Aled, Brain from Civic bikes suggested I email you as I am considering buying this bike myself. As they cost a lot of money I am interested to know if the bike can do what I need it to do. How effective is the bike when going up reasonably steep hills. Does the bike handle them reasonably comfortably? Have you had to do much of that hill climbing? Brain tells me you are very happy with you purchase. I would really appreciate your feedback on this one and any comments you might like to make about the bike. Any feedback would be appreciated. Kind regards!
Anne, I do a lot of hills where I live. I also spent a couple of days cycling around Newcastle in the days after I bought the bike. It is hard to explain the assistance the gazelle provides. It does not do the cycling for you, but it makes the cycling much easier and very enjoyable around town. If I want to, I can work just as hard on the gazelle as I would on my normal bike - the only difference is that I would be traveling much faster. If I want to, I can sit back and let the gazelle do most of the work for me. All I need to do is to shift down a gear or two and keep my legs going gently around and the bike does the work.
For example, I took my son (18 months), put him on the back and cycled from Mayfield West down to Nobbys Beach, South to Bar Beach and then east to Hamilton on Glebe Road and Beaumont Street where I stopped for a coffee. It was a warm spring day and when I arrived at Hamilton I had only raised only a light sweat. Not bad, when you consider some of the hills on the way!
Anyway - have a look at www.myelectricbike-aled.blogspot.com. I have been updating it when I ride the bike, so there is a lot more information about my impressions there.
Aled
I read all your blog:) Very helpful information. I'm thinking about buying an e-bike Gazelle 2 years already. I learned a lot of practical information from your blog. Thanks. One simple question. Do you can completely turn off the power at the beginning of the route and turn until, for example, after 50 km and then you can still drive the entire estimated amount of miles to assist? Do you support the "wear out" even when we go without power at the beginning of the route?
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Poland:)
Jacek
My bike routes and photos:
http://www.gpsies.com/mapUser.do?username=Jack_lodz
Hi Jacek - sorry about the delay in replying.
ReplyDeleteYes the bike can be ridden without power and then turned on when you need the assist. When you have the power turned off the you will not run the battery down.
I have done this sometimes - my only comment is that you will notice the weight of the bike once you start climbing hills without the assistance of the motor.