e-bike what would you do?

woosh… that was this thread, or e-bikes in general going over your head… please try to keep up

Not at all. The question you posed which was “What would you do?”

If time is an issue, I’d go for shorter rides.
If new areas are an requirement, I’d start somewhere else.
If distance is an issue, I’d get fitter.
If I wanted a bike with a motor, I’d get a motorbike.
I wouldn’t feel the need to splash out on an e-bike to resolve any of those questions so that’s what I’d do.

I’ve double checked your initial post and it doesn’t ask for advice on what anyone thinks you should do.

If that’s the hidden question then the answer is the same whether it’s a fat bike, single speed, rigid, CX or any other kind of bike – if you want one and you can afford one, then why not? You only live once.

I just don’t want one.

plan a 2-3 day ride with camping and no where to charge their bikes. Make sure there is plenty of climbing on the first day to run them down.

There always somewhere to charge them.

http://Www.ebikecycletourists.com

I was hoping for discussion, not just the normal (jealous undertones) responses

LOL.

You’ve got me bang to right. I’m burning up with jealousy.

🙄

as someone who owned and rode a ebike (proper offroad too) for 3 years, through illness with a dodgy heart, i can not see why a able bodied person would choose to ride one, when they are fit enough to ride unaided.
the minute i was able to ride without mine, i sold it.
as for flying about on one…..it dont happen. the only time they are a benefit is uphill. they are slower and more cumbersome down hill because of the weight (50lbs most models) on technical terrain they are terrible.
on the flat the motor cuts at 15mph. try to get much above that riding a 50lbs bike, your energy levels fade pretty quickly.

as a 20 stone rider, i know all about suffering on a bike and on rides…..i love it. keep the ebike for people who need them.

What e bike was it Ton?

Denis99 – Member
What e bike was it Ton?

i started with a kalkhoff pro connect, which i bought a seconnd battery (£600 ) for, so i could cover good touring distance.
i then bought a haibike xduro. fitted with fox suspension front and rear.
did some full on lakes and wales routes on it. i then snapped the frame.
got a full refund tho. both were bosch pedelec systems which is fantastic.

Hopefully my new e bike will be with me tomorrow.

Rather than hijack this thread, I will start a separate on with description and some images.

Might prove as popular ( in terms of replies and responses) as this one.

It won’t be for everyone’s taste though, think marmite

No need for an apology Z1ppy but thanks anyway

as someone who owned and rode a ebike (proper offroad too) for 3 years, through illness with a dodgy heart, i can not see why a able bodied person would choose to ride one, when they are fit enough to ride unaided.
the minute i was able to ride without mine, i sold it.
as for flying about on one…..it dont happen. the only time they are a benefit is uphill. they are slower and more cumbersome down hill because of the weight (50lbs most models) on technical terrain they are terrible.
on the flat the motor cuts at 15mph. try to get much above that riding a 50lbs bike, your energy levels fade pretty quickly.

as a 20 stone rider, i know all about suffering on a bike and on rides…..i love it. keep the ebike for people who need them.

I mean, hey, that’s great, but why

keep the ebike for people who need them

?

MTB’s aren’t a thing of ‘need’ – my sister gets through life perfectly well without a mountain bike. it’s a play thing, a frivolity, a means to pass time. if someone wants to ride an ebike, why shouldn’t they?

i can not see why a able bodied person would choose to ride one, when they are fit enough to ride unaided.

I choose to ride one at times because i can get 10 laps instead of 6 laps in the same time – i enjoy descending more than i do climbing, so i want to do as much of that as possible!

I’m not some mental ebike evangelist, but i don’t really get the attitude that only some people should be allowed them?

out of interest and aimed at one of the ebikes are cheating, you have to earn your downhills crowd…..how is using an ebike any different to using the uplift at bike park wales or similar?

The question is why do we ride?
Is it to go and see places? Get an e bike or a bus ticket.
Is it to get exercise ,push yourself and to see what you are capable of as a human being? Is it getting home absolutely shattered with that happy glow? Get yourself a human propelled bike.
E bikes are like playing scrabble and using Word Cheat.

E bike?

Only if I couldn’t ride my normal bike..

If I was going to ride something powered with 2 wheels I’d get something with a bit more poke than an E bike can muster..!

What I get out of riding my normal bike, an E bike can in no way replicate..

I choose to ride one at times because i can get 10 laps instead of 6 laps in the same time – i enjoy descending more than i do climbing, so i want to do as much of that as possible!

