C5ALIVE Forum

Other Interests, Hobbies and Sinclair Products => Sinclair x1 For fans of the latest vehicle from Sinclair Research => Topic started by: mike7201 on 04, November, 2010 - 23:46:40

Title: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 04, November, 2010 - 23:46:40
It's finally happened!!!  :o

Sinclair Research have actually released another vehicle!!  BRAND NEW!!

Check it out folks - http://www.sinclairzx.com

Did anyone else know about this??
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: aladds on 04, November, 2010 - 23:58:40
Very cool.

There's a slight discrepancy with the price though, on the main page and the 'More info' page it says £595 with £100 deposit, but on the page with the video it's £999 with £99 deposit. If it is in fact £595 then I'm very tempted to reserve one...

EDIT: It also doesn't mention range...

EDIT 2: And there's a new A-Bike E:
http://www.sinclairzx.com/spec-a-bike-e.html (http://www.sinclairzx.com/spec-a-bike-e.html)

EDIT 3: I think the £999 price is a mistake on that page, it's £595 on the pre-order page too.

The Register has a (short) piece on the X-1, although it's slightly disparaging...
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/04/sinclair_x1/ (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/04/sinclair_x1/)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: radiomarty on 05, November, 2010 - 05:29:54
Yeah !!!!!! - bring on the x1 - feel a x1c5 project comming on
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 05, November, 2010 - 06:05:10
I'm thinking this could be an ideal vehicle for me to get to work and back, have requested more information etc from Sinclair Research about it, the price of £595 is after a goverment cycle to work scheme, I reckon its a good price if its any good, must admit after Sir Clive's interview last year about a new electric vehicle he was working on didn't think it would be that similair to the C5 ?
P.S How does it not fall over at traffic lights etc ?

Retro Andy
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: coverman on 05, November, 2010 - 09:48:39
At first glance it looks to be just as dangerous on the road as a C5 is. It is too low, it has little or no rear vision,the structure above the drivers head won't help the C of G, windscreen clearing is not provided for( or does it come with a lifetimes supply of Rain-X and how fast does one have to travel before the slipstream self clears the windscreen?.) Where can one park this thing and how to stop it falling over?
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 05, November, 2010 - 09:57:06
It may be far from perfect ...but I still love it !  ;D

Bring on July next year, can't wait to see one in the flesh  8)

An excellent find Mike, thanks for posting !
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: MikeDX on 05, November, 2010 - 10:04:01
Well I'm putting my £100 down for one!

It seems to be a lot more visible than a C5. Wonder if there will be one at a show that we can go and visit.

Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: coverman on 05, November, 2010 - 10:33:10
Don't forget to look slightly downwards or you might trip over it.
Would these new products  explain where Adam Harper has been these past several  months?.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: MikeDX on 05, November, 2010 - 10:45:14
Judging by these pics, its a hell of a lot more visible.

(http://images.gizmag.com/inline/sinclairx-1.jpg)

(http://images.gizmag.com/inline/sinclairx-1-0.jpg)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 05, November, 2010 - 11:09:57
I see the negative comments are already starting;
http://www.retrotogo.com/2010/11/sinclair-c5-electric-car-gets-a-sequel-the-sinclair-x-1.html

...and I felt the need to comment on this one !

http://redirectingat.com/?id=120X191&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrave.cnet.co.uk%2Fcartech%2Fsinclair-x-1-father-of-the-zx-spectrum-and-c5-reveals-new-electric-vehicle-50001430%2F&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.retrotogo.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fsinclair-c5-electric-car-gets-a-sequel-the-sinclair-x-1.html

...history does tend to repeat itself  ::)

Won't stop me wanting one though !  ;D
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: techytype on 05, November, 2010 - 11:57:31
Karl, looks like you have just enough time to make a leisure battery design  ;D.

i've emailed them regarding the brakes, could not see any levers, stopping could be an issue geting your foot down quick enough if you cut up.

range is suggested at 10 miles with peddling, and a spare battery available for £50 so 20 miles. be a great bit of kit for weekend or vacation use, not sue how anyone is going to transport it, if they don't have a trailer or van? hardly going to fit on a bike rack  ::)

i'd guess there is a folding peg each side for parking, as it's classed as bicycle i'd think you can park it nearly anywhere you like, as long as it don't say 'no bikes' i'd assume?

i'd think it will be likely be affected by cross winds, but would many take it out in those conditions?

