I Was a Snooty Anti Ebiker and Life Proved me Wrong
Posted by Ars139@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 110 comments
So back in the day not long ago I thought e-bikes were for lazy fat people who wanted to show off and buzz by everyone in the bike paths. I was annoyed at best by their presence and believed this negative stereotype.
Then I spent some time cycling in Europe and saw how people could arrive to work without sweating in one and in many cases very elderly or otherwise infirm individuals who would be out of the game were in fact still attacking mountains after surgery, severe heart disease or advanced age.
A year ago I almost died of sepsis. Thankfully it was caught just in time but suffered a prolonged recovery where my fitness budget was so low I finally broke down and got myself a 2023 unsold Trek Allant 8+S for steep discount like 1700 bucks.
Finally I got better and was able to be stronger than ever this fall until a meniscus injury stopped me in my tracks. So back on the ebike to keep high cadence and from grinding up hills and staying in zone 1 power like under 140 watts. Wow the speed as I crank up the assist is very nice to keep me safe in heavily trafficked areas imagine doing zone 1 or 2 with all those cars around and here am I flying at well over 20mph in a comfortable pace consistent with my rehab.
I am eating my words. I may use the ebike even more assuming I return to full fitness and use especially if I want to make say a faster group ride a zone 2 ride and still keep in my training regimen. The idea is absolutely awesome and when used properly is a total game changer.
I am still critical of those abusing e-bikes (AHEM Sur ron people) trucking at automobile speed on bike paths but my opinion and feeling of this mode of transportation has totally changed. This is so wonderful for so many reasons from congestion to pollution to mental and physical health.
El_Guap@reddit
E-bikes are an absolute boone to society.
E-bike abuse hurts us all.
demondemmon@reddit
I lost my drivers license years ago. When i lived in big cities although a huge pain in the rear it was doable. Now i live in the sticks , love it dont wanna have to go back. E bike has made that possible, i used to ride a bike everywhere, thoughout my 20's even into my early 30's. Now in my 50's im able to rediscover my love of cycling. Im able to get back n forth on my own for the first time in over a decade. Im really hope ebikes are kept safe and viable. Suck if the few make it so that in order to ride one you have to be licensed, registered and insured like a motorcycle.
boulderaverage@reddit
Well said. For me it’s all about respect and safety.
subhuman_indep_777@reddit
I'd take some careless and/or reckless e-bikers over careless and/or reckless car drivers any day.
mmeiser@reddit
Well said. It's funny here in the u. s. we have a my freedom, my guns, my roght ti drive an oversized pickup attitude but we skipped over a few things, like my right to safely be a pedestrian or ride a bike. The u. s. needs to geow up and put on its big boy oants of social responsibility. The irony is we only hurt ourselves. Cause one more lane isn't going to fix it. And neither are EV's. And neither is Ozempic. But I am fascinated by where we will be in five years with Ozempic. If people don't get off their lazy butts and move I don't see how it will change anything except will be kess fat out of shape people with less diabetes but more cancer, broken hip, heart deiseas and dimensia. Reducing fat does not fix the root cause and that is unhealthy sedentary lifestyles.
dkerton@reddit
SurRons aren't ebikes. They're emotos. It's a lie to call the ebikes in an effort to skirt license and insurance.
Ebikes are amazeballs. You're still biking, but:
- you have a wider range for fun rides, or for errands, general life. This reduces the advantage a car has over a bike, which lets me choose the bike more often
- you can arrive faster, which reduces the time advantage a car has over a bike, which lets me choose the bike more often.
- you choose your level of effort, so you can arrive sweaty, or not
- you can shuttle your kids easily, not worrying about the extra weight. Drop offs and pickups.
Ok_Meringue_4012@reddit
I find an ebike expensive. I’m still running my 2014 carbon bike and ride 250kns a week. I do have an ankle problem so am running in a treadmill. So I can see where an ebike helps for the injured or elderly
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I had an ftp of 340-350 and probably over 3.8 w/kg before I tore my meniscus. But I was also septic and nearly died a year ago and was operating on a reduced fitness budget.
One thing I noticed this year is my ftp got higher than a lot of fast riders because they raced and rode in groups too much and did less structure. Like me I finally got up to 6-10 hours a week after my post sepsis got better it took like 6 months.
I honestly think long term the ebike will help fitness tremendously because I might be able to do my intense intervals on Saturday which helps gain fitness better than a long exhausting group ride. Then on Sunday when the groups ride embarrassing as it is I can show up in my ebike and select assist to keep it in my zone 2 at groups pace. If the average ride is 3h that’s a great fitness boost too doing 3h of zone 2 after 90 minutes of threshold or vo2 type ride the day before.
So I can do almost 100 percent structured training and still enjoy group rides that are 3 hours long but the ebike turns it into a zone 2 which is nice indeed. A semi pro coach told me that trick.
