Public Address | Cafe | Hard News: There in half the time: trying out a Mercury e-bike https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/ en-us Copyright (c) 2026 Public Address Rich of Observationz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366921#post366921 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366921#post366921 Fri, 30 Sept 2016 15:21:03 +1300 Martin Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366920#post366920 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366920#post366920 https://www.wired.com/2016/09/tempus-electric-bikes-cr-t1/ ]]> Fri, 30 Sept 2016 14:37:41 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366916#post366916 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366916#post366916 content is very interesting to look very good and quality guys

Looks like that suddenly erupting volcano in Indonesia has thrown us a 'spammer in the works'...
Don't follow the links!

]]> Fri, 30 Sept 2016 08:27:53 +1300 Gregor Ronald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366897#post366897 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366897#post366897 Wed, 28 Sept 2016 20:40:13 +1300 Alastair Smith https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366723#post366723 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366723#post366723 Fri, 23 Sept 2016 16:58:29 +1200 Gareth https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366687#post366687 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366687#post366687 Fri, 23 Sept 2016 04:02:29 +1200 Gregor Ronald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366611#post366611 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366611#post366611 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 19:56:27 +1200 Gregor Ronald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366610#post366610 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366610#post366610 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 19:53:08 +1200 Gregor Ronald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366608#post366608 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366608#post366608 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 19:50:54 +1200 James Butler https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366596#post366596 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366596#post366596 I have to admit I haven't tried hydraulic discs. And I've never claimed to be a normal person – I like knowing I could repair/replace every bit of my bike armed with only a bottle opener and a toothpick.

That said – if e-bikes had been more of a thing…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 17:34:04 +1200 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366594#post366594 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366594#post366594 I remember doing a test-ride on a road bike a while ago and thinking the brakes were just ridiculous. Did not like at all after disc brakes.

When I first checked out e-bikes there were still a few models with front wheel v-brakes. Fortunately they seem to have pretty much…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 17:29:35 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366591#post366591 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366591#post366591 The ‘feel’ of disc brakes is WAY superior, especially a quality set of hydraulics. Weight difference is truly negligible, again quality is the key. And changing pads is a doddle, so not sure what the ‘serviceability’ issue might be.

Imho, the feel is WAY WAY WAY superior. I remember doing…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 17:22:44 +1200 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366590#post366590 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366590#post366590 Surely there must be a torque reaction arm somewhere which needs to be detached?

I believe these are only really necessary on larger motors than are currently permitted on rego-free bikes. Most of my experience is with direct drive rear hubs with no internal gearing. Never seen a torque arm…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 17:11:27 +1200 BenWilson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366589#post366589 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366589#post366589 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 17:03:45 +1200 James Butler https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366584#post366584 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366584#post366584 Compared to a regular bike, removing a driving wheel with a hub motor has one extra level of complexity – somewhere there'll be a cable connector, ideally weatherproofed, which you'll pull apart and later reconnect.

Surely there must be a torque reaction arm somewhere which needs to be detached?

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 16:40:37 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366582#post366582 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366582#post366582 Being polite

No worries Moz. I do realise you can't do 38 km in an hour without going over 38 kph.
But I never said you'd be able to do it in an hour just that you'd be faster – unless you have a flat route with no low speed…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 15:53:00 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366580#post366580 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366580#post366580 all the parts of your trip where your speed drops below say 20 kph you can use the assist ... Unless you have a flat commute.

Bart, this is hard. Being polite when you're ignoring what I've said before and assuming that I'm innumerate... that's hard for me.

How about…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 14:51:38 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366578#post366578 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366578#post366578 If I was going to spend more money I’d want something that goes faster instead.

Yes you don't get a faster top speed but you should still get there a lot faster because all the parts of your trip where your speed drops below say 20 kph you can use…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 14:26:48 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366576#post366576 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366576#post366576 changing pads is a doddle, so not sure what the 'serviceability' issue might be.

With an ebike it's likely that changing pads means removing the wheel, and that's a bit ugly. With v brakes you don't have to remove the wheel. The trade-off of changing pads more often, but more…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 13:55:52 +1200 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366575#post366575 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366575#post366575 Other than that, I haven't had a failure that required me to try to take the wheels off, but that looks a little more complicated than on my old bike.

Compared to a regular bike, removing a driving wheel with a hub motor has one extra level of complexity -…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 13:54:05 +1200 Richard Stewart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366574#post366574 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366574#post366574 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 13:46:31 +1200 Stephen R https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366573#post366573 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366573#post366573 And as a second question how reliable and robust are the e-bikes?

Part of the joy of a bike is it’s so simple* that there just isn’t that much that goes wrong – add the electric assist and that simplicity starts to decline.

