My ebike has changed my life. I'm 68 years old and in the past have always ridden my bike whenever and wherever possible, but the hills in western VA and my aging body were taking the fun out of biking. Yea, I should have been strong, toughed it out, pushed through the pain, and all that, but I just didn't have the motivation. I got a Trek Powerfly 5. My first outing I rode up a gravel trail to the top of Massanutten Mt. I got my workout. I rode in "Touring" level until my legs and lungs were on fire, then I bumped it up to eMTB level and cruised on up. Now I'm going for rides every day that I'm at home ( I drive tractor-trailer so I'm on the road a lot). I'm getting better cardio workouts than I have for years, and loving every minute of it. I went for a 37 mile ride on some of our glorious gravel roads in the Shenandoah Valley with my son-in-law who is a serious hard core mountain biker, and yea, he could easily pull away from me on the downhills, but we could ride together and that is a real treat. I'm sure that if you filmed me while riding you would notice that I am grinning like an idiot during the whole ride.
I'm approaching age 66 and I'm thinking of doing the same...first selling my Trek and then my Cannondale. I'm researching E-bikes now. Do you love the Trek Powerfly 5?
@@RitaD0724 I do! I think Trek makes a very slick, smooth operating ebike mostly because of the Bosch mid-drive motor. However, it is a mountain bike. It is really made for gravel trails. I bought it because it was very lightly used (12 miles on the odometer) and was $2000 below retail cost. I do ride gravel trails in the National Forest here in western VA, but mostly I ride roads and the wide, knobby tires are kinda slow and noisy. When they wear out I will get something a bit narrower. It all depends on what kind of riding you intend to do. If you are going to be riding on roads and paved or fairly smooth gravel trails I would recommend something a little different. The Trek Verve 2+ is made more for that kind of riding, or if you want more speed and a more aggressive bike, the Trek Alliant series is made more for the road. With the Verve 2+ you sit more upright. Also depends on your budget. My wife has a Rad City Step Thru and it's great for the kind of paved bike trails she prefers and only costs $1500. It has a rear hub motor and is not as smooth and refined as a Trek, but has built in lights, lots of carrier rack space and is made for comfort. I'm so into riding now that I also bought a Trek FX 6 'fitness bike', a road bike (non electric) with flat handlebars. I just got back from a 30 mile ride on the FX 6. It gives me an incredible cardio workout. Tomorrow I'll ride the Powerfly so I don't have to work so hard. I've been riding for 6 months now and have lowered my resting heart rate from 72 to 62 bpm and lost 5 pounds.
sfdint thanks very much for your reply. I appreciate your taking the time to respond in such depth. I’m doing my due diligence and researching the subject. I have a feeling once I settle on something, my husband will go the same route! I do appreciate it. Stay safe and enjoy the road!
Simon WoodburyForget I live in the outskirts of Berlin where a lot of old people live as well and I am starting to see more and more of the older generation getting ebikes and using them for Thier daily errands to the shops and back (around 10km) instead of taking there car. I disagree with your statement that 60km/h ebikes would be popular as 1. They would just be to scary for older people and 2. I can't imagine the type of person that would by one. people willing to go that distance in a bike will be fit and have a road bike and the others would want the creature comforts of a car (maybe cyclists that have been in a crash?)
Simon WoodburyForget oh and obviously you haven't realised having fat people riding e bikes would make the bikes far more stable then the average trike
All these tales of old guys rediscovering the fun and exercise biking through e-bikes! Well, I am one of them, having found out that I can now keep up with the group of cyclists that I organize for a weekly tour. Most of these fellas don't seem very old to me--I'm going on 86. I have just ordered my next e-bike.
My grandfather rode a bike into his early 90s, ebikes weren't a things back then so he'd literally cycled as slow as walking pace, as a kid I couldn't cycle with him, I'd simply fall over. But it gave him some independence and freedom! Every morning he went out to get his newspaper and get some groceries for the day, sometimes he cycled all across our small town (some 50k inhabitants)to visit his kids and grandkids. Our country is relatively flat, so it wasn't a problem, he had all the time in the world, everybody in town knew about the old guy who cycled so slow it looks as he would tip over any moment, but never did. You seem you're heading the same direction, keep it up, utter respect you're not giving up and just keep cranking!
As a disabled guy who used to ride 350 miles a month being able to ride my recumbent trike with e-assist is a gift from God! Yes I smile like a 10 year old the whole damn ride!!
I had a similar experience with a Batec Hybrid powered attachment for my manual wheelchair. I've been exercising for 1 year now and can do 6 km in my lightweight manual wheelchair before exhaustion on mixed uphill and downhills. I'm a big guy 80 Kilo so pushing me is a non starter. I demoed a power-assisted Batec attachment for my wheelchair and was able to keep up with my wife on her bike. Life changing moment. got my excerse and was doing about 20 km/h
I am 60 years old. I had a mild heart attack at 39 and started biking seriously after that. About 7 years ago I started experiencing arrhythmias That I was told were benign but that I should stop biking so much. The less I exercised the weaker I got. I finally have some relief from the arrhythmiasand I 've tried to bike again but the legs are shot after a seven year layoff. So, I got myself an e-bike. Icouldn't afford one as nice as the one in your video but mine is nice enough. I have to say this was the best purchase I ever made. At 60 I'm better than I was at 50 and soon I will try to jump on the old road bike (not e-bike) again. The e-bike really saved me If I do get back the road bike, I may keep using the e-bike for the commute. Stay nice and dry and get to work faster... Sounds good to me!