But first my knee has to keep improving
And until then even doing 100-120 watts maybe 140 tops which is what my knee will tolerate is still better for my fitness than walking. I could do it on an analog bike people are hills I have to slow the cadence to a grind which is not ok for my knee. I need to keep spinning for same given output of my legs hence how the electric assist helps.
hsfguy0@reddit
My E-bike is my transport to and from work. The way home has a few major uphills. I feel fortunate to be able to use the assist.
Obligatory bridge pic 😁
Ok_Meringue_4012@reddit
Your legs get stronger and adapt
hsfguy0@reddit
Im pulling a decent amount of weight, and im pedaling the whole time, lowest pas i can, there's 1 hill i almost don't make, even dropping to the "easiest " gear, and that's the one I crank the pas all the way up for. Im working my way back into shape, but im a long way from when I was 16..
Ass_feldspar@reddit
One large hill stood between me and arriving at work not soaked with sweat in the very humid climate I live in. I wish I had one then.
IdidntWant2come@reddit
Theres a lot of bad examples out there. But I too have been grateful for my ebike. It made commuting 20 miles or better actually doable. Cars hate it but i am legal and ride legal as well so they can suck it. But good on you for getting back out there after such an event. Thats what they are for imo.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I feel for an experienced rider especially commuting the ebike is safer because you can maintain much higher speed in traffic.
Ok_Meringue_4012@reddit
Not really there faster speed are more annoying cars, more dangerous due to the speed and weight, and less manaveurable
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I don’t find my ebike any less maneuverable and given the large tires it has amazing grip. Also mine is 56lbs but most of my bikes have so much weight for all the crap I hang it’s really not a big difference. I’m 6’5” 190-195ish lbs without clothes so a 25-30lb difference doesn’t really cause much of a handling change. The high speed minimizing the difference with cars does enormously well to wrangle traffic.
phillyfandc@reddit
The quick starts help a ton also
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Definitely. I found there’s a gap when light turns green most drivers don’t get on the gas right away but most close calls I’ve had in intersections is at that moment. So if I can make the jump and clear the intersection just before it turns green or right then but before any cars get into the actual intersection I’ve decreased my close calls enormously. And puttting on that turbo mode when stopped at a light helps me go 0-15/20 almost instantly and outrun the danger. Game changer.
Of course the flip side is that 20-28mph not even with standing the ebike mass can be dangerous with inexperienced hands. I’ve been riding bicycles and group riding, did a couple races, have done mountain roads, MTB as well, gravel I’m not expert but pretty adept on two wheels. I’ve had my share of lessons (as in paying a pro to train me on handling) as well as falls, close calls, near misses.
See that’s the thing: on an analog bike by the time you can reach over 20mph you have that experience. The problem with e-bikes is any idiot that has the swipe in their credit card can ride home 20-28mph capable and without the knowledge to control it that is a risky proposition. Especially when dumb parents buy something of the sort for their kids. Which was the problem I saw that prejudiced me agains the ebike….
phillyfandc@reddit
I live is spain for no throttle bikes allowed and max speed for assist b is 25 km. Its funny, I can blow past road bikes but they catch up quickly. Granted, I have a long tail with 2 kids on it :)
mmeiser@reddit
Awesome. This is ebiking done right.
michaelhannigan2@reddit
Sounds like you think ebikes are great now, but only for you.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Well if you read the examples I gave they showed multiple others from coaches to semi professional to European commuters to the elderly as well showing pretty much society wide benefits.
That is why I bought one because the other examples pre conditioned me to the benefits so when I myself became infirm then injured I knew it was the right thing to do.
However I still mention the negative stereotypes because not only did they negatively influence me before I had the chance to learn, but they will negatively influence a lot of public opinion and regulation thus being a detriment.
Someone else on this post said e-bikes properly used are good for society as a whole, but their abuse hurts everyone.
michaelhannigan2@reddit
But since I'm not a coach, or elderly, or a professional athlete, I shouldn't ride an ebike?. You're not elderly, a coach, or a pro athlete.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
You forgot European commuters as well FYI.
Maybe you’re a bit on the dense side but these others peripheral to my existence opener my eyes. So even though I myself am none of the above but maybe a sometimes American commuter, these people whose point of view I respect have me perspective.
IdidntWant2come@reddit
Flip side cars think i am moving slow and pass me then turn right and into me. Not so cool yo but they dont understand they just react.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I can almost see that because as an ebiker you can almost keep up so you’re more likely to be cut off. It hasn’t happened yet but the thought crossed my mind
IdidntWant2come@reddit
I average about 20 to 23 mph. like not that crazy but still on the highway they come up from behind for a mile and theyll cut me off.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
About once a year I get the “Get the hell out of the road” treatment.
