BIKE REVIEWS
BENELLI CITY SPORT
Cool-looking and comfortable
PEUGEOT EC03-100 A town bike with comfort at its heart
BULTACO BRINCO R Built for serious off-roading
RIEJU RS3 TREKKING E-BIKE
Commuter armchair with a good turn of speed
BENE THE aStomIyNof The an an e-bike
A look at the latest gear
WIN A BENELLI CITY ZERO FOLDING BIKE ETROPOLIS PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE UNISEX Old-school design with a modern twist
IN OUR FREE-TO-ENTER COMPETITION
(Entry conditions apply – competition closes May 20, 2016)
All you need to know about pedelecs THE WATT BIKE TEST TEAM: PAUL FINCHAM
“I started riding pedal bikes around 2005, first mountain biking, then commuting. I have a garage full of bikes because I just can’t seem to let go of them. This year’s challenge is a coastto-coast ride in one day. That’s 150 miles with 4500 metres of climbing – what have I let myself in for?” CHARLOTTE TURNBULL
E-bikes in a nutshell What are they, how do they work and who can ride them? Find out...
E
lectric bicycles, e-bikes, pedelecs – they go by many names, and they are becoming increasingly popular. More and more people are switching their pedal bikes, motorcycles or bus passes for e-bikes to benefit from gentle exercise, cheap running costs and environmentally friendly travel. And there’s a huge range of different makes and models available from compact town bikes to mountain-conquering off-roaders. E-bikes are basically just pedal bikes with an electric motor and a battery, giving you a bit of help with pedalling. The motor engages when the rider pedals and switches off as soon as the pedalling stops. Some bikes allow the rider to switch between different power modes and most of them have gears, brakes and other equipment very similar to normal pedal cycles.
OTHER KINDS OF ELECTRIC BIKES
Anything that doesn’t fall within the EAPC regulations – such as ‘speed pedelecs’ that exceed the power and speed restrictions imposed on EAPC bikes – will be seen more as a moped in the eyes of the law: if you want to ride them on the roads, they need to be insured, registered and taxed, and you need a moped licence and a crash helmet. The vehicle will also need to be type approved for road use.
Road-legal e-bikes that anyone can ride without a licence
Maximum speed with assisted pedalling: 15.5mph
Minimum rider age: 14
LEE BUXTON
“I’ve never ridden motorbikes, and I’m a complete newcomer when it comes to e-bikes, so can’t really compare the two; but what I can say is, if motorbikes are as much fun as e-bikes I need to get a licence sorted because I loved it – what fun!” JONATHAN SCHOFIELD
QUICK FACTS:
ROAD-LEGAL ELECTRIC BIKES
There are various types of e-bikes, but most of those sold in the UK are classed as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). And the good news is that anyone aged 14 or over can ride EAPCs. They are classed as normal bicycles, so you can ride them on roads, cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed. You don’t need a driving licence, number plate, insurance, MoT, tax or even a helmet (although we would always recommend wearing a helmet and sufficient protective gear) to ride electric bikes that meet certain EAPC requirements. The key requirements of EAPC-type e-bikes are that the electric motor is only allowed to assist pedalling up to a speed of 15.5mph and that the motor is limited to a maximum power output of 250 watts.
“I’m an avid road cyclist in my spare time, and I commute to work on my bike most days of the week. I’m also a working mum and have found electric bikes perfect for the school run as they help keep the family fit without the need to over-exert myself on the way to work.”
Maximum power output: 250W
“I’ve been an avid cyclist for more years than I really should admit to – remember the Raleigh Grifter? I do! More of an off-road fan than a tarmac-muncher, but for about five years now, I’ve commuted to and from work on my beloved GT mountain bike in all weathers.” MIKKO NIEMINEN
“I’ve been riding motorbikes and scooters for years, but I’m a relative newcomer when it comes to e-bikes. I’ve been amazed by how fun and practical modern e-bikes are. They really make a lot of sense in busy town centres.”
www.twistngo.com 41
42 www.twistngo.com
All you need to know about pedelecs
ANATOMY OF AN E-BIKE
E
ach bike has its pros and cons. For short commutes on smooth roads a massive battery or topnotch suspension aren’t important; instead, light weight and manoeuvrability
WEIGHT Weight varies from bike to bike, but as a rule e-bikes are heavier than normal pedal bikes because they carry the added weight of the motor and the battery. While the motor is helping the bike along the weight is not a problem, but if you need to lift the bike regularly (carrying it up and down the stairs, for example) it may be worth paying a little extra for a lighter bike.
