- Thread starter
- #91
I might have done so if I had known in advance what it was going to be about.
What the hell to do with my perfect condition emtb?
- Thread starter steve_sordy
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #92
The EP8 was a huge step up from the e8000. I had decided not to get another Shimano motor on my second emtb. I resolved to vote with my money on my dislike of Shimano's policy of a "no repair design" and no co-operation with those who wished to repair. But then came the pandemic, a shortage of bikes and I fell in love with the Merida eOne-Sixty! So much for good intentions! But the EP8 has been brilliant. Not a moment's bother with it in over 4 years.It was a bit in hindsight, I was really reflecting on my own 2019 Shimano E8000 which despite being a solid motor that hasn’t missed a beat in 6 years of riding does show its age a bit.
I’m sure yours is a bit better than the E8000!
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- Thread starter
- #93
Thanks to everyone that commented on my dilemma. Many views were expressed, but they all helped - every single one! So thanks again. 
A critical moment for me was still failing to get up my nemesis, even with assistance of the turbo from the DJI-motored Amflow.
My failure is either all in my head or it's technique. I suspect the former, because I have climbed it frequently in the past on a variety of bikes (with and without "e"). I suspect that of those two, it's the former because I have climbed steeper and longer stuff without much of a problem (well, actually they were tough, but I did get up them!)
That very recent success elsewhere also removes another concern of mine; that it might be further deterioration of my arthritic knee joints.
So what have I decided?
I will keep riding my current bike until at least the end of Apr'26 and then I'll have a look around. I still favour the Santa Cruz Vala in one form or another, subject to proper investigation. But my infatuation with the Amflow has abated. I still like it, but I'm no longer "hot" for it.
You never know, there may be something better than both in six months time!
But I still don't know what I'm going to do with my current bike. It will be five years old by then, assuming it makes it! But at least I can put off the decision for another six months.
Thanks again, guys and gals.
A critical moment for me was still failing to get up my nemesis, even with assistance of the turbo from the DJI-motored Amflow.
My failure is either all in my head or it's technique. I suspect the former, because I have climbed it frequently in the past on a variety of bikes (with and without "e"). I suspect that of those two, it's the former because I have climbed steeper and longer stuff without much of a problem (well, actually they were tough, but I did get up them!)
That very recent success elsewhere also removes another concern of mine; that it might be further deterioration of my arthritic knee joints.
So what have I decided?
I will keep riding my current bike until at least the end of Apr'26 and then I'll have a look around. I still favour the Santa Cruz Vala in one form or another, subject to proper investigation. But my infatuation with the Amflow has abated. I still like it, but I'm no longer "hot" for it.
You never know, there may be something better than both in six months time!
But I still don't know what I'm going to do with my current bike. It will be five years old by then, assuming it makes it! But at least I can put off the decision for another six months.
Thanks again, guys and gals.
Pauliemon
Active member
You can never have too many bikes.
Chaser
Member
Jesus if you're 75, I dont know why you're procrastinating over it. Just go out and buy the Amflow and enjoy it until the new one is released and if it's better, spend your pension on the next one! I'm 30+ years behind you and even I think life is too short to keep putting stuff off!
I've really been struggling to make a sizing decision. 173cm, average reach and leg length. Sat on a medium and it feels short but the geo says it's spot on. I guess I've been too used to a big truck of a bike for too long.
I've really been struggling to make a sizing decision. 173cm, average reach and leg length. Sat on a medium and it feels short but the geo says it's spot on. I guess I've been too used to a big truck of a bike for too long.
Never known anyone at 75 to regret that comment .......
Go and ride these bikes. Then choose one or both or none. Do what feels right for you.
But I'll be very disappointed if you don't have a new bike in 6 month, Steveo .....
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- #97
Outrageous! I am not 75! How dare you!
I'll have you know that I'm a spring chicken of only 74 and a third!
The reason for the procrastination is that I'm not spending "MY" money, if it were, no problem. The fact is that I'd be spending "OUR" money. In other words my wife gets to have a say in the matter. She wouldn't even try to stop me because she knows how important biking is to me, but I do at least want her friendly acquiescence. We've been together for 55 years, so we have found ways to accommodate each other over that time. I don't want to fall out with her now.