IdidntWant2come@reddit
Ugh I wish I get it by weekly at the very least. And that's cycling in the bike lane too. Off the bike lane and they act like I'm impending their existence.
geoffpz1@reddit
Just got one that goes 40. Omg the difference 10 mph makes with traffic. I feel 10x safer being able to keep up if I need to. Actually keep it in p 3, most if the time, unless I need it. Fat tire, used as a moped\grocery getter and on real mountain\desert trails. Love it. It is great...
IdidntWant2come@reddit
Hey that's illegal. Just saying. I'd get busted as soon as I turned into the road. Just my luck.
BoringBob84@reddit
This is why I will not pass another rider unless they are not able to maintain the speed limit on the path (usually 15 MPH / 25 kph here) and there is a safe place to pass them.
My goal is usually to arrive to my destination (usually my workplace or at an appointment) in a reasonable amount of time without sweating. I need a consistent pace to so that, but I do not need to exceed the safe speed on the path.
Ok_Meringue_4012@reddit
You are right most are that
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Yah those people when you call out ON YOUR LEFT and they move left! 😧
Johannasons@reddit
Yeah I've stacked my bike twice from people doing this, not even going fast either like 10 mph. I will remember this tip thank you.
BoringBob84@reddit
"Passing ... ... on your left" seems to be better. The first part gets their attention so that they can comprehend the second part.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I just learned this after many years of cycling from an old experienced dude.
BoringBob84@reddit
Those old and experienced bicyclists have taught me all sorts of useful things!
krissym72@reddit
Funny how e-bikes have a way of changing people’s minds once you actually get some seat time. Most of the stereotypes come from seeing the worst riders out there, not the folks using them for rehab, commuting, or just staying active.
Once you realize you can keep a steady zone 1–2 effort, stay safer in traffic, and still enjoy the ride without wrecking your knees or burning yourself out, it’s hard to go back. E-bikes don’t replace “real” riding, they just make it possible for more people to ride more often.
Glad you’re feeling the benefits and getting back into things on your own terms.
Ok_Meringue_4012@reddit
Yep it’s good for the elderly, overweight and disabled
Ars139@reddit (OP)
THIS
No_Swimmer_6613@reddit
An e-bike would come in handy if you were running late or high winds occur especially against you. That’s why I bought mine. It was definitely an investment for me. I had mine for 5 years
unseenmover@reddit
a bit of virtue signaling
Ars139@reddit (OP)
The point of relating my situation and change of heart is to fight against the public negative perception of e-bikes.
How old are you? I turned 50 this year and the last few decades starting w 9-11 and especially after covid there has been a significant creeping incrementalism of bureaucracy regulations, tracking and restrictions. Cycling is one area that despite its power and scope remains relatively unregulated. Some states are already mandating bicycle registration and you know how the power hungry political system works it always wants more.
ITs bad enough the do gooder mayor of NYC put a speed limit and NY state seems to have a ban on e-bikes on many roads. This is a cancer that needs to be stopped and this post in whatever small way is my way of fighting that.
EveningAd3633@reddit
Yeah I use my bike for transport not for exercice 🤷🏻♀️ bought it as a more convenient way than taking the bus.. all power to the people I see in full on cycling gear getting their workout in on the streets in the middle of the city though 😂 but yeah it’s a thing of transport
Mojack322@reddit
I’m glad you recovered and are still biking. Hope other read this and change their minds
Ars139@reddit (OP)
That’s why I am posting basically.
Vicv_@reddit
I myself am fat and lazy, but my ebike gets my ass out. I still pedal the whole time, though I do mostly use throttle on single track. I just treat it like a super light dirt bike
NoBed9582@reddit
I had a similar view prior to my type 1 diabetes diagnosis, there was a lot of damage before diagnosis. I went from 240 lean muscle to 160 skeletal. Im back up to 200 but my joints took a big hit and my knees just cant do the manual push, also my blood glucose would plummet if I ride how I used to
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Me I’m a career type 1 age 50 diagnosed 1979.
Have taken great control of it but life and age have dealt me some blows. Just a few minor complications 6’5” 190ish lbs slight muscular have always been lean all my life and around high school weight. I’m slightly heavier now it’s muscle as the last few years done some resistance training.
I have exercised my brains out all my life because it helps me eat more and control my sugar.
Love how on a good ride I can eat my face off without bolusing that’s half the fun! Otherwise no carbs.
mmeiser@reddit
Dude, that sounds rough. Confused. If you were age 50 in 1979 you'd be damn near 100, but if you are 50 now you would have been 4 when diagnosed?
So am 255lbs, 6'4 am 50. Highschool weight 200+lbs, wish I still had my 30" vertical leap. Was skinny. Struggled with something never diagnosed. Kept weight ON (225 - 255) because it helped, symptoms all but disappeared with age. More detail later.