My father was riding bikes a lot when he was younger, but now he's almsot 60 and has some problems with illnesses, so he almost completely stopped cycling a few years ago. A few weeks ago, he bought an E-Bike, which marked the fullpower return oh his cycling. In fact, he is now cycling more than ever, just with a little help by the motor. Seems legit to me
Exactly like my father. He has just turned 60 this year. Used to take his care even for 1-2 km distances, Now his using his e-bike to go to work, roam around the city, sometimes even goes to meetings with 3rd parties using that bike.
@ Alex Morgan: I'm 56 years old, I have a motor bike but I still want an e-bike, I have 3 mountain bikes and I love riding the best one but after recovering from a broken arm that I had to get fixed with an operation, I find it hard to get back on the mountain bike. I tried it for a while recently but being laid off for over 1 year and not allowed to ride my mountain bike for that time, I lost a lot of fitness. I want to get my fitness back so the easiest way for me it to get an e-bike mountain bike, I'm hard on bikes, lol. If you don't like that because you are a purist, then tough crap, I will do what I want to and not listen to you. Stop being an elitist snob.
I have turned 61 two weeks ago, and I stopped riding bike almost 20 years ago because I had a problem in my knees... but in december of 2017 I bought an E-Bike and now I ride it every day, including visitin my mom, (95 years old) that lives almost 30 km far... (my city, Lima Perú is very extense and full of demential traffic, but you can always use cicloways and low transit streets near the big avenues...). The good thing is that now, I even ride some parts of the ride without the E-motor, that is, it´s working as a therapy for my knees...
give your head a bang dodo .... of course hes cycling, if he doesnt pedal the cycle cant move , think about that for a minute- as i think cycling means being on a cycle and using your legs to propel it , assisted or not- its not a moped , and its not a velocepide .... you want to be a martyr great ... i love passing lycra boys on their racers panting like old dogs when going up hill , in my cut down jeans , boots .and loaded with panniers and top box..i also like doing 25 miles plus several times a week -great exercise . even better passing old martyrs gasping for air going up hill. Wearing ridiculously tight dayglo lycra and struggling doesnt make you any more a cyclist then anyone else.
I rent my mrs an E bike and that enables us to climb mountains in the Alps instead of me leaving her sitting around for hours waiting for me, she has a ball on them. If it gets people out on two wheels and into the fresh air, that can only be a good thing!
That's actually a brilliant idea. I have been tossing around the idea of a cycle tour in Europe for a couple years now, this might actually get it off the ground!
During my lunch break yesterday I went into the shop to pickup a tyre for my super-fit partner and the sales guy suggested I go on a test ride on an e mountain bike - I gave it a go and bought it and when I got back to the store, I bought the bike and helmet immediately. I rode home from work (about 9km) - here is the kicker - I weigh 150kg, and haven't ridden a bike in about 25 years. Don't get me wrong, the ride home was still rough going, it took me about an hour and I am still sore all over, but this machine has given me a glimpse into a world where I can ride to work each day, where I can be active, where it's possible to get out and about and do things. And, when I got home today, I went for small ride around the block. The most important part is that test-ride showed me that life could be different and now I really want that different life. Ok, so my credit card statement is going to hurt far more than my rear by the end of the month, but it's given me hope and a shot at change... What was the last product that did that for you?
Thats wonderful man, happy to see you in our ranks! Less cars and motorcycles, less noise, less traffic stress, less polition, more relaxing, more activity and more happiness in the end
I have to say that I have been leaning in the direction of the "anti-E-bike crowd, but have tried to keep an open mind about it. This story, and others like it are starting to sway my opinion in the other direction. Will I ever get an E-bike? Most likely not. That being said, I am starting to see that there can be a place for them. Just because it is not for me does not mean it isn't for anyone. Yeah, I am starting to come around a bit.
My initial reaction was to do “whaaaat? that’s cheating!” when an older person takes over on an e-bike whilst climbing 😂 but actually I think it’s brilliant! I love the fact that so many more people will be able to enjoy more active ways of spending free time and go to places they couldn’t before. It makes me so happy to see older couples enjoying the world together on an e-bike. I think so many people can benefit from it. Not just older but also mountain bikers and people with all sorts of disabilities and/or those who don’t want to drive a car. What’s not to love ?
Yeah people only think about their perspective as a cyclist without considering there's also a lot off young ppl that just aren't nearly as fit as them. Ebikes are also good for non bikers and casual cyclists. Most ppl can't bike at a sustained 25kph and they don't have the fitness to go on good routes or trails. Sure those ppl could get in better shape and work their way up to that level but it'll be a very slow and painful process before it gets fun. E bikes let casual riders have fun and enjoy themselves from the jump which means they're much more likely to cycle alot more and get into the sport while getting fit enough where they would'nt need an E-bike anymore. Ultimately it lowers the barrier of entry into cycling which will let alot of ppl that would've otherwise passed become cyclists. It's funny that people think it's cheating because it's really just mechanical advantage, and having gears is also a huge mechanical advantage over a fixie. Hell even a good 12 speed is a significant advantage over a cheap 9 speed yet no one calls it cheating because you bought a nicer bike. E bikes are just the next form of mechanical advantage and will probably be widely adopted in the next decade or 2, especially as the motors and batteries get smaller and lighter and price keeps coming down.
