NX Hybrids

[nitromatt1]

The B5 is a shambles ::) they are too slow at pulling off and throw you down the stairs at every gear change. God knows how many gears it has. Most drivers find them too difficult to drive and hate them. Plus it's too narrow inside, that and a lack of downstairs seats leads to overcrowding. Plus Geminis are ugly ;)

The Enviro is clearly the superior choice, pulls off smoothly, much quieter, and is just so much faster than the B5! Much more seats, the bodywork is more attractive and plenty more interior space. Generally more reliable than the B5s too. I would expect the majority, if not all, of NXWM's next Hybrid order will be from ADL.

[Driver03]

Are you at WN or BC Driver03? If at WN try 5516, it seems to go almost double the amount of time in electric power, even changing up a gear before the engine engages

Nath is correct I'm WN, I've driven 5516 quite a few times ( I had it nearly everyday one week ;D ) 5516 is by far my favourite bus, it's got a nice little quirk in that there is a little rattle in the cab and to me it gives it personality ;) I also agree that it does and as my previous comment if they all drove similar to 5516 Volvo would have a winner on their hands, coupled with longer length to accommodate more seated passengers downstairs of course!

Are you at WN or BC Driver03? If at WN try 5516, it seems to go almost double the amount of time in electric power, even changing up a gear before the engine engages

Driver03 is a WN driver :) . He does drive the 1 on a regular basis and has drove a couple of B5's on the 59 aswell :) Tbh I like both types of Hybrid (E400H and B5LH) although the B5 possibly just edges it for me

Thanks for answering that question for me Nath being as I couldn't reply straight away 8). Much appreciated!

The B5 is a shambles ::) they are too slow at pulling off and throw you down the stairs at every gear change. God knows how many gears it has. Most drivers find them too difficult to drive and hate them. Plus it's too narrow inside, that and a lack of downstairs seats leads to overcrowding. Plus Geminis are ugly ;)

The Enviro is clearly the superior choice, pulls off smoothly, much quieter, and is just so much faster than the B5! Much more seats, the bodywork is more attractive and plenty more interior space. Generally more reliable than the B5s too. I would expect the majority, if not all, of NXWM's next Hybrid order will be from ADL.

Matt they have the Volvo I-Shift gearbox which has 12 gears buddy.

[nitromatt1]

Does anyone know what the top speed of a B5 is, and the Enviro? I'm pretty sure an Enviro hybrid I had on the 126 maxed it, would've only been 45-50 mph.

I would imagine the B5 with its 12 gears could really shift on a motorway

[Driver03]

I knew I had heard from somewhere that the B5's had 12 gears ;) Tbh I have heard quite a few drivers complain about the B5's (Especially on the 59!) but that was when they were new so I suppose the drivers were used to driving tridents and Spectra's

The main reason drivers complained about B5s was because they "forced" you to apply the handbrake before you can open the doors ( which is correct procedure might I add :) ) and to drivers they say it slowed them down. Now they are into the routine it's no slower to them ;D

After a day driving B5s I feel like a proper driver, they just reward you more and more when you drive them properly 8)

Does anyone know what the top speed of a B5 is, and the Enviro? I'm pretty sure an Enviro hybrid I had on the 126 maxed it, would've only been 45-50 mph.

I would imagine the B5 with its 12 gears could really shift on a motorway

Top speed on E400H is 43-45mph due to technical reasons (I suspect that the engine can't generate enough electricity to go faster) Volvo is restricted to 51mph but I don't doubt they could far exceed that if not restricted ;D

[Liverpool Street]

The B5 is a shambles ::) they are too slow at pulling off and throw you down the stairs at every gear change. God knows how many gears it has. Most drivers find them too difficult to drive and hate them. Plus it's too narrow inside, that and a lack of downstairs seats leads to overcrowding. Plus Geminis are ugly ;)

The Enviro is clearly the superior choice, pulls off smoothly, much quieter, and is just so much faster than the B5! Much more seats, the bodywork is more attractive and plenty more interior space. Generally more reliable than the B5s too. I would expect the majority, if not all, of NXWM's next Hybrid order will be from ADL.

I agree somewhat with what you say, Matt. Too many gears and very, well it isn't a jerk but more of a lurch similar to B7RLE, lurchy gear changes. (It is emphasized by the massive gap between changes!) Smooth up to 10mph then nothing. Deadly at 5-ways and other junctions.

The B5 I find to be very comfortable, albeit 'cozy' in the cab. I found it easy to drive the B5's, very light steering and light everything actually. Shame the handbrake needs to be applied before the doors open. Its short wheelbase makes it incredibly maneuverable, but shame as you say about interior space. I think its a good looking brute.

