I haven't cycled since I moved to UK in 2016 and I'm itching to get back into traveling for ao many years now. I used to cycle on relatively flat roads for about 100-120 KM to the mountains each weekend. The bike wasn't the greatest, an average cheap (can't remember the model but it cost 350 Euros so not great) mountain bike.
I am looking into traveling on the road but also country road and gravel (nothing sport, just remote, including forests) because I want to do photography (landscape, wildlife, nature) outside of my immediate vicinity. I don't care about speed but comfort and resilience is a priority.
I have 2 main issue to tackle: hills is the first. I live in South West England and most roads and terrains are not very flat. And I have difficulty breathing as well as pushing myself to far before I realise I broke something in me. That's why I'm hoping to get an electric like, to help me get over the hill and/or making easier to come back home if I pushed myself to far to have enough energy to make it back. (I know most electric bikes have a reasonable mileage before running out of juice, around 50 miles)
The other is my weight. I have managed to lose 2.6 stones in the last 6 months but I have reached the limit of how much I can lose just on diet. I'm at 123-125 KGs and I am over the typical 100 KGs manufacturer recommended limit which is extremely frustrating. And that doesn't include my camera gear, water and a jacket or rain protection and helmet (which would be between 5 and 10 more KGs).
I am worried that the spokes and the tires won't be able to take the pressure very well (and I had very frustrating problems with flats on the road in the past).
I asked about Argos bikes because some are on sale, the E-Move Premium 28 inch, and I can afford it on my Argos card. But I can't buy it cash (to save up thatuch I would have to wait for next year). Does anyone have any experience with the build quality of E-Move bikes?
Autumn is here and it's my favourite time of the year for the next 2 months and I really want to travel to the forests nearby and get the autumn colours, especially early in the morning, where hiking can get a bit tiresome having to get up at 4 or 3 AM to get to the location in time.
Any help would be greatly appreciated it.
On the plus side it's from a reputable brand, the fork stanchions don't look corroded and the saddle looks OK. Hardtail MTBs can be a good utility bike that can take a few knocks, and will have low gears - just don't expect speed! The potential is there, but you're going to have to trust the seller - or do you have a cycling friend who could take a look at it?