Overtook an eBike today
#1
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Thread Starter
Overtook an eBike today
I was going to post this in the Road forum but then decided to post her for other oldsters instead.
I actually overtook an eBike on my ride today. First time for that I think. We were on suburban side streets, and he passed me around mile 24. Then I caught up to him stopped at a traffic light. He said “Hi” to me. Then when the light turned green he zoomed off ahead of me. But about a half mile later we turned and had a tail wind heading north. I caught up and passed him without any additional effort really. While I was abreast of him I asked “Is your battery dying?” He laughed and said “No, you’re just really fast on that bike.” I LOL’d and rode on and never saw him again. Me…at my 63 year old, wind-aided 16mph…I think it was his battery. — Dan
I actually overtook an eBike on my ride today. First time for that I think. We were on suburban side streets, and he passed me around mile 24. Then I caught up to him stopped at a traffic light. He said “Hi” to me. Then when the light turned green he zoomed off ahead of me. But about a half mile later we turned and had a tail wind heading north. I caught up and passed him without any additional effort really. While I was abreast of him I asked “Is your battery dying?” He laughed and said “No, you’re just really fast on that bike.” I LOL’d and rode on and never saw him again. Me…at my 63 year old, wind-aided 16mph…I think it was his battery. — Dan
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,675
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Liked 888 Times
in
540 Posts
I was going to post this in the Road forum but then decided to post her for other oldsters instead.
I actually overtook an eBike on my ride today. First time for that I think. We were on suburban side streets, and he passed me around mile 24. Then I caught up to him stopped at a traffic light. He said “Hi” to me. Then when the light turned green he zoomed off ahead of me. But about a half mile later we turned and had a tail wind heading north. I caught up and passed him without any additional effort really. While I was abreast of him I asked “Is your battery dying?” He laughed and said “No, you’re just really fast on that bike.” I LOL’d and rode on and never saw him again. Me…at my 63 year old, wind-aided 16mph…I think it was his battery. — Dan
I actually overtook an eBike on my ride today. First time for that I think. We were on suburban side streets, and he passed me around mile 24. Then I caught up to him stopped at a traffic light. He said “Hi” to me. Then when the light turned green he zoomed off ahead of me. But about a half mile later we turned and had a tail wind heading north. I caught up and passed him without any additional effort really. While I was abreast of him I asked “Is your battery dying?” He laughed and said “No, you’re just really fast on that bike.” I LOL’d and rode on and never saw him again. Me…at my 63 year old, wind-aided 16mph…I think it was his battery. — Dan
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 26,245
Liked 10,155 Times
in
4,935 Posts
If you can go faster than their speed limiter you can drop them. I need a little downhill to get the ones with a 28mph limit, though.
Likes For big john:
#4
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Thread Starter
#5
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,819
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Liked 5,822 Times
in
2,502 Posts
Mine = 250w rear hub, 13-14mph max assist. Pedaling a 30 pound bike above that. I try not to get passed, but at 72 - it happens.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Likes For Wildwood:
#6
Likes For PeteHski:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,900
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Elite Disc, 1983 Trek 520
Liked 826 Times
in
464 Posts
I drafted behind one for quite a few miles on a century I rode last summer. If I kept records, I'd put an asterisk on that one.
I've passed a couple of them on long mountain descents but I think that's been due to the riders' safety thresholds. One of those had flat bars with upright seating.
I've passed a couple of them on long mountain descents but I think that's been due to the riders' safety thresholds. One of those had flat bars with upright seating.
#8
Senior Member
I don't get why passing other random riders is of any consequence regardless of whether they are on ebikes or not. One can't assume anyone else is racing with you when not in an actual race. People can be taking it easy, even on an ebike.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,675
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Liked 888 Times
in
540 Posts
When one is approaching 74, has been without *the boys* for 9 years this month due to Prostate Cancer, obtains very little recovery from any exercise due to no Testosterone and PCa(Prostate Cancer) meds taken, passing a turd is time to rejoice
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,766
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Liked 1,843 Times
in
1,181 Posts
Likes For zandoval:
#12
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,218
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Liked 350 Times
in
228 Posts
Have ridden with spouse on countless rides the last few years - she on her e-assist Trek and me on my unassisted Bacchetta 'bent bike. We almost always tie for the finish. We always finish together when we ride our unassisted RANS 'bent tandem.
(To be honest, I'm always ahead of her on the tandem.)
(To be honest, I'm always ahead of her on the tandem.)
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#14
Really Old Senior Member
I was recently bequeathed an Ebike and although I could probably maintain 15-17 mph on max assist with 76 year old, beat up knees and a lung capacity of 28%, I simply don't want to screw with punks that feel it's a competition. I'm happy at 12-14 and less assist and less sucking for wind. Explore E+ 3 (2019) | bike | Giant Bicycles US
Likes For Bill Kapaun:
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Eastern Shore MD
Posts: 1,206
Bikes: Lemond Zurich/Trek ALR/Giant TCX/Sette CX1
Liked 1,125 Times
in
559 Posts
I'm going to one up you.
Last night I passed a young buck on a CF Emonda - looked brand new, had CF wheels. He was probably in his mid 20's - all kitted up. I passed him twice.
I was riding my steel Lemond... 53 years old with a full on big grey beard. And I did the ole look him in the eyeball move when passing, crushing the kids hopes and dreams. Getting stomped on the bike path by an old guy on vintage steel!! Soul crushing for him. The surprise on his face when he heard the "passing on the left" - only to see santa clause stomping him!. Priceless.