However, the ADL I don't think is fully refined either. Yes, I think it is a better choice, but with the auto-retarder and other discrepancies, I don't reckon its quite 'there' yet. (And its Stop-Start system is.. interesting)

Indeed, once both manufacturers iron out the issues, they'll both be equal. In my opinion anyway.

But in either case, I'd prefer a high-economy full oil burner block, with stop-start and brake heat regeneration etc.

[Driver03]

The B5 is a shambles ::) they are too slow at pulling off and throw you down the stairs at every gear change. God knows how many gears it has. Most drivers find them too difficult to drive and hate them. Plus it's too narrow inside, that and a lack of downstairs seats leads to overcrowding. Plus Geminis are ugly ;)

The Enviro is clearly the superior choice, pulls off smoothly, much quieter, and is just so much faster than the B5! Much more seats, the bodywork is more attractive and plenty more interior space. Generally more reliable than the B5s too. I would expect the majority, if not all, of NXWM's next Hybrid order will be from ADL.

I agree somewhat with what you say, Matt. Too many gears and very, well it isn't a jerk but more of a lurch similar to B7RLE, lurchy gear changes. (It is emphasized by the massive gap between changes!) Smooth up to 10mph then nothing. Deadly at 5-ways and other junctions.

The B5 I find to be very comfortable, albeit 'cozy' in the cab. I found it easy to drive the B5's, very light steering and light everything actually. Shame the handbrake needs to be applied before the doors open. Its short wheelbase makes it incredibly maneuverable, but shame as you say about interior space. I think its a good looking brute.

However, the ADL I don't think is fully refined either. Yes, I think it is a better choice, but with the auto-retarder and other discrepancies, I don't reckon its quite 'there' yet. (And its Stop-Start system is.. interesting)

Indeed, once both manufacturers iron out the issues, they'll both be equal. In my opinion anyway.

But in either case, I'd prefer a high-economy full oil burner block, with stop-start and brake heat regeneration etc.

The only reason for delay in gear changes is because its a manual transmission with automatic clutch, if you take your foot of the accelerator when's its due to change (similar to how you drive a manual car etc) gear changes are silky smooth as the bus doesn't need to do it for you, hence my comment about feeling like a proper driver after a day driving them ;D

[Liverpool Street]

The B5 is a shambles ::) they are too slow at pulling off and throw you down the stairs at every gear change. God knows how many gears it has. Most drivers find them too difficult to drive and hate them. Plus it's too narrow inside, that and a lack of downstairs seats leads to overcrowding. Plus Geminis are ugly ;)

The Enviro is clearly the superior choice, pulls off smoothly, much quieter, and is just so much faster than the B5! Much more seats, the bodywork is more attractive and plenty more interior space. Generally more reliable than the B5s too. I would expect the majority, if not all, of NXWM's next Hybrid order will be from ADL.

I agree somewhat with what you say, Matt. Too many gears and very, well it isn't a jerk but more of a lurch similar to B7RLE, lurchy gear changes. (It is emphasized by the massive gap between changes!) Smooth up to 10mph then nothing. Deadly at 5-ways and other junctions.

The B5 I find to be very comfortable, albeit 'cozy' in the cab. I found it easy to drive the B5's, very light steering and light everything actually. Shame the handbrake needs to be applied before the doors open. Its short wheelbase makes it incredibly maneuverable, but shame as you say about interior space. I think its a good looking brute.

However, the ADL I don't think is fully refined either. Yes, I think it is a better choice, but with the auto-retarder and other discrepancies, I don't reckon its quite 'there' yet. (And its Stop-Start system is.. interesting)

Indeed, once both manufacturers iron out the issues, they'll both be equal. In my opinion anyway.

But in either case, I'd prefer a high-economy full oil burner block, with stop-start and brake heat regeneration etc.

The only reason for delay in gear changes is because its a manual transmission with automatic clutch, if you take your foot of the accelerator when's its due to change (similar to how you drive a manual car etc) gear changes are silky smooth as the bus doesn't need to do it for you, hence my comment about feeling like a proper driver after a day driving them ;D

Well yes I knew how to drive them without a clutch so to speak but you seem to be missing the point, its supposed to be automatic. Do the work for us. Hence why the E400's are superior. :P

Also, the B5's seem to have weak shock absorbion. They just keep bouncing!

[Tony]

Alexander Dennis need to start putting their bodies together better before they come anywhere near Wrights. 4898 I had Friday and yesterday has more rattles and squeaks and loose fittings than a twelve year old B6 from Wrights

[Liverpool Street]

Alexander Dennis need to start putting their bodies together better before they come anywhere near Wrights. 4898 I had Friday and yesterday has more rattles and squeaks and loose fittings than a twelve year old B6 from Wrights

Notice the cab door rattling? It is shoddy to say the least. Even with that top slide lock in place it still flaps around. I remember a Trident some years ago, I took it out of garage, turned left and the assult screen fell out! It didn't seem loose at the time but you would've thought that'll be the last thing to fall off.

