The risk to the Uk is now high.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 have been put in place to reduce the risk of further human-to-human transmission in this country by keeping individuals in isolation.

Amid this developing situation, being a responsible Electric bike supplier, we would like to assure you the health of both our customers and our team members is our biggest priority. We are closely following the advice of Public Health England and the World Health Organisation and introducing a wide variety of measures to minimise the impact to public health.

Safety & Hygiene

Cleaning in our show room has been intensified, with our teams regularly sanitising their hands and maintaining distance when working with customers.

We will still carry on with test rides as these are done outside and assure you that each bike is then thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

We encourage customers to use contactless payments where possible and the bigger transactions can be done by us on the computer with a receipt emailed instantly.

None of us have been abroad in the last nine months and if any team member were to show even mild signs of flu-like symptoms we will follow the government advice surrounding medical care and self-isolate.

Try At Home Service

For those of you who don’t want to be out and about all our store products are available to order direct online from our website We use Royal Mail for our smaller items who are doing contactless delivery. They will knock on your door, place your item on the doorstep before stepping away to a safe distance for you to retrieve it. For ebikes ordered online or over the phone we can also arrange a contactless hand over.

We will continue to offer our try at home service; where we take several bikes out giving customers the chance to try the bikes before purchasing.

With bases in Basingstoke and Wincanton, we are regulars of the A303 corridor. We can easily cover Hampshire, Berkshire, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.

If you wish to book a test ride on any of our electric bikes please call us on 01256 353465/07771 927354 or email info@espokes.co.uk

Cycling For Health

All this has caused many of us to have anxiety and start to get depressed. Worry not! We know due to a 2018 study by Vitality Health; cyclists’ levels of depression are 25% lower than that of sedentary people making them more satisfied with life in general.

Cycling regularly improves physical and mental health. It is also a good remedy against sedentary illnesses and halves the risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer. Giving a fitness level equal to someone ten years younger.

Special Offers

In view of all this; we at Espokes would like to help get us all through this phase the best way we can. We want to keep everyone fit and healthy in mind and body. Here are some offers we have put together to help make cycling more accessible;

Our Ex-Demo Hunter Step through is now only £999 saving you £51.

We are giving FREE selected accessories with EZEGO ebikes sold.

£100 off the Raleigh Motus Open making this Bosch powered Raleigh electric bike an absolute steal at only £1,700

Click on the ebikes below for more information

Finally

We are continuously monitoring the situation. Following direction given by the government. We will take whatever action is necessary to protect the health of our customers and our teams.

Cycling can be a key part of the transport solution. Many of our core service workers such as NHS staff still need to travel to work. Cycling is a much better solution to maintain social distances than on public transport. For this reason we plan to remain open as long as is possible. If you need to purchase an ebike, bicycle accessories or if you rely on your bike and need us to help keep it running we will be here.

We will notify you of any changes to our working hours or the way we operate as it happens through our Facebook

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A good place to start is by browsing our range of discounted electric bikes.

We have bikes to suit everyone; from the latest generation 4 Bosch motor to the Fazua drop handlebar road bike. Fly up the hills on a road bike, go trekking on tracks and trails and mountain biking.

We also have bikes and accessories ideal for your commute to work; that trip to the shops, picnic or for visiting friends.

Short of space? Treat yourselves to one of our folding electric bikes. They are easy to fold and fit into small spaces and car boots; a must for saving on parking charges as you can park out of town or jump on a train or bus or simply cycle in.

Cycling is said to ‘make you happy’ and at Espokes we want everyone to experience this, so why not come and join our Breeze Champion Laura on her Breeze rides which she is putting on throughout January & February in Basingstoke. These are fun, social bike rides to encourage women to become more active, improve fitness and meet new like minded people. Click here to sign up

Pop along to our Showroom in Basingstoke and discuss your preferences with our friendly staff. Give us a ring on 01256 353465 and book an appointment for Wincanton or book us to pop along to your preferred location or home where you can try a selection of ebikes stress free on your own hills.

The post Embrace the January Blues appeared first on Espokes.