I have not forgotten how she woke up one morning and asked me how many ways there were to pay for a new car. Before the day was out, she'd bought one! A brand new Honda Jazz SRi Hybrid. No planning, no preparation, no looking around, no comparison between alternatives. A car salesman's perfect customer in fact.
She probably saw it and loved the colourOutrageous! I am not 75! How dare you!
I'll have you know that I'm a spring chicken of only 74 and a third!
The reason for the procrastination is that I'm not spending "MY" money, if it were, no problem. The fact is that I'd be spending "OUR" money. In other words my wife gets to have a say in the matter. She wouldn't even try to stop me because she knows how important biking is to me, but I do at least want her friendly acquiescence. We've been together for 55 years, so we have found ways to accommodate each other over that time. I don't want to fall out with her now.
I have not forgotten how she woke up one morning and asked me how many ways there were to pay for a new car. Before the day was out, she'd bought one! A brand new Honda Jazz SRi Hybrid. No planning, no preparation, no looking around, no comparison between alternatives. A car salesman's perfect customer in fact.
- Thread starter
- #99
Nope, It was the way the rear seats folded. The colour* was whatever they happened to have in stock that they could get to her before their current offer expired (five years free servicing and warranty, but no free MOTs).She probably saw it and loved the colour
Note*: The colour was "Midnight Blue Gleaming" No, I couldn't believe it either!
It is as close to black as you can get until you see it next to a car that is actually black (mine).
Like I said, she gave me the green light for a new EMTB recently. “Whoa whoa… pump the brakes there Honey”! I’m happy with what I’ve got.Nope, It was the way the rear seats folded. The colour* was whatever they happened to have in stock that they could get to her before their current offer expired (five years free servicing and warranty, but no free MOTs).
Note*: The colour was "Midnight Blue Gleaming" No, I couldn't believe it either!
It is as close to black as you can get until you see it next to a car that is actually black (mine).
But I’m the one who initiated a new car for her while on a casual drive earlier this year. I hated the Toyota Venza…too low, small luggage compartment, back seat was big enough to hold a Rave, un-necessarily big and wide for a couple of empty nesters like us.
“Turn here” I said. There it was …a new grey Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. All the bells and whistles. The glint in our usual salesman’s eyes was obvious to me. “Take it for a spin”.
After 4 hours of negotiations we drove out with a new car. We were both happy. More importantly she was happy.
. I’ll gladly suffer with an old clunker of an EMTB like the Rail 9.7, however completely, and maybe secretly, upgraded.
- Thread starter
- #101
Heartwarming! But in my wife's case there were no negotiations worth the name. My wife is a crap negotiator, except with me! Then she uses every weapon in her arsenal and all the interpersonal skills that she has honed in more than 50 years of family life! If she really wants something, she is remorseless and "Resistance is Futile! I have learned when to roll over and when to push back. This was rollover time!..........................
After 4 hours of negotiations we drove out with a new car. We were both happy. More importantly she was happy.
The salesman (female in this case) knew she had a sure thing as she as she saw my wife's reaction to the amazing folding ability of the rear seats. On that day I could have sworn that you could have rolled a bike through the open rear doors.
With me sat helplessly by her side my wife bought the car she wanted on her terms. It was her moment. The terms were good actually, but it just felt wrong to play no part in the purchase of such a big ticket item. But she was a very happy bunny. On collection day, we were ushered into a special single car showroom. The freshly polished and gleaming car was surrounded by four gold pillars with red ribbons swaying beneath them. Multiple bright spotlights accented every gleaming feature. The car keys were ceremoniously handed over, one pair of ribbons dropped to the floor, the showroom doors slid aside and my wife glided out of the showroom on silent battery mode. She has not forgotten that particular piece of theatre. I walked behind and caught her up in the car park, I had to cadge a lift home before she drove off without me!