I thought of it as cheating too but then I recently got one for a thousand bucks. Since I’m 72 I was intrigued to see what an e-bike would be like. The one I have is about 70 pounds so you have to be very careful not to run into pedestrians but it is a fun way to get around especially off road.
I commute on an ebike. I turn the peddle assist all the way up on the way in and half way up on the way home. 27 miles round trip, 245 days a Year. Love that damn bike.
Used to think Top Gear presenter was the best job in the world - GCN presenter now tops it. Riding with your mates on some of the best climbs in the world and getting paid for it... brilliant. As for e-bikes? If it gets more people into riding then I'm all for it.
What an overwhelmingly positive comments section! I nerviously scrolled down the page expecting a barrage of eBike hate, but all I saw was good positive opinions and how eBikes have changed peoples lives for the better. I never really gave eBikes any thought till I rode one in New Zealand last November, I was converted immediately and bought one by Christmas. Now I'm an advocate, the smile on peoples faces when they ride one for the first time - the eSmile as I like to call it - is a joy in itself, but the one constant for even the skeptics is eBikes are fun - no matter how you look at it they allow anyone to have more fun on the pedals, and that can only be a good thing.
Unlimited speed ebikes are even better. Even for avid cyclists. You would be like a Borg. Imagine combining your 500 watts with the motors 500 watts. It's hilariously good fun.
I am in my seventies and have never enjoyed cycling as much as I do now, since I bought an e-bike. It has taken away all the negative aspects of cycling, such as slogging up hills. It's all about getting out there, having fun, and exercising comfortably. If you think this is cheating, that's your problem.
Its not really cycling tho. "Slogging" up hills is part of cycling. Funny how you see the motor assist as a workout it pretty much does the work for you. Unless ofc you're going over the assist speedlimit which would be the same as not having it on. ALTHOUGH E-biking is still better thsn driving but dont call it cycling when it isn't one or exercise when its nearly effortless. Exercise and exhaustion is part of cycling
@@lollol-nr6th I know a lady that rode an e-bike to work as a way to lose weight, I rode the same route she did, it had a monster hill on it, (Fletcher Parkway, part of the tour of California, San Diego) it's an ass-kicker. I am an ex-racer, the woman was a 400# never exersizer, she lost 200 lbs, and still has good knees, and could pass me on climbs. As I am reaching my golden-arthritis years, the e-bike is looking tempting.
A few weeks back I saw a bloke out training hard on some hills while his wife was keeping him company on an ebike, Iknow some people cycle to get away from the other half but they looked happy.
My best E-bike moment is being overtaken up Mont Ventoux by the happiest middle aged woman I have ever seen. While I, on the other hand was achieving new levels of facial contortion that would put Lasty to shame. After a load of self muttered expletives it did encourage me to ride faster, so we both ended up quite happy at the summit.
Same thing for me, whenever I see people on e-bikes, my ego tells me to overtake them. So in the end, e-bikes make me ride faster, which is always a good thing :D
haha! yes, i get passed all the time by e-bikers. its funny when its an old guy or a big person. of course, i'm a commuter so it doesn't take that much to pass me anyway. :) that's a great moment though!
Haha, this is gold! I find the same, whenever I am passed by an e-bike - especially when it's someone trying to go fast - I get a sudden bout of must-catch-itis and thunder past them at >40kph :D It's especially gratifying when you pass them going uphill (albeit a very short hill).
I can see a use for e-bikes, they could be used as a pacing bike for a coach or for someone like my father is in his 70's and has always been an avid cyclist this would let him ride with me and some of the groups around town that he couldn't keep up with on his own but with some assist he could still get a good workout and be able to keep up.
I sometimes come back to these old GCN videos just because of the interactions between the presenters and the original content (back then). Matt was awesome.
Gets people off sofas and outdoors exercising that normally would never think of getting back on the saddle due to health. Spend the wealth and get some health. 👍❤
@@inkultat Well if you are maxing out the emtb beyond the speed it is capable of propelling it's like it's not even on. I just cruise at like 10mph and do nothing. lol
As someone who was involved in a road accident, my ebike has been a god send for getting out. It helped me get back some road confidence and build my fitness up slowly. Granted it's not a road bike like the Giant but for those of us who are less mobile, they are definitely a plus.
I do few bike tours with my friends and family every year. We have found a really good group to ride with. One of my friend always had kneepain when we go uphill. She did good on flat surface, but uphill was not her thing. She actually hated it. Last year she bought an e-bike. She use eco mode most of the time, but when uphill comes she turn on power mode and go uphill like a pro. :) I am really happy that this technology exist. It allows almost everyone to ride a bicycle.
E-bikes are for sure a good thing. For me cycling is a personal thing and do not use one, however anything that gets people out of there cars is only a good thing. I cycle a lot of hills and frequently come across a 90 yr old cyclist on an e-bike. The guy cycled a road bike most of his life but just got to much for him, without the e-bike he wouldn't be able to get out any more.
BikeIt UK I ride an e-bike I'm not 80 years old I'm closing in on 50 but I have been riding for every bit of ten years and I have earned the right to ride an e-bike it does not mean I am lazy or less than someone else it means that I enjoy going green and I want to be comfortable doing it lol
Well I happen to be quite fat and lazy and I love my Pedego e-bikes. Got in an accident with the first one (a Boomerang Plus with a big, heavy Wald front basket, which saved me). Got an Interceptor to replace it, then got the first one fixed up so now I have two. Use them for work commutes, shopping, the works. Won't even bother with a car now - if it's a long distance hop I carry a spare battery, or ride the bus.
