Need opinion from you all. Somewhat of a vent.
#201
Interocitor Command
#202
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Accepted by whom? racers and sport riders, probably not. By commuters and transportation cyclists? Clearly
I actually had an opportunity to borrow and e-bike yesterday (in a velomobile no less). The difference in my ridding style was apparent to me almost immediately. What I notices was that I was coming to a full stop at all signs, yes, we all should do that, but we don't always do it. I was then using the assit to pull me back up to speed, then turing off the throttle and continuing to ride at 20+ without it. It was like I had never lost the energy by stopping. It was a very different ride, Yes I enjoyed it and yes, I was still pedaling hard.
Back to your point, don't try to impress the race and sport crowd (unless that is the crowd you want to fit into) just enjoy your own ride.
I actually had an opportunity to borrow and e-bike yesterday (in a velomobile no less). The difference in my ridding style was apparent to me almost immediately. What I notices was that I was coming to a full stop at all signs, yes, we all should do that, but we don't always do it. I was then using the assit to pull me back up to speed, then turing off the throttle and continuing to ride at 20+ without it. It was like I had never lost the energy by stopping. It was a very different ride, Yes I enjoyed it and yes, I was still pedaling hard.
Back to your point, don't try to impress the race and sport crowd (unless that is the crowd you want to fit into) just enjoy your own ride.
#203
Full Member
An electric assist bike is probably better than not doing anything but it is a poor replacement for actual cycling. Think of it this way: If you are lifting weights in a gym to gain strength would you use a fork lift to help you get the weight up? You could probably get up the hill even faster if you drove your car. You are not riding a bike to just get up the hill, you are riding it to do the work it takes to get there.
#204
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I'm a huge fan of low gearing. My Kona Dew Drop has a 30/34 option, with this gearing, I was the only rider* to climb Oriole Rd Climb on the Almanzo 100. (*many riders climbed it on their bike, but nobody around me in the race could stay on their bike). This is mostly because I have a 'granny' gear on the Kona. Many 'serious' riders turn their nose up at granny gears; however, I doubt many of them can pedal up a gravel 20% grade.
I can get up pretty steep roads on pretty harsh gearing. But, have troubles breaking my rear wheel loose at 17% (or so) with wet pavement. Weight positioning (sitting) and stroke (as round as possible) can be key.
I'm still not convinced about the need for super low gearing on the road bike, but I have 30/30 gearing on my cargo bike, and have been thinking of putting 17/30 gearing on it.
There are E-Assist cargo bikes. I certainly have carried loads that a little extra power would be nice, at least for the hills. Or, perhaps a commercial delivery service where one is spending 8 hrs a day pedalling heavy cargo loads.
I was buzzed by an electric bike yesterday on a bike path running at about 20 MPH and no pedalling. It wasn't well posted for non-motorized vehicles, but I wonder if a gas moped would have gotten away with that.
However, as the OP has pointed out, electric assist requires at least some force to the pedals so the rider is at least cranking the pedals.
It still is odd to be pedalling hard (I was towing a moderately light trailer) and to get buzzed by an electric bike on a MUP.
Oh, as far as the Fargo video... like many things on the internet... someone else found it before me.
#206
Senior Member
The guy should have kept his comment to himself. But since he indulged you, you should have stopped infront of him to make him lose his momentum. Then you should have gently accelerated away.
#207
Senior Member
I've seen people in the gym set the treadmill on incline and then hang on to the display panel or the side rails. That's like being pulled up a hill.
#208
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hey shopkins....im in so. cal., i have had a few umm, i dont really know what to call them. events i guess....here is how i see it. i ride my e bike cause its fast and fun...you are always gonna have hardcore dudes that worship the purity of the sport...( i can relate. i fly hanggliders, & when paragliders first hit the seen, the hang guys were pretty ****ty to them. ME INCLUDED.) remember ,your ride is unique to you...next time it happens, smile say high and keep crusin...IT DONT MATTER HOW YOU GET THE WIND IN YOUR FACE....IT JUST MATTERS THAT ITS THERE....peace..bj666
#209
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MY EBIKE DOES 20-22mph. but when i pedal, im over 30 mph...its all relative...ive been riding my whole life( never on anything good.)just for fun and to keep fit...im still keeping fit ,and this thing is way more fun....PEACE....BJ666
#210
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closing in on ten pages..........................
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#211
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I could see myself getting an ebike when the prices come down more...these hills here are killing me!
#212
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Electric assist bikes are becoming more and more common around here now. I've been passed a few times by riders on them over the past week, something that I didn't see much of before. Not that I haven't been passed - that happens all the time
But when you are passed by an electric assist bike it's quite different than being overtaken by a fast rider under his or her own power: it's obvious that the rider on the e-assist bike isn't sweating the ride all that much but man, those things can go pretty fast!
But when you are passed by an electric assist bike it's quite different than being overtaken by a fast rider under his or her own power: it's obvious that the rider on the e-assist bike isn't sweating the ride all that much but man, those things can go pretty fast!
#213
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OTOH- you're making a big deal out of what was probably an off the cuff comment by someone as you rode by. I have a friend who rides a unicycle and pokes fun at bicyclists who still use "training wheels" (the front wheel). You need to get thicker skin and go with the flow. Next time someone calls your bike a cheater, tell them they're right, you have EPO or some other performance enhancing drug in your battery,.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#214
Senior Member
I won't ride one because I would feel sheepish about saying "70 year old passing on your left". Something that I am able to do once in a while that gives me pleasure when I can. Now, when I am 80 maybe motors and batteries will be small enough that it won't ruin the aesthetics of my mid 80's Medici if I equip it with a motor.
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