i bought mine 6 years ago and have done 5000 miles plus on it. The original battery will still do 35 miles on eco on cycle flat tracks. It used to do 50 plus when new. Fantastic value for money over this time. No rust as I keep it the garage. Just routine maintenance. I use E bike tyres with metal fabric reinforcing for no punctures. Years ago these bikes had bigger capacity batteries than the newer models do. I guess Halfords did this to keep the cost down. You can't get the high capacity batteries any more. Halfords told me they couldn't replace the batteries at all but when I complained to their head office they discovered this was a mistake and they could get one of the lower capacity ones. These will do about 40 miles when new.
I have recently purchased the Carrera mark 2 . This short video is full of solid practical information,with hints and tips for people like myself who are first time buyers of an E bike. After watching this video I now feel confident in my purchase. Cheers Andy.
Great video and information Andy. Glad she is still running well after 1.5k. I bought mine in Dublin, the only trouble I have had was the power turnning off and due to hitting any small bumps on the roads or cycle tracks. I have mostly solved that by tightening the top bracket, which holds the battery to the frame, an AK will fit it. I also added to tight bungie chords around the battery and frame. I have mainly used the bike in Eco and starting to use Tour, but as you point out, it is a jerky application of power. I must try the Sport mode. Thanks again and please keep updating the vids.
Hi Andy, great revue. I'd have thought you would have replaced the chain by now. I've got the Carrera Subway Ebike which is in the same price range but with rigid forks and I love it! I don't know why these Carreras get bad reviews because I reckon you can't get a better Ebike for the same money. The Subway has 9 speed gears and hydraulic disc brakes. I'm a 72 year old with a knackered knee and ride in Eco mode mostly, and I find I get around 25 miles per charge. Maybe 30 miles in warm weather
i`ve done 3k + on this model, rust is a lot less, tread on tyres ok well front ok, back is taking all the wear, break pads easy and cheap to replace only problem is th ebattery holder slipping but 10 min fix and the crank sensor errored so i took off cleaned and reseated working fine again. overall a good bike. i tend to use tour mode only turbo if i need it so it goes a good distance before needing charged, andy of course will get less as he has all that weight on there. I ride every day and tour keeps me at an average 16mph .
For example if it’s 250w motor which is the legal limit in the uk that’s it’s continuous rate so it will happily run all day at that, but in full power mode it could peak at ~500w which it is not designed to run all day at. So he may be being a bit dramatic but it will wear the motor more.
Hi Andy, really useful videos on the e bike especially. I'm after something mainly for commuting and also weekend rides mainly on towpaths /dirt roads without spending silly money. Would you recommend the bike for my needs or would you suggest an alternative. Cheers mate and have subbed as well. 👍🍺
Have a you had any issues with the bike in general where you have needed to return it to get fixed? There is alot of negative comments in the reviews of the bike on Halfords which is putting me off getting it. Thanks in advanced
Great stuff. After much deliberation and doubt I just ordered this very bike. Could you tell me please the make and model of the rear rack and panniers you added? Thanks. 😊
I purchased one of these bikes then had to replace it. then gave it back , the bike had to many issues. especially pulling me back. yes its cheap and not worth the hassle. I bought a volt double the price but my god its worth it. sorry mate halfords attitude was crap aswell
I’ve one of there for a year and Can see no difference in any of the modes and l find It very underpowered on hills . I’m wondering is it stuck in eco mode
I near enough changed every part, can't help myself, the chain is next, but does need doing, after so many miles, still need a kick stand tho, and went with the fitted rack, carbon seat post,
I bought new 24 and eco and tour mode is difficult unless it's in sport mode IV pretty much just been sport mode and pulled a couple of wheelie s and then noticed a quiet clicking noise when pedaling
I thought one of the modes was supposed to keep you at a certain speed so say your normal mph is 12 however that might mean you actual do 15 on the flat so the power comes in on hills etc to keep you at that faster speed?
