GoCycle G4i Initial Owner’s UK Review Part 1

Initial overview of latest electric folding bicycle from GoCycle- the G4i. Part 1 of long term owners review including specification,build and then ride impressions. Eventually user interface and app and smartphone integration and ride modes.
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[@helenbenjafield7351]

I've discovered that you need to be about 5ft 6 to be able to use the standard saddle post,if you're around 5ft,then you need to order the shorter saddle post.

[@Reiter.R.]

Hey, awesom review I really liked it! I hope you make a 2nd small review with some focus on the new front motor. I would like to hear how the new "silent" Motor sound's.

[@markymarkreviews]

Unless you have your ear or GoPro or smartphone Right next to it recording the sound, you honestly can’t hear the new motor! A big improvement over the last generation model or other e-bikes I have ridden.

[@Devnatu]

I got mine and it had to go back to repairs in 8 days. The bike kept coming up with 1 red dot on each side of handle bar and wouldn’t connect to phone app or won’t allow me to change any setting including turning in and if light. It seems there is something loose in the handle bar as when you tap gently on handle bar, it’s come back to normal for a sec. Let’s see how long it takes before it comes back to me. I used to own Gx and for the time i have ridden it. It’s a day and night difference. Good review when I get mine back, I aim to do one as well. There are hardly any reviews for these bikes

[@horsehaven3829]

Wish you would have explained the actual riding of the bike more and how the electric part kicks in etc 😒

[@scottlambert9008]

Thank you Awesome job Mayit

[@ohmz55]

Hey Mark, what took you so long to setup a youtube review channel. What a brilliant idea! Look forward to more tech reviews from you. Good luck on the YT journey!

[@ThinkyParts]

Thanks! Really debating buying one. Could you include the sound of the motor in part 2 please? Is it off putting?

[@kevinwillis6707]

considering the brompton top electric bike is 4 grand as well, i think its understandable, my only gripe would be the tacky phone holder, dunno if i would trust my phone to those rubber bands, but overall its a great design.

[@markymarkreviews]

I considered the e-Brompton as well. But it was a bit of a mess design wise as the electric stuff is very much a retro fit. Cables everywhere. The phone holder rubber bands are a bit naff but do the job! And don’t mess up the folding part of the bike. I actually tried the QuadLock mount which was excellent and much neater but I hated their iPhone case as way too bulky and slippery,so back to the GoCycle rubber bands for me. MM

[@hansenyue]

not sure if your still using the stock Gocycle tyres but would recommend highly to swap them over to a more puncture proof tire

[@markymarkreviews]

If and when I get a puncture I will consider that option then😀. At present no tyre or grip problems but will see come the winter and wetter conditions.

[@keithcarrier1910]

What about flat tires I.e. if you get one. What inner tube? How do you actually fix a flat? Is the drive chain never in need of re-oiling? Tune-ups? Can an older person easily get the tire off, replace the inner tube and replace the tire. Is it a normal prestation valve? Where do you carry the pump? If you want a work out on the flats is easy to turn off the power assist? How is pedalling if the battery is discharged? I hear it’s got 3 speeds - what if battery goes to zero in 3rd, is it stuck there to peddle? Sure would appreciate your insights, thanks

[@markymarkreviews]

Hi Keith. I suspect you are an experienced rider of many years as you (and some other commenters) want to know about puncture repairs and ease of fixing. After 250 miles I have not had the misfortune to have experienced one yet but can refer to the GoCycle help pages. The GoCycle tyres do have an inner tube. Recommended 20” x (406) 1.75” which I hope they have updated their info for the latest G4 tyre spec. As the front & rear wheels have support (fork) on one side only you can take the tyre off without removing the wheel fairly easily. Or it is easy to remove the wheel if needed compared to a normal bicycle. The tyre valve is a standard (and more common) Schrader type. There is no specific tyre pump carrying option for the GoCycle. Either carry a small one in a small hold-all or rucksack or you can cable tie one to the bike or buy the optional rear rack to carry that and other things. Potentially in the event of a catastrophic puncture you can just fold it up and catch a bus or get a cab to your destination or local bike shop! I have ridden the GoCycle turned off by accident and it is still relatively easy as a relatively light bike. I am not sure what gear it defaults to though. If you want to have the least assistance then put it in to Eco Mode or adjust the assistance down to a specific tailor made mode via the app. (Part 2 of my review). I ride mine in City Mode. Lovely assistance away from stationary and then the assistance throttles right back so I get a good cycling work out. Great away from a set of traffic lights when you are overcoming that initial inertia. The chain is totally maintenance free. Only the factory support are authorised to open it. Service time? I have been contacted by owners who have had the GoCycle for 10 years and as well out of warranty have opened up the “Cleandrive” chain cover themselves and the chain has looked brand new! Hope that helps. MM

