hi
I'm looking for a either a lightweight folder which can be converted to an ebike or a ready made ebike. I'm reasonably technically competent and could probably tackle any maintenance and conversion myself as long as there is no major metalwork involved.
I'm not as young as I used to be (ha! universally true of everyone... ) and my physical strength isn't great. I think I would struggle going up stairs with anything much more than 20kg (although if it split into a heavy bag and the bike that might be negotiable). Of course wheeling along it won't be an issue as long as it does wheel OK when folded.
I've not been a bike owner for a long time but it's about time I started doing more exercise, I'll be doing short runs of a few miles to start with and will want to take the bike onto public transport trams (and maybe buses). I'd want a decent low gear range if I lost power as my legs could be stronger - hopefully they will improve.
I've looked at various bikes and conversion kits but I'm undecided. The Brompton has much going for it but it's expensive and I'm not sure about the 16" wheel only because the roads are in such a dire state.
I can see pros and cons for everything I look at, so it depends on where I make my compromises.
I have to be able to lift and store it (limited storage space at home unless I chain it outside with a cover on it), it has to be accepted on public transport, and spares have to be available including batteries (which is the big worry with the cheap Chinese bikes).
If money was no object I'd probably look at the electric Brompton, but I could save a considerable amount by either buying a cheap Brompton or an even cheaper 20" folder and electrifying it, but there are going to be snags whatever route I take, so the question really is where should I compromise and what could possibly go wrong...
I'm looking for opinions...
Thanks!
I'm looking for a either a lightweight folder which can be converted to an ebike or a ready made ebike. I'm reasonably technically competent and could probably tackle any maintenance and conversion myself as long as there is no major metalwork involved.
I'm not as young as I used to be (ha! universally true of everyone... ) and my physical strength isn't great. I think I would struggle going up stairs with anything much more than 20kg (although if it split into a heavy bag and the bike that might be negotiable). Of course wheeling along it won't be an issue as long as it does wheel OK when folded.
I've not been a bike owner for a long time but it's about time I started doing more exercise, I'll be doing short runs of a few miles to start with and will want to take the bike onto public transport trams (and maybe buses). I'd want a decent low gear range if I lost power as my legs could be stronger - hopefully they will improve.
I've looked at various bikes and conversion kits but I'm undecided. The Brompton has much going for it but it's expensive and I'm not sure about the 16" wheel only because the roads are in such a dire state.
I can see pros and cons for everything I look at, so it depends on where I make my compromises.
I have to be able to lift and store it (limited storage space at home unless I chain it outside with a cover on it), it has to be accepted on public transport, and spares have to be available including batteries (which is the big worry with the cheap Chinese bikes).
If money was no object I'd probably look at the electric Brompton, but I could save a considerable amount by either buying a cheap Brompton or an even cheaper 20" folder and electrifying it, but there are going to be snags whatever route I take, so the question really is where should I compromise and what could possibly go wrong...
I'm looking for opinions...
Thanks!