[Driver03]

The B5 is a shambles ::) they are too slow at pulling off and throw you down the stairs at every gear change. God knows how many gears it has. Most drivers find them too difficult to drive and hate them. Plus it's too narrow inside, that and a lack of downstairs seats leads to overcrowding. Plus Geminis are ugly ;)

The Enviro is clearly the superior choice, pulls off smoothly, much quieter, and is just so much faster than the B5! Much more seats, the bodywork is more attractive and plenty more interior space. Generally more reliable than the B5s too. I would expect the majority, if not all, of NXWM's next Hybrid order will be from ADL.

I agree somewhat with what you say, Matt. Too many gears and very, well it isn't a jerk but more of a lurch similar to B7RLE, lurchy gear changes. (It is emphasized by the massive gap between changes!) Smooth up to 10mph then nothing. Deadly at 5-ways and other junctions.

The B5 I find to be very comfortable, albeit 'cozy' in the cab. I found it easy to drive the B5's, very light steering and light everything actually. Shame the handbrake needs to be applied before the doors open. Its short wheelbase makes it incredibly maneuverable, but shame as you say about interior space. I think its a good looking brute.

However, the ADL I don't think is fully refined either. Yes, I think it is a better choice, but with the auto-retarder and other discrepancies, I don't reckon its quite 'there' yet. (And its Stop-Start system is.. interesting)

Indeed, once both manufacturers iron out the issues, they'll both be equal. In my opinion anyway.

But in either case, I'd prefer a high-economy full oil burner block, with stop-start and brake heat regeneration etc.

The only reason for delay in gear changes is because its a manual transmission with automatic clutch, if you take your foot of the accelerator when's its due to change (similar to how you drive a manual car etc) gear changes are silky smooth as the bus doesn't need to do it for you, hence my comment about feeling like a proper driver after a day driving them ;D

Well yes I knew how to drive them without a clutch so to speak but you seem to be missing the point, its supposed to be automatic. Do the work for us. Hence why the E400's are superior. :P

Also, the B5's seem to have weak shock absorbion. They just keep bouncing!

Well I guess you have a point there but to be fair I do really like the system, it's as close to manual driving your ever going to get if like me and most other we only have auto PCV licences :-[

Got to admit that I do like the bouncy effect on b5s like on Spectras it makes the ride that much quiter ;D

Alexander Dennis need to start putting their bodies together better before they come anywhere near Wrights. 4898 I had Friday and yesterday has more rattles and squeaks and loose fittings than a twelve year old B6 from Wrights

Tony I totally agree there! ADL interior is awful build quality and feels cheap, even back on Tridents, except the old 41xx series, they seemed better quality!

[wilmotm (Matt Wilmot)]

But then some of the Wright B7's do go against some of the points raised here, 2114 in particular I went on Friday was truly horrible, the whole body shook about and rattled and the axle knock was terrible, but thats probably just an exception to the rule and anyway all Enviro 300's are horrible!

[Sh4318]

The Wrights do generally seem a lot better built than the ADLs, the Geminis are strong, durable buses, you can tell they were built well, ALX 400s look thin and weak in comparison

[andrew1991]

Alexander Dennis need to start putting their bodies together better before they come anywhere near Wrights. 4898 I had Friday and yesterday has more rattles and squeaks and loose fittings than a twelve year old B6 from Wrights

Notice the cab door rattling? It is shoddy to say the least. Even with that top slide lock in place it still flaps around. I remember a Trident some years ago, I took it out of garage, turned left and the assult screen fell out! It didn't seem loose at the time but you would've thought that'll be the last thing to fall off.

WN E400H's were starting to rattle the 1st week in service

[JackC]

E200s are also quite bad for squeaking and rattling and they're not even a year old yet.

[Mike K]

The B5 is a shambles ::) they are too slow at pulling off and throw you down the stairs at every gear change. God knows how many gears it has. Most drivers find them too difficult to drive and hate them. Plus it's too narrow inside, that and a lack of downstairs seats leads to overcrowding. Plus Geminis are ugly ;)

The Enviro is clearly the superior choice, pulls off smoothly, much quieter, and is just so much faster than the B5! Much more seats, the bodywork is more attractive and plenty more interior space. Generally more reliable than the B5s too. I would expect the majority, if not all, of NXWM's next Hybrid order will be from ADL.

I'd question the point about reliability, both types at BC seem pretty good reliability wise although the E400Hs seemed to have more teething problems initially (this is anecdotal, not based on any stats). And I thought WN's E400Hs have also had issues. I know you will notice B5 breakdowns more with Nathan living on the 59 route but given the problems some other operators have had with their E400Hs I remain unconvinced. Incidentally I think from a passenger perspective both types are excellent.