Karl, another thought, how about designing some snow chains - and will the new metal gearbox fit  ;D.

Alan
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marcdonnelly on 05, November, 2010 - 13:51:56
I want one but my pocket says no....does anyone think this new item will make the c5 worth less ? 
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 14:40:52
I think it will make the C5 worth more. This new thing will only give more publicity into the battery bike / trike idea, and will bring the C5 back into thought or more sort after, also more iconic.
 better than what the japanese have come up with:
 
http://m.ecofriend.org/entry/kansai-firm-debuts-japanese-styled-three-wheel-electric-car/

http://news.alibaba.com/article/detail/cars/100275331-1-japanese-taste-electric-vehicle-makes.html

............. They should stick with making Mazda's !

At least until comes up :

http://www.lostateminor.com/2009/11/16/evaro-3-wheel-electric-vehicle/

I would expect people rather buy a C5 if they were to make a choice when this watsit gives them the idea to travel to and from work. Just my opinion anyway. It comes out in july, wait till november when you can buy it for under £300 when it fails.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: MikeDX on 05, November, 2010 - 14:48:55
Interesting to note that Adam Harpers site www.sinclair-research.co.uk now automatically redirects to the X1 / A-Bike page.


Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 15:05:24
Just watched the video... OMG ! I recon I am the only one who thinks this looks ****. The rear looks badly designed, also where are the lights ? I would be more interested if there was a light cluster and a boot. Dont like the exposed chain.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: retroboy on 05, November, 2010 - 17:34:55
I really like  it but have a couple of comments , personally I think it needs some sort of wheel covers to make it look more substantial or even slightly wider wheels , also because of rear  visability  mirrors attached , will there by any type of removable half door like the Bond bug I wonder? .

 Plus I agree would need a flick down stand of some sort  and  a wiper , I think these little things would help before the launch as small niggly things always get blown up into negative press and that could spell disaster for it .

I would consider one  and I think the price is quite good for what it is, would be great to get some more info on distance speed and battery consumption though
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 05, November, 2010 - 17:37:46
I don't think that you really need a wiper, you don't get one on your helmet visor and I've been out on my motorbike in the rain before, secondly if you can't see the X1 then you should'nt be on the road in the first place.
I do agree that it needs a few tweeks here and there and I hope a few improvements might be made before July, but I still reckon I will be putting my deposit down after Christmas.

Retro Andy.   
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 17:55:27
"secondly if you can't see the X1 then you should'nt be on the road in the first place"
  The other road users should not have to take responsability for the X1 road user. Wing mirrors would be usefull, as sat in a recumbant position like this is very hard to turn head right over and around shoulder to look what is behind if pulling out. Lights, well in the dark is a legal requirement anyway.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Umpa on 05, November, 2010 - 19:22:46
The other road users should not have to take responsability for the X1 road user.

Yes they should, just like a car has a greater care of duty than a bike, and a lorry more than a car. The lowest denominator being the pedestrian who has right of way.

My only gripe and it's not a big one, is it should have 2 wheels at the back so I don't have to stick my foot out at the lights.

