Orbea Denna H50/H30 - anyone have one and can comment?
Hi, looking to find anyone who can comment on the Orbea Denna bikes - specifically the H-series (aluminium frames I think) rather than the M series (carbon frame). UK based so UK/Eur restrictions (assist to 15.5mph/25kmh).
I'm an older returning cyclist. Have an old Marin Stinson that I rode for around 10 years from about 95, including a couple of bike tours. Really liked the Stinson though a few niggles (eg frame was a bit small for me so ended up with extended seatpost). But I haven't done much cycling since and I'm now about 60, looking to take up again but with a bit of assist. Mix of road and trail, not heavy-duty trail necessarily, but likely to be in areas with some hills.
Would prefer to keep budget in the £2500-£3000 region and will be using cycle2work (Halfords) which does slightly restrict vendors.
My main shortlist contender till recently was Merida eSilex 400 (around £2650) which appealed because of the "e-lite" nature of it (40Nm torque, 250Wh battery, seems similar to a friend's few-year-old Specialized that I rode last year for half an hour), but I'm now not sure if that's wishful thinking and I'd be better with a little more of a boost. Reviews of the Merida online appear to be a mix of the current model and a prior version which had a different motor setup. But I am a bit put off by the iWoc system and its "up only, until you restart at zero" assist level changes, particularly with the top tube button. I would strongly prefer up/down both being directly available and nearer the hand position.
I've now stumbled across the Orbea Denna H50 which looks like it's closer to what I'm envisaging, or H30 if I can justify budget stretch. Denna appeals because of the increased range without needing a range extender (about 420Wh instead of 250Wh), and slightly higher power (to 65Nm as tuned rather than 45Nm). But I can't find many reviews or comments specifically of the H50 or H30, they're mostly of the more-expensive carbon M-series bikes or they don't specify.
If you have a Denna H50 or H30 what are your thoughts on it - anything you really like, anything you really *don't* like, and any showstoppers (from your perspective)? How well does it ride on the occasions where you ride it unassisted? (This in particular - have found a couple of comments saying it rides pretty well without much drag, but they might be talking about the carbon frame model because they have not specified. Am presuming those are a few kg lighter).
Also, one specific simple question which I can't find a definitive answer to - does it have mounting points for a rear rack? I'd be guessing it does but can't find confirmation on the Orbea site; I can only find confirmation online that it doesn't have mounts for a front rack, but I'm much less concerned about that.
Thanks for any insight.