Currently ride a hard tail....been considering a hard tail e bike but there are so many options....want something simple and user friendly and not looking to spend thousands....any suggestions ?

I think they're still pretty expensive as the technology is still fairly new. Halfords' Voodoo range includes some e-bikes, which as a brand tend to be pretty good value. For an e-bike you're still probably talking £2k at least.

Personally I'd go for a normal decent full suspension bike for that kind of money, as you will get far better components for your cash. I recently got a Whyte and am more than happy with it. Some trails have banned e-bikes as they seem to damage them, although I think this may just be in the US.

You get what you pay for in eBikes. The technology is relatively expensive. I'd recommend Volt who have a good range, worth looking at this one:

https://voltbikes.co.uk/pulse-hybrid-electric-bike.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I had hear surgery last year and bought a Volt bike to help with rehab. I get a decent workout and have enough energy left to cycle back up the steep hill to the house. I'd struggle on the proper hills without the assistance but it still gives a good workout.

Alternatively go and hire one for a couple of hours (Craven Cycles in Skipton does this) and see how you get on with it?

The rules in the US are very different. You only get assistance when you pedal a UK bike and the power is limited, so once you get to 25 kph the motor switches off.

I agree about technology; hub motors are cheaper but crank motors are more durable (and expensive). Also with all the extra gear and battery they are very heavy (mine is 20Kg all up). I have a Shimano Alfine hub gear set with automatic gear change but I never could resist the tech.

Voodoo bizango 29er.

They might be sold at Halfords, but these voodoo bikes are designed by MTB legend Joe Murray, and only a fool wouldn’t consider one. The non e bizango 29er is a class leader and at £580 currently, knocks spots of other bikes costing up to a grand. Seriously good bikes.

bobinho wrote:Voodoo bizango 29er.

They might be sold at Halfords, but these voodoo bikes are designed by MTB legend Joe Murray, and only a fool wouldn’t consider one. The non e bizango 29er is a class leader and at £580 currently, knocks spots of other bikes costing up to a grand. Seriously good bikes.

I can second this, I had the 2016 Bizango (just sold it last week) and it was a cracking bike for the cash. Was voted best hardtail under £750 with a 10/10 review.

I got a Haibike SDuro two years ago. The only regret I've got is that I didn't go for a model or two up the range. The crank motor is far superior to a hub and are easier to ride, doesn't need a special wheel and are more sophisticated all round. The cheap ebikes you see in the back of sunday magazines will all have hub mounted motors.

Highly recommend an ebike, once you've ridden one you want one.

E life bikes are currently being flogged on the Ideal World shopping channel for £700, but don't know their quality.
Thinking of one myself.

What next?

E running shoes that make getting up hills easier?

Spijed wrote:What next?

E running shoes that make getting up hills easier?

Luddite.

dushanbe wrote:Luddite.

Glasses. What next?
Get on with your life like everyone else you blind bastards.
Seriously.

E bikes is that not like going in a brothal and asking for a cuddle

Dushanbe. Nice bike. I'm looking for one for the wife, they do a good range in haibike but they all appear to be mountain bikes, were after a hybrid. It's a bit of a minefield when your not sure exactly what to look for.

beddie wrote:Dushanbe. Nice bike. I'm looking for one for the wife, they do a good range in haibike but they all appear to be mountain bikes, were after a hybrid. It's a bit of a minefield when your not sure exactly what to look for.

Check out http://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; there’s a range of hybrids on there.

Lots of companies. have a look at http://www.goelectric.bike" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I met the bloke who makes them on a bike ride and he gave me his card. I think they've got German Sachs motors. I cannot recommend the product personally as I'm still on a push bike, but they seemed OK, though not trendy, more step through practicality than style.

Edit: maybe they've closed, there's nothing on the link.

KeighleyClaret. Where abouts is "Craven Cycles" in Skipton? Do you mean "Dave Ferguson". Thought we would take a look. Thanks.

Sorry it’s Chevin cycles, top of the high st by the roundabout.

I spent a long time looking before I bought mine. Would definitely go for a crank motor. I tried both and there is a big difference.

Battery life is important as some will only do 20km.

Then you look at brakes, with hydraulic discs being best. Finally gears - derailleur vs hub. All told for a decent package you need at least £1k.

Looking at the cheaper bikes you can definitely get something reasonable but there will be compromises especially if you are used to a decent bike already.

This one was a very close second choice. Bosch active line crank motor etc, shimano gears. Good pedigree.

Chevin sometimes have these to try but haven’t been in recently.

https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/Raleigh-Mo ... gLHZ_D_BwE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The other thing to try is the Cycle to Work scheme where you get £1000 worth if tax relief on your purchase.