eBikes...mmm

[Cathryn]

Maybe you could have put it in a less-confrontational way -
'I'm puzzled about e-bikes and their growing popularity. Would those of you who use them, be willing to explain? I'm especially interested to know why a person who considers themself to be fit and strong would ride one. It's not something I've ever considered'.
Or something like that?

Probably a better way of phrasing it. Thanks.

 

[fossyant]

Lots of eMTB's about at trail centres. 'Most' riders are fairly fit, but use it to kill the climbs in much less time, so get in more circuits at a trail centre, or cover further distances in a set time. I'd say an eMTB can climb almost twice as fast on a tricky climb, but the rider still has to work hard.

I ride with a group occasionally and one older chap switched betwen his normal hardtail or eMTB depending upon how hard the ride is going to be. I can easily keep up with him on his eMTB, but I suspect he'd be lagging behind the group if it was a hard ride and he was on his 'normal' bike.

The only ones that annoy me are the electric MX type bikes at trail centres, and the idiots that don't let you know they want to pass, but that's down to the ignorant rider.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I don't really have much of an opinion on them either way.

My only really significant experience of ebikes was on a Friday Night Ride from Bristol to S Wales a couple of years back. About 4am and I wasn't feeling great, the roads were flat and it was a bit breezy. I was mighty happy to join the queue drafting behind a big chap on a big ebike. So what opinion I do have is positive I guess.

 

[Alba Zeus]

e-bike owner here.

I recently bought the Orbea Gain. I'm 41, relatively fit (some lower back & hip issues) but detest cycling up hills. To the point where I would all out avoid going on any hilly routes which in Scotland is a shame (and difficult) because there are so many hills/beautiful cycles that take in said hills.

I had some spare cash & have never owned a bicycle from new (always 2nd hand) so thought I would give it a try and to be honest I love it. I don't cycle to keep fit, I cycle because I enjoy being outdoors on a bike. I have actually planned then rode some lovely routes since getting my Orbea that I wouldn't have went anywhere near on my other road bikes.

It is still a decent workout (if thats your thing) on the Orbea but on the other hand I can spin up hills with relative ease which makes me want to be out longer.

 

[numbnuts]

As with all ebikes they have an off button..........

 

[PK99]

i always find that the ones that want to moan about de-restricted ebikes, are also the ones with large engined BMW's, mercedes, porsche etc etc etc they are happy that they can break speed limits, but are not happy that ebike owners can.........

You destroy your own arguments by overstating!

I ride an e-bike.
I moan about de-restricted e-bikes.
I drive a Honda Jazz

 

[CXRAndy]

? Two of the biggest problems facing our society are a) obesity and b) climate. eBikes don't help with either of those problems and actually make the second problem worse. Why, all of a sudden, are we going electric when the beauty of a bike is that it gets you fit and transports you around with no/minimal environmental damage?

Riding a bike whether electric or not helps with 'obesity' . Riding in zone 2 regularly is extremely beneficial to one's health for weight management and cardiovascular improvement.

An ebike is by a country mile far better environmentally than any vehicle, including EV cars.

 

[CXRAndy]

Don't think of them as bikes. They are e-mopeds.

Ive not ridden much at all this year. Ive ridden over 200 miles on an ebike. This has included 4 rides over 1.5hours in duration, with non stop high cadence pedalling. Almost every day I ride, do some shopping or 'ocal errands on my ebike. My thighs are returning to their former shape and my cardio fitness is returning.

 

[IanSmithCSE]

Good evening,

.......I didn't ride it on the track, but Specialized were there with a carbon Di2 Creo gravel bike...that was rather nice but a mere 7k ... but it has opened my eyes to Di2 .......

Welcome to the world that shouldn't make any sense at all, ........ but is wonderful.

I did get shot down in early 2019 for suggesting Sora Di2. https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/f...ized-allez-sora-di2-or-mechanical-105.247736/

Bye

Ian

 

[vickster]

Good evening,



Welcome to the world that shouldn't make any sense at all, ........ but is wonderful.

I did get shot down in early 2019 for suggesting Sora Di2. https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/fantasy-question–-specialized-allez-sora-di2-or-mechanical-105.247736/

Bye

Ian

I won't actually get it as I don't like Shimano shifters
I may have to look at eTap though in future

 

[steveindenmark]

When I had my electric bike , I was riding about 150km a week on it and about 250km a week on my road bike. All you need to do to get a work out on an electric bike is put the power on low or turn it off.

 

[stoatsngroats]

My sister has an e bike to keep up with her husband. Means they get out together rather ride separately. Depending where someone lives it may mean they can put a decent loop together rather a shorter less satisfying one. Meaning they get out more.

Exactly our situation, although pre Mrs SnG’s ebike, we did ride distances up to 35 miles or so. The issue was, this was making her really tired, and she enjoyed it much less than I.

since having the eBike, we cycled from Sussex to Paris, and have done numerous 35+ miles across the Southdowns, just because she can. It provides a much better workout for me, as she often doesn’t wait long at the top of a hill after I arrive there.

And, for everyone who will make a journey on an ebike rather than a car is very good news, unless, of course they would have cycled on a non-ebike (known as a ‘bike’) otherwise…..

 

[Laura63]

I wouldn't worry about it. You still get a workout even with electric.

If it gets more people out on bikes then that's a good thing.

To be honest I’d rather see the end of those e scooters bombing along the pavements. They’re a menace! 😊

 

[CXRAndy]

The last few rides ive done have been in very windy conditions. In the past I would not bother going out. But with an ebike it all but cancels the effect weather has on a bike ride. Thats why commuters like them, arrive at work non sweaty or far less fatigued if fighting a headwind

 

[Arrowfoot]

@Cathryn, I know where you are coming but lot of us speed read and latch on to some words. I guess we all want to share our views.Its a tough crowd at the best of times. Hang in there.