New ebike

I started thinking about buying an ebike some time ago. I started researching options, working out what features were most important to me, etc. The Compass Navigate looked like a good option.

We went to Go Outdoors to have a look at one in the flesh. The salesman pointed out that the Compass Zone was basically the same, but with front suspension, and the same price. I ordered the Zone, and picked it up a few days later.

My first ride was taking it home. A distance of 2.3 miles, with a long, steep uphill at the end. We live at the top of a hill, which is why I wanted an ebike — I simply couldn’t manage it on a standard bike.

The bike has five levels of motorised assistance, and seven gears. I had thought I’d need a high level of assistance on hills, but I found I could get up our hill easily even on level one or two.

Yesterday, I took it out to map some new streets for OpenStreetMap. I go to the library most weeks, and I’m intending to use my new bike to do that instead of taking the bus.

Overall, I’m very happy with my new bike, and it’s good value for money. If you’re in the market for one, it’s a good option. Since it’s orange, I’ve christened it William.