I hear ya. lol I have to keep my wife on a short leash when it comes to negotiations. Sales people don’t like me…and that’s fine with me. I’ll let her tether out a little bit when it seems ok…but I never let go.Heartwarming! But in my wife's case there were no negotiations worth the name. My wife is a crap negotiator, except with me! Then she uses every weapon in her arsenal and all the interpersonal skills that she has honed in more than 50 years of family life! If she really wants something, she is remorseless and "Resistance is Futile! I have learned when to roll over and when to push back. This was rollover time!
The salesman (female in this case) knew she had a sure thing as she as she saw my wife's reaction to the amazing folding ability of the rear seats. On that day I could have sworn that you could have rolled a bike through the open rear doors.
With me sat helplessly by her side my wife bought the car she wanted on her terms. It was her moment. The terms were good actually, but it just felt wrong to play no part in the purchase of such a big ticket item. But she was a very happy bunny. On collection day, we were ushered into a special single car showroom. The freshly polished and gleaming car was surrounded by four gold pillars with red ribbons swaying beneath them. Multiple bright spotlights accented every gleaming feature. The car keys were ceremoniously handed over, one pair of ribbons dropped to the floor, the showroom doors slid aside and my wife glided out of the showroom on silent battery mode. She has not forgotten that particular piece of theatre. I walked behind and caught her up in the car park, I had to cadge a lift home before she drove off without me!
But under our roof I’m probably a whipped dog. She has too many degrees and can strike when I least expected it …sometimes often. lol
I must have two personalities. 
Well I've got a sewing machine problem. Wife has decided that she wants a new sewing machine for her birthday, which I suspect has something to do with watching a sewing program on TV (The Great British Sewing Bee). When I talked with blokes who service sewing machines they said that a better machine than her current 40 year old Singer which they periodically service would cost over £1,000 
Tried to tell her this but she's adamant, doesn't like her sewing machine any more and wants a new one with a budget of £300-£400. Suspect I'll have to get a new Janome sewing machine same as on the TV program even though it will be inferior to her current Singer. Girls eh? 
Tried to tell her this but she's adamant, doesn't like her sewing machine any more and wants a new one with a budget of £300-£400. Suspect I'll have to get a new Janome sewing machine same as on the TV program even though it will be inferior to her current Singer. Girls eh?
- Thread starter
- #104
It might be superior in build quality, rigidity, serviceability and have the ability to sew through 6mm of leather, but it won't have 56 different programs that will do all sorts of fancy stuff, like they do on the TV. It won't look as nice as the ones on the TV. And it won't be as light to pick up as the ones on the TV.Well I've got a sewing machine problem. Wife has decided that she wants a new sewing machine for her birthday, which I suspect has something to do with watching a sewing program on TV (The Great British Sewing Bee). When I talked with blokes who service sewing machines they said that a better machine than her current 40 year old Singer which they periodically service would cost over £1,000
Admit when you are beaten, stop using logic and just roll over on this one and be as helpful as you can. It may come in handy when you want a new bike.
PS: If you can, buy one with a metal frame, not plastic.
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I know exactly what to buy.
And btw, I spend my money exactly how I wish as also does my wife her money.
And btw, I spend my money exactly how I wish as also does my wife her money.
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Called Janome UK and asked what differences are between the Janome 725s (£379) and John Lewis Janome 7025 (£279). Answer was "They are the same". So Janome UK are effectively direct selling through John Lewis.
Expected a seasonal price drop so when saw John Lewis Janome 7025 for £223 (-20%) bought it. We have a local John Lewis store which was handy for collection yesterday.
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To be honest mate, I’m holding out for an Avinox sewing machine.
I mean, I need the power man, I need to stitch 4 layers of seasoned leather together all the time, and I heard the Avinox will use steel gears and not the polymer rubbish.
Yeah, I’ll need to Bluetooth connect it to get it setup, but I heard I can use a VPN to pretend I’m in a Vietnamese sweatshop and the max speed goes up to 45 stitches per second or something, way better than the lame 25 we’re stuck with here in the EU.
