, one hour, on Cayman some 30 years ago. What an incredible place!

Thomas, what's ridiculous is the TOWNIE website.

Yes, it's beautiful, well designed, very informative, quite nice photos...but, I cannot find any prices anywhere for what the bikes' cost.

Seems that would be a basic question...everyone looking at the bikes and the accessories would need and want to know.

However, I can't find any mention of purchase prices for anything?

Strange, huh?

With respect,

Norwin

 

[tomjasz]

Hi Thomas,

Would I know you from the time you spent on the island?

Where was your photo lab? Who was your partner?

I may be quite old, but sometimes I can remember as far back as thirty years, ya know?

Norwin

I’d have to dig back to sort. I was on StCroix. An East Indian investor from Canada, put a Noritsu one hour lab in there. A fellow named John, a Latino fellow was their installation rep. I made a brief trip, much younger and well into the incredibly cheap 20 year old rum. Chances are I would have been an embarrassing tourist and rum dumb from your view. <red faced>

 

[tomjasz]

I cannot find any prices anywhere for what the bikes' cost.

The USA site lists MSRP. $2599.99
5 years ago I thought that a to high of a price. But by the time I took a Townie and put a good kit on, well it’s actually a fair price. My nicest DIY bikes are easily $2200. My latest build from a bare frame, not a flat foot, is at $2700. The Electra factory Ebike may be more reliable. But I enjoy bruised knuckles and turning wrenches.

I’m curious, what kind of reputation does Bill’s have?

No one has asked, do you have bikes now?

All the best,

Tom

 

[tomjasz]

Strange, huh?

It depends on which of the international sites you use. MSRP is listed. I apologize for not giving you a link with pricing. Internet sites with international addresses can be frustrating.