GEARS Most e-bikes have gears. These are usually either pedal bikestyle manual gears controlled from the switchgear on the handlebars or fully automatic. The number of gears varies depending on the style and purpose of the bike.
44 www.twistngo.com
will come in handy. On the other hand, for proper off-roading the bike needs to be able to handle a lot more challenging conditions, as well as give enough power to see you all the way back home. There are also bikes that
LUGGAGE SOLUTIONS Some e-bikes feature a parcel shelf or panniers as standard equipment, and many can be equipped with different luggage solutions as optional extras.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE KEY COMPONENTS
fill the space between these two extremes, offering both agility and stability. Whichever style rocks your boat, it’s worth checking that you’re happy with the following components of your bike...
BATTERY Battery technology is developing all the time, and there are plenty of options available. It’s worth investing in a good quality battery that gives you the range and life span that you need. See page 46 for more on batteries.
MOTOR There are two main types of motor: hubdrive and crank-drive. Hub-drive motors are mounted in the front or back wheel, making the bike effectively a front or back-wheel drive. Crank-drive motors are mounted in the frame and drive the chain, providing power more akin to regular pedalling.
BRAKES The most common types of brakes are disc brakes and calipers, as seen on many regular pedal bikes.
CONTROLS AND DASH Power controls and displays vary from bike to bike. Some have basic switches for power modes, while others have a digital dash displaying everything from speed to power mode and distance to battery life. LIGHTS If you ride in the dark, lights are essential, and many e-bikes come with lights as standard equipment. There are also many aftermarket options if you feel like you need a bit of added lightpower to be seen.
SUSPENSION Fork, seat and rear shock suspension are all available in some e-bikes, and they can make your commute a lot smoother. If you plan on going offroad, proper suspension is a must.
All you need to know about pedelecs
E-BIKE BATTERY BASICS
How do e-bike batteries work, what options are available, and most importantly, how good is the range? TYPES OF BATTERY New innovations are being introduced all the time, but the main types of batteries for e-bikes are Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer. Other options include lead/acid, Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) and NickelMetal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.
RANGE In general terms, the more Watt hours (Wh) the battery provides the longer the range with one charge. Some batteries display Ah or Amp hours (how much energy the battery can store) and V or Voltage (how much power flows to the motor) instead of Watt hours, but you can calculate the Watt hours by multiplying the Amp hours by the Voltage.
WATER Water and electricity are not a good mix, but e-bike batteries have been designed to be weatherproof, so getting them wet shouldn’t cause problems. You can also wash the bike as normal, but manufacturers advise against power-washing the bikes.
LOOKING AFTER #1
Protective gear might not be a legal requirement, but we all know it makes sense. ARMOUR It might sound like another layer to make you sweat, but a lightweight mesh jacket with body armour will go a long way in protecting you. Knee, hip, elbow and shoulder armour can be worth their weight in gold if you meet the tarmac unintentionally. GLOVES Warm hands make cycling a lot more fun, so a pair of fleecelined gloves will be great in the cooler months. Good gloves also provide a level of protection in case of an accident. Comfort is another consideration, and padding in the palms helps with this. Some gloves also have rubber elements in the palms to help with grip on the handlebars. Weather protection is essential to keep your hands dry, and many gloves are both water-resistant and breathable. SHOES Footwear that is waterproof and offers a level of protection against abrasion and impact is ideal. Naturally you don’t want anything too bulky, but light, urban motorcycle boots or cycling shoes are worth looking into.
46 www.twistngo.com
LIFE SPAN All batteries have a life span. This varies depending on the battery type, quality and how it’s looked after, but as a general rule you could expect around three years’ service from a battery.
CHARGING Most batteries can be recharged by simply by plugging them into a normal household power socket. They can either be removed from the bike for this or recharged in situ. Charging time varies, but most batteries will take four to six hours from flat to full capacity. CHECKING THE BATTERY LEVEL It’s useful to know how much charge the battery has before setting off, and most bikes have a battery level display either on the battery itself, in the power control unit or on the digital display.
HELMET It’s not a legal requirement, but wearing a helmet is essential to protect your most valuable asset. There are plenty of good quality cycling helmets available, and for the more adrenaline-filled off-road riding you might even want to consider a motorcyclespec motocross helmet.