The biggest argument for e bikes....commuters and hills on the way to work. Exercise is great and all, but some us need to still be able to stand when we need to work.
Cycling should not be an elitists club. Any bike with 2 wheels and pedals are good. If an EBike gets new people to take up riding it has to be a good thing. If it means people are now able to keep riding longer due to age or injuries, that is a good thing. If it means they decide to tackle an epic road trip that is a good thing. It is not like you are going to see them in the Tour De France. It's just about people enjoying cycling.
Agreed, Though they tend to be a hindrance on long trips, since you'll run out of battery, and still have the motor drag, and extra 30lb of motor and battery.
My parents, both pensioners, sold their e-bikes and continued to go by their normal bikes. They said they were just too heavy to get out of the basement or on and off the car, so they'd just take their usual bikes, ride slower and walk them uphill, if necessary.
Actually, they should replace all bikes in TDF with ebikes. The races will be much more fun to watch, the athletes won't look like bulimic zombie robots, and the problem with rampant doping will solve itself immediately.
I agree but saying that cycling should involve pedaling by your own power is hardly being elitist, that's what cycling is. If you want an electric moped that's perfectly fine but you're not cycling then. I'd never ride with someone on an ebike, unless it was like a friend or family member with an injury, disability, old age or whatever wanting to just ride a relaxing trip through nature on a nice day or something. It's not that I mind people using the ebike but they're not doing the same activity as actual cyclists are so I'd never accept them on group rides or whatever. If you can't ride an actual racing bike, you don't belong in a club for racing bikes. Start your own electric moped gang if you're so inclined but stop pretending it has anything to do with actual cycling.
Gnawer Shreth honestly who cares? It's like people take my bike choice personally. Just ride and be a good person. You'd never accept them. Who are you to accept anything.
I'm happy to see how it's helped so many people in their late 60's and onwards who would otherwise have stopped cycling. To all those people who hate on e-bikes referring to them as "cheating" because they give an advantage, does that not also mean that lighter and more aerodynamic carbon fiber bikes are also cheating vs cheap steel bikes?
People have different needs they are attempting to fill. If I was a 20-30 min bike ride away from work, I wouldn't need a ebike. If I plan to do 26 miles (with many hills) daily, I'm gonna need an ebike. So I bought an ebike, now I'm waiting for it to arrive.
@@darthkek1953 That comment is a year old. As I stated, people have different needs. I stated my own, not sure what there is to argue. I've since moved WAY too far from work, but at the time it was an hour ride one way. That was going on a 30 mph bike (pedal assist only) with many hills. I still showed up to work sweaty. The shower at work was closed initially. I used panniers and carried a change of clothes and wet wipes. You can make it work if you care enough.
Brilliant for commuting to work over steep hills so you're not a sweaty blob when you get to work and after working twelve hours on my feet the whole time my legs feel like tree trunks. So an e-bike would be a very nice solution for three seasons. Even some winter if the temps stay above minus numbers.
I'm 68 years old and still enjoying my old Fuji road bike, but I can foresee the day when an Ebike will enable me to still do biking vacations and long distance work.
Not far behind ya [age] on my [Fuji] S-10S. However, I just ran into some health issues a while ago .I just found out about eBikes and I'll be getting one very soon! These are absolutely life changers, for those of us that cycled in our youth, but then latter thought it was all over.Best wishes David, keep the crank turning on that Fuji and know that if the time comes, there is an ebike alternative waiting for you.
What a great video - We loved the coffee breaks! We really thought the ebike was going to run out of power at the end - you had us hooked!! Well presented & you made it very interesting - Very well done guys!!
I was thinking the tortoise and hare tale was about to be told... the hare running off, then having a nap, while the tortoise plods on... and the hare realising it was too late to catch up...
ive ridden so many miles over the years until one day i got smashed by a drunk driver taking away my mobility. my ebike allows me to recover on a bike in the world and not in my living room on a stationary. i get a lot of hate from fellow cyclists on the trail for no reason. i follow the speed limits and am very polite. but they still say things like "you are a pu**y!" "that bike is for cheaters". i dont get it. i used to scoff at the gas motor bike conversions as those are generally loud and annoying, but an ebike, specifically my class II rad rover ebike, are quiet, fast enough for me to commute on, and nothing to be worried about. i am using mine to recover from the accident and i so so so look forward to the day i can ride my road bike and mountain bike with no pain again. until then, i am going to commute on my ebike 50 miles a day. and yes, i will be waving as i pass you.
I wouldn't be without my converted Gaint afer 4 heart attacks in 2013 , My semi mountain bike was converted to an E Bike ( mainly to assist uphill here in Tasmania ) , I ride almost every day , Saturdays or Sundays ( depending on the weather , ) home to Clairmont and back ( 80 km ) and getting home with almost no battery , its great fun and healthy especially at 70+ yrs old !
Since this I have purchased a new Giant road E Bike , a bit more grunt , and great to ride to Claremont and return with still 45% battery left ; with this I'm becoming more disciplined and using eco and normal staying away from the sports mode Plus I'm losing weight and getting stronger !
@Bike!Bike! There HAD to be someone to say something as ignorant and arrogant as that. You don't what you're talking about. Coronary artery disease has a complex etiology and V02 max is only one part of it.