Lifetime of riding. Last twenty years 6000 a year average, a couple years of 10,000 miles. 17 years completely meat powered bikes. Since Immy first ebike hovering at 8000-8500 miles a year. 5000-5500 ebike commuting, 2000 meat powered bikes for mtb, club rides, touring, fat biking.
What I love most about ebike commuting (and there are many numerous huge things to love) are the physical and mental game. Love it. I do not do "training rides" on my meat powered bikes anymore. I show up I am faster then ever. I just enjoy my fitness which is maintained by my base ebike commuting. At fifty I can average 165bpm for an hour and have a threshold of about 180 for ten minutes. I should say while I don't need to train I still do long endurance rides and oirited high intensity rides regularly which help me maintain endurance and maintain my edge. It is a balance. Ebike commuting gives me the base.
Fyi. I obviously don't have a thottle on my ebike. Midrive, low torque 65Nm one 75Nm the other. Indeed I now have two due lucky find on the seccond during covid. 21,000 miles on the pair in about 3.5-4 years. I take it easier on the way home but four days a week year round I am pushing 145 bpm average on the way to work. Country roads, class 3, 25-26mph cruising speed unless 25-35mph headind which is common, then 20ish mph. Country roads, no traffic for 14 of 16 miles. Last 2 miles into city bike path, cool down. Way home a chill 130bpm. Round trip 32-34 miles do various routes and errands.
Then I started e-bikepacking. Holy sh-t my bosch emtb loves to climb! Go figure. lol! Both bikes are Bosch dual battery btw. Inter-swapable batteries. Eco mode always on. Tour mode for climbs. Record is 267 miles with 27,000 vertical feet in 34 hours. 145 miles on day one with 15,000 vertical, 6500 calories. Charge batteries overnight, complete the loop. Explocitely exploring gravel backroads in the Aooalachian foothills. Getting about 35 miles with 3500 vert per battery. Since dual bat system that is 2000 Wh total (4x500Wh), goal is to switch at 80 miles. This alows me some room to bump it up on the second half of the ride as I fatigue. Friend didn't believe I could burn 6000+ calories so I put on some garmin power meter pedals made sure they were well calibrated after a week or riding and testing and then sent it. I call it e-durance or e-endurance. Keeping an average of about 140bpm, about 30% threshold power. Stopoing often, no rushing. Not racing, touring. Using e-assit almost entirely for climbs to minikize zone 4 and elliminated zone 5 heart rate as much as possible.
Btw, mystery illness from youth. Still believe it was related to a concusion in 5th grade. They thought maybe diabetic but not. Low blood pressure would cause tunnel vision and basically I would forget my own name. A freaking candy bar or something would usually pull me out of it. Stress was definitely a precurser. I was a skinny kid, I noticed carrying a little body fat helped. Issue gradually went almost entirely away as did the sever migraines of my youth which may have been related. I am these days rounding out my health with gym work, building muscle, working on flexibility through yoga, working on nutrition. But the core has wlalwyss been human power sports. I kove the outdoors and I love winter. Road, mtb, commuitng, bikepacking, fat biking in winter, but also hiking/backpacking, snowshoeing, xcski, kayak. I love most adventures that start out the back door but will travel.
Right now the snow is starting to hit. I get a little excited like a kid on a snow day. I have been know to ride half the night in a boizzard and hammock in the oines. I love winter hammocking. Its the oddest thing but I can sleep 10-11 hours in my hammock in the winter. It is not just me. It is a peculiar thing amongst many hammockers. It's the basis for my winter confidence. If you can stay warm and sleep well the confidence and enjoyment skyrockets. Pics available if any questions.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
No I am 50 and was diagnosed back in the day.
That’s impressive what you do and I have racked a similar record. I don’t particularly have a sweet tooth thank God and have been very active all my life. In the early 80s my parents bribed me with the first ice cream they “let” eat if in exchange for having me check my sugar (it was very painful then lancets were razor blades) and run around playing beach soccer. I remember it very vividly.
It was like Eureka I had discovered the meaning of life at a young age. Exercise is freedom. And ever since then I’ve been like the energizer bunny basically in movement. I never sit still and am always doing something. Am self employed so I rig my schedule to allow lots of time to exercise.
That’s amazing you got yourself into insane adventures. I do too. My records have been mountain centuries in Italy one was 158 miles w 13000 elevation around a big lake in the alps.
My goal this year is a monster XC MTB century in Spain: 126 miles and 22k. We have friends who have an apartment in the Pyrenees and we visit them every few years. I’ve ridden maybe 60 percent of the planned route so have an idea what I’m getting into. With the diabetes am nervous of unknown places so I like to know there’s water stops, bars (European meaning not just alcohol but FOOD) etc.