[@keithcarrier1910]

@@markymarkreviews Thanks very much Mark, helpful indeed.

[@antonwillis896]

I’ve just picked up the g4 and didn’t realise it doesn’t have the day time running light do you know if there’s a way of adding one to the g4

[@markymarkreviews]

Hi Anton. The G4 has a smaller battery,visible cables and no DRL light bar and possibly one or two other omissions. Don’t think you will be able to add it on. Will have to buy the optional light package I guess. MM

[@mariusbalan4098]

Hello Mark, It passed more than a few weeks since your last video about the bike, the year review is not up yet 😟 Did you notice any wear on the tires after all this time, or did you have any puncture ?

[@markymarkreviews]

Hi Marius, Some sad family issues to deal with so KZbin has to take a back seat for now. The tyres do look worn but they never had much tread to begin with. However no punctures so far. Just short of 700 miles covered now. MM

[@mariusbalan4098]

@@markymarkreviews don't worry Mark. Take your time. Wish you all the best, to your loved ones as well. Everything will be fine 🤗

[@djneils100]

nice bike but 4 grand!! I have a fiido d4s which was 500 quid and curiously has a larger battery and weighs only a kg more despite not having anything made of carbon. I don't get why the gocycle isn't lighter than it is

[@markymarkreviews]

Fiido are a decent brand and I did look at them closely last year before settling on the GoCycle.

[@Wog68]

I don’t see much technology at use, it’s a design that is eye catching. Same chain, samen three gear internal hub and limited range. Front light is where there is some technology, but no turn signals and high decibel horn to alert motorists. No doubt that it fold better and low maintenance but belt drive and either Rholoff or pinion gears should have been included at this price.

[@markymarkreviews]

A little harsh. Lots of small improvements over previous models leading to a much better experience. Turn signals and louder horn will add weight. The bell on the G4i is very loud/shrill indeed. Plenty of even more expensive bikes do not use belt drives as not quite as efficient as a chain. Main issue with a chain is it becomes dirty and less efficient over time. Not an issue with the enclosed maintenance free chain of the GoCycle. Hub motor totally silent. And range more than good enough for an urban commuter. No bike is perfect and this is definitely expensive. Now even more expensive by £1k since the New Year! And still easy to put in the boot of my car and travel with it. MM

[@Wallaby1961]

Hi, I’m looking at getting a GoCycle but being 6’3” tall need to check if maximum height of seat post is good. In video you mention 6’4” is okay, is this from information when you bought bike or your own experience? Any help or links to website confirmation appreciated as I cannot see this on GoCycle site!

[@markymarkreviews]

Hi Phil. GoCycle state there is no official minimum or maximum height requirement to ride the latest G4 e-bike. If you are very short, they do provide a shorter seat post for those under 5’6” or slightly shorter or for those with shorter legs. As the seat height is extended, it automatically gets further away from the handlebars so allows for those with longer arms automatically! I would suggest if possible to try one out for size, as no human being has a standard build. Some have long legs and short arms or vice versa! MM gocycle.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360007413238-Is-there-a-minimum-rider-height-for-the-Gocycle-

[@edng4595]

does it really have 250w of power ? Gocycle has never published any torque numbers in the past.

