Is electric assist cycling not 'real' cycling?

[nickyboy]

The nature of group cycling might change completely? There will inevitably be a split into 'e-groups' and traditionalists?

I guess that's already happened with MTBs and it doesn't seem to have done "road cycling" any harm. I think what you'll get are conventional cyclists switching to power assist when they can't manage unpowered for whatever reason. And new participants who are put off by the physical effort of cycling. No reason why these groups can't operate in a homogenous way (except I can't keep up on the hills)

 

[mjr]

I prefer the gentle soft hum of a two-stroke at full bore, but that's just me.

I prefer the loud bang of a two-bore at full stroke to that!

 

[youngoldbloke]

I guess that's already happened with MTBs and it doesn't seem to have done "road cycling" any harm. I think what you'll get are conventional cyclists switching to power assist when they can't manage unpowered for whatever reason. And new participants who are put off by the physical effort of cycling. No reason why these groups can't operate in a homogenous way (except I can't keep up on the hills)

Expect your right - we're in a transition stage. Once e-bikes are more common they'll have their own enthusiast groups, as well as all the everyday users.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

The nature of group cycling might change completely? There will inevitably be a split into 'e-groups' and traditionalists?

So cycling participation will go up? Sounds good to me.

People will ride with others of a similar mindset, regardless of whether it's on full carbon, Pashleys, recumbents or pedelecs or a mix of everything.

 

[Tin Pot]

I've put this here rather than the e-bikes subforum because I'm more interested in how it's viewed by non-e-bike riders in general and a rather broader audience than only club cyclists.

Recently a couple of people have complained about electric assist bikes not being 'proper' cycling or that they're only valid if their users are disabled in some way either by age or physical disability.

I'm of the opinion if someone wants to ride assisted for whatever reason, that's their choice and I'm glad there is a choice. My only reservation is - due to a total lack of policing - the laws around electric assisted bikes will be flouted by some, though I suspect the effect will be minimal from a cycling perspective.

Is the subject of validity of pedelec use worth discussing openly without descending into factional chaos?

Theyre speciality kit, not for regular daily cycling use. If you have special needs, they might fit the mark.

A bicycle is in itself a labour saving device, and one of the most efficient out there.

If an overweight middle aged man like myself used one id call him a lazy daffodil.

 

[jonny jeez]

Of course it's cycling.

But is it sport?

Cycling I mean.

 

[Debade]

I'm pro-active transportation person. If e-bikes keeps/gets people on two wheels with some level of exercise, lower contribution to pollution, etc. than I think it is a perfect solution.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I haven't been out on a proper club run since i broke my hip in August and again in November, I just wouldn't be able to keep up with them due to immobility and a loss of fitness. If i could afford one of these http://www.50cycles.com/electric-bi...suTcsX_rE33L8POk1s0DoFF6BU1YyesYFsaAlmd8P8HAQ I'd be out with them. There'd be no shame in using one if you needed it. I wouldn't like to push one though if it broke down!

 

[hopless500]

I've been toying with the idea.
Mainly because Mr Hop won't contemplate me going on another cycling tour that he is on as he doesn't like going at my speed. (as I can do 65 miles a day happily, averaging 12mph tops [when fit] I think he's a bit of a **# , but there you are).
Therefore as I would like to be able to go on another cycling holiday with my friends, I do think the extra oomph would make a big difference, particularly on hills.

 

[welsh dragon]

It's no one else's business really wether you know people who don't like them, or think it Isn't proper cycling. They can spend their money on whatever they want. most people who buy ebikes don't want to cycle with a club anyway .


Buy one or not. RIde with a group or not. Ban them from your group or not. it's all the same. Of course it's cycling. It gets people out, gets them exercising. gets them into the fresh air and that's the main thing .

And don't give a stuff what other people think .

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Me no likey, maybe when i'm 80

 

[welsh dragon]

I've been toying with the idea.
Mainly because Mr Hop won't contemplate me going on another cycling tour that he is on as he doesn't like going at my speed. (as I can do 65 miles a day happily, averaging 12mph tops [when fit] I think he's a bit of a **# , but there you are).
Therefore as I would like to be able to go on another cycling holiday with my friends, I do think the extra oomph would make a big difference, particularly on hills.

Go for it. they are hellish good fun and will put a bit smile on you're face whenever you ride it.

 

[hopless500]

Go for it. they are hellish good fun and will put a bit smile on you're face whenever you ride it.

I'm sure I will at some point. My fooked up back stops me pedalling any harder, and will get progressively worse, so an e-bike is in my future.

 

[greekonabike]

I've never used an e-bike but would be interested in doing so. I've also heard you can jailbreak the motor for a higher top-speed and I think that may become a problem in the future. I can't help but think that someone will have an accident on a bike with a modified motor and the law will be changed because of it.

GOAB

 

[mjr]

Of course it's cycling.

But is it sport?

Cycling I mean.

It can be. And I think e-bike racing would be an interesting thing, where each rider/team is having to decide on their acceleration/battery profile, like I think how the F1 teams have (had?) to choose how to use KERS, to get the best possible advantage from it before it runs out of charge. It might encourage development of more efficient e-bikes if done right.

most people who buy ebikes don't want to cycle with a club anyway .

Really? What survey's that from?

Ban them from your group or not.

I don't agree with that unless it's a sports club.