Review: “Getting on with the Gocycle” - Green
Contents
1. Gocycle recommend you leave the machine on standby charge all the time for best battery life With cables it weighs around 1 kg There s a noticeable cooling fan noise when actually charging but it s silent on standby The mudguards are stayless cantilevered out from their support points but were nonetheless remarkably rigid and flop free Substantial aluminium ribs run up the underside of each of them They did run close to the tyre and any grit on the road would rattle up there rather But again not a problem this isn t the bike for muddy tracks or riding in snow The Shocklock cable lock weighing 655 g is fitted through the bike s shock absorber for carrying Extended it s long enough to lock through both wheels of the bike and unless you ve got the anti theft bolts this might be wise It s certainly handy for low risk situations perhaps for locking the bike up outside a cafe where you can keep an eye on it But cable locks are notoriously easy for thieves to cut so for higher risk areas a more effective combination would be those bolts for the wheels plus a decent D lock carried on your person perhaps Gocycle also offer a heavier duty chain lock 70 but I ve not seen it yet Then again this is the sort of bike you d probably only choose for commuting if you have secure parking at each end of your journey The lighting system is simply two small LED lights attached neatly to the fork2. fork with wheel and a you can just ease off completely on the pedals and let the motor pull you along perhaps to cool off on the last bit of a ride for a non sweaty arrival The motor is quite noisy with a whining quality to the sound other cyclists or pedestrians you overtake will definitely know you ve engaged the motor In heavy traffic its much less noticeable of course Gocycle quite rightly say that range is too dependent on riding style and use to set a definitive value but they say that with 30 usage of power assist you should be able to go for around 20 25 miles on a full charge There s no battery level indicator except a warning beep if the charge level gets dangerously low so it s hard to say how much was left in the batteries after any particular journey On my bike a single charge was showing no signs of depletion after at least 20 miles of mostly flat commuting mudguard still in place First you unhook the front brake cable then unplug the motor connection cable You can then simply undo the quick release at the fork crown pull back the spring loaded safety pin and the whole fork comes away The rear swing arm can now be folded over once you ve removed the lock from the suspension unit A little tab on the end of the rear disk brake shroud very neatly drops onto the end of the exposed steerer tube protecting it CONCLUSIONS Firstly the Gocycle is a tremendous design and engineerin
3. remarkable bike with unique features and performance Peter Eland AVAILABILITY The Gocycle is available either direct from the manufacturers or via dealers throughout the UK overseas distribution details were yet to be finalised as we go to print The first point of contact in all cases is the website www gocycle com ISSUE 34 JUNE 2009 VELOVISION 7
4. stability 30 Finally anti theft bolts 10 are available to make the wheels not quite so quick release and tempting to the mischievous or light fingered FIRST IMPRESSIONS As you can see from the photos the Gocycle is a radical departure from conventional cycle design and most would agree it looks fantastic modern stylish and smart The smooth curves classic black white colour scheme and five spoked wheels all contribute to the very clean look there s little of the fussy BELOW The five spoke wheels are like the frame made from cast magnesium col ey foi i detail of spokes chain and loose cables which many bikes display The frame is cast from magnesium alloy coated to prevent corrosion and it s flawlessly finished in pure white The frame has a 100 kg weight limit for rider clothing and luggage The user manual supplied in digital PDF format on a USB memory stick is full of reasonable enough exhortations not to let it sit around wet perhaps as much for the sake of the electronics as for the frame The frame does have a lifetime warranty and there s a two year warranty on other parts And because the bike uses so many non standard components if anything goes wrong Gocycle say they will simply ship out replacement parts modules or even complete bikes on a next day courier service either direct to the customer or via dealers to fix the problem One of the main features of the fram
5. Velo Vision Sample Article OVISION Gocrey TAGA Bug Treg EML C tjimi ETT LLT fate PLE Tiag This PDF is a sample of the material in Velo Vision Issue 34 June 2009 The full contents page is shown opposite To get an idea of our current output please visit www velovision com where you will find amongst much else full subject author indices sample articles to download and an online shop where you can subscribe on paper or in a digital edition If you have any problems or suggestions about the magazine in general or this PDF article in particular please email me at peter velovision com hope you enjoy the read Peter Eland Per E LA Editor and Publisher Velo Vision Velo Vision is published quarterly by Velo Vision Ltd Subscription details news and updates can be found on www velovision com ISSN 1475 4312 Velo Vision Magazine York Eco Business Centre Amy Johnson Way Clifton Moor York YO30 4AG UK Tel Fax 44 1904 692800 from UK 01904 692800 Email peter velovision com Website www velovision com EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Peter Eland EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sue Archer PHOTO ASSISTANT Debz Butterworth ART DIRECTOR Brian Holt WEB PROGRAMMER Simon Ward PRINTER Stephens amp George Magazines Ltd PUBLISHING SCHEDULE Issue 35 September 2009 Issue 36 December 2009 Issue 37 March 2010 Issue 38 June 2010 Velo Vision is a member of INK tr