WATERPROOFS Waterproof jacket and trousers will make cycling a lot more pleasant on those rainy days. Choosing ones that are brightly coloured will also make you more visible to other roads users in daylight. If you ride in the dark, reflective patches (in addition to your bike’s lights) will help other road users spot you. You can also find waterproof gloves, shoes and helmet covers, which might be a good idea if you are planning on riding regardless of the weather.
www.twistngo.com 47
SPEC: FRAME
Aluminium alloy
MOTOR
250W, rear-hub drive
GEARS
8-speed Shimano Acera M390 dérailleur BRAKES
Apse disc brakes
SUSPENSION
Adjustable front fork suspension BATTERY
Samsung lithium battery (36V, 6.6Ah)
CLAIMED RANGE
31 miles
WEIGHT
n/a
TYRES
2x 20”Innova IA 2024 CONTACT:
www.motogb.co.uk
PRICE £899
y
The Benelli City Link Sport is a cool-looking bike that is comfortable both on and off the road.
I
wasn’t quite sure about the looks of the Benelli City Link Sport to start with, but after my son turned round to me and said: “Dad, it looks like an adult’s BMX”, I thought, yes, it does look pretty cool. The bike allows for a comfortable ride to and from work, but you can also let your hair down (if I had any that is) and get off-road – the bike feels great on either surface. The battery on the bike seems to last well but I turned the motor up to maximum and really pushed it to see how quickly it would run down. For commuting to work, having the motor set to level 3 allows me to travel without any real effort, and I get a full week of journeys from a single charge. Then on Friday it’s time to charge it for a weekend of fun on the dirt tracks again.
48 www.twistngo.com
po
Once you start to pedal, the power kicks in very quickly. On the open road or off-road this is awesome, but on busy city streets with other vehicles, commuters and pedestrians, it means having your fingers on the brakes just in case. The City Link Sport has a Samsung lithium battery (36v, 6.6Ah), rechargeable in 4-6 hours. The motor provides 250W of power, with a torque sensor installed on the front hub to ensure a range of 50km. The bike also features an eight-speed Shimano Acera M390 dérailleur and an Apse braking system. There’s a handlebar-mounted LCD dash that shows speed, distance, the PAS levels and battery information. I’m not the fittest individual, and I have an active family life, but for me this bike is ideal. It gives me the incentive to ride to work,
Good, clear display, telling me exactly what I need to know
All you need to know about pedelecs
“It gives me the incentive to ride to work, knowing I won’t arrive soaked in sweat, needing a shower and lie down...”
knowing I won’t arrive soaked in sweat, needing a shower and lie down; and when the family is up for a spot of cycling out and about in the countryside, the bike just takes the track in its stride, giving me a comfortable ride even on the roughest of terrain. I don’t exercise (I know I should) and I’m not the greatest for pedalling endurance, so knowing that the Benelli’s got power on tap gives me the confidence to get out on the road or cycle tracks and push my limits. When my legs tire and I can’t catch my breath, the motor kicks in and as long as I move the pedals round, it helps keep me moving. It brings a smile to your face. I’m not a motorcycle rider, so a bike with power isn’t something I’m used to. It might not be as fast as a motorbike, but believe me it’s faster than me with just my legs as power. Words: Lee Images: Mau/Jonathan/Charlotte
Battery nicely tucked away, in a non-intrusive position
www.twistngo.com 49
SPEC: FRAME
Aluminium 6061 T6 tubing. Sizes: 45/50/55cm MOTOR
E-Going, front-hub drive
g
GEARS
Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub BRAKES
Shimano Front V brake and rear roller SUSPENSION
Forks: Suntour CR8V 60mm Seat post: Alloy suspension 31.6 BATTERY
Lithium-Ion 317Wh, 396Wh or 522Wh CLAIMED RANGE
317Wh battery: up to 31 miles 396Wh battery: up to 46 miles 522Wh battery: up to 62 miles SHIFTERS
Shimano Nexus 7 shifters
TYRES
Vredestein Activ Tour700 x 37 LIGHTS
Axa Pico LED lighting system CONTACT
www.moorelarge.co.uk
PRICE £1300 upwards (depending on battery)
Smart-looking town bike with comfort at its heart
P
eugeot’s EC03-100 is an e-bike built for comfort: there’s front suspension in the form of Suntour CR8V 60mm forks, and as a special treat the seat post under the saddle has its own spring suspension too. Riding on cobbled streets has never been smoother! The bike has the familiar looks of a regular pedal bike, with its low-slung frame, high(ish) handlebars and a parcel shelf. But unlike its traditional country cousins, this urban beauty comes with three levels of electrically assisted pedalling power, wired into the E-Going front wheel hub drive and powered by a 9Ah/36v/317W battery. On paper, that gives you a 30-mile range, but in the real world conditions that’s likely to be slightly less. But fear not: for a better range, bigger batteries are available. The EC03-100 is a great bike for urban commuting, with the motor providing more than adequate
50 www.twistngo.com
assistance in town traffic. The power is delivered smoothly and steadily, almost without you noticing you’re being helped with pedalling. The end result is that you can concentrate on the traffic around you, not pedalling for dear life – and you arrive at your destination without breaking a sweat. You switch the motor on from the control panel on the left handlebar; the same unit lets you control the level of assistance (levels 1-3) and shows you the battery level. The lights switch on if you hold the ‘plus’ button down a couple of seconds, and similarly if you hold the ‘minus’ button the bike starts to move forward slowly in an ‘assisted push’ mode that lets you load the bike with shopping bags and walk alongside it while the motor gives you a helping hand. On the right-hand side you have the gear switches (7-speed) and a mini-display showing the gear in use. That’s also where you find the bell. There’s no speedo on this bike.