So much positivity in these comments. I love it. I’ll add in that my parents love their e-bikes. They are in their 60s and use theirs constantly to get out and get riding! They would not be able to do that if not for the pedal assist.
I think e bikes are great. Obviously they have no place racing, but the reality is that only a small percentage of cyclists race. Everyone else rides either for fun and/or for transport, and if you feel an e bike helps you with either of those than what can you really say against it. Not like it bothers anyone.
River Carson I think there will be e-bike races eventually. Something like a 100km race with 500Wh battery limit (for example). That wiIl require strategic motor use so as not to deplete the battery prematurely. It will be unique in that it will combine human physical effort with mechanical advantage, but also the concept of limited battery energy and no refills.
there was the first efondo that occoured in alberta canada. they let you have refills but since charging was slow, it actually put them at a disadvantage.
that's actually kind of surprising to me. I feel like it's sort of weak motorcycle racing, especially as most of the strongest athletes will probably lean towards traditional cycling.
River Carson I don't even have a problem with them racing. I think it could be great fun. Obviously they would be an entirely separate form of racing, though, to be fair. I do occasionally like to drag race them from stoplight to stoplight when I'm on my roadbike, though.
I bough an ebike 1 year ago. It's my 4th bike. I used them all in different ways. 1- XC Hardtail: It's my go to bike to have fun because it allows me to go wherever i want and be able to perform. Woods, up, down, road, cobblestone, short, long. 2- Road bike: For obvious reasons. For pre determined rides where i know i won't be discovering new paths nor leaving the main roads. Tool for longer rides and group fun. 3- Full suspension MB: For the occasional trail fun or rougher terrain. Don't use it as much as the others but it still is an important part of my ride rotation. Twice a month adventure. 4- Ebike: Because i work dressed somewhat formally and i can't pedal 13km back and fourth and get there sweaty and stinking like a donkey. I live in Portugal and summers usually get scorching hot. Ebike allowed me to avoid traffic and get to the office without breaking a sweat. I just use the Max Power setting ant it's like i am in a scooter cruising trough the flats of the valley. I have installed a small solar panel that powers a small home battery. Turns out, 6 months a year, i barely use my car. Unless its raining, i won't waste a second stuck in traffic like a idiot EVER AGAIN.
I agree completely. Why would I care what other people enjoy? It's their business, not mine. However, it's a completely different thing if we start talking about races etc. I have no interest in watching electric cycles going over mountains at all. The whole appeal of cycling (to me) is seeing what the riders can do. We're all fully aware that electric cars, motorcycles etc. can climb mountains and that's not in any way impressive. They would be shit if they couldn't.
Of course it's motorized when it has an electric motor. To "motorize" something you add a motor to it. That's what it means. The fact that it "only" helps doesn't make it less motorized. As you could clearly see in the video it's not just a slight boost to prevent the rider stopping completely. I would never watch cycling again if they allowed motorized bicycles as it would be more akin to watching motorcycle races which I have no interest in than cycling. The whole point of watching a cycling race is to see how hard people can push themselves before hitting the wall. There's nothing impressive about what we saw an e-bike do in this video so why watch it as a sport?
I’m fortunate to have a road bike and an eBike. Two different tools for different jobs. Both are an absolute joy. I took a test ride on an eBike with a view to using it for my daily London commute. I defy even the skeptics to give one a try. It’s exhilarating and addictive.
In my family we pretty much all ride bikes, just for fun and recreation, and last year we for my Grannys 87 birthday bought her E bike, not sport one. She's been using it daily since then. Pretty good and awesome thing...
I'm 45 and fairly fit. Never driven a car. Biked all my life. I've got £1k to spend on a new bike and took a test ride of a Carerra Crossfire e-bike. Boy oh boy, I have to tell you I've never had so much fun on 2 wheels in my life! A lot of you serious Strava guys will poo-poo the idea of an e-bike and that's fine. But for me, just looking to keep fit and have fun, commuting with 2 laptops + accessories in my backpack, doing the occasional long weekend ride, I'm very tempted by the Crossfire.
youd be more fit if you didn't ride the ebike, duh....get a big messenger bag and suckit up, some of us do grocery runs in the mountains by bicycle, your laptop troubles get no pity theres no question that an ebike rider will never achieve the same level of discipline and overall cycling prowess and endurance that one is rewarded with from a good old fashioned bicycle
I hope you didn't buy the crossfire? Poor quality! And known for random power cut outs. Go for something online from E-bike dealers, You will get more for your money.. And if you can spend a little more it's well worth it! Better quality components and battery make all the difference :) But a lot can happen in a year lol What did you do in the end?
I been road biking for 35 years, here on San Francisco hills. None of my friends go with me on a second ride, the run is too grueling. So I just bought two RadRovers, and a RadMini for my GF. If these ebikes get everyone on the road with me, that's a no-brainer in my book. I rode a RadRunner yesterday. I can now opine that an added benefit of owning an ebike, the thing is damn fun.
I had a top spec ladies touring bike made for me 32 years ago, it is still brilliant! I regularly do at least 40 miles with it, and no problems. On one of my regular visits to Japan I inherited a ladies bike complete with basket and 3 gears..... yes 3 gears. Well, I used it as my only form of transport for some time ....up very steep mountains.....LOTS of steep mountains. Enough is enough I thought so I bought an e-bike. I am so in love with it, I regularly ride 60 miles a day which is more than I could ride on my other bike. I use the hardest gear in order to maintain my fitness level. It is made by Panasonic and looks like a mountain bike. It's called a Commuter bike. Thoroughly recommend it!
