eBikes...mmm

[Rickshaw Phil]

Mod note:

There seem to have been some frayed tempers on this thread, not for the first time in a discussion relating to e-bikes.

I've cleaned up the bits that were getting too personal. If it kicks off again I'm quite happy to remove those involved from the thread.

Back on topic from here please.

Thanks.

 

[FrankCrank]

Ebikes eh, not ready for one myself yet. Like to keep an eye on all the technology about them, the different systems and all their pros/cons.

As for steep hills, if I cycle half way up, and walk the rest, it's no big deal - nice break from the saddle

 

[Pale Rider]

As per my post above. Depends if the bike has a torque sensor or not.

There are still plenty of ebikes which only have cadence sensors.

They are still 'no pedal, no go', and those with legal motors still require plenty of effort on hills.

A torque sensor is an added refinement to the way in which the motor is controlled.

I much prefer bikes with torque sensors, but there will be plenty of users who really couldn't give a stuff provided the damn thing helps them up hills.

 

[johnblack]

I shall have one as a pub bike when the body is less willing, I might even get it chipped so I can get there even quicker, probably a fat bike so I can go the field way.

 

[GuyBoden]

Ee Bike Gum, what'ever next.

The fact that Robert Mugabe's surname, written backwards, spells out Ebagum (Ee Bah Gum), is pure coincidence. Any rumours that Mugabe was a secret Ee-Bike-Gum practitioner are false.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Ee Bike Gum, what'ever next.

The fact that Robert Mugabe's surname, written backwards, spells out Ebagum (Ee Bah Gum), is pure coincidence. Any rumours that Mugabe was a secret Ee-Bike-Gum practitioner are false.

And his forename spells “ Trebor” of mint imperial fame! Coincidence? I think not…

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

My old (very old) ebike had a pretty basic sensor - it was called a torque sensor - but I could basically just spin the pedals slowly with little effort and the motor would take you up to 15 mph - on the flat with no headwind anyway
I now have 2 newer ebikes - the Bosch drive system seems to use a proper torque system - so you have to properly pedal.
The Carrera folder has a cadence sensor (I think) but it is more clever so, even in high assist, you can;t just slowly spin the pedals and expect the motor to kick in at full power.

 

[Tenkaykev]

My weekly wanderings regularly take me up a local trailway which is part of Route 25 ( disused railway line ) I've noticed a lot more cyclists, and the ratio of Electric bikes is certainly increasing. Yesterday I passed a group of about 10 more elderly cyclists, all on electric bicycles. I'm pro bicycle/ monocycle / Tricycle , be it electric assist or manual. It's getting people out and about, meeting others and socialising, that's a positive in my view.

 

[GuyBoden]

On a serious safety matter, high powered batteries can and do explode, so safety is critical, I know little about e-bikes, but I'd guess that multiple fuses are incorporated into the design thus stopping the shorting of each individual battery cell.

48volt is unlikely to kill you, but I'd be very careful washing an e-bike with a hose pipe or jet wash.

 

[jowwy]

On a serious safety matter, high powered batteries can and do explode, so safety is critical, I know little about e-bikes, but I'd guess that multiple fuses are incorporated into the design thus stopping the shorting of each individual battery cell.

48volt is unlikely to kill you, but I'd be very careful washing an e-bike with a hose pipe or jet wash.

just remove the battery before washing....

 

[Mike_P]

There are specific bike cleaning sprays for use around ebike electrics, suppose the same would apply to Di2 etc gear systems.

 

[Alba Zeus]

just remove the battery before washing....

My Orbea's battery is in the down tube so not an option. I just use a waterless washing system and to date had no issues.

 

[jowwy]

My Orbea's battery is in the down tube so not an option. I just use a waterless washing system and to date had no issues.

yeh some are integrated....lucky for me both mine are removable, so not an issue for cleaning. Also means i can remove them for storage and security when not in use

 

[mustang1]

I would go electric for a few reasons but some that come immediately to mind are:
1. those days when I kind of want to ride, but kind of can't be bothered. If I had an e-bike, I might be more likely to ride.
2. those days when I don't want to get sweaty (commuting).

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I'd buy one just to upset people who get upset by them.