The ultimate lifestyle electric bike Designed in Britain and made in Europe with the rider in mind. Using the latest technology from market-leader Bosch giving the ultimate experience. With different colour options; choice of hub or derailleur gearing systems plus a mixture of frame types, there’s a Motus for everyone. Browse the range here or read on to find out more.

Take your cycling to the next level. Grasping the demands of your life with the entry-level Motus; which uses the latest technology to deliver a premium electric bike experience. Featuring the newly re-engineered Bosch active line motor; the compact purion display; 7-speed gears from Shimano and a 300WH power pack battery offering long-lasting energy with stunning ergonomic design. Available in low step, crossbar and open frame styles; allowing for a perfect fit in different colours all for only £1800.

Impressed? Here are a few more facts on the Raleigh Motus range

Battery

The Bosch PowerPack battery gives reliable, long lasting energy storage with ergonomic design. These lithium ion batteries combine impressive mileage performance and a long-life expectancy. They have a battery management system that detects potential sources of error and protects cells from overloading.

Check out the Bosch range calculator to see how far your Bosch power pack will take you.

Motor

Newly re-engineered Bosch Active Line and Active Line Plus motors make the new Motus range of ebikes ideal for city riding, roads or cycle paths. The Active Line Plus gives a little extra power output, offering extra assistance on inclines. Ideal for a hilly commute or on those steeper country roads.

Display

The Motus keeps it simple with the compact Purion display whereas the Motus Tour and Grand Tour feature the advanced Intuvia display. Both these systems offer four riding modes, eco, tour, sport and turbo, with the option to take the power off too. They are easily operated from the handlebars

Hills, long distances, being unfit or not being comfortable are all in the past. Put a smile on your face. Have fun and be healthier. All whilst feeling satisfied that you are helping make the environment better and leaving the car at home!

See and experience these great bikes for yourselves!

Our test ride service is the ideal way; choose between coming to our Basingstoke Showroom; Wincanton outlet or we can even come to your home, workplace or location of your choice.

We’re always happy to help with any questions you have and advise you on the best ebike for your lifestyle.

Step into the future of cycling, come and test ride BOOK NOW

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“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” Mother Theresa.

Women’s day dates to February 28th, 1909 originating in New York. The Socialist Party of America, celebrated this day, in honour of the garment workers’ strike in 1908. Women picketed and marched, demanding improved working conditions and equal rights.

Inspired by the Americans, renowned German Socialist Luise Zietz established ‘International Woman’s Day’ in the general meeting of the Socialist International in Copenhagen in 1910 and on March 19, 1911, International Women’s Day was held for the first time in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland. Over 1 million men and women joined in rallies for women’s right to vote and have equal rights and opportunities in the workforce.

During World War I, women in Russia celebrated International Women’s Day in February 1913 and again in 1917. They protested and called a strike for “Bread and Peace” on the last Sunday in February. According to the Gregorian calendar, this fell on March 8.

To express solidarity In Europe, women held protest rallies from as early as March 8th, 1914 and so it became that during late 1975 the United Nations took up International Women’s Day on March 8th.

We at Espokes would like to join hands together to support, raise, inspire and motivate women. We know that mountain biking is a favourite of many women and to celebrate the achievements of Katy Winton the Scottish pocket rocket known to be fast and fearless, we honour this remarkable contribution to our society by offering at a very special price the Lapierre Overvolt HT eMTB; a high-performance off-road hardtail, powered by the YAMAHA PW Centre Drive Motor which perfectly adapts to your pedalling pace offering an optimal degree of assistance depending on the lay of the land and together with a 36-volt 400wh lithium-ion battery, enables you to ride stronger and longer allowing you to experience hills, trails and nature on two wheels.

Mountain bike trail centres have grown in popularity over the past few years and offer a great safe environment to get you started. If you are nervous going out on your own check out your nearest HSBC UK Breeze mountain bike ride on the British Cycling’s guide.

Don’t miss out on our superb eMTB offer, book your test ride today 01256 353465

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The snowdrops and crocuses have risen to join the early daffodils. The days are getting longer and warmer. Now is the time to get the bike out and give it a little spin. Not too far to make our limbs hurt. Maybe into the village to the nice café with seating outside. Or around country lanes to appreciate the spring lambs and to get that fresh glow on our cheeks. Everything is right with the world and for that moment whilst on two wheels, we feel happy.