Hi Andy. I ride 11 miles to work every day. Mainly flat but a few big hills. I ride in eco for 90% of the time seem to be a constant 16mph? I didn’t know it stopped assisting at 8mph on this mode?
@@Batchx10 11 miles there and 11 miles back mate👍 I have found that it loses abit of power during the day. When I get to work it’s at around 68% but when I ride to come home it’s dropped to 50% still more than enough to get me home. It’s 8 hour shifts so that’s how long it’s off for. I recently had to get the headset changed at 1250 miles as it was losing connection to the motor. £100 job but the guy did it for free cos he had a spare one and realised it was crap lol
had mine for 2 months and done over 1200 miles no problems yet riding it to and from work, worst thing about my ride is if i don’t recharge my battery in work im not getting home without putting it in in eco mode for abit and eco mode is awful
Hi Andy don’t no if you remember me I got my vengeance a couple weeks after you have you had any issues with it not turning on lights on the battery are on but no screen ?
Check the cable plug/ socket to the motor hasn't worked lose. The one which you pull apart if you need to take the back wheel off. Hope that helps. If not take back to halfords. Atb Andy
Hi, any idea how to change the speed setting display from kph to mph? Picked my bike up yesterday from Halfords and didnt realise its in wrong mode I cant seem to change it????
Hi Andy, any updates on the Vengeance? Also, a quick question - mine has done about 1,650 miles no real issues but just wondering in the original state are the tires fitted with tubes or not? Thanks again and I hope you and the bike are going strong.
If it's a geared hub motor it will be just like a normal bike that's a bit heavier but some of the Mid drive motors are really hard to pedal without motor power. Direct drive motors on the other hand are very difficult to pedal without motor power because the magnets create a drag this doesn't exist on geared hubs that have a clutch which completely disengages the motor from the wheel. I went from a rear gear hub to a bosch powered bike and the difference was huge, + the mid drive motor are usually in higher end bikes and people assume they're better than hub motors, they're not, especially for normal road use hubs are even better in my opinion as they won't wear out your drive train. Hub motors tend to be in cheaper bikes and they usually are given much less power so people automatically assume mid motors are better. + there's nothing like the smoothness of gear hubs compared to chain drive.
After it runs out of battery does it ride like normal bike or it becomes very heavy and difficult to pedel? 2. How good does it climb very steep hills?
I got mine a week ago and day one im having issues, i fully charged the battery and do 10 miles. 5 miles in my battery loses 40%, then 5 miles back, i lose 6% battery. So i dont know if it's actually a battery problem or if the battery % indicator isn't accurate 🤔 aslo the ride back is up a steep hill so no way i lose only 6%
I've had this bike for several days now and I have not had problems with it so far. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv The handlebars, seat+ seat post, pedals, and front wheel were detached for shipping. It was easy to reassemble, but I did need to go out and buy a set of tools in the metric system to reattach parts. Use lubricant (WD-40 works well) on screw threads and hinges before re-assembling.(NOTE: Do Not Throw Away Any Of The Packaging Until After Assembly Because Some Of The Packaging Contains Small Parts That You Will Need To Reattach Parts!!!)Took it to a bike kitchen for fine tuning afterwards, and for refilling the tires (they'd lost some air during shipping) and then practiced riding on it. It fits me perfectly at 5'4" with the seat at the lowest possible setting--would not recommend for anyone shorter, as it may be difficult to get on and off the bike without assistance of some kind. The aluminum body is beautifully welded together--the only thing that irks me somewhat is some of the plastic parts, but oh well. Not too experienced with bikes (haven't owned one in years) but if you're not willing or are unable to spend $600+ on another bike, I would say this is a good way to get started. Just check everything before you go out riding--air levels in the tires, wobbling of the seat, handlebars, or pedals, loose screws/parts, you know, as it will happen over time. Common sense. Good luck to ya, and hope my review helps.