I took my e-bike in for a…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 13:08:36 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366572#post366572 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366572#post366572 Yeah, I became convinced after a very short time that disk brakes win on servicability. Both in the "service? I have to service these? I never realised" sense, and in the "oh, is that all" sense.

The hoses on my Hayes hydros are the original ones from when I bought…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 12:57:56 +1200 James Butler https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366571#post366571 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366571#post366571 like you say, why wouldn't you have them?

Feel, aesthetics, serviceability and weight, in roughly that order. With full acknowledgement that those aren't everyone's priorities (:

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 12:37:36 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366570#post366570 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366570#post366570 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 12:29:36 +1200 Logan O'Callahan https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366569#post366569 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366569#post366569 I quite fancy a bike with mid-drive, so the motor gets the benefit of the gearing when you're among the hills.

To me, something like this mid-drive motor makes great sense:
http://www.techbikes.nz/ebike-kit/

It replaces your existing crank, and it has torque sensing instead of cadence sensing – so it just…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 12:03:17 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366568#post366568 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366568#post366568 how much does the added complexity of the e-bike affect the basic repairs/servicing?

My personal approach is that it's a bike and I can fix those bits. The electrics don't really get in the way except by making the bike heavier (the $40 Aldi workstand is going to be even…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 12:01:39 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366567#post366567 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366567#post366567 And as a second question how reliable and robust are the e-bikes?

Part of the joy of a bike is it's so simple* that there just isn't that much that goes wrong – add the electric assist and that simplicity starts to decline.

*simple in the sense that most of…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 12:00:55 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366566#post366566 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366566#post366566 total disc brake convert, btw. Damn the additional weight, I wouldn't have a bike without them.

Yep, I made the transition when they were expensive, but these days.... like you say, why wouldn't you have them?

My commuter bike especially. It's all about "it just works" – disk brakes, internally…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:55:57 +1200 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366565#post366565 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366565#post366565 One of the advantages of a bike is that you can do most of the service and repairs yourself.

So one question I have is how much does the added complexity of the e-bike affect the basic repairs/servicing?

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:55:25 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366564#post366564 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366564#post366564 But as a word of advice from someone who has fixed far too many cheap, shoddy bicycle-shaped-objects in my life: have a second bike as a fall-back. Don’t do this to your only bike, you will regret it.

I would note that Rode in Ponsonby declines to work on converted…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:55:12 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366563#post366563 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366563#post366563 Would hauling cargo around (perhaps in a box on the carrier) make much difference in stability and handling and acceleration to the bike you trialled?

Hard to say, but as I said, I had no problem quaxing with a full pannier.

Amendment: I can see they have disk brakes –…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:52:32 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366562#post366562 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366562#post366562 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:52:25 +1200 Moz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366561#post366561 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366561#post366561 I crashed slightly the other day and made a hole in my shin where it hit a bolt head on my stem. The bone part. That meant not pedalling for a while (weeks to months, depending on which doctor is talking).

So I borrowed an electric bike from the Sydney…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:43:23 +1200 Carol Stewart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366560#post366560 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366560#post366560 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:37:57 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366558#post366558 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366558#post366558 I can see that almost all of the NZ bikes in the Mercury range have 300watt batteries. I don’t know if the NZ ebikes are considered speed elec’s but perhaps someone has thought about the public policy implications of promoting more highly powered bikes than in other countries.

I gather…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 11:07:32 +1200 Jason Kemp https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366554#post366554 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366554#post366554 There was a story in the Guardian earlier this week Can e-bikes revolutionise long-distance commuting? which concluded yes but the overwhelming impression I got was that this created a whole new bunch of problems for so called "speed elecs".

The story features a guy who cycles 80 miles a day…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 10:58:47 +1200 Maz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366553#post366553 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366553#post366553 I was just thinking of our lovely mayor, and there she was.

Celia W-B often passes me with an encouraging "Mads, you need electric power!" – and that's me on a decent road bike going 30+km/h. It's both a joy and a pain in the arse to experience.

I give…

]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 10:05:01 +1200 Paul Campbell https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366551#post366551 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366551#post366551 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 09:57:17 +1200 Rich of Observationz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366547#post366547 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366547#post366547 Wed, 21 Sept 2016 09:05:39 +1200 Stephen Judd https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366546#post366546 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366546#post366546 need the incidental exercise, but I do want something that makes a big load manageable over distance.… ]]> Wed, 21 Sept 2016 08:23:10 +1200 FletcherB https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366544#post366544 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366544#post366544 I haven't yet tried an e-bike... but am considering one.... but I just wanted to point out one of the fallacies against cycling in general...

"haven't got the time"....

I commute daily from Green Bay to Parnell, it's about 19km by car or 17km by bike. (half on roads, half…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 22:48:03 +1200 Andrew Johnson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366543#post366543 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366543#post366543 I've been using my ebike on and off for the last two years for my 12km ride from Pakuranga through Botany to work. Biggest difference: 126 average heart rate vs 150 on the regular bike, and not being a grossly sweaty teacher when I arrive at my first class.

