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A Guide to Buying The Best Electric Mountain Bike For Under $1000

By Mark

If you are a hiker who likes to manoeuvre his/her way through the mountain forests on wheels, you might instantly resonate with the thought of biking. Navigating the jungles has become increasingly fun-filled; thanks to the electric mountain bike that are custom made to help you glide through the rusty terrain. Here’s what you need to know before buying one to jumpstart the expedition!

Bikes are an investment! Yes, with the environment sounding an alarm on pollution levels, it’s time to switch to fuel and smoke-free modes of commutation. And what could be better than cycling into the lap of nature without adding on to the black clouds that retard her bountiful offering?

While there is a range of options when it comes to e-bikes, finding an appropriate model than fits your budget and biking needs can seem challenging. This guide introduces you to the concept of electric bikes and to help you conveniently pick a befitting model one under $1000.

Know your equipment

Once you’ve decided that you want to buy an electric bike for mountaineering, it would be rewarding to do a little research before you buy one. And if you are a newbie, here we aim to help you through the process.

What is an e-mountain bike?

It is a bicycle that is powered by an integrated electric motor. Such a motor can support the rider when pedalling. The best thing about these e-cycles is that they are eco-friendly and don’t have a throttle. Only when you pedal, the motor will provide the required assistance to enable you to speed up.

Of course, there’s a speed limit that ensures that the cycle to be classified in that category. This again differs across countries.

For biking enthusiasts who want to explore the mountains on their bicycles, it would be good to know the different laws about biking. Follow the discussion on this forum for mountain biking rules and more.

Some places such as Europe have a maximum speed limit for pedelecs although you don’t need to have a license to cycle as of now. However, the ones that have a speed limit of 45km/h have been classified as motorised vehicles. Also, such bikes aren’t allowed on regular bikeways. Again, some countries such as Switzerland have different rules.

Not all bikes are designed alike. There are various types of electric MTBs that you can pick from. From the light to all-rounder category and power ones, you can shop for one that meets your needs.

You’ll come across those manufactured for commuters, touring bikers, e-SUV range of bikes, and more. Most modern high-quality electric bikes typically rally the mid-motor design while you might come across designs that continue using the hub motors. While the former offers better power and is fitted on bigger sized models, the latter is nearly extinct although can be found on some very inferior models.

As experts suggest, the safer and versatile bikes that offer more comfort and traction are usually the full-suspension variety. If you are looking for a model that offers a better climb, bikes that emphasise less travel may not be the best for you.

When selecting a model make sure to look at all aspects of the bike. For instance, its battery capacity, mode of assistance, the weight of the rider, and the inclination profile of your trekking route.

Find out more on recommended areas where you can use your e-bikes at https://www.quora.com/Where-can-I-ride-my-electric-mountain-bike

The configurations make much of the difference in your electric bicycles. Every bike has a set of advantages and disadvantages, but the ones that integrate all factors make it a robust model. A closer look at the wheel specs, frame construct, gears, etc. can help you select a preferable model to suit the roads you wish to traverse.

Things like the frame will again depend on your budget. For instance, most e-bike models that cost under $1000 are likely to have aluminium bodies instead of carbon frames. However, not that the carbon frames are always better although they are relatively lighter.

Note, that the weight of your bike in an electric bicycle may not matter as much as that of a conventional one. Carbon frames are quite a favourite as these allow manufacturers to increased liberty on designing them innovatively.

The gears on your electric powered mountain bicycles can range from 8- 12 gears. Some of the age-old models featured even up to 30 gears making it more complex. The modern e-cycles provide compact gearing. When shortlisting your new vehicle, make sure that to look at its weight limit. This is important as it indicates the total load that your bike can withstand.

If you are searching for a vehicle under $1000 that also enables you to race uphill and downhill fearlessly, make sure that you check along these lines. Check out these tips to mountain bike downhill.

Performance

Your vehicle’s fittings play a great role in determining its performance. Some e-bike models allow for extended time travel. The ones that feature multiple functions of an assisted bicycle, normal, and that of an e-cycle score well.