I wonder if he read the expensive bike thread.
Smashing people on the MUP is serious business.
Last night I passed a young buck on a CF Emonda - looked brand new, had CF wheels. He was probably in his mid 20's - all kitted up. I passed him twice.
I was riding my steel Lemond... 53 years old with a full on big grey beard. And I did the ole look him in the eyeball move when passing, crushing the kids hopes and dreams. Getting stomped on the bike path by an old guy on vintage steel!! Soul crushing for him. The surprise on his face when he heard the "passing on the left" - only to see santa clause stomping him!. Priceless.
I wonder if he read the expensive bike thread.
Smashing people on the MUP is serious business.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 556
Bikes: Kona Dew, Gary Fisher Paragon, Salsa Campeon
Liked 184 Times
in
117 Posts
I was going to post this in the Road forum but then decided to post her for other oldsters instead.
I actually overtook an eBike on my ride today. First time for that I think. We were on suburban side streets, and he passed me around mile 24. Then I caught up to him stopped at a traffic light. He said “Hi” to me. Then when the light turned green he zoomed off ahead of me. But about a half mile later we turned and had a tail wind heading north. I caught up and passed him without any additional effort really. While I was abreast of him I asked “Is your battery dying?” He laughed and said “No, you’re just really fast on that bike.” I LOL’d and rode on and never saw him again. Me…at my 63 year old, wind-aided 16mph…I think it was his battery. — Dan
I actually overtook an eBike on my ride today. First time for that I think. We were on suburban side streets, and he passed me around mile 24. Then I caught up to him stopped at a traffic light. He said “Hi” to me. Then when the light turned green he zoomed off ahead of me. But about a half mile later we turned and had a tail wind heading north. I caught up and passed him without any additional effort really. While I was abreast of him I asked “Is your battery dying?” He laughed and said “No, you’re just really fast on that bike.” I LOL’d and rode on and never saw him again. Me…at my 63 year old, wind-aided 16mph…I think it was his battery. — Dan
Likes For boozergut:
#17
Senior Member
Last year while on a ride with some guys from my neighborhood , we got passed by a guy on a fat tire ebike. We were cruising at maybe 16mph and just sort of chuckled as he passed us. About a mile or so down the road we came up behind him.....his battery died, so he said . I guess pedaling that thing without assist was not fun . I don't think he was going more than 5mph!
Likes For Kabuki12:
#18
Senior Member
Good on ya, I've been fighting a catch in my back, but after a 26 mile analog ride yesterday, its GONE! I don't think people realize the full benefits of a good old fashion non e-bike ride any more. Its the mentality of never stand when you can sit and never sit when you can lie down.
#19
Senior Member
I cannot stay with them on the climbs but on the descends I can pass them. I believe they either are limited in speed of they don't feel really easy going at the that speed. That tends to happen at about 30mph.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 26,245
Liked 10,155 Times
in
4,935 Posts
Really depends on the rider if it's an e-road bike, like a Specialized Creo. The speed limiter is 28mph but a strong, experienced rider will pedal beyond the limiter on a descent while a new rider or one not comfortable at speed will wobble around and look very unsteady and not push the speed. Young maniacs excepted.
#21
Thread derailleur
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 771
Bikes: Croll '94 & Cannondale Supersix '15
Liked 544 Times
in
310 Posts
They rate the battery on mine at around 20 miles. Generally, I attain closer to 40 miles, with substantial pedaling, including uphills.
This gives me a good workout, regardless. I equate it to a group ride, where one gets some drafting relief.
One aspect people may not consider is that I can finish each ride about 10% quicker - meaning 10% less time mixing it up with motorists.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,675
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Liked 888 Times
in
540 Posts
I'm going to one up you.
Last night I passed a young buck on a CF Emonda - looked brand new, had CF wheels. He was probably in his mid 20's - all kitted up. I passed him twice.
I was riding my steel Lemond... 53 years old with a full on big grey beard. And I did the ole look him in the eyeball move when passing, crushing the kids hopes and dreams. Getting stomped on the bike path by an old guy on vintage steel!! Soul crushing for him. The surprise on his face when he heard the "passing on the left" - only to see santa clause stomping him!. Priceless.
I wonder if he read the expensive bike thread.
Smashing people on the MUP is serious business.
Last night I passed a young buck on a CF Emonda - looked brand new, had CF wheels. He was probably in his mid 20's - all kitted up. I passed him twice.
I was riding my steel Lemond... 53 years old with a full on big grey beard. And I did the ole look him in the eyeball move when passing, crushing the kids hopes and dreams. Getting stomped on the bike path by an old guy on vintage steel!! Soul crushing for him. The surprise on his face when he heard the "passing on the left" - only to see santa clause stomping him!. Priceless.
I wonder if he read the expensive bike thread.
Smashing people on the MUP is serious business.
Likes For OldTryGuy:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 1,690
Bikes: '06 Bianchi Pista; '57 Maclean; '10 Scott CR1 Pro; 2005 Trek 2000 Tandem; '09 Comotion Macchiato Tandem; 199? Novara Road; '17 Circe Helios e-tandem:1994 Trek 2300
Liked 102 Times
in
69 Posts
Nice if you’d stopped to help him!
#25
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Thread Starter
The bike mentioned in my OP above was more along this style of eBike…
Dan
Dan