Not…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 22:05:45 +1200 Andrew Johnson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366542#post366542 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366542#post366542 Here's a great video of an early e-bike owning the Tour of NZ on the Rimataka hill... I've got the newer model, and it handles hills pretty well. Watch the battery weight on fast downhills, though...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JoQT23LCmg

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 22:01:50 +1200 Paul Campbell https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366541#post366541 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366541#post366541 Heh. Wonder how it would cope with a Wellington hill..

A friend here in Dunedin did his own conversion 3 or so years back, he travels to work at Port from Kaikorai Valley over the old Northern Road (because the main Port road is too bloo0dy dangerous for cyclists). Another…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 21:33:36 +1200 BenWilson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366540#post366540 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366540#post366540 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 20:41:21 +1200 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366538#post366538 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366538#post366538 I popped in yesterday just as they were unloading a truck load of cool bikes from the Sydney branch.

One point that might be worth mentioning – Australia, the UK and the EU all limit the power of ebikes that can be ridden without a license to 250 watts. Here…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 19:18:33 +1200 Martin Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366537#post366537 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366537#post366537 http://gosondors.com ]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 18:48:54 +1200 Thomas Lumley https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366536#post366536 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366536#post366536 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 18:45:57 +1200 Kevin McCready https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366535#post366535 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366535#post366535 petrol engine kits

hmmm, missing the point?

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 18:36:17 +1200 Kevin McCready https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366534#post366534 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366534#post366534 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 18:34:25 +1200 Kevin McCready https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366533#post366533 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366533#post366533 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 18:30:22 +1200 Celia W-B https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366532#post366532 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366532#post366532 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 17:54:40 +1200 Jolisa https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366531#post366531 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366531#post366531 Any other Aucklanders seen the new (as in, not open yet) e-bike specialist shop on the corner of South and East streets in town?

Yep, that's Maurice from Glow Worm – and what a sweet spot for test-rides on the pink path. They're absolutely open to callers and customers while…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 17:21:37 +1200 Mark Easterbrook https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366530#post366530 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366530#post366530 I had my bike converted a while back with a kit from Lekkie. The first stage of any ride towards town for me includes climbing up Titirangi's Huia Rd – a pretty brutal climb for first thing in the morning.

And I confess to avoiding it all winter.…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 16:58:30 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366527#post366527 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366527#post366527 It’s an excellent transport option that not a lot of people know exists – I still regularly have people ask ‘what is an e-bike’ when I’m talking about them.

I think that’s the good thing about the campaign – it’s actually getting them on the public’s radar.

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 16:04:03 +1200 JessicaRose https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366526#post366526 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366526#post366526 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 16:01:30 +1200 Gareth Davidson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366525#post366525 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366525#post366525 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:37:58 +1200 Geoff Lealand https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366524#post366524 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366524#post366524 Great story, Russell. I have had a go on a Mercury bike and got up to 29km around Hamilton Lake. I just wish they were less expensive--for that kind of money, you would want the rider to be weather-proofed.

In the meantime, until I can afford an upgrade, I will…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:36:02 +1200 Gareth Davidson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366523#post366523 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366523#post366523 Heh. Wonder how it would cope with a Wellington hill…
Like everything in Wellington, it depends which direction you're riding – if in to the southerly, not a chance; from the south, well then...

Reminds me of the first rule of cycling: if you've got a tailwind, turn around; you're…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:30:11 +1200 Gareth Davidson https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366522#post366522 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366522#post366522 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:27:37 +1200 Nick Russell https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366521#post366521 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366521#post366521 But for science reasons, I did a shopping trip via Motions Road, which is what we cyclists call “seriously fucking steep”

Heh. Wonder how it would cope with a Wellington hill...

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:26:57 +1200 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366520#post366520 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366520#post366520 OTOH Li-ion tech gets better every year, and it shouldn't be difficult with the right know-how to match the electrical characteristics of an old battery pack with a new replacement. I can see this being a growth industry for all kinds of electric transport.

Most lithium-ion powerpacks, from cordless drills…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:25:07 +1200 Rich of Observationz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366519#post366519 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366519#post366519 this puppy too – but it doesn't do 218mph. ]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:19:38 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366518#post366518 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366518#post366518 A lot of models that were being sold in NZ 3 years ago have since vanished. Because Smartmotion has a significant user base they seem a good trade-off of brand security against bang for buck.

Somewhere in their sales material there's an assurance about the batteries being standard and easily…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:14:58 +1200 James Butler https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366516#post366516 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366516#post366516 As each e-bike brand, and often each model, tends to have its own peculiar battery configuration, you hope they'll still be around when you need a replacement.