Will I get one ?  Let's see !!!
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 19:39:23
"just like a car has a greater care of duty than a bike, and a lorry more than a car.The lowest denominator being the pedestrian who has right of way "

Who said ? I understand the pedestrian, all others have to comply with road laws also. no lowest donominator there at all. No, I say fair play to all road users.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Umpa on 05, November, 2010 - 19:53:13
Pedestrians also have to comply with road laws. It's a fact that the more damage a vehicle can do the more 'duty of care it has' insurance also reflects this. This is why there are classifications of driving licence.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 20:38:28
I understand and agree with that. My point I am trying to make from earlier is that this new x1 would benefit from wing mirrors and lights so it makes them more safe to use and not to have ALL the observations and care put on other road users . I also have a motor cycle, but I dont drive down the road willy-nilly and taking no care in my own driving or not signaling, I have my lights on during the day also just to take extra care. Of course I expect the larger vehicles to keep an eye out for me, but I also have a duty not to camouflage myself i.e, not to have lights when needed or pull out when a car/ van / truck is about to pass. I am not deffending road users bar the X1 user, especially after being knocked off my bike 3 years ago and having a broken leg, 4 broken ribs, 1 broken collar bone, fractured wrist and a fractured occipital on the skull. Not pleasant. I was in the forces until 2004 and this was the worst my family had to deal with. We all have our opinion on things and i stand by that this new sinclair needs a few toutches, if it had what i said then my name would be down for one.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Umpa on 05, November, 2010 - 20:51:11
It's true that lights wing mirrors and indicators would be desirable. Perhaps they will be available as extras just like the C5. Might even be fitted as standard.  We will have to wait and see.

I would think,  well - hope that lights will be fitted; but if not required by law then they may well not be.

At the end of the day it's little more than a push bike with body shell on it.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 21:07:34
I will wait and watch to see where this goes. if it has a few mods or could fit aftermarket ones one then i may be up for having one ( as long as the price doesnt go up ). No hurry yet, they may be a few modifications to come during the next 6-7 months. I would for sure put my mast and flag on. Oh, and a bigger battery ( or 2 of ) .
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 05, November, 2010 - 21:23:40
Well, I must say that I really think Sir Clive has taken the right option this time round, in that he's letting the world see it, and get used to it, before they actually launch it!  This was a lesson learned from last time.  What's more, there's still time to improve it, work on it, and monitor views and opinions, unlike with the release of the C5.

By the looks of the website, they've invested in getting a tech team to do some better marketing.  25 years ago, websites weren't even heard of, so no doubt this time, people are on hand to investigate public opinion.  I've no dount that someone from Sinclair Research will be looking at this forum from time to time to see what we think, as we're all C5 enthusuasts (or most of us anyway).  They know that C5Alive exists, and even when I spoke to Sir Clive earlier this year, I mentioned it, so even he knows of its existence.

So, hopefully, this will be a much more successful product commercially.  Also, after the media have had time to either praise it or tear it to bits, they'll soon be able to get that out the way and allow the negative press to fade before it actually becomes more visible in the public eye. 

Despite not working for Sinclair Research, I'm confident that with the focus on more environmentally friendly transport in the world now, things will be so much more positive this time round.  People are still only just beginning to realise that the C5 was really ahead of it's time.  Hopefully this time, people will realise that Sinclair Research really are producing things that can be used.  If only people supported the ideas, they can be developed and improved for future generations.

Good luck I say, and if I had the money, I'd buy one.

I'm so excited about this product, because it just feels like it's been 25 years in the making!

As for people feeling that the C5 may be less valuable, I disagree.  I can only feel that C5's would increae in value now.  Being that this was really the starting point for what is now the way to go!
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 21:29:45
" As for people feeling that the C5 may be less valuable, I disagree.  I can only feel tha tC5's would increae in value now.  Being that this was really the starting point for what is now the way to go! "

 Spot on with that. ( although I dont think anyone has actually said may get less valuable ). I think the C5 will get a very big press mension and become more sought after also.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 05, November, 2010 - 21:30:08
Further more, it's interesting to see they've also released an electrified version of the A-Bike too!!

