I'm sure this question is asked at the beginning of every tax year. I'm considering using the cycle to work scheme for my work commute. I'm very much out of the electric bike loop. I've looked at Decathlon Riverside
https://www.debenhams.com/product/decat ... jxaVLeybuo
and Halfords Carrera crossfire https://www.halfords.com/bikes/electric ... 45998.html
I know there's some haters of both companies and if read about the problems with getting spare parts.
Can I have your thoughts on options please.
Much appreciated
Comuter bike £1.5k budget
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stodd
- Posts: 827
- Joined: 6 Jun 2018, 10:24am
Re: Comuter bike £1.5k budget
I'd recommend looking at Woosh and Wisper; both UK companies with a very good reputation for after sales services. They may or may not support your particular cycle to work scheme.
https://wooshbikes.co.uk/
https://wisperbikes.com/
The Crossfire has a very poor reliability record. The problem was the Suntour electrics system; that was updated a little a few years ago, but that didn't seem to improve things. Halfords seem to vary a lot between one branch and another; our local branch closed recently; I used the sometimes for spares such as tyres. Halfords often allow a reasonably sensible test ride (or at least used to); many LBS limit tests to 5 minutes round a flat car park.
The Crossfire comment is second hand information from reading the pedelecs forum (https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/); I don't have any direct knowledge of the Crossfire.
https://wooshbikes.co.uk/
https://wisperbikes.com/
The Crossfire has a very poor reliability record. The problem was the Suntour electrics system; that was updated a little a few years ago, but that didn't seem to improve things. Halfords seem to vary a lot between one branch and another; our local branch closed recently; I used the sometimes for spares such as tyres. Halfords often allow a reasonably sensible test ride (or at least used to); many LBS limit tests to 5 minutes round a flat car park.
The Crossfire comment is second hand information from reading the pedelecs forum (https://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/); I don't have any direct knowledge of the Crossfire.
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joeegg
- Posts: 62
- Joined: 25 Apr 2021, 8:23pm
Re: Comuter bike £1.5k budget
My wife has a folding Wisper,907 i think, with 20" wheels.About a thousand miles in and no problems.It's the model fitted with a throttle and big capacity battery so probably not in the £1500 region and likely a bit overkill for commuting.Quite heavy so not really suitable for lugging up stairs or off/on trains and buses.
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arnsider
- Posts: 564
- Joined: 27 Jul 2011, 12:44am
- Location: Carnforth, Lancashire
Re: Comuter bike £1.5k budget
I would look for a good used Whyte Coniston or Clifton. They are bomb proof and 100% reliable.
Both were available in step through versions.
The Shimano STEPS three mode motors fitted are exceptionally good.
My pal sold his 2017 Coniston with a spare battery for £500. it had done a lot of miles, but was in tip top order.
Both models are essentially utility bikes, ideal for commuting.
Both were available in step through versions.
The Shimano STEPS three mode motors fitted are exceptionally good.
My pal sold his 2017 Coniston with a spare battery for £500. it had done a lot of miles, but was in tip top order.
Both models are essentially utility bikes, ideal for commuting.