Wait! Don’t jump on that saddle, ‘what should a cyclist check before starting a spring ride?’

The bike has been in the shed for a few months so make sure it is in tip-top condition before heading out. You want to avoid having to do any roadside repairs or if you’ve got an electric bicycle any breakdowns or flat batteries.

Ideally, you or your bike shop should have given it a full service but at the very least give it a good clean, (We recommend Pedro’s Green Fizz) inspect the frame, lube the chain and make sure all your gears and brakes are working properly. Check your tyres for any nicks, cuts and road debris. Also, make sure they are pumped up to the correct pressures, these can be found on the side wall of most tyres. Check the batteries in lights if you have any and either replace or recharge as necessary. Hopefully, you have all been taking your ebike batteries indoors over the winter. They like to be kept at a consistent temperature of about 20 degrees. If you haven’t done so you should charge it and make sure it is working.

Don’t want to ride solo? Ride with a friend or two. It has been said that our best times on the bike often involve group rides. Want to make new friends and explore new avenues? Join a club, there are many local clubs that do social rides. Look at British cycling who put on many rides, both guided rides for everyone through to their Breeze networks which are for Women only. We have been running a series of Breeze cycle rides in Somerset throughout January and February for their Breeze Through Winter initiative. We have one more left this month which you can sign up to now; https://www.letsride.co.uk/rides/breeze-through-winter-february-rides-1

You don’t have to be a hardened or proficient cyclist to join any of these as they look out for each other and make sure everyone is happy. Come on, restore your physical and mental wellbeing get that bike out!

Email info@espokes.co.uk or call 01256 353465 to book your bicycle into our workshop.

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Shivering with cold whilst glancing outside the window at the dreary weather, feeling sluggish and overweight from lack of sleep and overindulgence, it is easy for us to slip into the January blues.

But what exactly should we be doing in that limbo time between Christmas and New Year?

Research shows “there is good evidence that being more active, physically and mentally, connecting with others and getting absorbed in interesting activities all help people to feel better.”So, finish off the leftover turkey, polish off the quality street and treat yourself to those yummy scrummy Turkish delights which have been twinkling away at you, but you have so far managed to resist because this year you are going to treat yourself and plan just one New Year’s resolution!

Buying an electric bike is a good investment. With many car journeys being under ten miles – you could easily swap these for your electric bike. So not only will you be keeping your New Year’s resolution this year – you will be cycling off those mince pies and helping keep air pollution and congestion down.

Electric bicycles offer the same benefits as regular cycling; the difference is due to the motor and the power setting you choose which means greater distances and longer rides. Great news for the heart, lungs and blood pressure, so browse through our electric bikes and grab yourself a real bargain in our January sales, which we have started early just for you. After all, with a shiny new electric bike about to land in your garage – you will soon be making excuses to go cycling, come rain, shine or snow.

At Espokes we have four ex-demo electric bikes in our January sales. These are ebikes which have gone out on short test rides or been taken to shows throughout the year. Some of them may have cosmetic imperfections and additional mileage. More information can be supplied upon request – and you are more than welcome to come and see for yourself. These are fantastic ebikes at bargain prices and all come with a one year warranty on the frame, battery and motor.

Here is our favourite ex-demo ebike bargain

With 27.5” wheels and powered by the industry-leading Bosch performance centre drive motor, this ebike will reinforce your own muscle strength with speeds of up to 15.5mph. Guaranteeing you a fast and comfy ride.

Also up in the sale – we have a range of brand new electric bikes at discount prices. Stock on these items is limited, so you had better be quick.

Here is our favourite discoutned ebike

Ideal for that commute to work or a leisurely ride around town. The Shimano Steps mid motor system combined with the maintenance free Shimano Nexus 7 internal hub gear system give you a sophisticated riding experience.

Our favourite couples bargain

The ideal bargain for couples who like to mountain bike together. These his and her Ex Demo electric mountain bikes are high-performance off-road hardtails with minimal mileage. Deal applies in-store only.