I overtrained 3 years ago and even since then I haven’t been the same. My sleep is off too maybe because of that mid to late 40s ageing step. That said my ftp is at record highs because even though bike riding is less miles and overall am exercising less my training is more purposeful using a structured plan.
I know why you’re so fast now: the ebike puts you in zone 2. And it’s a wonderful tool because another little nugget is some local coaches and professional cyclists use them for commute to stretch their fitness budget.
I ride a lot as a kid but only rediscovered the bike as an adult in 2018. Before then it was walking hiking running and swimming. Started lifting weights as adult around age 44 because despite all that exercise I didn’t like how my body was shaping and was getting a lot of back pain and unsteadiness.
My goal is to live to 80 in good shape. Some type 1s can. It’s not impossible you just have to take good care of yourself.
What’s your next adventure?
mmeiser@reddit
lol, hit the 10000 word limit. Achievement unlocked! Words continued below
Oh. and btw, without mountains I would never have fallen in love with e-endurance. It absolutely is NOT faster for me on flat or gently rolling hills. I can do repeat 120 maybe 140 days on lightweight road / gravel in gentler terrain. I just could not do more then repeat 80 miles with 8000 vertical for a few days on a bike loaded with bikepacking gear. Even on the divide some ten years ago it was hard to push 100 loaded. That "only" averages 180,000 vert over 2700 or so miles. So "only" about 6700 vertical every 100 miles if my math is correct.
Fyi, my long term goal is to bike forever even if its on a TerraTrike Rambler All-road eith eassist. And then slow down maybe enough to learn how to fish, lol. If I make it till 80 or so I am cool with that. There are no guarantees.
mmeiser@reddit
Wow, so refreshing reading this. I have not found many whose goals are similar in the bicycle or ebike world. So often my goals don"t overlap other peoples because I don't "race". Yeah have done many century rides, some doubles, a bit of randomeering but my form is ultra endurnace adventure, not racing. I just like to do ride long rides. Overnight rides. Ride all night rides. At the intersection of bikepacking and ultra-endurance.
It would be easier if I just went all in on racing. I am denying myself the exposure too and learning from those who train and ride with more intention. As such my nutrition and training game have not been honed as sharply. Indeed my focus right now is on rounding out fitness off the bike, core strength, flexibility, strengthening for seasonal sports like paddling, xcski, snowshoeing or hiking, i.e. I virtually eliminated ankle problems and plantar fasciitis. A huge win since it plagued me forever. Same thing with back pain, it was an LOL. Good back but do increase workloads causing pain for months. I finally saw a chiropractor and he identified it immediately. Stuck SI joint causing back muscles chronic strain. Now I do yoga for flexibility. Issue gone. The problem is that I lost agility, core strength, flexibility and balamce so slowly I did't realize how bad I was getting. I just thought because I was fit from biking I was good, lol. Small health issues have turned into big awakenings for me. I cannot just cold turkey a 36 mile weekend of hiking anymore without paying for it for weeks. Or paddle over to canada without first doing some gym prep work so my arms don't fall off. The thing is I am an outdoor nut. If I am gym'ing it has to be with intentionality because I do not inately enjoy it. The reward for me is that it betters that thing I am doing outdoors.
Of course the reward for doing the things I do outdoors is a jacked metabolism, all those natural drugs that come from endurance efforts, serotonin, dopamine, etc but not the least of which is better sleep due sheer exhaustion.
That is awesome. I do not live in the mountains but I have easy access to the Appalachian foothills and they can be decptively kick ass. I have probably come close to that sort of vertical footage and mileage doing 1500 miles of the great divide but the one recordable high point was a 100 mile ride we have called The Frank which climbs 11,000 vertical. Things like a ODRAM and RAIN. One day ride across michigan is 200 miles. Rain is the ride across indiana at 140 miles. But the vertical is negligible.
A personal favorite was just a solo 34 hour ride of 350 miles I did to my bro's wedding but that was pre Garmin so no data like vertical footage. 1pm leave, 120 miles, bivy, 140 miles, bivy, finished by 11am. Not even racing. Just riding with intentionality. I love riding to events. Have ridden to several weddings. Its the challenge of not driving. It's legit, especially when its a state or two away. :)
A North / South mostly gravel route across Ohio called the Dirty Water 500k is my inspiration in ebike endurance. And yes, exploring it on ebike started as prep work for riding it on my carbon cross, but it turned into its own beast when I realized how awesome riding hills on ebike was. I am obsessed with serial riding every backroad in Southern Ohio. Lots of vertical footage, forest roads, gravel. I have always been this way just not been able to cover enough ground in the extreme hills of SE ohio where you can average 1000 vertical every 10 miles. Now I am able to seek out exactly the roads I love which also happen to be the ridge runners, hollows and backroads with the most extreme changes in elevation. There is a saying. In the Rockies you climb things once but in the Appalachians you climb them again and again and again. 15-20% grades are not uncommon here. Since the mountains or not as high roads were not built with graded standards of 6-8%. I think I got in a ride with 6500 vert in 34 miles once down near Wheeling, WV. I was paralleling the Ohio River through watershed drainages. Just up and down across creeks and over ridges.