What pannier rack do you have for this bike? My wife has the women's version of this bike, and I have been trying to find her a decent pannier rack to hold enough weight for us to go bike packing together. Thanks!
bike rack from amazon www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B083TY37RH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 bags www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07H6LSL3D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 hope that helps, atb Andy
If the bike is stored outside, do you protect the lcd ?? Mine stops working when it gets wet (the motor dosnt). I know pop a sandwich bag over it when it rains 🤭
@@antbuzz180 My lcd got rain water in it and it kept going into walking mode all by itself. I had to get all of the water out of it to stop it running away from me. I now put a sandwich bag over it.
00 is controller problem, think 33 is battery problem. Check battery connections clean, if the controllers not getting the correct power from the battery it will cause 00.
Anyone have an issue with the crank sensor snapping I’ve had it replaced 3 times and it always breaks the same way, I feel like it’s just the way it’s manufactured due to a plastic cover being right next to a metal chain that may slip every now and again
i bought mine 6 years ago and have done 5000 miles plus on it. The original battery will still do 35 miles on eco on cycle flat tracks. It used to do 50 plus when new. Fantastic value for money over this time. No rust as I keep it the garage. Just routine maintenance. I use E bike tyres with metal fabric reinforcing for no punctures. Years ago these bikes had bigger capacity batteries than the newer models do. I guess Halfords did this to keep the cost down. You can't get the high capacity batteries any more. Halfords told me they couldn't replace the batteries at all but when I complained to their head office they discovered this was a mistake and they could get one of the lower capacity ones. These will do about 40 miles when new.
How much is it to get the battery replaced?
Look on line at Halfords. They have now started to do reconditioned batteries for the original carrrras which are about 250 quid i think
I have recently purchased the Carrera mark 2 . This short video is full of solid practical information,with hints and tips for people like myself who are first time buyers of an E bike. After watching this video I now feel confident in my purchase. Cheers Andy.
What’s the max speed on it
Great video and information Andy. Glad she is still running well after 1.5k. I bought mine in Dublin, the only trouble I have had was the power turnning off and due to hitting any small bumps on the roads or cycle tracks. I have mostly solved that by tightening the top bracket, which holds the battery to the frame, an AK will fit it. I also added to tight bungie chords around the battery and frame. I have mainly used the bike in Eco and starting to use Tour, but as you point out, it is a jerky application of power. I must try the Sport mode. Thanks again and please keep updating the vids.
You have to be in an easy gear and speed up o get the power started
Hi Andy, great revue. I'd have thought you would have replaced the chain by now. I've got the Carrera Subway Ebike which is in the same price range but with rigid forks and I love it! I don't know why these Carreras get bad reviews because I reckon you can't get a better Ebike for the same money. The Subway has 9 speed gears and hydraulic disc brakes. I'm a 72 year old with a knackered knee and ride in Eco mode mostly, and I find I get around 25 miles per charge. Maybe 30 miles in warm weather
Great review buddy. Looks like the bike has survived 1500 miles in good nick. Still going through the backlog of you tube vids! 😊👍👍👍
Cheers brother hope your well
Nice video mate. ive put shwalbe marathon plus tyres on my Trek. No punctures so far and used on some really rough tracks.
Good no nonsense vid looks like an affordable easy to use bike , food for thought, stay safe
Thanks for watching and your comment Atb Andy
Hi, I've had this bike for 4 years and I still enjoy using it
All modes work to 15.5 mph just provide different levels of assistance , I find eco more then enough
Andy, well made and informative. Brilliant thanks.
Thanks for watching and your comment Atb Andy
I have one of these bikes ,really good worth every penny .
i`ve done 3k + on this model, rust is a lot less, tread on tyres ok well front ok, back is taking all the wear, break pads easy and cheap to replace only problem is th ebattery holder slipping but 10 min fix and the crank sensor errored so i took off cleaned and reseated working fine again. overall a good bike. i tend to use tour mode only turbo if i need it so it goes a good distance before needing charged, andy of course will get less as he has all that weight on there. I ride every day and tour keeps me at an average 16mph .