Power

Speed is geared by the power potential of your vehicle and is you want to ascend the slopes, those on a higher motor can provide a better ride. High-powered e-cruisers can make your everyday commute or simple mountaineering effortless and free of fatigue.

Speed

If your purpose isn’t just to get there but to reach a destination speedily, this factor will become indispensable. Bikes with a transmission system can help you ride faster than the ordinary ones.

Check the range

The speed range matters although it may not give you the precise speed performances as it is likely to be affected by the terrain to be trailed. Consider the bumps, rocks, weight, slope, and the mode of use when considering this factor. Typically, good batteries and powerful motors can provide anywhere between 20-50 miles/hr.

Battery

Vehicles with a powerful motor need supportive battery health. Biking vehicles that offer up to 40-50 miles per charge are reasonably good. Look for models that can be charged on or off its frame.

Frame

As discussed earlier, the frame tells a lot about the structural durability of the bike. The wheels, seat tubes, and the alloy used to make up the endurance and stability of your vehicle.

Covering the major concerns, we hope that this guide will help you with your decision of buying electric mountain bikes.

Car Tips

5 tips for scrapping your car

By Mark

Sometimes, you just have to let go. Have some perspective. Reframe things. Ask yourself some searching questions; should that old banger sitting in your drive be a source of eternal embarrassment or a ticket to quick cash? Indeed, once you’ve decided your long and often arduous relationship with your car has run its course, then there’s no shame in accepting it’s destined for the scrap heap.

When you’re planning to scrap your car there a few things to bear in mind to get the best possible deal from the process. These are those; our 5 IDEAL tips for scrapping your car.

KNOW THE LAW AROUND CAR SELLING & SCRAPPING

In the UK, somewhere between 6 million and 7 million cars are sold every year. A further two million are scrapped. Under the (commendably) strict environmental policies of the EU, cars must be disposed of in a particular way. Laws and regulations which were brought in to reduce the rate of theft of metals such as copper mean that it is illegal for car owners to be paid cash on the spot for their vehicles. Note that this doesn’t mean that you can’t get any money for scrapping your car, just that paper money ought not change hands. All this means is that it’s important to keep on top and in the know about changes to laws surrounding the subject.

Be aware of services who give you a quote and then offer to collect your car and pay you cash almost instantly. This is illegal, and you should avoid such arrangements. Reputable car scrapping services will recycle any parts they can on your vehicle, as well as provide you with a certificate of destruction. It’s not illegal to get paid for scrapping your car as long as all the guidelines are followed, culminating in a payment by cheque or by bank transfer once your vehicle has been processed.

PREPARE FOR SCRAPPING

If your vehicle is more or less past it, and making money on it as a whole unit looks optimistic, then you could sell its various parts separately for scrap. It may seem bleak, but it’s better than nothing, right? Before you take the leap, make sure your old car is ready to be taken apart and sold. Cars, much like that drawer next to your bed, accumulate a lot of stuff over time; some useful, some not so. Do a thorough clear-out and check every nook and cranny before you bid farewell to your wheels. Remember, too, to cancel license plates and insurance to avoid any extra costs slipping your mind later down the line. What’s more, you should use up all of the petrol in the car; that’s extra money right there which you don’t want to be donating.

BE AWARE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER…

One of the parts of the car that many people claim is the most valuable is the catalytic convertor. But what is it and is it worth removing before your car is scrapped?

Your car relies on its fuel system and one of the additions to this system is a catalytic converter, an item which controls the harmful emissions that come from the engine. It does this using catalyst substances which in turn cause a chemical reaction mitigating those emissions and ensuring that they do not make their way out of the exhaust pipe. Without a catalyst convertor, your car is going to be pumping out hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide, all into the environment.

They might not look like much, similar to an exhaust silencer, but the catalyst convertor is a valuable part of the car. The main reason for this is that they contain precious metals including platinum, rhodium and palladium, all of which can be worth a fair amount of money if the part is opened and these materials removed.