http://www.sinclairzx.com/index2.html#2

It's all happening at Sinclair Research!
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 21:32:59
I have just been looking at that as well. These are a good idea to keep in the car for a ' park and drive '. my thought on these are how long will those small tyres last ? to do 10 mph, they will be going like the clappers ! hope they dont cost alot to replace.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 05, November, 2010 - 21:54:51
I'm sure they've thought of that.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 05, November, 2010 - 22:03:58
Just sent a lengthy ( not to much ) question regarding the x1 about extras, battery and delivery cost. see what they come back with.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: frankev on 05, November, 2010 - 22:41:55
Dutch Design 2010 (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_za9Q6sbThGc/TNSMr4JxN1I/AAAAAAAABMI/oKl-JjUYTKQ/drymer.jpg)
British design 2010 (http://lh4.ggpht.com/_za9Q6sbThGc/TNSHZP9XlJI/AAAAAAAABLY/d8rbM3gopAY/x-1-hmpg.jpg)

The best 1985 (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_za9Q6sbThGc/TNSLcDw1lsI/AAAAAAAABL4/6k62H8K9uhY/s800/IMG_2389.JPG)

times have changed, heads up people. They are both not retro.  :-\


I think I take the best of them both, the C5!  :)  :D  ;D
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 06, November, 2010 - 10:01:06
Well I've done it, just sent my reservation to Sinclair  ;D Just need to tell the wife when she gets home  :-\

Retro Andy
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 06, November, 2010 - 17:03:49
Well I've done it, just sent my reservation to Sinclair  ;D Just need to tell the wife when she gets home  :-\

Retro Andy

Top man ! I'll set up a new Sinclair X1 section on the forum for them - assuming you're not threatened with divorce first  ;D
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 06, November, 2010 - 17:25:25
Must admit I do like the Dutch design, but I reckon its would be a lot more than £595.00, All going well and I can get one at the goverment reduced price might have to have a X1 run in the future.

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 06, November, 2010 - 17:43:57
Must admit I do like the Dutch design, but I reckon its would be a lot more than £595.00, All going well and I can get one at the goverment reduced price might have to have a X1 run in the future.

Retro Andy.

Here you go;
http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=25.0

..possibly the first Sinclair X1 owners forum  ;D

As and when they start to roll off the production line and we get to see them about and about ,then this section can be expanded.

To start with maybe we can at least collate who is getting one and how it all progresses..  ;)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: frankev on 06, November, 2010 - 21:59:46
I must agree, the dutch design one is about 6000 pounds.  :o Between the introduction of the plan and the real release, coming up  4 december, was more then three years. Improvements, problems and new technical possibilities made it a beautiful, but far to expensive project. They sold a few hundred of them till now, mainly to businesses that want to have them as eye-catcher and for businessmen that want to avoid traffic jams. It has a lithium battery good for 60 miles. I do hope the new Sinclair will have not as much problems and will get there a little bit faster. The 20 miles radius seems to little and no lights? Some improvement still have to be made here. But if it turns out good, being goodlooking as it is already, I shure want one for myself to. :)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 07, November, 2010 - 09:06:07
In the Sinclair advert, it certainly says its got lights, so I don't think we are seeing the finished X1 yet.

Retro Andy
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: MikeDX on 07, November, 2010 - 11:34:58
Ive just filled the form in for the preorder, so will just wait to be contacted to hand over my money and get my place in the queue.

I agree this may not be the finished thing. Cant wait to get my hands on it!

Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: marra on 07, November, 2010 - 12:34:14
Is the price of 599 includes the gov grant ? as seems to mislead a little. Has anyone tried to apply for one of those, just been reading on it and got a headache from it all. Can someone explain alittle better on how it works, from what I can make out you wont actualy own it rather than a lease. 599 seems quite good, 999 would get me the top spec C5 that Plumber is selling.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: MikeDX on 07, November, 2010 - 12:35:48
When they call me I will ask those questions and post the answers :)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 07, November, 2010 - 13:54:54
With regards to the lights, I think they're actually visible on the images that we can see already.  The rear red light seems to be between the top of the white backing and the start of the roof.

The front lights appear to be on the bars, vertically situated.  All very modern-looking.  I could be wrong, but that's how it looks to me.

Clearly they look like LED's, but then why not? 

Anyone else noticed these?
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 17, November, 2010 - 19:45:09
Has anyone had an answer from their email enquiry regarding this item yet?
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 17, November, 2010 - 21:38:47
Not yet, I reckon they are waiting for a certain amount of interest maybe ?