All you need to know about pedelecs
Brakes are traditional calipers that need a good squeeze to stop the bike quickly, but do the job perfectly well at town speeds. A nice feature on this bike (and one that surprisingly many e-bikes are missing) is the built-in lock that stops the back wheel spinning. It doesn’t stop anyone picking up the bike, but it’s a good deterrent for opportunistic thieves. Overall, the bike is pleasant to ride in town, offering great comfort and ease of use. For faster roads you might want to consider a sturdier ride, but for short-distance commuting and nipping around town, this is a great bike. Words: Mikko Images: Sue Walters Photography
www.twistngo.com 51
52 www.twistngo.com
Benelli City Zero SPEC: FRAME
Aluminium alloy, adjustable and foldable GEARS
Shimano Tourney TX55, 7-speed dérailleur MOTOR
250w front-hub motor SUSPENSION
n/a
BRAKES
V-brakes
BATTERY
36V 6.6Ah Samsung cell Li-ion battery CLAIMED RANGE
30 miles
WEIGHT
22kg
TYRES
20in
CONTACT
www.motogb.co.uk
PRICE £899
A smart folding bike that can transform your commute
T
he City Zero is a smart and comfortable bike for a commute to work or a quick spin in the city. The bike looks much like any small e-bike with its small wheels and low frame. However, it has a distinctive advantage over many other bikes in that it can be folded into a little bundle, which is easy to take with you on a train or slide in the boot of a car. Ideal for train commuters who want to ride the bike at both ends of the journey. The rider can choose from four levels of power assistance. There are easy-to-use twist controls on the handlebars for both the level of assist and the seven gears that the bike has. You can easily cruise in style or add extra speed to your journey depending how much assist you choose, without the need for a shower
54 www.twistngo.com
when you arrive at work. Simply twist the handlebar to increase or decrease the amount of assistance you require, and the handlebar-mounted LED display will show you which level you are pedalling at. The City Zero has a Samsung cell Li-ion battery (36v 6.6Ah) that powers a 250W front wheel hubmotor, which responds relatively quickly to achieve an assisted top speed of 15mph and a claimed range of 30 miles. The charging time for the battery is 4-6 hours and it lasted for several days on my 5-10 minute commute to work on the full assist mode. The bike also features a 7-speed Shimano Tourney TX55 dérailleur with V-brakes. Designed primarily for its flexibility, this folding pedelec is easily transportable in your car or on public transport and is perfect for the daily commuter. For my
All you need to know about pedelecs
commute to work, I didn’t need to fold the bike away, but I tested the mechanism and it was easily done by releasing a few clips. Once folded the bike turns into a compact bundle, which is easy to wheel around in the folded position. The City Zero is a pleasant ride; the one thing I think it could do with is a speedometer so you know how fast you’re going. The bike seemed to get up to speed quite fast and once I
✁
TERMS AND CONDITIONS This competition is open to UK residents only. No financial alternative to the prize will be offered. Only one entry per household please; every entry should be submitted either on the original Twist & Go magazine form (shown here), or via the Twist & Go website (www. twistngo.com). No purchase necessary. The winner will be chosen from the correct entries received. The closing date of the competition is midday, Friday, May 20, 2016. The judges’ decision remains final and no correspondence will be entered into. The name of the winner will be available on demand from the publishers upon receipt of a SAE, and will be published in the first available issue of Twist & Go magazine. Employees (and members of their household) of Mortons Media Group and other companies associated with this competition are ineligible to enter. Mortons Media Group will not be held responsible for illegible entries or entries lost in the post. Proof of posting will not be accepted as proof of delivery. The prize will be awarded to the winner on a mutually agreed date, where proof of age and licence entitlement may be requested. Any travelling or other expenses incurred by the winner in collecting the prize are not included. By entering the competition the winner gives his or her consent to be photographed with their prize for use in future editions of Twist & Go and any future advertising/publicity that may take place. Entrants must provide their own transport to collect the prize if they are not riding it away. The prize is awarded as-seen and in good faith. Neither Twist & Go, Mortons Media Group nor any companies involved in the supply or preparation of this competition prize will accept any responsibility for any mechanical breakdowns (outside of normal warranty work), accidents or loss of life and limb arising after the prize winner has taken possession of the bike.