…BUT BEWARE REMOVING IT YOURSELF

You might want to make the most money possible from your car, but for the majority of us, it’s not advised that a catalytic converter is removed from your car. The main reason for this is because the materials that are within the part, the ones that ensure that the chemical reaction occurs when the part is heated up next to the engine, are incredibly harmful.

If you are not aware of the process or the best way to remove the convertor then you’re going to put yourself at a risk of injury, which can be serious, and also of damaging that part of your car too.

If you damage the convertor when you remove it, then you are going to reduce the value that it can be sold for, which is the exact opposite of what you are going to want to do. Therefore, it’s a much better idea to trust the removal of all the parts in your car to an expert. Not only can they make sure that all the parts are removed in a safe way, but also that they are removed in a way that is going to make sure that you get the most money for your car when it is scrapped.

CONSIDER CHARITY

Several charitable organisations exist who will gladly take your car, arrange the scrapping of it and use the money for charity. If philanthropy is your thing (and it should be), then this channel should appeal. Charitycar.co.uk, giveacar.co.uk, cartakeback.com and Oxfam’s dedicated donation service are just a few of the major players here. They’ll even collect your car and give you a choice in which charity receives the donation.

Cars

How to put your number plate on retention

By Mark

Having a personalised number plate is pretty awesome and once you have one then chances are that you are going to want to keep it no matter if you buy a new car. If you have bought a personalised number plate and you need to know what to do if you want to keep it when you change your car, then you might want to read on through this guide to the steps to follow.

Can I keep my personalised number plate?

The big question is whether or not you are able to keep your personalised number plate should you choose to change your car and the answer that you are likely to be hope for is yes. In fact, it is actually relatively easy to do and doesn’t take too much time or effort.

It doesn’t matter if you are scrapping your car, or if you are simply selling it to buy a new one. The number plate that was bought for you, or that you bought as a treat for yourself, can come with you.

How do I keep my personalised number plate?

In order to keep your number plate you are going to need to fill out a form that is available online through the DVLA. This form is called a V317 and will let the authorities know that you want your number plate to be taken off of your current number plate and placed on a new car or kept to the side until you are ready to purchase a new vehicle.

Your car will need to be registered with DVLA, it will need to be able to move under its own power and it has to be taxed, or declared as SORN for the last five years continuously. Whilst most of the time this is enough, sometimes the DVLA will decide that they want to inspect the car before they will agree for the number place to be removed, however, this is rare and they will let you know if this is going to be the case.

If you are transferring your number plate to a new car, then you will need to ensure that you have the V5C registration certificate or the V5C/2 new keepers section of the previous owners V5C if you have purchased it from them.

Anything else that I need to know?

The form is not only to notify that you no longer wish for your personalised number plate to be associated with your car, but it will also ask you what you want to happen once the number plate is removed.

The process to remove a number plate from a car costs £80 and along with this cost you will also need to pay out for the new number plates to be made up, should you need to.

If you are not placing your personalised number plate on a new car then you can keep the plate for up to 10 years without having to registering it to a new vehicle. When the time comes to assign it to a new car, you will need to go through the same application process as if you were going to remove the plate from one car and transferring to another, however, there will be a certain part of the form that you will need to fill out.

When you have made an investment into a personalised number plate, it is good to know that you can take it with you should you want to change your car.

Audi

8 Cool Modified Audi R8 Cars

By Jodie

Showcasing 8 of the coolest modified Audi R8 sports cars from around the world. The Audi R8 was introduced by the German automaker Audi AG in 2006 and is a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car using Audi’s trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG’s high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform. The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built around space frame principles. The car is built by quattro GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi’s ‘aluminium site’ at Neckarsulm in Germany.

The following are 8 cool examples of owners who have modified their Audi R8 cars.

Chrome Audi R8 Spyder

This cool car needs just the kind of flash personality to go with it – someone like Elton John, for example. Audi has created this chrome version of its R8 Spyder for the Elton John Aids Foundation, and it was a fitting example of glamour for the White Tie and Tiara ball event from the foundation. Apart from the fact that the model is pretty much the same as a standard R8 Spyder with a V10 engine, we get no other details. But then again, that mirror finish just about speaks for itself.