A riding friend of mine in his 40's has been dealing with a foot disease his whole life, where special shoes are required just to walk, let alone ride his bike. He's been able to deal with it over the years, to the point where he was able to do some significant climbing and lengthy rides, but of late it's become worse, limiting how long and steep he can ride. An e-bike will absolutely extend his riding years.
Hm, wondering how old you are. 59 here, road 10K miles last year. Yep, I can keep riding for many years. OTOH, got a Zero (electric motorcycle) a year ago. It's fantastic fun. Am guessing e-bikes are similar.
It's pretty dangerous when they don't know how to ride and go blasting down bike paths loaded with children, or ride into the middle of a group without knowing the rules. It's also pretty silly to see overweight 25yo men riding by getting very little exercise. It's a motorcycle and should be treated that way. Having said that, I'd like one for my 90th birthday...
It's not a motorcycle and should not be treated that way, in my opinion, because it's slower. It all depends on respect: for others, for your fellow riders, for the traffic laws. I ride an e-bike and I treat it like a regular bike, except for its weight (60 kg). I'm 58, and I have a regular bike too. I have never had accidents while riding any of them. As for the e-bike, it allows me to go where I wouldn't go with my regular bike (well, I would, but I would be very sweaty if I did). My e-bike gave me a sense of freedom I never had, since I never wanted to own a car.
I rode an e bike few days ago for the first time in my life and it put a smile on my face like the first time I learned how to ride a bike or the first time I rode a road bike. It's a beautiful experience.
Anything that gets ppl out of their cars and onto a bike is a good thing. The more mainstream biking is, the more consideration bikers get. Korea has an entire network of bike trials that are like the American interstate, complete with hotels and rest areas.
I am 60 years old and had a hybrid Street and mountain bike and was only riding the bike paths... now that I have my hardtail mountain ebike I find that I'm going on fire roads along the crest of the mountains and down the other side. I am going places where I would never dreamed I could go at 60. I absolutely love my hybike Bosch e-bike with the 500 battery.
I think you embody the beauty of this sport. I converted the mountain bike I purchased in college to an ebike as a test (Im almost 50 now and a bit thicker in the middle than in college) but I can not be happier that I did it. I built a higher power system (1000W mid drive) and it allows me to cover much more terrain and brings me back to the sport that I have loved so much over the years. I am building a second unit with a full suspension downhill bike (1500w mid drive) for more challenging terrain :). Where I live with farily hot days, the higher speeds keep me cooler and encourage me to get out more. I still get a fantastic workout but at a much more exhilarating pace! As long as people are respectful, courteous, and mindful of others and not reckless and rude, there should be no qualms from others. Its a great way to get people outdoors where they otherwise would not.
Optibike makes a great SIMBB e-mountainbike with 750w motor that goes 28mph for a good distance. With the lower rolling resistance of road bike and slightly more aero and light it would be cool so see an e-roadbike with similar high spec. 40mph assistance pedaling would be amazing.
I put a motor kit on my old custom steel frame, what a blast, I am 81 I had a quad bypass 8 years ago, it is so much fun to be able to keep up on club rides instead of the others having to wait for me. The Giant has softer angles and longer wheelbase, mine is tight and twitchy, so I have to be on the ball when riding it.
Isn't cycling also to see the landscapes and having fun? I never liked it as a kid to drive uphill, but with an ebike even that is fun. As long as you can pedal and actually do some fitness as well, I dont see any problem with that...
It's all about fun really as you both said. In the past few years 80% of us living on the south coast have converted to e mountain bikes, it's just such fun blasting up hills at 13mph when it used to be 2mph. You still find yourself working hard but never having to give up.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed riding a bike again. My e bike allowed me to ride hills that I would have struggled to get up on a regular bike. For bike studs e bikes might/probably will seem lame. But for us old guys, they are a game changer.
My experience is similar to most comments, I served my time on road and mountain bikes, rode thousands of miles for pleasure and competition, but age and health catches up eventually. My ebike has renewed my joy of cycling, I still work up a sweat, and get my pulse up, and it gets me out and about, so I have no time for the purists who mock our activity, they will be there eventually. Thanks for an entertaining video, I just love the Dolomites.
I sold all my extra bikes for an ebike and am happy with the decision 6 months later. I very much prefer training hard on my road bike and then doing everything else on the ebike. ie, commuting, shopping, recovery and even some adventure riding. living in a hilly area, pedal assist rly lets me ride at whatever wattage I need to and still get to where I want faster than driving.
This is exactly why I'm interested in e-bikes. I have a great road bike that I use when I want to ride for exercise and fun. But I don't own a car, and there's lots of times I just need to get around. I also love to hike, and it can be a pain to climb up to more distant trailheads with a full load of gear on a regular bike.
Get stuck in traffic, pay large amounts of parking charges, needing a full licence, paying for your MOT, compulsory insurance and registration, wasting time finding a parking space etc etc . Sure get a car .
Excellent video very professional indeed ,I have just converted my mountain bike to electric after being stuck in the shed for three years ,I am now out on the road again fresh air in my lungs that must be a good thing surely. Big thumbs up to electric cycling.