The thing about using e-bikes to shuttle up to downhills, is that they are **** awful in comparison to DH and Enduro bikes. The ones I rode, weighed between 40-50lbs – they don’t have the travel of a DH bike and they aren’t playful on the downs like a 28-30lb enduro bike – you cant pick them up and launch them off trail features anywhere near as easily. They are physically more tiring to ride on the downs as well.

Actually thats an understatement, they utterly sap your energy on descents.

The best thing about Enduro and DH bikes is that they are pretty light. The best thing about riding motos, is the acceleration and how far you can hoon off big wide jumps on them with a blip of the throttle. E-bikes give you neither.

Is it to get exercise ,push yourself and to see what you are capable of as a human being? Is it getting home absolutely shattered with that happy glow? Get yourself a human propelled bike.

You’ve never ridden one have you?

FWIW, I ride one (sometimes, when I feel like it) for fun – just like any of my other bikes. I couldn’t give two hoots what anyone else rides, so i struggle to understand why anyone else cares what i choose to ride?

The thing about using e-bikes to shuttle up to downhills, is that they are **** awful in comparison to DH and Enduro bikes. The ones I rode, weighed between 40-45lbs – they don’t have the travel of a DH bike and they aren’t playful on the downs like a 28-30lb enduro bike – you cant pick them up and launch them off trail features anywhere near as easily. They are physically more tiring to ride on the downs as well.

depends how and where you ride though – I’ve certainly ‘got air’ on an e-bike, but then I’d still probably rarely choose to razz one round BPW, for eg. My local woods aren’t full of jumps, but fast, flowing, steep etc where actually the low center of gravity words incredibly well and the weight of the bike actually helps the suspension feel incredible.

but again, horses for courses. the beautiful thing about living in the UK is that nobody is going to force you to ride an ebike, if you don’t want to.

I think fat bikes are shit. utter, utter shit (and I’ve ridden a few, on a wide variety of terrain). but i couldn’t care less if you want to ride one…

as someone who owned and rode a ebike (proper offroad too) for 3 years, through illness with a dodgy heart, i can not see why a able bodied person would choose to ride one, when they are fit enough to ride unaided.
the minute i was able to ride without mine, i sold it.
as for flying about on one…..it dont happen. the only time they are a benefit is uphill. they are slower and more cumbersome down hill because of the weight (50lbs most models) on technical terrain they are terrible.
on the flat the motor cuts at 15mph. try to get much above that riding a 50lbs bike, your energy levels fade pretty quickly.

as a 20 stone rider, i know all about suffering on a bike and on rides…..i love it. keep the ebike for people who need them.

Glad to hear your back on the normal bikes ton.

depends how and where you ride though – I’ve certainly ‘got air’ on an e-bike, but then I’d still probably rarely choose to razz one round BPW, for eg. My local woods aren’t full of jumps, but fast, flowing, steep etc where actually the low center of gravity words incredibly well and the weight of the bike actually helps the suspension feel incredible.

Local woods is precisely where I hate them. Places like shotover forest are best enjoyed on a light hardtail as you can launch yourself off every little trail feature with ease. The joy comes from having a nimble, light, poppy bike. At least for me.

I got an eBike after 3 1/2 years injured off any bike. I was really nervous that having coughed over £3,000 I wouldn’t enjoy it because it wouldn’t feel like riding. I was wrong.

I can only comment about my experiences on a Scott E Genius so here goes…

The weight of the bike seems immense when you try to lift it but when riding it feels normal and light. The only times I have noticed the weight was when doing a tail whip at the bike park when I struggle to swing the back end straight again before landing. I was expecting a lot more issues on the fast or wiggly sections but haven’t found any.

There are four levels of boost and I mostly ride in the lowest level. This still feels like you are pedalling but I can now ride with my mates instead of waiting for them to return. After 35 miles around the New Forest my legs ached so I was definately using them. On up hills I may switch to level 2 and through deep mud or bastard climbs I use 3 or 4. Level 4 is turbo which is a right giggle but very unnatural feeling as there is so much assistance. Because it is fun it is the mode most people use for their 2 minute test rides and come back giggling but thinking it doesn’t feel like riding. Use the low settings and it does.

At least for me.

and that’s the crux – the beauty of having choice

I can kinda see the use as a semi uplift replacement, but you are stuck with a fat heavy bike on the way down again. I’m a bit of a crap descender, but even i can appreciate how much more agile a light bike is to pop off roots etc.