6. ade association ink of the alternative press in the UK www ink uk com VELO VISION AND VELO VISION We weren t first with the name Velo Vision is a bike shop in K rten near Bergisch Gladbach Germany Velo Vision magazine exists in friendly harmony with Velo Vision in Germany Velo Vision is printed on paper produced from sustainable forests to Nordic Swan standards ELOVISION GOCTCLE TEDA LUD INHO CEILS CARRILES ERI OTRA GIGS aE ar LAHTI THhe COVER Gocycling Photo Peter Eland OPPOSITE A swarm of bees on parked bikes in Bishopthorpe Road York provided an unusual sight for shoppers Photos Arthur Clune JUNE 2009 4 News Folding bike recalls new bikes galore Moscow trike update pioneering ocean pedalling and more 10 SEN and the art of cycle training How specialist instruction can enable pupils with cognitive issues to exceed all expectations and learn to cycle 13 Taipei 2009 A quick look at some of the innovations on show at the Taiwanese trade show in March 14 SPEZI 2009 Full report from April s Special Bikes Show in Germany 22 Review Gocycle Full review of a production Gocycle the potentially revolutionary compact urban run around with lightweight electric assist 27 Review KMX Cobra A recumbent trike for 999 but is ita practical machine for road riding We test it to find out 30 Review Taga and Zigo child carriers Brief reviews of two transforming trike
7. crown and under the saddle Definitely lights to make you legal and to be seen by you could easily fit a more powerful battery light to the handlebars if you needed more Last but not least the lightweight twin leg stand folds up remarkably small so close against the frame that it s easy to miss It did a good job of holding the bike up on firm surfaces but if you use it a lot ld go for the heavyweight version for extra stability Weight as tested was around 17 5 kg including all of the accessories That matches up with their claimed weight of 16 2 kg with electric package and mudguards Without these the bare bike apparently weighs just 11 9 kg Either way it s extremely light as electric bikes go and weighs less than a good few non electric machines THE RIDE The Gocycle is a very rigid bike and it instantly feels remarkably stable and solid The stem assembly often a weak point on small wheeled bikes felt strong and flex free The big fat slick tyres helped give it a super robust and stable ride just like the Big Apples on my own town bike they give the feeling you can hit any obstacle and do no damage Together with the rear suspension they also do a good job for ride comfort Not quite up to Moulton levels but smooth on most surfaces With the stem at its middle setting the riding position is pleasantly upright no bad thing for a town bike The handlebar grips though are round hard and somewha
8. e to end again contributing to the clean lines A twist grip for the gears and a small bell adorn the right hand side while on the left there s the push button for the electric assist system The saddle and seatpost are again chunky large diameter tubes finished in satin black Instead of using a standard quick release saddle height is adjusted using a long lever just under the saddle this expands an internal wedge to lock it into the lower section at your chosen height A small thumbscrew lets you remove the 24 VELOVISION ISSUE 34 JUNE 2009 ABOVE LEFT The stem can be locked into any of three positions to adjust the reach ABOVE The power button and not very comfy grips ABOVE RIGHT Note the long lever just below the saddle used to lock or unlock the seatpost for height setting LEFT The motor is discreetly built into the front hub Note the USB port on the fork blade FAR LEFT Cables are neatly gathered in plastic mesh sleeves whole assembly see later On then to the electric assist system The motor is a discreet unit built into the front wheel The NiMh type batteries are concealed within the main frame Control electronics are also built in There s even a USB port on the front fork leg to allow you or Gocycle to connect the bike to a computer for reprogramming if firmware updates are ever necessary A substantial smart battery charger is provided
