WITH petrol prices fast approaching the £2 a litre mark, is now the time to think in terms of getting an e-bike for all those short trips most cars end of doing?
I think it is, especially when they come in the subtly understated shape of the Kinesis Lyfe, kindly leant to me by Redditch’s very own Cycle Studio.
First impressions, it doesn’t look like an e-bike at all, which gives it a lot of positives straight off, not least of which is that it won’t be an automatic target for would-be bike thieves.
Secondly, for anyone wanting to ride an e-bike but doesn’t want to be seen riding one, it I reckon it would fool the bulk of the pro peloton, unless you overtook them doing 15mph uphill.
Thirdly, it handles just like an ordinary push bike, and compared to be commuter touring bike, weighs just about the same too.
Out on the road there are three power settings controlled by a sequential push button on the crossbar.
These use a traffic light colour coded system of green for eco, amber for ordinary and red for turbo.
Crucially, you can also turn the motor off too, which is handy when the going gets easy – remember, it handles just like and ordinary bike – and saves battery power.
The motor itself nestles over the back axle, hidden away between the rear cogs on one side and the disc brake rotor on the other. You wouldn’t know it was there.
Kinesis is a British company and the Lyfe – a hybrid road and path machine, their entry e-bike model.
It has a 250w power unit, which, although not the most powerful, brings with it a host of benefits:
It delivers its power subtly so you’re always in control, in fact it’s so subtle it’ll bring a smile to your face, certainly I was grinning all the way as I pedalled up Hewell Road before turning right at the mini island and then left along Britten Street.
The destination was the fearsome Ivor Road, which was on the training runs we used to do back in the day with Redditch RFC.
Marcus our photographer had set off before me in the car but I surprised him by how quickly I got there.
With the bike in ‘ordinary’ it was on to the gradient.
The bike comes with 10 speed gears as well, so this is the sort of e-bike that will help if you want to get fit too.
Arriving at the top I still had breath to hold a decent conversation.
My verdict? It’s fantastic!
My bike costs around £1,800 – still a lot cheaper than many bikes without motors – and when the next shipment arrives, they’ll be about £2,200.
The battery is good for about 50 miles. It’s contained with the bike’s downtime and although replaceable, is charged in situ.
The bike also comes equipped with automatic lights, mudguards and a rear rack.
Obviously for many the Great British weather is an issue for cycling. However, as someone who regularly cycles to the office, since the start of the year I’ve only been caught in two downpours, both at going home time, and both times I had my waterproofs with me.
The age of the e-bike is upon us – try one, you’ll be astonished.
Cycle Studio can be found at Unit 60, Enfield Industrial Estate, Redditch B97 6DE or visit: https://www.thecyclestudio.co.uk/