COMPETITION DISCLAIMERS On occasion Mortons Media Group Ltd may decide to contact you by post/phone/email/fax regarding information relating to current offers of products or services (including discounted subscription offers) which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you do not wish to receive such offers please tick this box ❏ On occasion Mortons Media Group Ltd may permit third parties that we deem to be reputable to contact you by post/phone/email/fax regarding information relating to current offers of products or services which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you do not wish to receive such offers please tick this box ❏
got used to it, the power delivery was quite smooth. A good feature that it has is an immobiliser key, which is quite handy. Overall I found this a pleasure to ride. I can do my commute with the pedalling assistance without the feeling of needing a shower when I get to the office, and without feeling uncomfortable all day. Words: Charlotte Images: Sue Walters Photography
WIN THIS BIKE
IN OUR FREE-TO-ENTER COMPETITION Just fill in your details below and send them to us at the address shown: (Entry form also available for download at www.twistngo.com) PLEASE NOTE: This competition is open only to UK-based readers who are 14* years or over. Simply fill in the form below and return to us by first-class post before midday, Friday May 20, 2016. Post your entry to T&G/Benelli Competition, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6LZ. One entry per household please. DECLARATION: By completing this form, I agree to supply proof of age, if requested, prior to the bike’s release. I also understand that any travelling or other expenses incurred are not included as part of the prize, which I agree to collect from a mutually agreed location at a specific time and date, should I be the lucky winner. I also consent to be photographed with the prize for use in future editions of Twist & Go or any future advertising/publicity that may take place. I understand that neither Twist & Go, Mortons Media Group, nor any other parties involved in the preparation of the bike will accept any responsibility for any accidents or loss of life and limb arising after it has been collected.
Name: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Address: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode: .................................................................................... Age: .................................................. Male / Female (please circle) Email/telephone: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. *Competition entrants aged under 18 must also supply the written consent of their parent or guardian – see below: I HEREBY CONSENT THAT .............................................................................................................................................. HAS MY PERMISSION TO ENTER THIS COMPETITION AND THAT I WILL TAKE ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS SHOULD THEY WIN THIS PRIZE. Signed....................................................................................................................................................................................................Parent/Guardian
www.twistngo.com 55
SPEC: FRAME
Aluminium MOTOR
2kW 60Nm torque output hub-mounted rear wheel GEARS
9-speed twist grip plus crank overdrive
BRAKES
203mm discs (front and rear) with 4-piston calipers
SUSPENSION
Front: 180mm travel Rear: 217mm monoshock, both adjustable
BATTERY
1.3kWh Lithiumion, high durability, removable CLAIMED RANGE
Eco mode (0.8kW): up to 62 miles Tour mode (1.5kW): up to 46 miles Sport mode (2kW): up to 31 miles WEIGHT
39kg (8kg battery included) TYRES
24x3in, knobbly
CONTACT
www.bultaco.com
PRICE £3995
The weapon of choice for serious off-roading
B
ultaco has taken its off-road know-how and married it with innovative overdrive crank technology and a powerful electric motor – and come up with the impressive Brinco R. This meaty-looking mountain bikestyled e-bike is unfortunately not road legal in the UK, due to the fact it will happily drag you up a hill at 40mph, so we used it strictly off-road. But there’s a road-legal pedelec version of the bike on its way, so if that’s what you’re after, it’s worth asking your local dealer when they will be in stock. This machine is a ‘must have’ for anyone looking for a lightweight trail/mountain bike with bit of a punch. You can easily spend well over the Brinco’s asking price on a high-end standard mountain bike, or even an entry-level pedal assisted – or you can spend that money on this mountain-eating, trail-breaking, whirlwind of an electric bike that Bultaco have labelled a moto-bike. The power is delivered via a
58 www.twistngo.com
twist-grip (as on a moped) to a 2kW rear-wheel-mounted motor, so you don’t need to pedal at all if you don’t want to. When you do pedal, the bike propels you along even quicker, and gives you that bicycle feel that you come to expect from a pedelec. The bike weighs in at just below 40kg, encouraging you to use that twist grip instead of pedalling, and watching the digital display hop along to speeds you wouldn’t expect to see on this kind of bike. The brakes are wonderfully responsive and give good feedback, front and rear being 203mm 4-pots. The suspension is fully adjustable with 180mm of travel in the front and 217mm in the rear, more than most will ever need. The bike is full of techy goodness: it’s activated with a swipe card or a wrist band, and you can even download a free app which enables geolocation of the Brinco, should you forget which tree in the forest you parked it behind.