Reiger Audi R8

This new styling aero kit features a front spoiler, side skirts, rear skirt, diffuser, rear wing, fog lights, and exhaust tips. It can be ordered from the Rieger online shop and will give the V8 Audi R8 a similar R8 V10 look. The car also received suspension tuning with an adjustable kit to drop it on the 20 or 21-inch rims.

Project Kahn Audi R8

Kahn lowers the suspension and slaps on 20′ F1-X rims made of lightweight carbon fiber.

Heffner Performance Audi R8 Twin Turbo

Heffner’s not bothered with much in the way of spoilers and trinketry, but it has gone ABSOLUTELY MENTAL on the engine. The 5.2-litre V10’s fitted with a twin-Garrett-turbo setup running 6psi of boost, which wrings 725bhp out of the original engine.

PPI GTR-10 Limited Edition Audi R8

The gold striping and look-at-me wing dangle it precariously on the edge of acceptability, but we’ll let off the PPI GTR-10 on account of its 601bhp. The V10 gets a roof-mounted air intake, vented liftgate glass, a free-flow exhaust system and remap job. Cool!

Stassis Challenge Extreme Edition

A hot new intake manifold, barky exhaust system and clever ECU software boosts power by 28% to 540bhp. It also gets lowered suspension, wide 20-inch alloys, uprated brakes and a stealthy satin finish.

Wheelsandmore Audi R8 V10

It’s got a special height-adjustable racing coilover suspension setup, stainless exhaust and remap job, which boosts power to 592bhp. It also looks v cool…and evil!

Motoren Technik Mayer Audi R8 V10

The V10’s been fiddled to produce 580bhp, there’s a funky new exhaust, downforce-fond body accoutrements, lightweight wheels and, of course, bright green paint. Yes it’s shouty and gauche, but that’s what an R8’s all about, right?

Cars

5 American Classics That Changed Driving Forever

By Mark

Ask anybody what the most iconic cars of all time are and you’ll get a different list every time. There are certain cars that make most people’s list, but you’ll usually find them full of all sorts. What you often find a lack of, is American cars. Ferrari and Lamborghini always make sure that Italy features high on the list, and Germany always has Porsche and BMW to fall back on, but the United States often gets forgotten. It’s surprising because some of the greatest car companies in the world, producing models that pushed the boundaries of the automotive industry have come from America. These classics have gone under appreciated for too long and it’s time they got the credit that they deserved. So, with that in mind, here is a list of American classics that changed driving forever.

Ford Model T

It’s a crime that the Ford Model-T gets overlooked because, without it, the face of the automotive industry could be very different today. Before Henry Ford came along, cars were something that was exclusively reserved for the rich and there wasn’t many on the road at all. But in 1908, that all changed. Ford’s new automated assembly line completely revamped the car industry and changed things forever. That shift from hand crafted to automated assembly line massively reduced the cost of producing the car, and those savings were passed on to customers. For the first time ever, cars were widely available, and more importantly, they were affordable to the average citizen. Within days, there were over 15,000 orders placed and the idea of the everyday family car was born. The Model-T was built to be large enough for the family, and the introduction of interchangeable parts meant that it was easy to maintain and repair. A few years down the line, the Model-T was being manufactured and sold all over Europe, and we haven’t looked back since.

Over 100 years later, dealerships like rebel ford are still selling great cars that carry on the engineering tradition that Henry Ford started all of those years ago. You won’t catch many people driving a Model-T these days but it deserves a mention because it single-handedly kick started a driving revolution that changed the car from a luxury item for the rich, into the indispensable part of life that we know it as today.