Sounds like my kind of meat sandwich. I love things you can work at sideways. I don't go straight at things because the reward is not some medal. The reward is the process leading up to it.
These are the things I need to work on. I have friends and was thinking of asking one to be my coach for an upcoming goal or two. My approach has always been to ride a lot and enjoy it. Its still my number one goal but its time to add a little more structure and intentionality. Also, though not technically diabetic I absolutely get the planning. I cannot skimp on on the bike nutrition or water. I have put myself into the hurt zone to many times but not triggered my tunnel vision in years. Oddly it was a pure stress incident doing a fat bike ride called the Polar Roll Ultimate in Upper Michigan and I just road right out of it. I ate some calories, relaxed and soft pedalled until my vision returned. Makes me think it is some sort of stress migrane. But yes it impairs my thinking and memory as well. But at least do not get a headache, lol.
NOONE in my neck of the woods does this except me. Any information you have on this, blogger, youtube, podcast, or online forum? I am good at the research rabbit hole but ebiking as a supplement for fitness base while logical to me is something I can find zero research on.
Old tech geek. Usually I am great at finding the thread of the conversation but I feel like I have gotten to far in front of it here in the u.s. I feel like I just need to coin a term a term like e-endurance or e-bikepacking and just try and pull people in. But it would be better to find those people already doing it. Another thing is to publish ridiculous adventures or start an ebike ultra endurance "race" to promote the idea. Like the Tour Divide race was started to promote the GDMBR and bikepacking. As an old hat Dotcom 1.0 and Web 2.0 guy I am decent at identifying new frontiers and cheerleading them. If we don't ask the question and identify the need and build the demand then how will players like Bosch and Salsa ever build us the perfect endurance ebike? i.e. a low torque SL unit with 1600-2000 Wh of battery.
I guess I dream of world shrinking human power tech. I think it changes people's perspective on the world, geography and themselves to hike long trails, paddle long or big waters and bike long routes. I not only want to ebike the great divide but I want weekend warriors to be able to have the confidence to try it.. or at least to bike something like the GAP/C&0 332 miles from Pitssburg to Washingotn DC. Fyi, failed the divide once, cracked a titanium frame, replaced the frame, but the delay caused me to loose my weather window.
Stopped running in highschool due bball injuries, bad ankles. It why I started biking and other activities. Started gym activities around 45 due significant other's influence and above mentioned wake up calls that I was an idiot about things off the bike.
I think I sort of said it. Been wanting to get back to the divide eventually but have not told anyone. Maybe in 2 years. This winter or soring I want to do a little something called the Trans North Georgia or TNGA. 350 miles and 57,000 vert feet. On ebike. Maybe yoyo for 750. Maybe turn it into a loop. Need to work out the logistics so I can stay in the same lodgings both directions. Or just do a shuttle back tonthe start. It's its own thing but also a way to see if I can do the great divide by ebike. To this point my adventures have been sub 34 hour. I know if I give myself more ride time during the day I can relax more, take my time and squeeze more miles out of the batteries cause not putting outside time oressure on my ride.
And yes. all this is tandem to making myself better on my meat oowered bikes and to go back to meat oower and see if I can do that Dirty Water 500k across Ohio North to South with carbon and axs. I think the two things compliment each other tremendously. They each make the other better.
michaelhannigan2@reddit
I do it just for fun.
thephotoman@reddit
Welcome!
I used to use a pedal bike for my errands in town. But there is one gnarly climb out of the floodplain (there’s a nature trail I use occasionally, as it is a through street for bikes, scooters, and horses, but not motorcycles or cars). And if the floodplain is doing its job and flooding, I have to take streets that are hillier and faster.
And on those days, my ebike is better. It also does a decent impersonation of a moped when that’s the most appropriate choice of vehicle (Class 3 ebikes can do pedal assist to 28mph in most states, though I think CA is lower).
BoringBob84@reddit
The standard USA 3-class system does not allow throttles on Class 3 ebikes. However, California makes an exception in that they allow throttles up to walking speed (i.e., 3.7 MPH / 6 kph) on Class 1 and 3 ebikes.
Like in other states, in California, Class 3 ebikes can provide assistance up to 28 MPH, but they are generally prohibited from shared paths.
michaelhannigan2@reddit
Yes it does. Throttle up to 20. PAS up to 28.
BoringBob84@reddit
This is illegal in most USA states, including California. It is not a Class 2 ebike, nor a Class 3 ebike, and the law in most USA states is very specific that a legal ebike can only be a member of one class.