All you need to know about pedelecs
The battery (which uses the same technology as the Tesla cars) can be removed in less than 20 seconds, charges in under four hours, and will give you a claimed range of up to 62 miles. The Brinco R might not be roadlegal and in the pedelec world it’s pretty heavy, but it’s great fun and makes me smile for the whole ride! Words: Jonathan Images: Mau
The road-legal Brinco S version will be available this summer
www.twistngo.com 59
TWIST & GO
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
OFFER CODE: TAGDPS1
MAY/JUNE 2016
SIMPLY COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND RETURN TO:
TAG SUBSCRIPTIONS, PO BOX 99, HORNCASTLE, LINCS LN9 6LZ SIX MONTHLY
ONE YEAR
DIRECT DEBIT UK
CREDIT CARD/CHEQUE
£22
£9.99
EU
£27
REST OF WORLD
£31
PAYER’S DETAILS (MUST BE COMPLETED) Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (please circle) First name
SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS ➤
Save money by subscribing
➤
Delivered to your door before it goes on sale in the shops
➤
Guaranteed to receive every issue
➤
Great online services for checking your subscription details
Surname
Email Telephone Mobile
Year of Birth
Address
PLUS NEVER MISS
Postcode
DELIVERY DETAILS (IF DIFFERENT TO ABOVE) Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (please circle) First name
➤
Which Bike guide to brand new bikes and scooters
➤
In-depth tests and features
➤
Great competitions
Surname
Address
Postcode Email On occasion Mortons Media Group Ltd may decide to contact you by post/phone regarding information relating to current offers of products or services (including discounted subscription offers) which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you do not wish to receive such offers please tick this box On occasion Mortons Media Group Ltd may decide to email/fax you regarding information relating to current offers of products or services (including discounted subscription offers) which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you wish to receive such offers, please tick this box On occasion Mortons Media Group Ltd may permit third parties, that we deem to be reputable, to contact you by post/phone/fax/email regarding information relating to current offers of products or services which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you wish to receive such offers please tick this box
PAYMENT METHOD 1.
DIRECT DEBIT
Instruction to Bank/Building Society to pay by Direct Debit: I would like to change/take out a subscription £9.99 per six months (UK only) Account in the name of Account number
Sort code
Name of Bank/Building Society Address
Postcode Please pay Mortons Media Group Ltd direct debits from the account detailed in the instructions, subject to the safeguards of the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Mortons Media Group and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. Originator’s ID number: 8 3 0 3 9 0
Signature
Date
Reference number (office use only)
2.
DEBIT/CREDIT CARD
Please debit my:
Visa
Mastercard
Switch/Maestro
Card number: Start date 3 digit verification code
Signature
3.
Twist & Go reflects changes in riding trends by providing information on anything and everything relating to riding small or mid-capacity bikes up to the new UK A2 licence requirements. Our pages are packed with articles on bike tests, what to wear, commuting advice, riding tips plus up-to-date news on the latest gadgets, clothing and accessories as they become available. Our comprehensive Which Bike section is packed with details about the brand-new models alongside tips of how to buy (new or second-hand) and what to look out for. In this section you’ll also find details on various items of clothing and accessories you might want to consider alongside your latest purchase. No other riding and lifestyle magazine comes close in this corner of the market and the readership of Twist & Go extends far beyond UK boundaries.