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 17, November, 2010 - 21:44:06
Hmm, that's interesting.  You'd think that if they value customers as we think they may, then they'd at least send you an automated reply, to verify that they've received your email. 

Let us know if you do get any communication from Sinclair HQ.  Not that I want to know the precise wording (although that would be nice to be nosey), but it's merely to see whether you get a round robin reply, or if it's a personal one specific to your email to them.

Mike
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 07, January, 2011 - 10:20:08
It's now 2011, and I'm curious to know whether anyone has had any contact from Sinclair Research asking for their money yet.  I'm thinking that the idea of a deposit, is so that if someone changes their mind, Sinclair Research will have still made some money.

So.  Any news on that front yet folks?  ???
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Christian on 08, January, 2011 - 21:18:26
Any news on that front yet folks?

Nothing here. Delivery estimated 07/2011? Looks like they're running slightly behind schedule - to say the least.

Christian
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 09, January, 2011 - 08:34:49
Nothing yet  :-\ If it never happens I will be using the money towards buying a motorbike instead,
but I hope it does all go ahead

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: frankev on 16, January, 2011 - 18:17:01
Remember the Drymer, the Dutch electric threewheel bike with roof over it. They said It would be on the marked last june, than august, then september, then december, I had a testrun, looks great but still needed some tiny adjustments, they mail me the moment they start selling them but up till now, nothing yet. It seems to take always longer then they think and always turns out more expensive. ;)

Frank
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: minimin on 23, February, 2011 - 19:57:45
After watching Lady Gaga's entrance to the Grammys the first thing that came to mind was this.
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh219/min47pgl/Lady_Gaga_egg.jpg?t=1298492725)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 23, February, 2011 - 20:48:46
 ;D :D ;D :D ;D

Eggcellent  ;)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: PLOD11 on 24, February, 2011 - 00:54:06
Waiting for them to hatch then !!!!  ;D
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Nitrowing on 11, April, 2011 - 22:21:09
I've signed up - as I have my own Limited Company, I'll be getting it tax free :)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: joggaeco on 24, October, 2011 - 02:58:40
This is more on the line of a bike, with some weather protection, than a motor vechicle as such.

It should hit the market better than the C5, and the price is that of a new decent bike, so I predict sales to better than the C5, appealing to the mature cycle user.

With a bit of lick, it may just catch on the as the latest craze?! :)

Sir Clive perservers, and diserves a bit of luck!
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 24, October, 2011 - 19:07:04
If it ever gets launched, I have sent three e-mails to Sinclair Research, the first one a year ago and the latest a few weeks ago, but I haven't heard a thing  ???

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Lancealot on 24, October, 2011 - 19:23:15
I would give up if I was you all.

Lance
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 25, October, 2011 - 06:19:39
But it could do really well at the advertised costs, keeping the price low (same price as a good bicycle or an electric bike) and nice simple looks it would appeal to most, so I'm still keen on one  :)

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: coverman on 26, October, 2011 - 11:45:57
How can it be the same price as a bike if the bodywork and electrics have to be provided as well?
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Retro Andy on 26, October, 2011 - 18:47:50
Its advertised at £595.00 with a government cycle to work scheme, and I have seen many bicycles (electric and non electric) for this price and even more. Haven't you ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-TCR-Advanced-SL-Carbon-2010-Dura-Ace-D12-Electric-Gears-56cm-/300606215764?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item45fd86d654

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ULTRA-MOTOR-METRO-BIKE-POWERFUL-ELECTRIC-CYCLE-/120600027428?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c14526124

Retro Andy
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: frankev on 27, October, 2011 - 08:00:32
We have a saying in Holland, that if something looks to good (or to cheap) to be truth, it usually is.
The Drymer, the dutch variant of this vehicle, has a plexiglass roof as well. To make this roof out of one piece, costs, to produce, twice as much as this Sinclair X1.
I will keep on hoping, but I am afraid that this vehicle will not be seen on our roads, pretty soon, if ever.