That’s how I imagine the chat would go anyway if we were on ESMB (electric sewing machine buyer)…
More seriously, sounds like a great deal, and JL still stand behind their purchases don’t they.
And just imagine how an Avinox sewing machine would climb hills ffs! 
- Thread starter
- #109
My wife was teaching our 7-year old daughter how to use the sewing machine that she'd had since she made her own wedding dress. Electric foot pedal to control speed. My wife was adjusting something at the pointy end and my daughter touched the pedal with her foot when she was shifting her position on her chair. You can guess what happened next.
Yes! My wife ended up with her thumb stitched to a cushion cover! Yikes!
Wife didn't panic, she back-pedalled (wrong technical term, but you will know what I mean). This undid the stitches and left her disconnected from the blood-stained fabric. I'm told it hurt quite a bit, both going in and coming out!
Years later, when she was teaching our 7-year old granddaughter to use the machine, she made sure that the pedal was well out of the way. Pain is a great teacher!
Yes! My wife ended up with her thumb stitched to a cushion cover! Yikes!
Wife didn't panic, she back-pedalled (wrong technical term, but you will know what I mean). This undid the stitches and left her disconnected from the blood-stained fabric. I'm told it hurt quite a bit, both going in and coming out!
Years later, when she was teaching our 7-year old granddaughter to use the machine, she made sure that the pedal was well out of the way. Pain is a great teacher!
My wife is a keen seamstress......be aware next purchase will be a rise and fall desk...why?....well the sewing machine needs to be a the right height but beforehand and afterwards cloth needs to be cut to pattern, seams ironed etc....Just buiilt one for my wife.
- Thread starter
- #111
Rise and fall desk! I like the sound of that, but for my granddaughter! My wife uses her sewing machine when she needs to, not for fun any more. But my now 15-year old granddaughter uses it for fun and to make money. She is not into bikes and never has been, unlike her elder brother who has been besotted with mtb since he was two years old! Maintaining the value of presents for them has been hard. It's easy to spend a lot on bikes and stuff, not so easy on dolls, fabrics and multi-coloured pens. Maybe a rise and fall desk for her sewing machine will do the job!
It can also be used as a computer/laptop desk.......in fact probably its main intended use. Users can choose to either sit or stand at the desk.Rise and fall desk! I like the sound of that, but for my granddaughter! My wife uses her sewing machine when she needs to, not for fun any more. But my now 15-year old granddaughter uses it for fun and to make money. She is not into bikes and never has been, unlike her elder brother who has been besotted with mtb since he was two years old! Maintaining the value of presents for them has been hard. It's easy to spend a lot on bikes and stuff, not so easy on dolls, fabrics and multi-coloured pens. Maybe a rise and fall desk for her sewing machine will do the job!
Yeah, I felt a little bead of sweat developing on my forehead while reading that post. It doesn’t help that in a few hours I have an appointment for the Covid and Flu vaccine.That just made me feel a little bit queasy!
- Thread starter
- #115
I have already looked at a range of elctrically powered rise and fall desks. They look just the job. I just have to determine how big it needs to be. I am trying to resist the siren call of Black Friday deals, because I'd be sure to get the wrong size!
My mother made some of our clothes on her Singer sewing machine. Double lined pants for the cold winter school days in Quebec and Ontario. With 4 children, my military father, and medical nurse mother, kept us supplied with the necessities. It was only years later that we appreciated their efforts. I still remember my first trike.
- Thread starter
- #117
Before we start reminiscing about "how times were hard when I was young," watch this sketch by Month Python. "The Four Yorkshiremen!
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Y'know what's really hard? Watching English comedians on YouTube with no subtitles! But the parts I can understand are hilarious!
- Thread starter
- #119
They were literature graduates of Oxford universities pretending to have an extreme Yorkshire dialect. They were addressing each other with first names (Obadiah, for ex.) that ceased to be in common use over a hundred years before the sketch was written. Very few Yorkshire folk speak like that, except as a caricature. I should know, my first 26 years were lived in Yorkshire. So don't give yourself a hard time, half the people of Southern England would have struggled as well.
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