Ford Mustang

Ford didn’t stop at the Model-T, and they went on to create the most recognisable American car in the world. The Mustang is one of the only American made cars that gets the credit it deserves, but it still needs a mention. The original 1956 model is still the most iconic and they haven’t managed to match it since, but the newer versions are still incredibly popular. So much so that in 2013, Ford developed a right-hand drive model for sale in Britain. People often mistakenly call the Mustang a muscle car, but is in fact credited with being the first ‘Pony Car’. The term was coined by the magazine Car Life to describe an affordable car with a long hood that was marketed specifically at the younger generation. Since then, the style has become very popular and plenty of companies like Chevrolet and Pontiac have released their own versions.

Chevrolet Corvette

When people are choosing the best sports cars of all time, they usually go for the big Italian companies, but some of the US companies can easily compete. The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the original and the best affordable sports cars. A Porsche or a Lamborghini is going to set you back a lot of money, but the Corvette is a slightly more realistic ambition. The first model was released in 1953 and it’s always been incredibly cheap compared to its rivals. You might think that you’re going to have to compromise on performance when you’re buying a cheaper sports car, but that’s not the case with the Corvette. The Stingray model, released in 2014 is by far the best performing car in its price range.

Jeep Wrangler

Modern 4×4’s are more about style and less about functionality. They might look nice but if you take them off-road, most of them won’t get that far. But it wasn’t always that way. The Land Rover is the most popular British 4×4 but its American counterpart, the Jeep Wrangler, started it all. The commercial model was based on the original Jeep that was used by the US army during the Second World War, so you know it’s tough. When Jeep released the Wrangler, they started a new trend in off-road vehicles for the general public that has continued to this day. The no-nonsense angular designs and the robust engine made it a classic that people are still driving to this day.

Tesla Model-S

The Tesla Model-S is the newest car on the list. It isn’t on here because it has the kind of legacy that the Ford Model-T or the Mustang has. It’s on the list because, one day, it will change the face of driving in the same way that those old classics did. Electric cars are improving all of the time and it looks as though they’ll be the future of the automotive industry. Tesla is a massive company these days but when they released the Model-S, they were a relatively small startup company. That only makes their achievements even more impressive. Early electric cars were hugely inefficient and, although the idea was good, they weren’t actually practical. You wouldn’t have enough charge to do anything near a long journey. The Model-S was the first electric car that was actually a viable alternative to petrol and diesel engines, which is why it’s so important. Since then, Tesla has been pushing the boundaries even further by developing driverless cars. Just as current driving trends can be traced back to the Ford Model-T, the drivers of the future will look to the Tesla Model-S as patient zero of the new age of driving.

Without these cars, there’s no telling what driving would look like now.

Cars

The Best Vintage Car In 2017

By Mark

Buying and collecting vintage cars is such a fun thing to do. It gives you a chance to own a piece of automotive history, while also providing you with a nice little project too. There are loads of great vintage cars out there, but 2017 has seen one model rise to the top.

That’s right, the Porsche Boxster is now one of the most sought after and popular classic cars out there right now. It’s an iconic machine with unique looks and some great features. Today, I’m going to talk you through some of these great features and show you why this is a vintage car you need to own.

2002-2004 Porsche Boxster. *(Image via:* *http://bit.ly/2wlTxoH*)

Porsche Boxster Best Features

I could sit here all day and list the best features of this classic car. However, that would leave you with a blog post that’s way too long to read! Instead, I’ve selected the top features that stand out the most:

Great Design

Ironically, when the Boxster was first released, people were a bit meh about the design. They thought it looked a bit odd, but their opinions quickly changed. Over the years, it’s become one of the most iconic car designs of the last century. You’ll recognise a Boxster from a mile away due to the way the front of the car almost mirrors the back. Each model has undergone subtle changes, but the core design remains the same even to this day. Plus, it’s a fairly small and light car, which makes vehicle transportation easier for you. You can buy one on the other side of the country and get it to your home without paying an arm and a leg to have it transported to you.

Amazing Engine Performance

One of the best things about Porsche Boxster was their engine performance. All models were designed to be quick, and you got incredible acceleration out of them. The 2004 Porsche Boxster S was the one that stood out the most to me. It had a good 256 bhp that led to a top speed of over 160 mph and could do 0-60 in under 6 seconds. It’s a classic car you can have fun with and take out on the motorways when you want to just put your foot down and enjoy the ride.

