Is electric assist cycling not 'real' cycling?

[ufkacbln]

I have to admit: the only time I don't like my ebike is when I am riding up the hill from my house (varies easy to moderate) and I come up behind a group of 'proper' cyclists sweating their way up the hill. I can't NOT overtake as I don't want to wait, but I'm embarrassed to do so. The first time it happened, I whizzed past and just shouted "It's OK, I am cheating!". Now, I man up, turn the assistance off (so no tell-tale whine from the rear hub) and make a humongous 30-second effort to pass under my own steam, before reinstating the power when out of earshot. As I am riding something weighing about 22 kg, this takes it out of me for the next half-hour. Good exercise, I suppose.

You need a "Poseur pass"

Pedal as fast as you can, full power, build up a head of speed, switch off power then sedately bimble past.....

Then take the next turning before you collapse!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

And one of the ways you can often tell it's an electric bike is the fairly constant speed, and how they don't seem to slow at natural points where as normal cyclist might ease off on the speed/pedals, so taking a few extra risks and I'm not sure if that is through a lack of cycling experience or not.

Yes, I noticed that too, I think that's why the woman on my ride fell off.
I'm going to take out one of those electric bikes and do a report as a first timer.
Another worry they have been causing us ride leaders is what if they get a puncture? I think the rider should invest in one of those split inner tubes I have seen mentioned on here: normally Belles ride leaders fix the group's punctures, we tell them to carry a spare inner for their bike.

 

[Lonestar]

Bloke in my work has one.I'm always asking him about it.No banter.No problem.

 

[Smokin Joe]

The type I'd be most interested in would be those hidden motors that sit in a frame tube and drive the cranks. No special bike needed, just retro fit to a conventional machine.

 

[Pale Rider]

Yes, I noticed that too, I think that's why the woman on my ride fell off.
I'm going to take out one of those electric bikes and do a report as a first timer.
Another worry they have been causing us ride leaders is what if they get a puncture? I think the rider should invest in one of those split inner tubes I have seen mentioned on here: normally Belles ride leaders fix the group's punctures, we tell them to carry a spare inner for their bike.

Punctures are worth thinking about.

If the ebike drives through the bottom bracket like my two, it's not such a concern because removing a wheel is the same procedure as a push bike - quick release or nutted axle if you have hub gears.

Ebikes are heavier to (wo)manhandle which could be a consideration for Belles leaders.

Hub motor ebikes are a bit more complicated because you have to disconnect the motor - assuming the puncture is in the motor wheel.

There should be a plug which can be pulled apart for the electrics, but the axle will be nutted and an inexperienced user probably won't carry a spanner.

There may also be torque arms - small plates to anchor the motor into the dropouts.

They ought to undo with an allen key, but it's all more dismantling and reassembly.

 

[roadrash]

I am seriously thinking of getting an ebike , due to ongoing health issues

 

[keithmac]

I am seriously thinking of getting an ebike , due to ongoing health issues

Have a look at http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/

What sort of bike are you most comfortable with and what riding do you do?.

 

[roadrash]

not doing much riding at the moment , used to do mainly road but due to spinal problems started to find the position too uncomfortable , switched to mountain bike just on trails and canal tow path etc, but havent really done much at all since spinal surgery , cant put too much pressure through pedals , recently been thinking of trying recumbent trike or ebike, its doin my head in , i really miss my cycling
will have a look at pedelecs forum, thanks.

 

[RichardB]

You need a "Poseur pass"

Pedal as fast as you can, full power, build up a head of speed, switch off power then sedately bimble past.....

Then take the next turning before you collapse!

Genuinely laughed out loud at this one. It would work on the flat, but up a hill the ebike the weight kills any momentum pretty quickly. Occasionally, the motor cuts out for half a second or so on a steep hill (might be the electronics protecting the motor) and it's like being hit by a sack of spuds. Not sedate at all - but I am keeping the idea for later use.

Punctures are worth thinking about.