Minnesota is the only exception of which I am aware.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Im impressed w class 3 indeed!
FarTie4415@reddit
Normal bikes are good for physical health and ebikes and scooters are great for my mental health, they are so peaceful and noise free and fun
LarryCebula@reddit
Everyone ends up on an e-bike eventually.
BKBroiler57@reddit
PAO surgery here. I can’t run long distances anymore but I can ride a bike, got an ebike so I commute to work most days of the year and not be sweaty when I show up but get sweaty otw home when I adjust the assist settings. 2300miles and counting
funcentric@reddit
Glad you got out of your ignorance and have an eye open for what it's like to actually operate one of these.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Well that’s just it. Definitely ignorant because I simply didn’t know as all my knowledge was centered around bad behavior
funcentric@reddit
Not surprised because for sure there’s a lot of that behavior highlighted in the media.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
It’s what I saw first hand. Also during Covid seeing kids with e-bikes going the wrong way against traffic pulling wheelies w cars coming.
The truth is that the proper use of e-bikes is huge now that I’ve learned what ir means. Sadly you don’t see it at all as the good behavior and benefit outnumbers the bad but the bad is 100x more obvious and talked about.
funcentric@reddit
That's a good way of saying it. Agreed.
michaelhannigan2@reddit
Main character syndrome.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Well that’s stating the obvious.
Its my life, I am the one living it, solely responsible for my actions and mostly not totally but mostly responsible for the consequences and situations I have to deal with. This is true for everyone. There would be something seriously wrong in anyone’s life if they themselves were not the main character!
Spectrumthecyclist@reddit
Young/reasonably fit 25yo here, I very much had the same mentality until my knee started giving me issues. Most days I'm fine on a traditional bike, but on those days where my knee gives me trouble, it's an amazing tool. AMAZING for commuting too.
Cauda_Pavonis@reddit
My ebike is effectively my car. I do Costco runs on my ebike. I love my ebike.
niffcreature@reddit
Oh yeah, e bikes are totally for people with a "fitness budget" 🙄
KostyaFedot@reddit
So, if not illness you would still bitching on ebikes?
Flying with cars in heavy traffic.... Please, you don't need another discovery after another recovery.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Sort of to partially yes because I was reacting to information that I had available.
My experiences traveling in Europe and meeting coaches, semi pros and pros in e-bikes to stretch their fitness budget and their talking about their use in rehabbing serious clients or helping their clients ride even more were also pretty instrumental but it would have taken longer.
Again were a captive audience to our point of view. It’s all about parallax, the concept that what one person sees and knows and thinks is not what others see and know and thinks due to different experiences.
Asphinx7A@reddit
Agreed, I tore my meniscus 15 months ago and I too rarely go above a 1 pedal assist. It has helped me rehab and I’m 100% now. Would’ve never been able to do it on an analog bike where I live with steep hills.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
How long did it take you to get 100 percent? Me I’m avoiding surgery but conservative treatment is working rapidly.
Asphinx7A@reddit
Close to 13 months with both Peloton and Ebike.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Damn that’s a long time. I’m one month in and rapidly improving but have other knee issues too.
Asphinx7A@reddit
It was the worse injury I ever had. Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
❤️
ibericman@reddit
Hi everyone,
I'm still excited since building my ebike about a month ago. I've used a Carrera Hellcat mountain bike (bought in Halsfords, Dublin Ireland) and paired up with a Bafang mid drive 750W, 48V20AH battery. I'm like a child on xmas day opening presents! I've cycled quite seriously during my youth and ebikes were out of the question. And same as you life proved me wrong, and since the traffic in Dublin is shite this is perfect to commute to work.
Signed a happy man with an ebike!
Ps: battery is missing....
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
I have strong PTSD and big consequences, depression,panic attacks, anxioty, insomnia,bad dreams etc...in fact, I have big psichic problems...last year my friend buyed e bike, I didn't know for such a model with fat tyres and pedaling support... Then I decide to buy the same, chinese Engwe engine pro 2.0... after few months of waiting, I decide for other model,X20... Bike is great,but a litlle bit too slow for me... Now I want buy bigger and stronger because I'm old motorcycle rider and,so, I can ride with my father when he still can... This moment I dont have money for the other,but I hope, I will get invalid retirement from army... E bikes are great things and game changer...👍
Relative_Bother_1069@reddit
I rode a non motorized touring bike, mountain bike for years. Had a knee replacement four and a half years ago. Decided to get my first ebike because I wanted to be able to ride like I used to.
d0ntbejay@reddit
Yes, generalizing groups of people is not good. My dad used to say "don't make fun of em you'll have a house full of em" so yeah... I guess that's real in your case.
Enjoy your ebike. I love mine.
