I am looking to buy a 2nd hand ebike for commuting an 8 mile each way commute.
My current bike is a Pinnacle Arkose Alfine 8 speed. I have been finding I am increasingly knackered riding, mainly as I seem to need to ride flat out due to childcare commitments. I am on the go all day at work and have been coming down with what may be some kind of visual migraine or low blood sugar, mainly when riding home.
I am thinking about ideally a mid-drive with an Alfine hub, or maybe a hub drive. Or I could buy a mid-drive with a derailleur and stick my current Alfine on it. 700c wheels suitable for 40-45c tyres would be good, as my winter studs would fit.
I have been looking at 2nd hand Raleigh Motus', Carrera Subway-e, or a Carrera Cross Fuse.
Has anyone got any advice regarding mid Vs hub drive, esp. for commuting, or any suitable sub £800 suggestions?
I have a Trek Conduit, built in F&R lights, good solid factory fit mudguards, Shimano Steps6000 mid motor and Deore 10speed and discs.
700c. Good spec, solid commuter.
They appear to go for £900 on eBay.
Stealth ad but my XL could do with being for sale as I don't use it anymore but deffo worth checking out as they are good spec for the money.
Thanks. I'll look. I am a bit nervous about Shimano motors as I know they are not widely serviceable. I'd be looking for a M/L 51/53cm size.
Van Moof are a bargain 2nd hand a the moment apparently..... 😜
I'd just add a front wheel conversion to your Alfine. Cytronex or Swytch are well thought of. Swytch is preferred to Brompton's own offering by some riders. Might be a lag in getting one.
TJ will be along to suggest bottom bracket conversions, which are also very good. Bafang work well but look a little agricultural.
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-electric-bike-conversion-kits/
Cheaper option https://cyclotricity.com/uk/custom-mix-match-your-own-conversion-kit.html
I can't do a Switch due to a bolt through front axle,and can't fit a Bafang or similar mid drive kit due to the EBB. I have looked...
What tyres are you running - these can make a big difference. Commuter here, 10 miles each way, old 90's MTB, panniers, but with slicks !
I bet, if you slow the speed down a little, you'll only be literally a few minutes slower. If I really push on, I can be in work within 41 minutes. Taking it easy 45 minutes.
Just try it, and it will save you a fortune. Winter studs are slow, so you just have to accept the time penalty, for me can be 10 minutes !
I'm 53 with a knackered back.
I tend to slow down a little on the way home, usually feeling a little knackered after a day. Doesn't add much on.
What size bike are you and where abouts in the country? I have a large Specialized Sirrus X with a Bafang mid drive you could have a go on. running 45's with full guards and panniers.
may or may not be for sale......
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm running Continental Ride Tour tyres, and Schwalbe Winters, the ones with only 2 rows of studs.
I totally get the slowing down thing, but the day is book-ended by dropping of at childminder and it always seems to be a mega rush both ways.
We have a medium Trek Dual Sport + that really ought to be sold. If it's of any interest, do me a DM.