Through some internal derangement of my mind, I agreed again this year to go on the Jesters Children’s Charity Bike Ride. 50 kays through the Pattaya hinterland, just a pleasant cycle ride with 134 similarly deranged other souls.

However, my 134 compatriots were all technologically challenged, relying on transport still closely related to the "Penny Farthings" of the 1800’s. The conversion of human effort in pushing the pedal into forward motion being basically unchanged.

Harrier EMTB Sport Rider DL

Never having been a very physical chap, I have had to rely on my brain, rather than my brawn to get me through life, and Charity Bike Rides I just looked upon as mental exercises, not physical exercises, I’m afraid. Gentle readers, may I present the Harrier EMTB Sport Rider DL, the answer to every non-physical bike rider’s dream.

This bicycle is ‘today’, not the Penny Farthing of yesterday. Look at these specifications - 26" carbon fibre wheels, disc brakes front and rear, 21 speed gears with finger tip shifters on the handlebars, monoshock rear suspension and sprung front forks, ‘Mercedes’ style handlebars, a 36 volt battery and a 200 watt hub mounted electric motor (now we’re talking)! It looks spiffy and it looks the part, but you have to be prepared to answer the continuous questioning of "Where do you get one?"

Disc brake rear

What has to be understood from the outset is that while the electric motor can very easily propel the Harrier and its rider at 25 kph along the flat, it should not be looked at as the primary propulsion. It is much better to think of it as an "assist" motor. Hills do need some input from the cyclist, but just as obviously, the Harrier rider does not need to put as much effort into ascending hills as the conventional bicycle rider.

Riding is easy. Turn on the key. Leg over, begin pedalling and then turn down the right thumb accelerator lever and you are away. Back off the lever and you’re on your own, turn it downwards and you’ve got an electric buddy.

Monoshock

The previous electric bike I tested last year had conventional bike brakes, and they were adequate, but not outstanding. The disc brake set-up on the new Harrier is superb and would literally stop it on the proverbial dime (or should that be "baht"?). With a device capable of ripping down the road at 25 kays with me on it, I want good brakes.

Suspension on the Harrier is also excellent, and soaked up the speed bumps around Pattaya’s streets very easily. The seat as per standard spec is what could be called a "Nut Cracker seat" (and apologies to the classical music buffs), and I changed it for an "old man’s seat" which was much more comfy. Of course, perhaps I should have tested the Harrier wearing a pair of those purpose designed bikers shorts, with a set of Pampers sewn into the backside part.

Recharging the battery is simple, and it can be left overnight quite safely as it automatically turns onto trickle charge once the large 36 volt battery is full. Recharging times are between 2 and 8 hours, depending upon the state of the battery.

Some interesting small details are the ability to lock the battery in place, using the "ignition" key, and a key lock to immobilize the rear wheel. The main key lock has two positions - one for the electric motor and the second to operate the headlight as well.

The handlebars do deserve a mention all on their own, "styled" by Mercedes and were used by M-B in their own super-expensive electric bicycle, the multiple hand positions means that everyone can find a comfortable arrangement. Again this is a vast improvement over the flat bar style I used last year.

Personally I find an electric bike the ideal way to get around Pattaya. It is great for doing those short shopping trips where you don’t want to try and find a parking spot for the car and don’t need to risk life and limb perched on the pillion of a taxi motorcycle. For those people who are "green" friendly, the Harrier is also a non-polluting form of personal transport.

This bicycle is also the perfect machine for parents who want to indulge in family bike outings and keep up with their kids. OK, so you’re doing it easy and the kids are expending energy, but that’s good for all of you. With the Harrier you can get exercise, but you can decide just how much of the power is coming from you, and how much from the electric motor. It is that simple.

This top of the line model from the Eco-Brand company will cost around 28,000 baht and if you are interested in a Harrier or finding out about their other less exotic (and cheaper) electric bikes in the Eco-Brand range, then give the managing director, Paul Markham, a ring on 01 753 2803 or email [email protected]

Last week I mentioned the Japanese automaker Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo who took over a Japanese car company in 1927. The name of the cars he built was later changed in 1931 and again in 1932 and again in 1935. What were these cars called? I wanted all four names. The clue was that this company is still manufacturing cars today! The answers were DAT, Datson, Datsun and Nissan! Now the reason for the changes I do not know, other than the "Datson" was known (then) as the "son of DAT. Anybody know more?

I should also take this section to thank all the people who write in every week. Some of you, like MacAlan Thompson are so skilful at chasing up websites, that I am having to think up questions for which it is difficult to find a "string"! Again, thank you all for your interest, and I do try to personally reply to each entrant in the quiz.

So to this week. Take a look at this car. What is it? Clue - it’s not a Jaguar.

For the Automania FREE beer this week, be the first correct answer to fax 038 427 596 or email automania @pattayamail.com