Cytronex type bikes - the future of commuting?

[Riverman]

Hi,

I live in a relatively flat area for the UK. Evenso, my commute toward Fareham is abit of a mare. Although it's only 11 miles, I find myself dreading climbing some of the hills. It would be ok if it were uphill one way and down hill the other, but instead it's like a roller coaster as you can see below.

Given I live in a relatively flat area and I'm faced with this sort of commute, I can understand why people are put off cycling in really hilly areas. I used to live in Devon when I was younger and on-one cycled. It was just way too much effort just to get out of the town let alone visit another one.

Thus I'm quite excited by this cytronex thing. Is anyone here thinking of maybe adding the system to a carbon fiber racer? That would be awesome.

http://www.cytronex.com/

 

[Riverman]

One thing I think which is overlooked when discussing electric bikes, is how they might improve peoples confidence at junctions. The ability to accelerate out of awkward situations is quite handy.

This follows on from thomas's comment on the following thread.

MacB is right, in cities cycling isn't too hard or bad. Certainly, around Norwich I have few problems. The odd muppet, but it's generally okay. This is normally because I can keep up with traffic, cycling faster than it...or on roads with more than one lane (so overtaking me is easier).

 

[youngoldbloke]

Thus I'm quite excited by this cytronex thing. Is anyone here thinking of maybe adding the system to a carbon fiber racer? That would be awesome.

- the Cannondale Super Six on the website? Where do you put your second water bottle - still room for one on the seat tube - given the amount of energy you wouldn't be expending maybe you would only need one? Seriously though, it is the first system I have seen that I would consider using if it became necessary, as a result of failing health, for example, otherwise I would rather try to build and maintain fitness and continue unassisted .....

 

[Riverman]

Thus I'm quite excited by this cytronex thing. Is anyone here thinking of maybe adding the system to a carbon fiber racer? That would be awesome.

- the Cannondale Super Six on the website? Where do you put your second water bottle - still room for one on the seat tube - given the amount of energy you wouldn't be expending maybe you would only need one? Seriously though, it is the first system I have seen that I would consider using if it became necessary, as a result of failing health, for example, otherwise I would rather try to build and maintain fitness and continue unassisted .....

This whole thing reminds me of how linux users have traditionally viewed the desktop. Some used to seem so unable to accept that most desktop users just wanted something that works, out of the box, without the need to compile software or sort out a myriad of dependencies.

Some people just can't be asked to struggle up a couple of hills on their way to work. People on here are likely to smirk at the ease of use and convenience found in systems like Cytronex but rather than endorse the virtues of cycling unassisted, I think we should encourage people to use these things in hilly areas when commuting.

Unfortunately the damn things are so expensive at the moment, they'll only attract specialists. However I forsee a future where these types of bikes will become relatively cheap. Maybe £300/£500. Only hope that time can come sooner rather than later with car use on the rise and cO2 emissions rocketing around the world.

PS: I'm not having a dig at you.

 

[jethro10]

This whole thing reminds me of how linux users have traditionally viewed the desktop. Some used to seem so unable to accept that most desktop users just wanted something that works, out of the box, without the need to compile software or sort out a myriad of dependencies.

Some people just can't be asked to struggle up a couple of hills on their way to work. People on here are likely to smirk at the ease of use and convenience found in systems like Cytronex but rather than endorse the virtues of cycling unassisted, I think we should encourage people to use these things in hilly areas when commuting.

Unfortunately the damn things are so expensive at the moment, they'll only attract specialists. However I forsee a future where these types of bikes will become relatively cheap. Maybe £300/£500. Only hope that time can come sooner rather than later with car use on the rise and cO2 emissions rocketing around the world.

PS: I'm not having a dig at you.

I totally agree.
I travel too far to work to consider biking, BUT if I had a short run, and it reduced the effort, especially going to work, so your not sweaty etc. (not everywhere has showers) then it could only be considered a good thing.
And yes, as a linux user, I agree, 'enthusiasts' get easily blinkered.
This bike is really not aimed at cyclists, but may create many cyclists.

Jeff

 

[GrasB]

Not something that I'd consider but seems like it could be helpful for a number of cyclists & potential cyclists.

 

[Theseus]

Crikey, they have even put it on a fixed wheel, that must be interesting.

Would I buy one for commuting? At the moment, no, but I wouldn't dismiss it.