Take advantage of these fantastic deals right away by visiting our online shop.

Call 07771 927354 to book an appointment in either Wincanton or Basingstoke from now until Wednesday, January 2nd where we will resume normal opening hours 10 am – 4 pm in Basingstoke and you can visit our showroom and browse our range of electric bikes and accessories; we will be on hand to answer any ebike related questions and take you for your free test ride.

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Electric Bikes are a fantastic Christmas Gift but what is Christmas really all about?

Christmas is a yearly festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

The month and date of Jesus’ birth are unknown.

By the early-to-mid fourth century the Western Christian Church had placed Christmas on December 25th, and from then on it is always a religious and cultural celebration on this day; a public holiday in many of the world’s nations.

Throughout the world, the celebratory customs associated with Christmas are a mix of pre-Christian, Christian and non-Christian themes.

Popular modern customs of Christmas include Advent calendars, Christmas songs, carol singing, sending cards, giving presents and decorating homes and towns with various Christmas decorations.

On Christmas day there are church services after a special meal, usually of turkey and ham or other meats with lots of vegetables. 

Christmas crackers to pull with jokes and a paper hat, finishing with a Christmas pudding traditionally set alight before eating.

Because of the tradition of bringing presents especially to children during the Christmas season by historical figures such as Santa Claus, Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas; the economic impact of Christmas has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world giving a much-needed boost to retailers and businesses.

Only 14 cycling days now left until Christmas.

One of the best gifts you can give this year is an electric bike.

Electric Bikes are fun, they keep you fit, give you freedom and are good for the soul.

They are a great way to start the New Year.

Getting fit will become not only a resolution but an excuse just to get out on your new ebike.

This year we introduced new models such as the Westhill range of ebikes.

They are modern and stylish with integrated battery hidden in the down tube.

The Classic has a traditional appearance whilst offering maximum comfort.

It offers the smoothest of rides with its latest high performance 40nm hub motor, 9 levels of assistance, front and rear disc brakes, Shimano 7 speed gears, all giving you great and leisurely ride;

The Ghost is discreet and lightweight with a frame offering unrivalled balance.

It gets you to the top of that hill faster without compromising on performance. It also has  front suspension which can be adjusted or even locked out for road cycling, perfect for that urban commute. Not forgetting a smart on-board tech for controlling and monitoring speed, battery, distance, lifetime distance and lights at a glance.

These are bikes with no compromise of power and freedom.

Priced from an unbelievable £1200.00 you cannot fail to be impressed.

To test ride these or any of our other fabulous ebikes come and visit our showroom on Stroudley road, Basingstoke where there’s plenty of free parking. For Wincanton please call to book an appointment on 01256 353465 or 07771 927354

If a little financial help is needed especially at this time of year; for a simple, quick and easy process take a look at our finance page.

To order an electric bike or top up on your stocking fillers with our wide range of accessories head over to our website www.espokes.co.uk

Our last day to guarantee you delivery in time for Christmas is Monday 17 thDecember. We will be open in Basingstoke until Saturday December 22 nd .

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“Choosing to support an independent business is an act of respect; it’s acknowledging the tremendous risk and challenges inherent to starting your own thing.” – Matt Kliegman, co-founder The Smile, The Smile To Go, Black Seed Bagels, via Forbes

Buy local and support a small independent business like us.

Small Business Saturday UK highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support small business in their communities.

Originally launched in the US in 2010 Small Business Saturday was scheduled to come a week after two of the biggest shopping days – Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Small businesses are important to the economic and social fabric of our society, and all of you play a part in small businesses surviving.

We feel there are many reasons why you should support our small business and not those of our larger competitors. Here are our three main ones:

Personal Service

We like our customers to feel happy and relaxed. We will bend over backwards for every single customer because you all matter to us.  We spend as long as is needed with each customer, tailoring our service to suit you, so you can rest assured you will purchase the right ebike to fit in with your lifestyle and needs.  We really do care about each and every one of our customers.

Family Run

We’re independent and have chosen our suppliers carefully to bring you the best selection of quality ebikes. We’re family run and will treat you as we would expect to be treated. We also offer the very best after sales service, so you can leave the showroom confident, we will always be here to support you and your ebike.