If the ebike drives through the bottom bracket like my two, it's not such a concern because removing a wheel is the same procedure as a push bike - quick release or nutted axle if you have hub gears.

Ebikes are heavier to (wo)manhandle which could be a consideration for Belles leaders.

Hub motor ebikes are a bit more complicated because you have to disconnect the motor - assuming the puncture is in the motor wheel.

There should be a plug which can be pulled apart for the electrics, but the axle will be nutted and an inexperienced user probably won't carry a spanner.

There may also be torque arms - small plates to anchor the motor into the dropouts.

They ought to undo with an allen key, but it's all more dismantling and reassembly.

I've never had a puncture on the ebike in 2000 miles (Schwalbe Energisers, good stuff) but if I do, the plan is to lock the bike to a solid object and come back with the car. Very heavy bike and wheels, tough tyres, electrics, torque arm ... far easier in the shed than by the side of the road.

 

[mjr]

Another worry they have been causing us ride leaders is what if they get a puncture?

Patch it without taking the wheel out or use a sealant can if it's small. Why's it a worry? Worst case, if the rider doesn't know how to remove the wheel, they'll need taxibus recovery or to do the long push home, but that's always a possibility for bizarre breakdowns anyway.

 

[ufkacbln]

Patch it without taking the wheel out or use a sealant can if it's small. Why's it a worry? Worst case, if the rider doesn't know how to remove the wheel, they'll need taxibus recovery or to do the long push home, but that's always a possibility for bizarre breakdowns anyway.

I have two bikes, one a Bionx, the other a standard Bafang

Neither is as difficult as changing the rear on a Brompton!

 

[steveindenmark]

It simply doesn't appeal to me. Fitness and the physical challenge is a large part of the reason I cycle in the first place. Nevertheless, as I become old/infirm/incontinent that view may change.


However, if you get a boner for electric assist then all power to you.

The first question is have you ever tried it. My daughter hated sprouts until she actually ate one.

I am none of the things you mention above and I rode 488km last week on my road bike. That's not bad for a December week.

But I have also had electric bikes and they are for sure "real cycling". But its like snooker and pool or rugby league and rugby union. Its cycling but of a different style. If you feel the need to go out every time and thrash your arxe off, then that's fine with me. But going out with a bottle of wine and a picnic on a summers evening on an electric bike is a great way to spend a few hours. I used mine for my 20km commute for a long time and that was great.

They are not just for the aged and infirm and are popular with young and old alike in Denmark. We even have electric cargo carriers with kids in them.

They are great fun bikes with very little effort.

 

[ufkacbln]

They are not just for the aged and infirm and are popular with young and old alike in Denmark. We even have electric cargo carriers with kids in them.

.

One of mine is an electric cargo trike

With the weight of the trike, and a large mobility scooter / wheelchair it is "essential"

 

[Ajax Bay]

I intend to build my own on an existing frame as I'd like the challenge of doing so

I have just had the chance to look at my next door neighbour's Gtech eBike.
I think the battery in the water bottle position on the down tube, simple cabling back to a motor hub is a useful template for a 'build your own' - did not check OLN but assume 135 or 140. Normal rims/rim brakes/622 wheels and tyres. The 'drive' is belt driven, but, prima facie, this could easily be a chain/single sprocket. No gears.

If someone on an E bike overtook me I wouldn't give a toss, he's doing what he wants to do

The times I've been overtaken by a rider atop an e-bike (or strained to catch a cyclist ahead, only to find they're 'assisted') my reaction is to ride alongside, compliment them on their bike, ask them how they find it, exchange other pleasantries and ask if I may draft them. They've always said 'yes' and for as long as our route is the same, I've enjoyed a hard, fast section behind a rider going at a steady, predictable speed/power.

 

[marzjennings]

I am seriously thinking of getting an ebike , due to ongoing health issues

I'm seriously thinking of getting an ebike for fun reasons. I don't need the assistance to ride, just to go faster...

I test rode a Specialized Turbo Levo and few weeks back and loved the feel of an additional 250w.