How much faster is an e-bike really? We put it to the test

[HunterNW]

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[HunterNW]

@Rouxenator
@pinball wizard

 

[Rouxenator]

I can see the appeal, especially to people that have physical limits in terms of where and how long they can ride, but for new despite being 15kg over weight and turning 40 soon, I'll pedal myself. My dad is 70 and he still rides on his own steam.

On a few races I did it is a bit demoralizing when you are really giving it your all on a climb and you hear this wizzing from behind only to be overtaken by an e-bike. But hey, at least more people are enjoying the sport.

 

[GhostSixFour]

Have a look at that first..

 

[pinball wizard]

I think in countries where commuting is a viable option, these make a lot of sense. Typically in those areas, they cost of the e-bike is a lot more realistic as well.

For here, maybe that applies to a degree, but the cost of a decent e-bike is prohibitive to the average two wheel commuter.

As Roux says, it gets more people outdoors so that's a good thing, but for most in SA it's a gimmick or expensive toy.

 

[Hamster]

Typically in those areas, they cost of the e-bike is a lot more realistic as well.

They go for North of €1500 here for a decent one and that excludes insurance for theft. There are many of them on the streets though.

I don't own one, but if I was a hardcore cyclist commuter living in an area where public transport isn't convenient I can see the appeal. The realistic daily commute range is definitely increased. Not sure by how much, but every km counts.

 

[Hamster]

It's worth mentioning though (referring to the F9 video ^) that here we have cycling paths, the ebikes are limited to 25km/h and all bicycles require reflectors and lights when operated after dark.

Clearly not the reality for most of the world where cyclists share roads with cars.

 

[gregmcc]

On a few races I did it is a bit demoralizing when you are really giving it your all on a climb and you hear this wizzing from behind only to be overtaken by an e-bike. But hey, at least more people are enjoying the sport.

Demoralising is trying to climb Ou Kaapse Weg during one of the Argus cycle tours, puffing and straining and just about to have a heart attack, when some oke comes flying by on one of those old postman bikes. I almost gave up right there.

 

[Rouxenator]

Demoralising is trying to climb Ou Kaapse Weg during one of the Argus cycle tours, puffing and straining and just about to have a heart attack, when some oke comes flying by on one of those old postman bikes. I almost gave up right there.

I had a similar experience with the Knysna Weekend Argus road ride one year. I was in the A batch and there was this guy, wearing a tweed jacket no less and looking like he was heading to church, starting in B behind me on a poskantoor bike. I was passed by him shortly before Sedgefield.

My excuse still firmly is that I was pooped from the long route MTB race I did the day before.

 

[nazmo]

I did an MTB race once. Im a relatively quick climber, its where i make up most of my positions. One day this oke just cruises past me. nearly blew a gasket keeping up. On top he admitted to having an E-bike. He has a heart condition that he cant push harder than Zone 3, so an E-Bike enables him to enjoy trails and races he otherwise couldnt. Im a fan if it helps people get out there.

 

[The_MAC]

I can see the appeal, especially to people that have physical limits in terms of where and how long they can ride, but for new despite being 15kg over weight and turning 40 soon, I'll pedal myself. My dad is 70 and he still rides on his own steam.

On a few races I did it is a bit demoralizing when you are really giving it your all on a climb and you hear this wizzing from behind only to be overtaken by an e-bike. But hey, at least more people are enjoying the sport.

100% - my dad, 65 years old, rides with a bunch of other pensioners, they are all seasoned riders, albeit a bit old and not as strong as they were in their golden years.

2 ladies in the group use e-bikes, one has issues with her hip the other is just too slow to keep up - the e-bikes allow them to still be part of the group