Respond Quickly

We are able to be flexible to our customers’ needs. We respond to feedback and suggestions and can easily implement new products or services.

We are Basingstoke’s only specialist electric bike sales, service and test riding centre, as well as the only Bosch accredited ebike experts in the area.

This year we are celebrating small business Saturday by doing free test rides.

We would urge you to help us save our economy by buying local and invite you to our Basingstoke showroom where you can browse our range of electric bikes and accessories; talk to experts who will be on hand to answer any ebike related questions and take you for your free test ride.

Click here to browse our range of stylish electric bikes

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Hands Up anyone who’s ever owned a Raleigh!! Mine was a Raleigh Silhouette! I attached a spare freezer basket on the front and a child seat on the back. Many an enjoyable ride followed with my daughter and Raggy Doll.

Here are a couple of pics of my daughter Laura on her first Raleigh. (I couldn’t find any pictures of my Silhouette!)

Sir Frank Bowden

One of the world’s oldest and best-known bike brands; Raleigh was founded by Woodhead and Angois in 1885; acquired by Sir Frank Bowden in 1888, who after suffering a spell of ill-health discovered a love for cycling whilst experiencing its health benefits first hand. Many years have passed, and Raleigh is still as strong now as they were when they were first established.

Now part of the Accell Group, a European-based company who own several Bicycle and Accessory brands throughout Europe and North America and are market leaders in electric bikes; invaluable to Raleigh’s product development; but bike design and wheel building are still traditionally done at Head office in their hometown of Nottingham.

In the 90s Raleigh was the first UK based company to produce and market mountain bikes and electrically assisted bicycles.

Low maintenance greatly priced with styles and performance to please everyone; the electric bike will improve fitness and wellbeing as well as reducing carbon footprint.

Let’s take the Motus range from the lightweight quiet cruiser with it’s Bosch active line at a remarkable price of £1650

to the Grand Tour, sleek and sophisticated with an award-winning Bosch Active + motor and 400Wh battery giving you a range of up to 110miles, perfect for city trips, relaxed tours and weekend adventures.

How about a bike that revolutionises the urban commuter ebike! Featuring a new frame design with adapted geometry to improve agility, Shimano Steps E6000 motor, carbon blades, hydraulic disc brakes and 400Wh Shimano battery. You won’t fail to wow on the Strada Elite, available in Blue or Silver at a stunning price of only £2250.

We don’t want you to miss out and have put this fabulous range in stock. So don’t dally, come and test ride BOOK NOW

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Reasons for owning an ebike

Why own an electric bike? Beating the hills, exploring the world whilst keeping fit, saving money and having fun! That is what owning an ebike means.

Electric bicycles offer the same benefits as regular cycling; the difference is due to the motor and the power setting you choose. Every time the pedals are pushed you’ll get three, four, five or maybe even 10 pedal strokes more. This means greater distances and longer rides. Great news for the heart, lungs and blood pressure as endless scientific study has proven the link between regular exercise and reduced stress levels.

According to a report by the Transport Research Laboratory, regular bikes are taken out of the shed less than 25 times a year, with 46% being used just once or twice a week. In comparison, 30% of people with electric bikes use them every day, while 81% ride them at least once a week. E-bikes are also good for those whose fitness isn’t what it could or used to be due to age or illness.

The average speed of cars in central London is 7.4mph! On an e-bike 15mph can almost instantly be reached, making them safer than ordinary bikes as it takes a few vital seconds for a regular cyclist to build up speed when stopped at junctions, crossroads and roundabouts; which is where most bike accidents on the road happen; due to the instant acceleration from the motor a faster exit from the danger zone is achieved. Ebike riders are also less likely to jump a red light and are more willing to slow for bends and corners; where many cyclists come off. Finally, being able to keep up with the flow of traffic more easily means, fewer cars, buses and lorries feel the need to overtake, making for safer riding.

With the many choices of stylish electric bikes and accessories now available; many have swapped their cars saving money on commuting as well as saving the planet making ebikes the “coolest way to travel”.

Give it a try and hire an ebike for the weekend www.espokes.co.uk/ebike-hire/

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