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Message
Opinions on "pedal assisted" bikes
Posted on 6/20/20 at 2:50 pm
Posted on 6/20/20 at 2:50 pm
I haven't ridden in years. I have a bad-ish back and live in an extremely hilly area. I'd like to be able to ride with my grandson more comfortably (including some light trails). I've seen a fair number of these around but don't know what to think.
Do I need at least some forked suspension?
Are they all absurdly heavy compared to "regular" bikes?
Are the batteries decent?
etc.
TIA!
Do I need at least some forked suspension?
Are they all absurdly heavy compared to "regular" bikes?
Are the batteries decent?
etc.
TIA!
Posted on 6/20/20 at 4:15 pm to Big Scrub TX
I would say test drive one of each at your local bike shop and make a decision from there. A bike might be tough to get your hands on with all the corona stuff just an FYI
Posted on 6/20/20 at 8:12 pm to Vyvanse
quote:Thanks - yeah, kind of why I'm asking. It's going to be hard to do test drives, so I might just have to buy one blind. Was wondering if there are any obvious deal killers.
I would say test drive one of each at your local bike shop and make a decision from there. A bike might be tough to get your hands on with all the corona stuff just an FYI
Posted on 6/20/20 at 9:27 pm to Big Scrub TX
In America they are heavily restricted as to trail access. For example they are banned on bike trails in National Parks and Forestry trails.
Posted on 6/20/20 at 9:55 pm to OleWarSkuleAlum
quote:Not sure that's true:
In America they are heavily restricted as to trail access. For example they are banned on bike trails in National Parks and Forestry trails.
LINK
Posted on 6/21/20 at 9:20 pm to Big Scrub TX
I think they're great, even though I don't own one. On average, people who purchase e-bikes lose more weight than those that purchase traditional bikes because they ride them more often and tend to stick with it instead of giving the bike a permanent parking spot in the garage. Obviously riding a traditional bike is better if you're willing to commit to it.
You may run into the occasional a-hole cyclist that gives you shite, but frick those guys. Most people recognize that more people on bikes (of any kind) is a good thing for infrastructure, community health, etc.
Quality e-bikes from respected bicycle brands are expensive, but there are some value brands that people seem to really like. Some e-bikes have really great range (50+ miles), especially if you're willing to do a decent amount of the work with pedal power. Nearly all of them will be pretty damned heavy though.
Read about e-bike classifications to learn more about where you can ride them. Class 1 (pedal-assist only to 20mph) and class 2 (pedal-assist and/or throttle to 20mph) can usually be ridden on trails, bike-only paths, and of course, in bike lanes. Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28mph) are usually not allowed on recreational bike paths.
You may run into the occasional a-hole cyclist that gives you shite, but frick those guys. Most people recognize that more people on bikes (of any kind) is a good thing for infrastructure, community health, etc.
Quality e-bikes from respected bicycle brands are expensive, but there are some value brands that people seem to really like. Some e-bikes have really great range (50+ miles), especially if you're willing to do a decent amount of the work with pedal power. Nearly all of them will be pretty damned heavy though.
Read about e-bike classifications to learn more about where you can ride them. Class 1 (pedal-assist only to 20mph) and class 2 (pedal-assist and/or throttle to 20mph) can usually be ridden on trails, bike-only paths, and of course, in bike lanes. Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28mph) are usually not allowed on recreational bike paths.
Posted on 6/22/20 at 1:21 pm to Yat27
quote:Thank you for all the thoughts/info.
Yat27
Now I have to figure out how to test one in this market!
Posted on 6/22/20 at 8:00 pm to Big Scrub TX
Don't let anyone discourage you. You'll have an absolute blast. Some e-bikes have both class 2 and 3 modes and are a legal gray area. But honestly, I know people that ride class 3 on bike paths with no problem. You just don't want to be wide open at 28mph without breaking a sweat. That will definitely give you away.
If I'm ever within 10-15 bikeable miles from my job, we will probably cut back to one car. My wife works from home, and estimates of car ownership for vehicle, insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. is often as high as $800 a month. I'd probably buy an e-bike as a commuter to avoid sweating during the summer, and just use the car in bad weather.