Replacement Parts Available

When you buy a vintage car, you know you’re getting an old vehicle. As such, it will probably come with a few problems and may need work done on it. But, that’s all part of the fun of buying a classic car. The great thing about the Boxster is that there are still loads of replacement parts available. Porsche themselves still stock them, and you will find plenty of dealers that have parts for different versions too. This makes your life so much easier as you can work on repairing your vintage Boxster and getting it to the best condition possible.

There are loads of versions of this car that will be great to buy. I mentioned it earlier, and I think the 2004 Boxster S is the best shout. This is purely because it’s great value for money at the moment, was the fastest version of the car, and is probably my favourite design. Regardless, any version is a great buy if you want to kickstart your vintage car collection!

Cars

Think You Can’t Afford a Better Driving Experience? Think Again

By Mark

Have you completely fallen out of love with your car and the driving experience you get when you’re behind the wheel? It’s hardly an uncommon problem, and many people assume that it’s one that they can’t really fix. After all, replacing your car with a new one is not cheap, and if you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money. Don’t despair just yet, though. Here are some ways to get a better driving experience without spending a fortune on a new car.

Use Gadgets to Enhance Your Driving Experience

There are so many great car gadgets that you can take advantage of these days. Simply having more control over your car and how it drives can be very satisfying, and that’s what the best gadgets allow. You can use everything from electronic displays and GPS trackers to bluetooth kits and dashcams. Messing around with tech and using gadgets to extend and enhance the driving experience could turn out to be ideal for you. It’s definitely not something that you should just dismiss.

You Could Always Lease

If you really want to ditch your current car but can’t afford to buy a new one, you could always choose a lease option. This is something that is definitely worth considering if you don’t have the option to buy. Leasing is affordable, and it means that you can enjoy your driving experience once more. There are plenty of companies out there, such as Leasewell, that can help you with finding a lease deal that suits you and your needs. So, maybe it’s time for you to find out more about this option.

Gradual Tweaks and Home Upgrades Have an Impact

Improving your car is not something that has to happen overnight, and you don’t have to spend a pile of cash on it either. It’s perfectly possible to carry out gradual tweaks and upgrades on your car. If you want to get real value, you’ll do this yourself. Paying someone else to carry out upgrades is just far too expensive. Learn about which upgrades could benefit your car, and then carry them out in your own time at home. Doing this really does have an impact on how your car drives.

Change Yourself Not the Car

Maybe it’s not your car that’s the problem. You shouldn’t forget that the way in which you drive your car also has an impact on the kind of driving experience you get out of it. It’s not something that many people consider because no one likes to admit their own shortcomings. But there are things you can do to become a better driver. By taking an advanced driving course and picking up some fresh tricks and skills, you can move yourself onto the next level, which could be exactly what you’re looking for.

There is no reason why you shouldn’t take steps to improve your own driving experience. You deserve an experience that’s as strong as it can be, so make the most of the ideas above.

Cars

Why The Land Rover Is Still One of The Most Sought After Cars Ever

By Mark

The Land Rover has been around for an awfully long time, and yet, it has never lost its novelty. Many new cars that are released in this day and age have a huge hype surrounding them, which quickly dies down. Not the Land Rover. The Land Rover is still one of the most sought after cars ever. Here’s why:

Unmatched As An Off Road Vehicle

The Land Rover is absolutely unmatched as an off road vehicle. There’s no other off roading vehicle out there that performs quite as well as the Land Rover. If this is something you wish to do in your car, then this is the car you need.

Faster And More Agile Than Other SUVs

Comparing the Land Rover to other SUVs, the Land Rover is faster and more agile.

Supercar Power Technology

The technology in a Land Rover is nothing to turn your nose up at; they have supercar power technology which is one of the reasons they perform so well.

Looks

Some Land Rovers may look big and bulky, but some look great and are extremely attractive. The Evoque for example, is highly sought after thanks to its stylish design and performance. If you want to look good driving your car, this is the one for you.