Bicycle Advice

James Delaney

Original Post Deleted as a result of Feedback - Thank You All.

I've decided an Electrical Assist Bicycle is the best option.
- Any advise on Brand/ Model /Battery Spec etc.
- Where I can get an EAB @reasonable price.
- Or Any Offers Available.

Cheers.

degsie

You lost buddy?

Birneybau

Think you're looking for Medical Alerts.

Or, a bargain bike.

I'm confused.

cdaly_

James Delaney wrote: »

Hi
I have a Townend Bicycle 26" wheels - Steel Frame.
I'm 6'2"".
I suffer from Osteoarthritis (getting on - Aged 50+) & I am considering selling my existing bicycle & buying an aluminium frame bike instead.

I understand the frame is lighter & might be easuer on my knees / legs.

What will matter more than a lighter frame is using the gears properly. Selecting a lower gear and pedalling faster (spinning) is usually easier on knee joints. You still get the same level of exercise just more aerobically.

Alan McG

Also don't have your saddle too low. This is the most commonly made and easily fixed mistake people make. It puts a lot more strain on your knees and uses your muscles less efficiently.

I'm not so sure the aluminium frame will make THAT much difference. You might knock 5-10Kg by switching to an aluminium bike, but this is just a small fraction the total weight of cyclist + bike (~100Kg). So this'll only equate to a few percent saving in effort really.

One thing that might help for a lot less cost is having road tyres rather than the old crappy mountain bike tyres that the Townsends come with.

However, if you're looking to invest in a bike that will mean you'll be a mobile cyclist for years to come get an electrically assisted bike! I promise you won't regret it.

not yet

Alan McG wrote: »

Also don't have your saddle too low. This is the most commonly made and easily fixed mistake people make. It puts a lot more strain on your knees and uses your muscles less efficiently.

I'm not so sure the aluminium frame will make THAT much difference. You might knock 5-10Kg by switching to an aluminium bike, but this is just a small fraction the total weight of cyclist + bike (~100Kg). So this'll only equate to a few percent saving in effort really.

One thing that might help for a lot less cost is having road tyres rather than the old crappy mountain bike tyres that the Townsends come with.

However, if you're looking to invest in a bike that will mean you'll be a mobile cyclist for years to come get an electrically assisted bike! I promise you won't regret it.

Is this not cheating..:eek:

Alan McG

not yet wrote: »

Is this not cheating..:eek:

Not if the alternative is to not be able to cycle.

An electrically assisted bike can help people climb slopes or to go further than they might otherwise be able to, perhaps on a commute or if they live in a hilly area.

You control how much the bike helps you, you can even turn the assist off!

cdaly_

Alan McG wrote: »

One thing that might help for a lot less cost is having road tyres rather than the old crappy mountain bike tyres that the Townsends come with.

I'm not familiar with the Townsend brand but, if it's a cheapo bike, upgrading to a decent bike will mean an nicer bike to ride. Aim for wide tyres (~35mm) and fit good supple tyres rather than heavy stiff ones and you improve the ride a lot.

smacl

Also the knees are an issue, go for a bike with low gearing and learn to spin faster. Getting a proper fit for the bike would also make sense.

jimmycrackcorm

not yet wrote:

Is this not cheating..

Only if you use strava

James Delaney

Birneybau wrote: »

Think you're looking for Medical Alerts.

Or, a bargain bike.

I'm confused.

**********************
I suppose its both really....

The 1st being the most appropriate bike to purchase - which seems to be Electrical Assist.

I know they are quite expensive ...

So the next is a recommendation for an Electrical Assist Bike (EAB)

- I don't know much about EABs except its better to buy new (always is) as you just don't know how many charges a battery has underwent on a 2nd hand one.

Again whatever advise on this subject would be invaluable + where I can buy one at a 'reasonable' price.

Currently, I am unable to avail of the Bicycle to Work scheme.

Alan McG

Your best bet might be to go into one of the Eurocycles stores, check out their range and identify what you want. Then order it through their online shop which has 10% off right now with the following code:

Eurocycles 10% Off Everything. Coupon: SUNSHINE10 www. eurocycles.com