East_Type_1136@reddit
Your bike is illegal if it assists you when your speed is over 15.5MPH
FtonKaren@reddit
I’m happy for you, it’s just unfortunate that you needed to have a first experience to change your mind
Ars139@reddit (OP)
It’s the cost of ignorance and the majority of ebike riding that I saw in my experience was abusive on the hand of kids or people who were doing things they shouldn’t.
FtonKaren@reddit
It just has me think of so many other things in the world that people only changed their mind when they have firsthand experience
David Tennant for instance it’s only because they have a trans child and really it’s their wife that tells them everything he’s not really learning about the 2SLGBTQIA++ community
And there’s the unhouse
Any of the racist stuff we come up with
Like it’s only when it personally connects to your life that most people revisit and decolonize from the previous ideas meaning that anything that they can’t have a personal experience with how do we reach them? Logic and talk and doesn’t get it done
Ars139@reddit (OP)
🤗
WoollySocks@reddit
If we're lucky enough to live long enough, we all become disabled to some degree... but an ebike means that you don't have to give up riding in the sun on a nice day. Or riding in the rain on a crap day, if that's how you roll.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Yup I do both.
cbobgo@reddit
Tell your story to the other Lycra bros
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I certainly will start joining my group accordingly.
It’s a long story but because of sepsis a year ago I was sidelined from group rides a lot of the year. Due to limited fitness budget I only did structured training without group rides. Now I’m thinking next year due to my goals of doing more group rides but using my ebike so I can stay in zone 2. Let’s say there’s a hilly 50 mile ride planned on a Sunday when I should do 3h of zone 2. Well I can use the ebike to stay in that zone and get my endurance workout in but not go above 180-200 watts. Boom done I can do both thanks to the ebike!
Lordy8719@reddit
My overweight neighbour who always drives everywhere including the grocery store that’s 5 mins distance on foot always calls my ebike “cheating”.
The fact that I’m primarily using the ebike for my commute to the gym and that I can lift said ebike with one hand fairly easily seems to evade him.
That being said, I actually do need my ebike due to my injured spine and knee - I may look like a gym rat - I AM a gym rat - but the ebike’s small boost is what allows me to pedal without pain. It’s priceless in that sense.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I so totally get this now. Have a home gym setup but word for word it’s my story.
Fearless-Sandwich823@reddit
I have chronic gout. Getting an ebike made a huge difference in getting me out of my apartment and feeling free to go places again.
RockBogan@reddit
I just ordered a cheap E cargo bike to commute to work. moved further away, while being the fattest I've ever been, so no way could I do it on a regular bike.
looing forward to it arriving next month. Big rear carrier should replace the car for some supermarket runs etc
unicyclegamer@reddit
I am indeed lazier and fatter now that I use an e bike to commute instead of my road bike. But I don’t need to change at work so I’ll accept it. I still ride the road bike a few days a week anyway.
OGFrostyEconomist@reddit
I have the same bike and love it so much! Put over 2000 miles on it in a year :)
Cold-Albatross@reddit
Wind....one of the best arguments for an eBike.
mmeiser@reddit
And hills!
oldfrancis@reddit
Welcome to the club.
bentnotbroken96@reddit
Can't break the rules if there aren't any.
Exciting_Turn_9559@reddit
The fact you went there in the first place makes me judge you OP. For many people, Ebikes are purely about efficient enjoyable transportation, not primarily about exercise at all. My ebike doesn't replace my regular bike. It replaces my car.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Where I live you don’t see as much of what you post about and I saw in Europe. It’s more kids and individuals ripping it where they shouldn’t. I was newish to the sport myself as an adult and didn’t know much in general and only had those experiences in bike paths to form my then limited opinion. That’s what I’m basically saying.
Exciting_Turn_9559@reddit
You lost me when you called it a sport.
For many people it's just a tool.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
Again because I came from a different angle: for the fitness and recreational side but I turned it into a tool because it saved time. But priority number one remains fitness objectives, life expectancy boost, calorie burn so I can eat more in middle age, physical and mental health, socialization and travel plans. I have diabetes and the low impact exercise was incredible.
The tool thing kinda fell into place because I found I could get my cardio out of the way by simply commuting and then lift weights after dinner
spikeytree@reddit
I mean your thoughts are fair enough. When I was younger I did not understand how fast health can slip from us.
Originally I got an ebike so I can commute in the city but it has kept me semi active when I started developing joint issues. Having an ebike gave me the mental crutch I needed to tackle the mountains again until I recovered from my issues. To spread the benefits of an ebikes i would usually let people test ride my bike. That way they can see that it isn't a motorcycle but rather it is a bike with electric assist.
Ars139@reddit (OP)
I thought if you take care of yourself you’d be fine but the last year or two have been a rocky road. I admit I made a mistake and have learned.