I use my e-bike for a daily commute to work - 40 km a day. Before by car - only me... I can see great usage of e-bikes for the commute - just compare - by car I was using alone 7-10 kWh of electricity - I would not mention people driving benzine cars. By bike, I use less than 1kWh plus I have nice daily bike jogging. It is a lot of money to save a year not mentioning environment positive aspects. Sports e-bikes - not all people are able to ride through mountains - this is rally opening new possibilities. Maybe this time more people would go by bike than by car...
Of course you can do the same commute on a normal bike, but you'll be slower and come to work sweaty when it is warm outside. An e-bike allows you to cover relatively long distance without arriving all soaked in sweat. Again, not everyone has shower facilities at work... Think, avkie.
I commute 70 km a day (35 either way) and its much nicer to use an ebike. Its not a question of 'wrong with', it's a question of 'fit in my day'. Sure I can show up at work looking like i've done some serious work, or like I've just had a good morning cycle. Same thing going home, I can now push with confidence and get me to the front door with no bonking, and it's faster. I am not here to race anyone on my commutes, but is sure if fun passing all the gumby's that dont use e-bikes
@@Flamdring 100% agree with u about arriving to work sweaty. I did a 14 mile daily commute this summer & wud arrive sweat dripping. I'd have to shower or I'd be sat stinking my desk up of Lynx the whole day
"This bike, on this road, and this amazing scenery feels every bit as amazing as you would expect." That's the difference between you and me, Simon. Put me there on a road bike and I'd be cursing the hills, barely even noticing the scenery for the burning in my lungs and legs. I ride bikes for the pleasure. You prefer the pain. A bike hedonist vs. a bike masochist. I'll take the ebike, thank you very much.
I have had a Bianchi e-bike and it is a game changer for me. I am still a strong biker at 76, but have Dystonia of my right leg, so the muscles do not fire properly. I cannot get the right to spin much past 80rpm, so when climbing I do not have the ability to drive off the right leg as well as the left leg. The e-bike equalizes the drive somewhat so I can climb better and do more miles. It is the best tool for the job. I use my pulse to compare to my Colnago and it is not hard to get about the same bang for the buck. I would not be using the e-bike unless I was getting a similar workout. Over 20mph you do not get help with the e-bike. There is a 30%, 50% or 100% help. At about 7 grand it is not cheap.
I used to ride my road bike for 500 miles per week, then i took an arrow to the knee and havent ridden since. E bikes put a glimmer of hope into my future of biking
I bought an e-bike as a car replacement less than two years ago. Started riding and forgot how much I loved it. Decided I needed to learn how to fix and maintain it so I'd never be without a well working bike. Switched careers and now I'm a full time bike mechanic and really enjoying work for the first time in many years... all thanks to my first e-bike.
I'm living in London and just bought my first e bike. Wheres the best place to start learning about fixing and maintaining it. Any courses? or did you teach yourself?
I think E-Bikes are awesome. They get people out. There is an old couple that ride around the River Mountain Trail in Las Vegas. First time I passed them going up a 4% climb was killer for me and fun for them. Only problem I have with an E-Bike comes when they are used on Zwift. I am sure people have already tried.
I didn´t finish my driving license because i didn´t want to have the luxury of being able to drive anywhere. But with my ebike i commuted about 6 000 miles in 6 month plus i used the non electric even more than before. Recovering from a knee surgery the ebike helped me get back into shape. I now take normal or e bike everywhere.
I have Giant Trance EMTB. Climbing is now as much fun as decending. Climbs a steady 22kph when I used to do 8kph. Top speed assisted 49 kph.oh and it defends like no other bikebi have owned LOVE IT. From hilly New Zealand
I have 2 e-bikes and will never train on a regular bike again. I work just as hard but simply go faster and further. I can envisage these bikes improving rapidly, especially re battery outputs, plus costs coming down.
Liam in Rio I would recommend you to train normally with the motor off and when your workout is over and your legs are dead just turn the motor on and go for a fun ride. It’s what I would do and it’s really fun. It’s like a big “fuck You” to the hills and workout lol
Dragon Warhammer you realize it’s all relative right. Why buy a road bike when you could ride a tricycle, you’re just making it easier on yourself! You can still push as hard on an e-bike, I’m guessing the dude likes going faster and further, the same rationale for a road bike.
That some people actually seem to think it's remotely comparable to actual cycling and that they should be allowed to go ridiculously fast on bike paths, that they belong in cycling clubs, that they should be allowed in races etc. That's what's wrong with them and what make it different from motorcycles, mopeds etc. No one cares if you enjoy riding a motorcycle or a moped but if you think you're a cyclist who should be allowed in a cycling race, you're going to get shit on. The same applies to these electric mopeds.
Id' imagine that E-bikes will get their own racing class at some point. Because if you have the option to either A) use the throttle B) use power-assist C) use the pedals alone, you might make that decision strategically in a race, meaning that the more athletic you are, the farther your battery will go. However, motorized bikes are not safe on the majority of the bike trails here (which are dubiously safe for some road bikes too, to be honest). And if you have an E-bike, you have to remember that someone using legs alone cannot keep up with you, and act accordingly.