greetz

Frank
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 27, October, 2011 - 09:04:52
Its advertised at £595.00 with a government cycle to work scheme, and I have seen many bicycles (electric and non electric) for this price and even more. Haven't you ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-TCR-Advanced-SL-Carbon-2010-Dura-Ace-D12-Electric-Gears-56cm-/300606215764?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item45fd86d654

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ULTRA-MOTOR-METRO-BIKE-POWERFUL-ELECTRIC-CYCLE-/120600027428?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c14526124

Retro Andy

...they must be struggling to shift those A2B Metro bikes...they've halved in price over the past few years  :-\
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: mike7201 on 06, November, 2011 - 22:44:37
Well, it's a whole year since I first saw the clip.

Still no news.  As for estimated delivery in July 2011, they've clearly not arrived.  Or, is it perhaps a way of getting the image of the X-1 into people's minds, so that the can become used to the idea of having a new type of vehicle on Britain's roads?

I recall Sir Clive saying in a clip I watched, that one mistake they made with the C5, was that they didn't give the world long enough to become used to it, before it was launched. 

Does anyone else agree?

Maybe I'm just nuts.  Either way, I still think it would be good to have the X-1 launched sooner or later.  It's a shame no-one has heard anything about it since sending their initial emails expressing an interest to purchase, or even set a deposit.

Hmm...  Not sure what happened there.

Hope it's sorted soon.

Mike
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: frankev on 07, November, 2011 - 08:18:13
As a reply I would say that Sir Sinclair did not have a problem with giving the world enough time to get used to the C5. He introduced it in the wrong country.
Imagine, a new (small) car on the road, maximum speed 15mph. No way to pass it on the road. Within a month everybody would hate those stupid slow users of the road.In Holland however, we have bicycle paths on every road. Nobody would be bothered by a new user off the road that only drives 15 mph. Also, since there are hardly any mountains or hills in our country, the 250 watt engine would produce enough power to get you everywhere without extra pedaling. If Sinclair wants the X1 to be a succes, he has to introduce it first in the Netherlands. People can get used to it and build a positive imago for this bike, since it looks like it was made for our bicycle roads. Then after a while, bring it out on the British market.

greetz

Frank
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: vanpeebles on 07, November, 2011 - 09:08:47
As a reply I would say that Sir Sinclair did not have a problem with giving the world enough time to get used to the C5. He introduced it in the wrong country.

This I agree with, I think the technology was right but 80's Britian was the wrong place at the wrong time. Netherlands or Asia would of been better suited.
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 07, November, 2011 - 09:09:50
Didn't the original c5 get banned to begin with in The Netherlands ? 

The biggest problem any manufacturer seems to face when trying to introduce any new vehicle of this type is the complex legislation imposed by various governments. Then they constantly move the goalposts, just to make life even more difficult  >:(.

Even the original c5 could not be manufactured today as it would not comply with present pedelec regulations  :o.  Thankfully though, all the new red tape is not retrospective. But we do have the authorities to thank for being restricted to a 250w motor , and it is this lack of power that the c5 is most criticised for ::)
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: frankev on 07, November, 2011 - 11:20:47
Yes BooBoo,

In the beginning (1985) the Sinclair was not allowed on the Dutch roads. In 1985 there was no law for electric biking yet. If a factory would like to get it on the road in Holland it would have to ask a road legal status from the RDW. This is a institute that regulates and controls the vehicles (safety, etc) on the dutch roads. Sinclair never asked the RDW to take a look at and legalize the Sinclair C5 (as far as I know), therefore it was an illegal vehicle in 1985.
Since there are much more legal possibilities in 2011 in electric transportation, in my option, Sinclair would have a great test-country for its X1 in Holland.

Greetz

Frank
Title: Re: NEW Sinclair Vehicle!!
Post by: Karl on 07, November, 2011 - 21:07:00
Have to agree that the Netherlands has by far the best cycle network I've ever seen...the Zutphen run was superb  8)