Comments on: E-bikes for “red ocean” cyclists

By: Charles D

Charles D — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:39:14 +0000

Modern e-bikes (at least the mid-drive ones) are unlike mopeds inasmuch as you’re expected to pedal in tandem with the motor; think of it like having a tandem with an invisible stoker.

By: Charles D

Charles D — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:37:04 +0000

Buying an electric assist system as a way to “bootstrap” a longer commute than you’re otherwise fit enough for is a good way to get off four wheels and onto two. It’s what I did, anyhow — I’m now a daily cycle commuter, and take the e-bike when I’m in enough of a hurry that I want to get to work in 45 minutes instead of 70.

And just to be clear — I’m putting in the same effort per unit time in that 45 minutes; it’s the effort per unit distance (and the speed) that the electric assist impacts.

By: Bicycle Design Blog | Commute by Bike

Bicycle Design Blog | Commute by Bike — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:53:50 +0000

[...] E-Bike Road Bikes – E-Bikes for the enthusiast [...]

By: RC

RC — Wed, 12 May 2010 00:45:27 +0000

I used one a few years back, and although it was heavy and clunky I LOVED it! Now I’m saving up for a new one. My husband just got a Giant ebike and loves it as well. Much lighter than my old one, with better looks and better range. He travels 7 miles each way to work and back, coming back with a light sweat and a big grin on his face. A few years ago ebikes were heavy and terribly uncool, but I’m sooooo glad to finally see attitudes changing. They’re absolutely great for commuting and so much fun to ride!

By: NoSho

NoSho — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:59:52 +0000

I commute every day 6 miles each way on a Trek Valencia+. The Trek Ride+ bikes use the Bionx electrical system so it weighs in at around 20lbs. The Valencia is a pretty sweet road-inspired urban bike with road tires and pretty good gearing for around town. When I started riding this bike, I was new to bike commuting and so used the electric motor a lot. Now, I basically use it as you’ve described. I really appreciate the added acceleration when I’m in traffic and I still use it going up some of the hills in my town, though I’m trying to use it less on the hills. The electrical system also comes in really handy on the days I’m running late. If I take a short route and crank up the motor, I can make my commute in about 20 minutes, which is basically what it used to take me to drive and find a parking spot.

The extra weight of an electrical system that I don’t always use all the time doesn’t bother me because my primary goal in riding to work is fitness, so if the extra weight means I get a little better workout, I’m okay with that.

By: Bryan Willman

Bryan Willman — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:52:52 +0000

Electric assist, or even rocket assist, would greatly increase my utility riding. That’s because (like many people who live near me) any ride from my house starts with a very severe climb – so much so that I have to walk/push the bike up the hill. Riding up would create an honest risk of heart failure.

That one obstruction, faced while dead cold at the very start, really pimps my utility riding. So an assist that worked for that 200 odd feet only would be of great value.

By: wvcycling

wvcycling — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:10:25 +0000

A few years before I earned my driver’s license, I had a souped-up 59cc moped. Being age 14/15… there were several times where I either ran out of gas, or something happened to the thing where I had to push or pedal home. I still remember it like yesterday over a decade later.

By: Ross Nicholson

Ross Nicholson — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:47:13 +0000

For a light conversion try Gruber Assist, eh? Or another through the gears conversion: elationebikes.com.au, both are relatively light.

By: MrH

MrH — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:10:57 +0000

Hi Guys,

Since the birth of my daughter, and spending less time asleep I decided that I was not up to my 20 mile each way cycle commute on my beloved Binanchi. I initially started to use other forms of transport but really missed being on a bike. I decided to get an eBike to see what it would be like. After much research I bought a Wispa 905 City. It was not cheap, the components aren’t great and it does not feel like a normal bike, but it gives me a 30 mile range on full assist and a 60 mile one on minimal assist and I really appreciate it for what it is.

I am still cycling every day, in all weathers. Having the Wispa means I can have an easier commute every couple of days and if I am unwell I don’t resort to the car. It is also very good at helping me tow my daughter in a trailer with the weekly shop in panniers.

They are not for everyone, and I am the youngest/fittest person I have seen riding one (33/and not too bad if I do say so myself!) but they (with a bit of refinement) are the future.

By: Juan Díaz Díaz

Juan Díaz Díaz — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:48:03 +0000

Andy, there are some case scenarios that will be better served with nonpermanent light electric assitance.
Mine, i. e., i live uphill in Barcelona so my trip leg downtown in my semiold heavy weight two wheeled anchor is easy. If not loaded (“not loaded” for me is just a back pack wih around 6-8 kilos of mixed stuff and 82 kilos of selfported brave guy) the trip back is easy too, just slower.

Now, lets go to car replacement
But when i do some grocery shopping i carry a trow over double side pannier and i add from 15 to 30 more kilos. Now my rise to home changes is not so easy anymore and i have to dismount and push for the last part of the ride. Also, my speed is much slower.
In ths case a light electric assistance, just to keep the speed and ride all the trip will be vry wellcome.
As for the weight added when not in electric mode, my actual bike weights 24-26 kg in road mode, one lighter bike, even electrified will be lighter (around 16 to 22 kg). Im used to heavy bikes.
The real issue with many mass-marketed electric bikes is the choice of components. Those bikes use to have lower-mid range components and as minded for people that will ride not too logn distances and will use them more as a moped that a bike with helpers weight is not the key factor but price contention. The manufacturer needs to offset the higher price tag of a electric bike with cheaper components and for non intensive bikers 5 Kg more or less in a electric bike dont count as much as 300 euro less in the price.

There is a space not served by bike manufacturers (Cytronx may fit here). And i think that this niche will be better filled with DIY solutions.