As for the 30% further thing, i’d choose a carbon hardtail with ralphs rather than a 48lb bike with dragtastic tyres on.

Guess it kinda depends what biking is to you. If its a way to access the great outdoors and you really want to see more, then by all means get yourself an e-bike. If however its the feeling of riding the bike, the popping of roots, the burst of power to clear a tricky technical climb etc, then stick with a real bike.

Also, if I was reading this thread trying to decide whether to buy one – I’d listen to ton. I remember when he was ill and he was going through loads of them and posting about his experience trying to find one that suited.

Also, if I was reading this thread trying to decide whether to buy one – I’d listen to ton. I remember when he was ill and he was going through loads of them and posting about his experience trying to find one that suited.

that’s fair enough, but at the same time, if it were 3 years ago, things have moved on… mondraker, lapierre, spesh all make really bloody good e-bikes now. There’s absolutely a place for ebikes when it comes to illness, disability and increased access to the countryside, but there’s also a place for them even if you don’t suffer from the above.

If i were going to buy one now, I’d just go and ride one for a bit and make my mind up whether i liked it or not…

My brother in law said I’m getting an e bike is it ok to come with you. my reply was you ain’t coming with me on one of them things

My brother in law said I’m getting an e bike is it ok to come with you. my reply was you ain’t coming with me on one of them

Ahmen !!

Dunno, I’ve ridden a lot of 40 odd pound bikes in my life.

They’re still 40lb+, even the newer ones and every review mentions that.

If one of them can make me a 200mm travel e-dh bike, that weighs 40lb or VERY close – then yes, I’ll have one. The travel would make the extra weight almost worth it, of course this is an opinion though and I haven’t ridden a 160mm model yet. I just can’t imagine riding a 45lb version of my enduro bike….DH bike, sure.

I’ll be the first to jump the day they bring out a 30lb 160mm travel e-bike.

Some real bike snobs out there. Maybe biking is still the New golf

Well, z1ppy, you’ve got yer answer…!

Well, not really, but I thought it was a jolly interesting question that you put to the crowd, 3 people expecting you (and sounds like you want to) guide them on rides – they’re on ebikes and you haven’t got one.
Some think you should not be a snob and buy an ebike, others say real bikes and ebikes don’t mix.
Dilemma is one for you to decide on yourself.
It kind of bugs me that when you go to a bike shop’s website and browse mountain bikes that ebikes are now mixed in with them!
Anyway, I personally wouldn’t buy an ebike. (And not sure how snobbery has anything to do with that whatsoever)

Taxi 25 Ahmen?

I had had a lot of bikes over the years and I have been riding for a while now, I am 47 and started cycling when I was about 16, always enjoyed it went on honeymoon on our bikes to Spain etc

always ridden a normal bike and the some one lent me an e bike, a Scott 710 e genius with plus size wheels,
I totally loved it made the hills les of a slog, I don’t agree that its all about fitness and pushing your self some times I want to go for a ride and it be a bit easier, during the hot weather it was a blessing
I thought I would of not liked it at all it was very heavy but in terms of sheer enjoyment I couldn’t fault it
I kept it in eco mode and think you could get a 50 mile ride out of it in that setting, I didn’t consider it cheating, I would if I was in a race with some one with out a battery and they would probably win because the power cut out over 15mph

I do think that e mountain bikes will be the next big thing

I meet a guy on a blinged out full DH E bike Sunday, it was derestricted, within 8 pedal strokes I was doing 25mph.

Great fun and eventually i’ll look forward to being able to ride well into old age on one but humans are inherently lazy so I suspect we will see huge numbers of them out and about.

As for the OPs situation, i’d stay off e bikes until there is no choice, or you will start to lose your form and then the e bike will become the norm and you’ll get fat…..

They are rather fun though…. and for touring a great idea.

My mum won a holiday – cycling in Austria (going in a couple of weeks, actually).
She had the choice of mountain bike or ebike and chose ebike. But then she’s 77.
I think her partner, who is a regular cyclist, is having a real bike. Be interesting to see how they get on.

To go back to the OP, I’m fine with other people having E-bikes, but I wouldn’t want to be the only person in a group putting in an effort up the hills while they sit chatting at the top.

So it comes down to what kind of shared experience Zippy actually wants from his group rides.

take em on a ride that involves lots of lifting bikes over stiles,gates etc.

I’ve looked at E-bikes for a while now and toyed with the idea of converting an older bike from back of the shed.
Conversion kits are getting cheaper as time goes on,my only hurdle is supply as over in Eire there seems limited demand so less supply n postage from UK/Europe is an issue for the batteries.