9. e is that the rear swing arm completely encloses the chain drive system so when manhandling or riding the bike there s no need to worry about getting chain muck on your clothes The enclosed drive should last indefinitely without maintenance too A three speed hub gear in the back wheel gives gear ratios of 35 53 and 71 The wheels with slick wide 20 406 tyres are Gocycle s own design again moulded in magnesium with five spokes apiece They lock to the hubs via three curved levers the action is very positive and secure feeling The wheels certainly look good but the user manual strikes a note of caution urging checks for ISSUE 34 JUNE 2009 VELOVISION 23 PRODUCT REVIEW fatigue cracks every 500 miles or so particularly at the spoke heads Each wheel is equipped with a mechanical disk brake which stays in place when the wheels are removed Wisely Gocycle have provided a shroud for each disk so avoiding a common problem with disk brakes the ease with which you can bend a rotor Sure the shrouds reduce the ventilation a bit but that s unlikely to be a problem for this type of bike The stem assembly is pleasingly chunky and it s angle adjustable in three settings Height is also adjustable via a solid Allen key clamp The cables are guided neatly down through the stem entering just below the handlebars The bars themselves have soft touch padding to create a smooth taper from centr
10. g achievement In a cycle industry where most bikes are simply a selection of standard components bolted on to more or less standard frames the sheer amount of work that has gone into almost every specially made part is mind boggling That they have done this made it look fantastic and added portability and lightweight electric assist to boot for no more than the price of a decent upmarket folding bike is remarkable It also rides really very well The gearing arguably limits it to the role of an urban bike but it does that superbly The electric assist system may not add much for fit riders in flat places but for anyone less than fit or who lives somewhere hilly it s a real boost to confidence and journey speed It could also be a boon to those who aspire to arrive unsweaty and unruffled at work perhaps in a suit the bike is certainly smart enough to match the nattiest attire It s fantastic technology and has a high I want one factor even for a jaded journalist like me But my head says that I should sound a gentle note of warning If you buy one now you ll be an early adopter of a good number of relatively unproven innovations cast magnesium frame and rims those quick release wheels cantilevered luggage racks and more And most parts are Gocycle s very own so youre reliant on them for continued support If you re comfortable with that go for it and buy one you ll be one of the first to own a
11. in Swapping over is simply a matter of holding down the power button and releasing it after the appropriate series of beeps In either mode the motor cuts out as your speed reaches 25 km h 16 mph There s also a lower bike speed limit below which the motor eT a a a et ea ee ee ee i T Bs ta ee eo ABOVE AND BELOW The twin leg display stand tucks away very neatly against the swingarm when not in use mm ae re ee z ee A r ipa siga e y A w a E eR fs Seby E ama s igri S pes qe i J i Wet m Ae tg Sa i g 7 a be 2 ee ee o Fr pe gn rk oe i Ti Cey 1 i E aT Os Ae ae n Eo ies oe ee ae ty ISSUE 34 JUNE 2009 VELOVISION 25 PRODUCT REVIEW GOCYCLE THE FOLD simple thumbscrew 26 VELOVISION ISSUE 34 JUNE 2009 As Gocycle are at pains to point out this isn t a fast folding bike with which to do an origami act on the station platform But it will dismantle to a seriously small package in just a few minutes First you turn the bike over so it s resting on handlebars and saddle in a neat touch the bell swivels round easily so that it stands stable You then undo the three quick releases on the back wheel The wheel now pulls off or a tap on the rim may be necessary to dislodge it Now remove the rear mudguard a from scuffs and making the whole package nice and solid At this point you need to turn the bike back over Another quick release and safety pin
12. lets you remove the stem assembly it remains attached by a cable bundle however and the little thumbscrew near the shock releases the whole seatpost system which can be shortened using the lever below the saddle The parts as shown here all fit extremely neatly into either the hard shell case ideal for air travel perhaps or into a fabric case with foam cradle which supports the components in their proper positions Several dismantled Gocycles would of course also fit easily into almost any car I d imagine won t operate too I suspect the idea is to discourage you from using the motor at very low revs which soaks up battery power for little effect and possibly also to avoid accidental operation Its when the motor is turning a bit faster that you get more efficient performance anyway so if on a hill start youre still moving slowly it will struggle to accelerate you On the same hill get up a bit of speed first and it will boost you up powerfully For me the top gear ratio let me pedal comfortably just a bit faster than the motor cut out speed so on the flat it had little use just kicking in occasionally to help me over bridges and the like For serious gradients however it was excellent really pulling you along So while it s not a fast bike in top speed terms the electrics let you keep average speeds quite high even in hilly areas without much effort Alternatively The next job is to remove the front
