When I decided to start cycling to work, I was doing it off the back of at least 3 years of no exercise whatsoever. The commute to work was just under 9 miles - 8.8 to be exact. I needed a solution that was viable - I needed a bike that I could get to work on in the morning, do my 9 hour day, then cyc...le home again at night and not be completely destroyed from the experience! I had also already worked out that if I did cycle, I could potentially save up to £100 petrol costs per month! Not to mention work on my fitness and feel good about reducing my carbon emissions :) .
I couldn't afford a costly road bike - even on the cycle scheme. I had done a practice run on a normal hybrid bike and realised that it was going to be a big deal to cycle to work. That was until I discovered electric bikes.
When reading reviews for electric bikes they were either used by extreme off-roaders or post-hip operation 60 year olds who were grateful they could now cycle the 2 miles to their daughters house. I only found one example of an electric bike user with a lengthy commute, so it was a little embarrassing telling people of my plans to buy one on the cycle scheme and use it for my medium length commute! After a trip down to the Atmosphere Electric Bike Centre, and a quick go on a PowerCycle Windsor (the ladies version of the Salisbury - if I thought I was embarrassed before...), I was dead set on getting an electric bike.
I decided to go for a PowerCycle Salisbury because they boasted the lightest bikes of all electric ranges and were available locally - and so I could assume that parts and servicing for them would be as well.
The PowerCycle Salisbury is a most viable way to commute to work. It takes me just as long as it takes in the car, but I don't have to sit in infuriating traffic - especially when there's been an accident on the M4 and the roads are gridlocked! I get 80 minutes cardio exercise every day.....and don't have to pay gym costs, but actually SAVE money on petrol! The bike itself is fantastic. It still gives me a workout, but the added power really really helps get me to work on time without being completely wiped. The battery takes ...a while to charge up, but lasts me 4.5 trips between home and work and only costs 4p to charge. The bike comes completely kitted out with pannier rack, mudguards, stand, and a (well used) bell. It's really hardy as well. The 3-mode way of working is great, too, as the throttle-on mode is fantastic for getting away at traffic lights, and the pedal-assist mode is great for that long distant cycle. Also, if you want to wean yourself off the electricity, you can turn the motor off altogether without having to turn the battery off in case you change your mind later. It's so simple it's perfect!
On the flip side, it's still a little heavy and the gears really have no meaning. The bike has 6 gears and I very rarely move down from 6th - probably because the pedal assist is so good! Sometimes I manage to build up so much speed that I could do with a lower gear, but that really is a minor issue.
Big thank you to the guys and gals at the Atmosphere electric bike centre for making the transition possible and for all your help with getting the bike and other parts - you've all be more than helpful and have really gone that extra mile for me - thank you!! read more