Electric bike from Halfords

poppasmurf_bewdley

After weeks of thinking about it, I've finally taken the plunge and ordered a £600 electric bike from Halfords.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/electric-bikes/coyote-connect-folding-electric-bike

I'm picking it up and paying for it this afternoon. Before I go, has anyone had experience of this particular bike, and/or has anyone any warnings of dire consequences if I go ahead with the purchase?

poppasmurf_bewdley

Not a single comment about the bike.

I went and collected the bike yesterday afternoon, and have to say I'm pleased with the purchase.

It seems well built, and the pedelec system does seem to work very well.

I've bought LED lights front and rear (£1 each from Poundland) as well as being given a £25 security chain by Halfords after a bit of haggling.

Now the keep fit regime begins.

princeofpounds

I've no experience of these, but I have wondered why they aren't used more (esp in countries with proper cycling infrastructure).

I'd be interested to hear the user experience after a few rides.

SailorSam

I think it looks quite nice, the reviews are good except people say it's heavy.
I've been looking at electric bikes for quite a while, in case i decide to give up the car. The bike i've picked if i go ahead is almost £2k and i'm not sure if i'd want to spend that much. So i may keep this Halfords one in mind.

SailorSam

Could you come back from time-to-time Poppa and let us know how you get on with it, and what sort of cycling you're doing.

poppasmurf_bewdley

SailorSam wrote: »

Could you come back from time-to-time Poppa and let us know how you get on with it, and what sort of cycling you're doing.

I'll be very happy to do that. I could start with having to ring Halfords up this morning to see if I'd left my walking stick there yesterday - and I had.

Wonder if cycling helps with forgetfulness?

Heliflyguy

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

Wonder if cycling helps with forgetfulness?

I does seem to help some forget to stop for red lights and that pavements are for pedestrians just kidding, cycle safely.

Si_Clist

SailorSam wrote: »

I think it looks quite nice, the reviews are good except people say it's heavy.
I've been looking at electric bikes for quite a while, in case i decide to give up the car. The bike i've picked if i go ahead is almost £2k and i'm not sure if i'd want to spend that much. So i may keep this Halfords one in mind.

FWIW we've had a Kalkhoff Agattu each since March 2012 and they are the reason we were able to dispense with the motor car two years ago next month. Since that time we've managed very nicely thankyou in this quite hilly neck of the woods with the Kalkhoffs, the bike trailer, buses and when necessary for hospital visits, a taxi. (I'm an OAP, btw)

Our experience is that you get exactly what you pay for. A chap down the road bought a Chinese-made one from an established supplier about 18 months ago for not much over £1k and has had nothing but trouble with it ever since. Suffice it to say that the guarantee was 12 months, and his instruction book actually cautions against using the bike in the rain. Unfortunately he didn't spot that prior to purchase.

Our Kalkhoffs were guaranteed 24 months (including the batteries), and so far with everyday use in all weathers, much of that towing a trailer full of shopping, all we've done to them in over 5000 miles between them is replace the brake pads and fit new chains. We have had no problems with either, and will probably be replacing them with new Kalkhoffs next January.

Marco_Panettone

How do e-bikes charge? Is it just a normal 3-pin plug, or something more complicated? What's the charge time like, and how long does it last for? Does it also have a dynamo to top up the charge on the go?


Sorry for the questions!

warehouse

Apart from kids bikes I wouldn't personally buy anything from Halfords as they're known to be cheap and nasty. However OP I'm happy to be proven wrong if you can report back regularly and keep the thread updated as I'm interested in something similar in future.

Johnmcl7

princeofpounds wrote: »

I've no experience of these, but I have wondered why they aren't used more (esp in countries with proper cycling infrastructure).

I'd be interested to hear the user experience after a few rides.

From a few discussions I've had with people considering electric bikes, the main barrier to adoption is the high initial cost which is also likely to be well above the 1000 pound limit for cycle to work.
I'd have thought even if running the electric bike alongside a car the fuel savings and lesser wear and tear would pay for itself although I have wondered about how long the batteries last until they can no longer hold a usable charge and how much they are to replace them? I've occasionally dabbled with cordless garden tools and barely had around 18 months usable life before the battery couldn't hold a suitable charge and the replacement cost was around the same as the original total cost.

I've a couple of friends who have bought electric bikes, one to commute to work and one so they can keep cycling with their husband and both are very pleased with the bikes. I would have gone for one if my commute was further as I think they look great.

John