13. ral months before production of the current machines commenced so that any weaknesses would be exposed and could be fixed Production has now moved to the UK and Gocycle are busy developing a dealer network Overseas distribution arrangements are expected to be in place shortly too As we go to press orders placed now expected to be delivered in August Some dealers may have them in stock though The Gocycle is now only available complete with its electric assist system which they call the Empower Pack and in this form the bike costs 1158 simple assembly required or 1198 assembled or via dealers As you ll see later it fits together very easily so I d suggest saving a few pounds and going for the first option Our bike came fitted with the optional lightweight kickstand 35 the lighting set 25 The mudguards and integrated cable lock are included as standard Luggage carrying is provided in the form of a stem mounted front pannier rail 14 from which you can hang a full size pannier max 5 kg and or a rear luggage arm max 15 kg recommended This follows the contour of the rear mudguard and provides a platform onto which a variety of hard shell luggage can be attached using Ortlieb s quick release plate system Other accessories available include the hard shell carry case 90 and a fabric carry bag with foam insert 40 A heavy duty two leg stand is also available for extra
14. s they convert from child carrying three wheelers into full featured strollers Are they the perfect versatile kids taxis On the move As you ll read in the News section and see in the masthead details above we moved premises in late May and we re now happily settled into our much larger office at the Eco Business Centre on the north edge of York Please do use the new address if you need to contact us or send anything We ve also been on the move to the SPEZI with another convivial coach trip to a packed weekend of cycling and innovations as you ll see in our full report 34 Short Reviews 34 Novatec dynamo set is 30 for a hub dynamo too good to be true 36 Book reviews The Golden Age of the Handbuilt Bicycle Live to Ride novel plus the beginner friendly Bike Easy 38 Book reviews Bike Builder s Bonanza and the Pedaling Revolution 40 Terracycle idlers and accessory mounts worthwhile upgrades 42 Readers bikes 42 Folder fettling readers Brompton mods AA The Seacycle canal cruising by pedal power A6 Atrio of trikes a reader reports from the rough roads of Moldova amp 7 Above or below Pros and cons of changing from below to above seat steering 48 Kyoto cuties Velo Vision readers visit Japan and are enchanted by the small wheeled wonders 50 Letters More mystery cycles the wrong trousers historic cycle reportage the Cleland concept clarified and much mote 53 Subscribe to Velo Vi
15. sion How to subscribe back issues and details of our distributors worldwide 54 Advertisements The first place to look for specialist products and services Please support our advertisers who support the magazine Finally we ve been moving ourselves around on a fascinating range of review bikes this issue all in their own ways innovative and interesting The Gocycle and Taga in particular are rare instances of designer concepts embodied as practical useful products but do their looks get in the way Is the simplicity and affordability of more traditional cycle engineering as on the Zigo or KMX a better bet There s an easy way to find out read the reviews and decide for yourself Peter Eland ISSUE 34 JUNE 2009 VELOVISION 3 PRODUCT REVIEW ae IM a meN PL Ta ee 22 gt VELOVISION TA Si ff a aed ISSUE 34 JUNE 2000 _ go pi aa A iain i e shes Air aati n f s a bike like no other a compact electric assisted bike which also packs down superbly small So can the Gocycle live up to the promise of its appearance We tried one of the first production machines to find out BACKGROUND The Gocycle has had a long gestation from the early prototypes which designer Richard Thorpe showed to us back in the early days of Velo Vision to today s finished article As we described last issue the first batch of bikes were placed with beta test riders for seve
16. t uncomfortable I d replace them with some more ergonomic grips in an instant and perhaps add some bar ends if it were my own bike The brakes are truly excellent giving powerful controlled stopping from any speed The three speed gears are operated by a twist grip and changes were smooth and easy even under light loads The fully enclosed drive system is almost silent and only occasionally on bumps would there be a knock as if the chain were hitting the side of the casing The drive through a three speed pops co ey foi i Shimano Nexus hub gear seemed reasonably efficient and the bike s rigidity also contributed to a feeling of an instant response to pedalling effort I found the ratios 35 53 71 well suited to urban use especially if you re happy with a fairly high cadence That low gear is certainly good for acceleration from a standstill Some riders who preferred a lower cadence did find it undergeared and if you can t spin fast it does force you to rely more on the motor to achieve decent speed So to the electric assist To turn it on you just press the red button and wait a moment or two for the motor to kick in As delivered the bike is set to UK mode which does not require you to be pedalling for the motor to operate If you take it to mainland Europe you ll need to switch it to EU mode to stay legal as most of these countries require pedalling for power assist to cut
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