Mau Spencer, editor /
/
Expiry date Switch issue number
Date
CHEQUE I enclose a cheque made payable to Mortons Media Group Ltd
FOLLOW US AT FACEBOOK.COM/TWISTGO
SUBSCRIBE FROM ONLY
£9.99
3SUBSCRIBE EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE SECURELY ONLINE AT www.classicmagazines.co.uk/tagdps1 CALL 01507 529529 OVERSEAS CALL +44 (0)1507 529529. LINES OPEN MON – FRI, 8.30AM – 7PM & SATURDAYS, 8.30AM – 12.30PM
QUOTE: TAGDPS1
OR SIMPLY FILL IN THE FORM PROVIDED AND RETURN TO OUR ADDRESS
SPEC: FRAME
Aluminium frame 700C, custom tubing
MOTOR
E-Kit Bosch Active – Standard 400Wh, crank-drive GEARS
Shimano deore SL-M610RA, 10-speed DERAILLEUR
Shimano SLX, RD-M670 SGS, Shadow, Black, 10-speed BRAKES
Front disc: Shimano SM-RT20M, 203mm Rear disc: Shimano SM-RT20S, 160mm
SUSPENSION
Suntour NEX forks, hydraulic with lockout BATTERY
400W Lithium-ion, removable, weight 2.5kg CHARGE TIME
Full charge: 3.5hrs 50% charge: 1.5hrs CLAIMED RANGE
Up to 100 miles WEIGHT
24 kg
TYRES
28in
CONTACT
www.riejumoto.co.uk
PRICE £1995
Rieju RS3 Trekking The commuting armchair with a good turn of speed
T
his bike is designed for the commuter with cycle-path off-road capability, easily coping with the potholed roads of the UK. I can see this bike with panniers on the rear rake, fetching bread and milk from the local market and making easy work of getting it all home. This well-built, functional machine has front suspension supplied by Suntour NEX, which has the ability to lock out if needed. The electric motor is an E-Kit Bosch Active unit attached to a 400W Lithium-ion battery and as standard runs 400Wh. This gives smooth power delivery, which seems to reward the effort you put in, encouraging you up to the 15mph limited top speed, at which point the motor cuts off. If you pedal
62 www.twistngo.com
it past the limited top-end it will remind you how much help you’re getting from the power unit. I found myself riding no faster than the 15mph top speed and enjoyed the views of my eight-mile commute to work from the plush riding position. There was no need for the post-commute shower ritual I normally have to perform on my non-power-assisted bike, although I may have got to work quicker on my usual mode of transport. Shimano have supplied Rieju with the wheels and gears and this is no bad thing – they have a good history and even the lower range products are good. The bike has a 10-speed rear dérailleur, which changes gear with the thumb shifters more than adequately.
All you need to know about pedelecs
This is attached to the crank-driven motor which has four levels of assist: Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo. For the majority of the time I leave it in Turbo. The Bosch display is very informative, showing how much assistance it’s giving you and how much battery life you have left. You can toggle through the information screens and select the assist levels using the buttons positioned next to the left handlebar grip. This tells you about the trip distance, time,
maximum speed, average speed, trip time, range and odometer. I’m pleased to say that I reached a top speed of 30mph on the bike – that was down a good hill. I’m equally pleased that Rieju have fitted the Shimano disc brakes as I grabbed a handful to stop me at the junction. I did my 16-mile round trip commute with the assist level on Turbo and averaged a speed of 15mph. Colleagues also took this bike out for a spin, and the battery only dropped by half.
All-in-all, the RS3 is a well-built commuting armchair, with a good turn of speed. Words: Paul Images: Sue Walters Photography
www.twistngo.com 63
etropolis Premium Exclusive Unisex SPEC: FRAME
Alloy 6061 GEARS
Shimano 7-speed MOTOR
8FUN 250W Central, crank mounted SUSPENSION
Front headstock and seat post BRAKES
Xindie DB650 disc brakes front and rear
BATTERY
Rear-mounted Sony Lithium-ion 36V 11Ah CLAIMED RANGE
Up to 43 miles
WEIGHT
25kg
TYRES
28in, CST C-1313 antipuncture CONTACT:
www.motogb.co.uk
PRICE £1699
Old-school design with a modern power-assisted twist
I
t shocked me – no pun intended – that I fell for this old-school bike as quickly as I did. The etropolis Premium Exclusive is a nod back to days gone by, when a leisurely afternoon ride out would include flat caps, a picnic in Tupperware containers and tartan flask of tea, partaken while sitting under an old oak in a farmer’s field, the summer sun beating down. But enough of nostalgia; this bike is a well-rounded and a cleverly crafted modern classic, giving the rider a very comfortable position from which to survey the road ahead. It benefits from the modern safety of cable disc brakes and the comfort of front suspension and a suspension seat post. Weighing in at 25kg, Miss Daisy (an affectionate name given to this machine by the whole team when out on our first group ride) is no featherweight, but well-balanced and surprisingly easy to get on with. This is largely down to the 28-inch wheels,
64 www.twistngo.com
Shimano gear set, step-through frame and easy-to-use e-bike interface and display. Power is supplied by a 36V 11Ah Sony battery, hidden in plain sight under the rear luggage frame linked to a mid-mounted 250W crank-drive motor that feeds the power assist in so smoothly that if it wasn’t for the digital display, you would be hard pushed to notice the fact that you were riding an e-bike. The power delivery is great: when I tackled a short but steep hill it astonished me how much the motor assisted me, turning what would have normally been a challenge into nothing more than a slight inconvenience. This shows the battery and motor are more than a match for all that this bike is designed for. To passers-by, you will appear akin to Mary Poppins at Sir Chris Hoy speeds (well maybe I’m being a little ambitious with the speed). To comply with the regulations for road-legal e-bikes that you can ride
without a licence, the etropolis Premium Exclusive’s motor assist is restricted to 15.5mph, which is more than adequate for what this bike is defined for.