The lights look pretty cool at night. Thanks for sharing buddy. Tc Andy
Thank you for watching and your comment Atb Andy
When I bought this bike the guy in Halfords said it would ruin the battery/motor if I constantly ride it in sport mode is that true?
no, i used to ride in sport mode all the time, Atb Andy
Thank you mate👍
For example if it’s 250w motor which is the legal limit in the uk that’s it’s continuous rate so it will happily run all day at that, but in full power mode it could peak at ~500w which it is not designed to run all day at. So he may be being a bit dramatic but it will wear the motor more.
Good review, thanks 🙂 But put hydraulic brakes on it 😀 😀
Hi Andy, really useful videos on the e bike especially.
I'm after something mainly for commuting and also weekend rides mainly on towpaths /dirt roads without spending silly money.
Would you recommend the bike for my needs or would you suggest an alternative.
Cheers mate and have subbed as well.
👍🍺
This bike will do you fine, thanks for watching and your comment Atb Andy
@@andyoutdoors4350 Brilliant, thanks so much for your reply, looking like I'll be heading for Halfords.👍🍺
i got 1 in the garage which i havnt used since my car got fixed but its a gem and i do miss riding around on it
Have a you had any issues with the bike in general where you have needed to return it to get fixed? There is alot of negative comments in the reviews of the bike on Halfords which is putting me off getting it. Thanks in advanced
Ive now done 3,000 miles no issues
I bought mine today from Halfords now the thing on the bar won’t turn on😂😂useless
You can easy sort problems diy
@Officiallybwfc how much did you pay because I just looked at one and it was 1300 with thin tyres I didn't like and had a controller on handlebars
Great video, by the way, where did you get your panniers from ? thanks Andy !
Hi, first of all thanks for watching and your comment. I no longer have this bike as it was stolen, but yea the panniers was off amazon
@@andyoutdoors4350 Thanks Andy 👍 Sorry about the bike 😩
Hi there great video can I ask where you got your stand from please I love this bike but think it needs a stand with it
Amazon thanks for watching
Would you happen to have a link please for that actual stand 😊
Great stuff. After much deliberation and doubt I just ordered this very bike. Could you tell me please the make and model of the rear rack and panniers you added? Thanks. 😊
Hi. Great video. I just a quick question: How well does the bike perform when pedaling without using the motor?
All i can say is its hard work, but if your fit fairly manageable Atb Andy
@@andyoutdoors4350 Great. Thanks for the reply.
I purchased one of these bikes then had to replace it.
then gave it back , the bike had to many issues.
especially pulling me back.
yes its cheap and not worth the hassle.
I bought a volt double the price but my god its worth it.
sorry mate halfords attitude was crap aswell
I’ve one of there for a year and
Can see no difference in any of the modes and l find It very underpowered on hills . I’m wondering is it stuck in eco mode
Doesn't sound right, mine makes the hills an absolute breeze to get up.
I near enough changed every part, can't help myself, the chain is next, but does need doing, after so many miles, still need a kick stand tho, and went with the fitted rack, carbon seat post,
I bought new 24 and eco and tour mode is difficult unless it's in sport mode IV pretty much just been sport mode and pulled a couple of wheelie s and then noticed a quiet clicking noise when pedaling
I thought one of the modes was supposed to keep you at a certain speed so say your normal mph is 12 however that might mean you actual do 15 on the flat so the power comes in on hills etc to keep you at that faster speed?
What saddle have you got on that bike Andy ,sorry if you’ve been asked before ?.
Im not sure of the name, i just bought a jell saddle off amazon, Atb Andy
Hi Andy. I ride 11 miles to work every day. Mainly flat but a few big hills. I ride in eco for
90% of the time seem to be a constant 16mph? I didn’t know it stopped assisting at 8mph on this mode?
11 miles there 11 miles back? Or just 11 miles? Only asking as I want one and will have to bike 9.8miles there and 9.8 back
@@Batchx10 11 miles there and 11 miles back mate👍 I have found that it loses abit of power during the day. When I get to work it’s at around 68% but when I ride to come home it’s dropped to 50% still more than enough to get me home. It’s 8 hour shifts so that’s how long it’s off for.