Would cut journey times especially if i used for work after me 12 hour night shift as that ride home is a killer.Hence i tend to use the car.But e-bike would poss save expense of 2nd car so purchase would be justified(commute is 15 miles of good hills but could be spiced up with some cheeky woodland tracks on a bike)

It’s all about your motivations, individual needs and whether an e-bike is counter to that.

Reasons I ride, and my personal motivations

1. Health I want to be able to ride longer, be fitter. I know that some people I ride with are faster because they ride more and are fitter. an e-bike will make that take longer, or even keep it out of reach., getting one would be a cheaters shortcut. I equate bike spending to that of paying for gym membership. I use a HRM and my strava suffer score is my badge of honour. WIN – ‘proper’ bike.

2. Exploring & sight seeing Part of my motivation to get out is finding new trails and learning new routes. I get kick from finding those things. DRAW – yes more ground is coverable on an e-bike, but some places are less accessible and do mean hoiking the bike around. I’ve done coastal routes that required serious amounts of hoiking the bike over stiles and locked gates.

3. Fun I like flying down descents, hopping off bumps (not quite sending it!) and singletrack. DRAW. you can’t put a price on fun.

4. Social Being an MTBer means an easy ‘in’ to social groups. I’ve made new friends through it, and reconnected with old friends by getting them to buy bikes and ride. Why become of a pariah in the community? WIN – ‘proper’ bike.

So there we have it. 2 wins, 2 draws – in favour of a proper bike.

My Dad has a Stumpy FSR and over the last few years has dropped from the more intense riding, such as CwnCarn, Wentwood, Afan, FOD etc. due to age catching up at 77.

However, he just got a Giant Dirt-e +2 and the transformation is quite frankly remarkable. He is now the first one at the top of hills leaves the group flagging in is wake (if he chooses) at 77.

Above all he is back out riding how used to at 77 gaining … a true second wind.

I’ve had a go and few others and secretly love it. I’m also eyeballing the Mondraker and I’m 46.

I’ll try get him to do a review.

PS He is a good training target… killed me off yesterday on some lane work 🙁

Funny reading through this, I enjoy being out on a bike but it got more of a struggle over the past few years.

No energy, lost ability to ride up big hills etc. Never quite bad enough to give up but certainly enough that group rides were out of the question as the slow diabetic bloke wasn’t welcome 🙂

I always thought I’d end up with an eBike to support rides so I could still keep fit but keep fit without an immense mental barrier of a struggle.

Reading some of the experiences of the actual riding, I’m not sure the current technology would help and would probably be really bad, I’m still better of struggling as at least that’s keeping me fit.

Hopefully they’ll get lighter and better, if I ever need one it will be to help and not to take over.

@Juilians

take em on a ride that involves lots of lifting bikes over stiles,gates etc.

I do that…but he gets me lift it over 🙁

He cant lose ;-(

The Giant is quite heavy here.

Still quite contentious then 😀 , Dezb (sorry had this typed earlier but work got in the way), yep lots of interesting comments & some closed mindedness & some snobbery, really love how some suggest I should dump friends I’ve had for 30years over this. I don’t expect e-bikes are for everyone but I have to admit having my attitudes changed by actually riding one.
It’s been pointed out to me, that I should get a ‘full ride’ on one, which I think I’m going to pursue. Crossing stiles & gates are definite issue locally

Possibly a different take on this….but I went a cycle with a friend who has recently got an E-bike( I was on HT), and it was a blast to be honest.

His motivation for his e-bike was due to a long lay off recovering from (MTB induced) injury , and he was concerned that when we went out in our usual group rides he was holding us up. I must stress it never bothered us waitng for him to cacth up(got a breather to be honest!!!), but it bothered him none the less.

Now the ride dynamics have changed as expected i.e. no waiting required (Damn!) and I found myself really enjoying the challenge of trying to keep up! and whilst I’m no racing snake/whippet I did like the fact I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone/working harder that I usualy would on the climbs – perverse maybe…but there you go!!!

One thing learnt though – on anything likely to be faster than 15mph(like the short road ride to the trails we ride) I caned it as hard as I could just to give the my estemeed e-bike friend a nice warm up!!!!

I meet a guy on a blinged out full DH E bike Sunday, it was derestricted, within 8 pedal strokes I was doing 25mph.

That’s the kind of thing that will bugger our trail access.