All you need to know about pedelecs
As a commuter in a town or a city, the seating position and rapidadjustable handlebars are perfect, and as a weekend leisure ride it handles a country lane jaunt with ease. With an easy-to-read Kingmeter LCD display, you will not
be short of the info you need, and with built-in lights activated with a single press of a button, you will be pleasantly surprised. I know I was. Words: Jonathan Images: Sue Walters Photography
www.twistngo.com 65
The latest products reviewed
One23 Flash and Wrap Twinset lightsw RRP: £63.99
Dare 2b Blighted Windshell ladies’ jacket RRP £29.99
Reviewer: Paul Fincham
Reviewer: Charlotte Turnbull
The One23 Flash and Wrap Twinset is not just a well-packaged set of lights, it’s also lightweight and not too heavy on the pocket. The front light is bright enough to see potholes clearly and nobody would have an excuse not to see you. The on/off button doubles up as a battery-life indicator, which is easy to operate even with gloves on, making toggling through its four settings simple. The lights can be set to constanthigh, running at 300 lumens for an hour, constant-medium for six hours, constantlow, which flashes and lasts 60 hours, and finally flash-fast, which lasts for 12 hours. The rubber securing strap is easy to use and gives lots of options for where to fix it. The USB chargeability is a nice touch, saving on having to buy batteries. The rear light has similar functions to the front, but with three settings; constanthigh, running at 26 lumens and lasting three hours, constant-low for six hours, or flashing-high, which lasts six hours. Both lights should be fully charged in 2.5 hours. The 180-degree spread of light on the rear makes you very visible to other road users. Info: www.moorelarge.co.uk
The Dare 2b Blighted Windshell is a lightweight jacket promoted as suitable for many outdoor activities in great bright colours. My first impression was that this jacket was very lightweight – always a great benefit. I liked the colour a lot (purple is my favourite at the moment). I’m normally a size 10, but I went for size 12, so I had the option of wearing another jacket underneath and it fitted me well. The jacket has very few technical features, aside from some small reflective detail on the rear and sleeves. The elasticated cuffs were a little tight for me when wearing cycling gloves. I found the windproofing minimal when wearing the Blighted Windshell. In fact, I ended up putting another jacket underneath it on my commute to and from work, but it was quite cold. Although I didn’t wear it in heavy rain, I was out in a light rain shower and it initially beaded, but I would not want to be caught out in anything other than a very light shower in this. I would say the Dare 2b Blighted Windshell is a nice-looking lightweight jacket, which is good for cool fine days. It’s a good colour and fit at a great price. Info: www.moorelarge.co.uk
Shox MX-1 Duo motocross helmet RRP: £69 Reviewer: Jonathan Schofield For the more adventurous e-bike rider (especially something like the Brinco I tested recently) this Shox MX-1 helmet offers the benefits of a full motocross helmet in a fantastically light shell. With stunning looks and packed with features, the MX-1 helmet is a viable choice for the avid off-roader. Aerodynamic design reduces turbulence and allows for a more comfortable ride. The helmet also features an air-flow system to keep you cool, a quick-release chin strap and anti-slide plates for goggles. Should you want to take it to the track, the MX-1 is fully ACU gold approved. Combine all that with the great value pricing and you get a helmet that simply allows you to focus on what really matters, the thrill of the ride. Info: www.ghostbikes.com
E-Helm DeLux helmet RRP: £85.99 Reviewer: Paul Fincham The Alpina E-Helm DeLux has clearly been thought through; it’s comfortable, well ventilated and dare I say, good looking. The retention system holds my head well and is easy to use. The cover is a nice touch, great for the cold morning rides or if caught in the rain. The chin strap has an easy-to-use clip, which fastens securely. The small peak adds to the styling and has a very practical use. By far the best feature is the integrated light in the back, bright enough to let any road user know you’re there. Info: www.moorelarge.co.uk
68 www.twistngo.com
Outeredge M430 gloves RRP: £16.90 Reviewer: Lee Buxton I found the gloves comfortable to wear and the elastic wristband made them easy to put on. The back of the glove is made with stretch fabric and Cool Mesh, which I found kept out the cold without making my hands clammy. The front of the glove is a single-piece vented fabric which is reinforced around the grip area. I also really like the smartphone-friendly index finger which allows you to use your smartphone without having to keep removing your gloves. They’ve even thought about a sweaty brow as the whole thumb area of the glove is a micro-fabric sweat wipe. Info: www.moorelarge.co.uk