I recently had to get the headset changed at 1250 miles as it was losing connection to the motor. £100 job but the guy did it for free cos he had a spare one and realised it was crap lol
Same it always stop at 16mph no matter what mode I set it on
had mine for 2 months and done over 1200 miles no problems yet riding it to and from work, worst thing about my ride is if i don’t recharge my battery in work im not getting home without putting it in in eco mode for abit and eco mode is awful
It's like cycling a tank in eco mode
Hi Andy don’t no if you remember me I got my vengeance a couple weeks after you have you had any issues with it not turning on lights on the battery are on but no screen ?
Check the cable plug/ socket to the motor hasn't worked lose. The one which you pull apart if you need to take the back wheel off. Hope that helps. If not take back to halfords. Atb Andy
Hi, any idea how to change the speed setting display from kph to mph? Picked my bike up yesterday from Halfords and didnt realise its in wrong mode I cant seem to change it????
Sorry Andy what happened with the other bike that had motor problems? Are you happy now with Halfords service?
Halfords replaced the bike with the motor problem, but i no long have an ebike as it was stolen. Atb Andy
@@andyoutdoors4350 Sad I was really enjoying the reviews. Would you buy the same bike again, or something different now in hindsight?
@@richardbarrett4104 good question
Hi Andy. Can you tell me how you have put a stand on your bike. With all the wires.?
I asked a lad in Halfords. But he didn't have a clue. Thanks 🚴👋
Stay tuned i will do a short video about it soon Atb Andy
The one I looked at Halfords near me and one was 1300 with thin tyres and and a LCD control on handlebars , what inch frame is yours
Hi Andy, any updates on the Vengeance? Also, a quick question - mine has done about 1,650 miles no real issues but just wondering in the original state are the tires fitted with tubes or not? Thanks again and I hope you and the bike are going strong.
Yes they have inner tubes
What happens after it runs out of battery? Is it really heavy to push?
You can still peddle it but it becomes very heavy and requires so effort
If it's a geared hub motor it will be just like a normal bike that's a bit heavier but some of the Mid drive motors are really hard to pedal without motor power.
Direct drive motors on the other hand are very difficult to pedal without motor power because the magnets create a drag this doesn't exist on geared hubs that have a clutch which completely disengages the motor from the wheel.
I went from a rear gear hub to a bosch powered bike and the difference was huge, + the mid drive motor are usually in higher end bikes and people assume they're better than hub motors, they're not, especially for normal road use hubs are even better in my opinion as they won't wear out your drive train.
Hub motors tend to be in cheaper bikes and they usually are given much less power so people automatically assume mid motors are better.
+ there's nothing like the smoothness of gear hubs compared to chain drive.
I feel like buying one is it worth the £980
After it runs out of battery does it ride like normal bike or it becomes very heavy and difficult to pedel? 2. How good does it climb very steep hills?
Yes becomes heavy, but it can tackle steep hills in North Wales no problem. atb andy
3 mph is a Sunday walk. 4 mph and you are really pushing it and possibly overtaking joggers!
Can a Bigger speedo display. be put on this bike, It’s very small to read Many thanks in advance.
Not that im aware of, Atb Andy
Hi Andy got a link to the end of handle bar lights pls mate ..TIA Paul 👍🏻🚴
Up coming video about the lights, stay tuned buddy
I got mine a week ago and day one im having issues, i fully charged the battery and do 10 miles. 5 miles in my battery loses 40%, then 5 miles back, i lose 6% battery. So i dont know if it's actually a battery problem or if the battery % indicator isn't accurate 🤔 aslo the ride back is up a steep hill so no way i lose only 6%
Have you been around coastline with it, near the sea ?