OTOH Li-ion tech gets better every year, and it shouldn't be difficult with the right know-how to match the electrical characteristics of an…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:03:41 +1200 Tim Welch https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366515#post366515 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366515#post366515 $2549 is quite an alarming price. I’ve seen Chinese stuff a lot cheaper, but guess it’s much shorter life.

It's much cheaper than the European models some shops are stocking – like, half the price.

As a retailer of these I'm confident that you get what you pay for (as…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 15:02:11 +1200 James Butler https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366513#post366513 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366513#post366513 $2549 is quite an alarming price.

Bicycles are like computers, cars, musical instruments – however much money you pay, you could always have paid more. $2k+ is perfectly reasonable even for a new entirely-leg-powered bike if you can afford it, and you're going to use it a lot, *and* you…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:59:46 +1200 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366512#post366512 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366512#post366512 $2549 is quite an alarming price. I’ve seen Chinese stuff a lot cheaper, but guess it’s much shorter life.

It's much cheaper than the European models some shops are stocking – like, half the price.

For non-Mercury customers there are similarly specced bikes to the entry-level Smartmotions for just under…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:57:35 +1200 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366511#post366511 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366511#post366511 The first is a mid-mounted (the crank) rather than hub-mounted motor. It seems that would be more linear with applied pedal effort, irrespective of selected gear ratio.

While I don't have a crank drive – mine is a very sedate rear wheel direct drive – I believe that they're a…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:46:33 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366510#post366510 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366510#post366510 $2549 is quite an alarming price. I’ve seen Chinese stuff a lot cheaper, but guess it’s much shorter life.

It's much cheaper than the European models some shops are stocking – like, half the price.

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:46:16 +1200 artig https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366508#post366508 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366508#post366508 For several years, on and off, I have contemplated acquiring an e-bike. However, there are two features that I would prefer, without really having any solid basis for the preferences, that make the purchase somewhat more expensive.

The first is a mid-mounted (the crank) rather than hub-mounted motor. It seems…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:32:04 +1200 Simon Honiss https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366507#post366507 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366507#post366507 There is also the option to retro fit an existing bike if, like me, you have one hanging on the wall gathering dust. They tend to start around $1000 for a hub based one but also go to $1800 for fancy mid drive units with more powerful batteries.

Also plenty…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:20:22 +1200 James Butler https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366506#post366506 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366506#post366506 Bromptons and a nice-looking Rohloff-equipped tourer of some sort... ]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:10:42 +1200 Rich of Observationz https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366505#post366505 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366505#post366505 $2549 is quite an alarming price. I've seen Chinese stuff a lot cheaper, but guess it's much shorter life.

You can also get petrol engine kits, but I believe they're not road legal. Endless fun for making petrol powered speedy things though...

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:06:46 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366504#post366504 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366504#post366504 Apart from price my main concern is battery life. How long until the battery needs replacing? I looked at electric cars and couldn’t justify a purchase on price and battery life issues and would need reassurance on this before paying a hefty wedge.

Consumer NZ says:

Batteries are lithium-ion. They…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:05:30 +1200 Ian Fish https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366503#post366503 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366503#post366503 My wife & I have changed from being daily cyclists in London in the 80's & 90's to regular (sometimes not so regular) cyclists in Auckland now.
My wife has been looking at getting an e-bike for a while, her commute ends with riding from the NW cycle lane at Kingsland to…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 14:01:56 +1200 Shaun Lott https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366502#post366502 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366502#post366502 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 13:46:10 +1200 Rob S https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366501#post366501 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366501#post366501 Apart from price my main concern is battery life. How long until the battery needs replacing? I looked at electric cars and couldn't justify a purchase on price and battery life issues and would need reassurance on this before paying a hefty wedge.
NZ is very well placed in regard…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 13:37:16 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366500#post366500 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366500#post366500 taxis pass me and then go round the corner with their wheels in the cycle lane, and I think they underestimate my speed and several times have nearly driven me off the road.

I think this is becoming more of an issue as there are more cycle lanes. I recently…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 13:17:14 +1200 Stephen R https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366499#post366499 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366499#post366499 My wife and I bought e-bikes for Commuting a couple of years ago.
One big change was getting to work and not needing to have a shower!
The other big change was being able to climb the hill at the end of the day without being completely knackered.

Occasionally on…

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 13:00:58 +1200 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366498#post366498 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366498#post366498 The last photo Russell looks like you are doing a burn out. Surely not.

Just a tight turn :-)

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 12:40:07 +1200 Fraser Gardyne https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366497#post366497 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366497#post366497 Tue, 20 Sept 2016 12:36:45 +1200 Public Address https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366496#post366496 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/hard-news-there-in-half-the-time-trying-out/?p=366496#post366496 Discussion from blog post.

]]> Tue, 20 Sept 2016 12:36:45 +1200