[@markymarkreviews]

Power is specified in G4i literature/specification list. 250W is maximum motor power for the UK and EU. The G4i for the USA is 500W as that is their maximum. No torque figures specified though. Plenty quick off the mark though. It is a commuter bike and not a mountain bike.

[@johnsshed995]

I find it difficult to comment on an E bike that costs £4000 without being sarcastic . But nice reviue .Well done ;-)

[@helenbenjafield7351]

How long did it take them to fill your order?

[@markymarkreviews]

Hi Helen. 4 weeks. But colour dependant! Black & grey most popular. White less so , so shorter wait time. But I liked the white anyway. I would advise to hold off as I have had an issue with mine. (Video to come !) Will put it down to teething issues..(failed bearing).

[@helenbenjafield7351]

@@markymarkreviews thank you,You Tube didn't notify me of your reply.There ought to be more actual GoCycle maintenance centres around the country,I had a nightmare of a time trying to collect mine as they're not allowed on the buses,&the shop should have told me that,also the shop staff didn't have product knowledge,so no handover as promised.I feel very deflated.

[@markymarkreviews]

@@helenbenjafield7351 Hi Helen. Sorry to hear about your experience. Was it bought from FC in central London? Have not tried taking mine on a bus but was told that I could by others. May be the rules have changed. The fact that it folds down to a suitcase sized package I thought it would be allowed! Have taken mine inside my local Sainsbury’s without issue. Used it as a trolley by putting my bag for life hanging off the front! MM

[@ahmadmohamad6384]

Prices are increasing starting in 2022. Way too expensive. Should be around £2000. Not £6000

[@markymarkreviews]

I know! I thought this e-bike was very expensive when I bought it in the summer but now I think I was one of the lucky ones! Price rises are always expected but normally by £100 or so! I am staggered that the price of each model is increasing by £1000 !! Don’t know how much of this is Brexit, COVID or chip shortages or a combination of all of them. MM

[@ronedwards8239]

I don’t think this G4I is worth the $2000 price jump vs the G4. $6000 is ridiculous!

[@markymarkreviews]

It is certainly a big jump. They have not increased the G4 price though since it came out. But they did increase the prices of the G4i and G4i+ by £1000 each! But the G4 has a smaller battery,no DRL and no full dash display, less carbon fibre and cables on show. GoCycle seem to be pushing the G4 in sales more at the moment, and I wonder if there are issues with the semi-conductor/chip shortages affecting the G4i and G4i+ models? MM

[@DespairQuietlyPlease]

How does it handle hills?

[@markymarkreviews]

It’s an e-bike so tends to flatten hills or make them a touch easier. I have my GoCycle on City Mode which gives a little motor assistance. Not as little as Eco Mode. But it means my legs still get a very good workout on uphill sections.

[@DespairQuietlyPlease]

@@markymarkreviews I want as little workout as possible so I think I'll take the highest setting 😁

[@eauto9152]

Nice bike, but very expensive

[@АнатолийБеловицкий-й1с]

Передняя вилка должна быть на две ноги ,вообще как-то геометрия велосипеда галименькая

[@lewiskelly14]

The stupid display puts me off completely

[@markymarkreviews]

They are certainly not ideal for a bike at this price point. But my iPhone attached to the handlebars is a HUGE colourful display with plenty of information. Your choice whether you attach your phone or not. But I agree hopefully in the 5th gen Gocycle they will do a nice OLED display on the handlebars. The present LED lights should certainly not put you off! MM

[@lewiskelly14]

@@markymarkreviews I get that, and the flat surface helps, but the awkward shape means I cannot mount anything else there (which of course would have to be low profile for the folding, but I can attach things to the Tern Vektron S10 for example). I've also seen the mounting accessory for putting a bag on the front. On the S10 the mount stays on the bike and the bag comes off. On this bike you take the mount off entirely GoCycle as a company and their app have some questionable reviews too Even the front light, when enabled in the app, has a flash mode, but it isn't an on off on off flash as I would expect, but rather stays on for 5 seconds and does a quick flash. Weird. Things like this make me question the value of the bike... I think I'll skip this generation personally. I don't think it is worth the asking price :O