stupid question probably but i assume you need insurance for these im about to invest in one
I've had this bike for several days now and I have not had problems with it so far. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv The handlebars, seat+ seat post, pedals, and front wheel were detached for shipping. It was easy to reassemble, but I did need to go out and buy a set of tools in the metric system to reattach parts. Use lubricant (WD-40 works well) on screw threads and hinges before re-assembling.(NOTE: Do Not Throw Away Any Of The Packaging Until After Assembly Because Some Of The Packaging Contains Small Parts That You Will Need To Reattach Parts!!!)Took it to a bike kitchen for fine tuning afterwards, and for refilling the tires (they'd lost some air during shipping) and then practiced riding on it. It fits me perfectly at 5'4" with the seat at the lowest possible setting--would not recommend for anyone shorter, as it may be difficult to get on and off the bike without assistance of some kind. The aluminum body is beautifully welded together--the only thing that irks me somewhat is some of the plastic parts, but oh well. Not too experienced with bikes (haven't owned one in years) but if you're not willing or are unable to spend $600+ on another bike, I would say this is a good way to get started. Just check everything before you go out riding--air levels in the tires, wobbling of the seat, handlebars, or pedals, loose screws/parts, you know, as it will happen over time. Common sense. Good luck to ya, and hope my review helps.
What pannier rack do you have for this bike? My wife has the women's version of this bike, and I have been trying to find her a decent pannier rack to hold enough weight for us to go bike packing together. Thanks!
bike rack from amazon
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B083TY37RH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
bags
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07H6LSL3D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
hope that helps, atb Andy
Got mine today. 🤪
Gteat stuff, what do you think
@@andyoutdoors4350 haven't seen yet stock at work.
brilliant just been for quick ride ,
Where did you get your kickstand from?
It from amazon, just a generic one
People say this bike is only 250w and very unrealiable
What's the specs on this Ebike
I'm getting the size of the battery and mortar it looks like it's
36v 10.4AH with 350w motor
Look through my channel, there is a video i did before this one about the specs, Atb Andy
Can you still ride without the motor
Yes but the bike becomes very heavy, like riding through mud
Would you recommend this bike for a 25 stone lad? 😂
If the bike is stored outside, do you protect the lcd ?? Mine stops working when it gets wet (the motor dosnt). I know pop a sandwich bag over it when it rains 🤭
I don't have any problems, maybe you have a fault
Maybe, only happens when it's pissing down, it's fine otherwise 🤭 just done 2250 on mine, great bike for the price.
@@antbuzz180 My lcd got rain water in it and it kept going into walking mode all by itself. I had to get all of the water out of it to stop it running away from me. I now put a sandwich bag over it.
@@bigdave4934 I do the same 🤣🤣
I've got a plastic freezer bag permanently on my display lol.
Do you have to pedal or can yu just use the moter
Yes its pedal assist
Whats the top speed?
These are limited to the uk legal maximum speed for ebikes 15 mph
Top speed depends on how good your legs are lol. On some downhill sections I'm hitting 25mph and if I pedal on a high ish gear I'm at 17mph.
Does this have a throttle on it
No its peddle assist only. Thanks for watching and your comment Atb Andy
Nice one.
Does it have a throttle
No
Does anyone know how to change the time on the little screen my time is wrong and idk how to change it😅
Are they waterproof
@@Rami-JAT12926 yes
@@andyoutdoors4350 and what top speed you hit thanks for vid am buying one tmz
Error 33 and 00 meaning fix ?
00 is controller problem, think 33 is battery problem. Check battery connections clean, if the controllers not getting the correct power from the battery it will cause 00.
Anyone have an issue with the crank sensor snapping I’ve had it replaced 3 times and it always breaks the same way, I feel like it’s just the way it’s manufactured due to a plastic cover being right next to a metal chain that may slip every now and again
Probably a manufacturing defect, i no longer have my bike, as it was stolen
@@andyoutdoors4350 brutal
You really don't take care of that bike
I don't even have it anymore, its not the fact of not caring, its the fact i didn't have suitable storage for it
@@andyoutdoors4350could of got a decent cover for it
Whats the length of the brake cables?
I don't know sorry
Just got one? No water bottle holder meh 🫤
Grrrr