If I'm ever within 10-15 bikeable miles from my job, we will probably cut back to one car. My wife works from home, and estimates of car ownership for vehicle, insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. is often as high as $800 a month. I'd probably buy an e-bike as a commuter to avoid sweating during the summer, and just use the car in bad weather.
This post was edited on 6/22/20 at 8:24 pm
Posted on 6/22/20 at 11:15 pm to Yat27
quote:I legit curious to see what it actually feels like. I definitely only want "pedal assisted" and not the kind that are like de facto scooters.
Don't let anyone discourage you. You'll have an absolute blast. Some e-bikes have both class 2 and 3 modes and are a legal gray area. But honestly, I know people that ride class 3 on bike paths with no problem. You just don't want to be wide open at 28mph without breaking a sweat. That will definitely give you away.
Posted on 6/23/20 at 12:31 pm to Yat27
quote:
But honestly, I know people that ride class 3 on bike paths with no problem. You just don't want to be wide open at 28mph without breaking a sweat.
this is why the a-hole cyclists give you shite.
mopeds don't belong on trails or multi-use paths. and the douchebags who ride class 2 or 3 bikes on trails and paths deserve the shite they catch. they usually have no idea how to handle a bike and have no idea of trail etiquette. i have seen these guys nearly kill hikers and runners, and have seen them go off trail and destroy the desert/forest here.
nothing against the class 1 e-bikes, as i know some old masters racers who have had strokes or heart issues and ride them just to be able to ride. but they know how to handle a bike and know trail etiquette.
Posted on 6/23/20 at 1:06 pm to Bunsbert Montcroff
quote:
this is why the a-hole cyclists give you shite.
Well, they don't give me shite, because like I said, I don't own an e-bike. Class 2 e-bikes are limited to 20mph just like the class 1 bikes, they just have a throttle. Regardless, they are usually allowed on bike paths.
Your complaints about e-bikers are the same ones I hear over and over. There is absolutely some truth in there, but there are plenty of smug cyclists that love to remind e-bikers that, "That doesn't count!" More bikes on the road is better for us all, period. Just my opinion...
And the cyclists I was talking about that occasionally take their class 3 bikes on their local paved bike path are both serious cyclists. I was just saying that if you DON'T act like an arse, then it's unlikely you'll have a problem even if you occasionally take a class 3 bike on multi-use bike path.
Posted on 6/28/20 at 6:12 pm to Big Scrub TX
Looks like a very nice all-around ebike, and it comes with a Bosch motor/battery.
Posted on 6/29/20 at 8:11 am to Yat27
Yo Yat, you ride in ATX?
This post was edited on 6/29/20 at 8:55 am
Posted on 6/29/20 at 3:14 pm to Yat27
quote:My research showed that most people agree that Bosch and Yamaha were the only two serious choices for battery - with Yamaha being a distant second.
and it comes with a Bosch motor/battery.
Bosch is actually pushing a firmware upgrade later this week that should make it even more badass.
Posted on 6/30/20 at 2:31 pm to Big Scrub TX
quote:
Well, I got it!
This one
It works so much better than I could have imagined. My heart still gets going but without the torture. Great purchase!
enjoy!
now you can motorpace all of the tiger droppings roadies to strava PRs!
Posted on 6/30/20 at 4:55 pm to Bunsbert Montcroff
quote:
now you can motorpace all of the tiger droppings roadies to strava PRs
Sign me up
This post was edited on 6/30/20 at 4:56 pm
Posted on 7/1/20 at 10:40 pm to Bunsbert Montcroff
quote:
now you can motorpace all of the tiger droppings roadies to strava PRs!
Don't steal my KOMs man.
On an extremely tangential note I was wearing a Twin Six King of the Mountains jersey this evening (ironically on 65K of flat LA roads) and when I took it off I discovered this on the inside of one of the pockets. I have had the jersey for 2-3 years and never noticed it. It happens to be my favorite AC/DC song.
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