Russell Senenfelder, I could see that happening as well and I doubt anyone would really have anything against E-Bike racing existing. It's that people keep calling it cycling, comparing it to normal cyclists, saying "It's the future of cycle racing" and stuff like that that annoys people. It's not remotely comparable and it'd kill cycle racing as a popular sport if they let E-Bikes enter it. However, I really doubt that the E-Bike racing would be all that popular to be perfectly honest. The suffering and amazing physical ability is what people tend to enjoy about actual cycle races, and when it comes to motorized racing, people tend to enjoy the speed. E-Bikes don't really offer either. You could imagine electric motorcycle racing becoming a bigger thing though I suppose. More battery power than the smaller E-Bikes, more speed etc.
Exactly who is saying they deserve to be able to ride an ebike in a bike race? I've never heard this claim. Citation, please. As for going ridiculously fast on bike paths, I'd say people like you are just as guilty, blasting around them like they're road race courses rather than places for leisurely riding.
Was recently in TelAviv where ebikes have replaced Vespa and Lambretta scooters. People bring their batteries into restaurants and cafes to get charged up while they get fed and caffeinated.
I really hope so yet I find a 2 hour ride for coffee and a 2 hour ride home is enough, and my Haibike still has around 30-40% charge remaining.All good.
We pick up our new e-bikes this weekend. We've recently moved to a near-mountainous area. Where we live, any ride returning to our house ends with a 300 foot climb over last 1/2 mile. 200 foot of that is in last 1/4 mile. Yamaha Cross Connect should tame that home-bound climb.
My name is Gesmond 54 years old im from Malta europe, i use to play football had to stop due to injury, stopped for 8 years, decided to start cycling useing an E bike, hard tail. this helped me to gain fitness, Now i use my ee bike to go to work only, at the weekend i use a Carbon Focus raven bike for lets say a distance between 50 k to 80 k, with no problems. the E bike helped me to re start cycling.
At 66 years old, I can still keep up with my fellow club cyclists without any artificial assistance. So, although I'm not ready for an e-bike yet, the prospect of extending my cycling life well into my seventies, and possibly beyond, is both reassuring and really exciting.
For an older rider an ebike absolutely opens up cycling to them once again, for a younger rider, ebikes are the ultimate gateway drug. At 40 I got myself an ebike, within a year I transitioned to a road bike without assistance, now I save the ebike for those long days out where lots of climbing is required and spend the rest of the week using the road bike for commutes and "rest days"
Just finished your e vs reg road bike, your flat vs curved handlebar and your road vs. gravel bike vids. Excellent work. Having been away from bikes for a long time, it’s evolved a lot of terms and options I’m trying to catch up on. This has been a huge help.
They both had a great day, enjoyed the views, did a fair amount of exercise (if that's your thing). Matt probably had more smiles per mile (and also coffee and cake). Ebiking for me, is just a way of making something I enjoy, more enjoyable. I don't see why anybody should mind.
Great video! I think the comments by everyone really sum up the benefits of E-bikes. Whether it's age, disability, injury, or the like, e-Bikes offer an opportunity back into cycling that otherwise wouldn't exist. While I'm still a few years away from one it's encouraging to know that technology will likely allow me to continue the sport I love well into my aged years!
The random cuts to Matt eating while Si is pumping away just crack me up. I've found your channel a few days ago and am just getting into commuting cycling here in Fairbanks Alaska. Quality Content. I'm a big fan now.
8:40 I wouldn't say they had a place in the "sport". Around town, yes. On club runs, absolutely. Helping make deliveries, definitely. Touring over continents, go for it (although the battery might be a bit of an issue). In fact, in pretty much every part of cycling apart that which could be called 'sport', eBikes are a good thing. Opening up the activity to more people, and allowing more everyday tasks to be done by bike rather than car is undoubtably beneficial for individuals and for wider communities. The eBike is a great leveller, but that's why it belongs everywhere except competition, where the point is for people to strive to distance themselves from their fellow competitors. That's taking the definition of 'sport' as 'competition' though, which might be a bit narrow. I suppose it's largely just quibbling over semantics at the end of the day.
Totally agree......As long as the field is level, then why not. As several people have said in these comments, there could easily be an ebike sport. (Whether anyone would watch is another thing entirely!)
Rob Godwin, try riding motocross trails on a bike. You won't be able to comfortably ride them, the climbs are too steep, no room to accelerate, no flow, it's quite a ridiculous and painful experience. I'd imagine they are pretty doable for an e-bike, and harder trails mean the competitions will be more interesting to watch..
I've ridden bikes for years and really enjoyed my road bike, however I converted it to a pedelec and its the best thing I have ever done! it added about 9 kilos to the bike which is a fair bit but I can do around 40 miles using electric assist which allows me to explore more and enjoy being out the bike more than ever which can only be a positive in my eyes!
Thank you guys. I have been wondering why I haven't found a bike dedicated forum on You Tube and low and behold you guys pop up. I have been considering giving up riding all together for reasons of health and cost but reading your web posts has convinced that I may have a few more years left to keep riding. I am switching to an e-bike though. Again, thank you for the ebike / road bike comparison, it helped me make an important decision.
I think the question whether there's a place for ebikes is inherently stupid, because of course there is. They're something in between a bike and a moped: quiet and legal to use almost anywhere, but works on hills and are quicker than normal bikes.
I was an avid cyclist awhile back and then my knees went bad on me and literally could not ride any near the level I wanted to. I got frustrated and to the point where I did not ride for years. I then discovered and bought an e-bike and it changed everything. I ride now like I used to. It basically has changed my life. I absolutely love riding again. I bought an entry level e-bike to start out with to make sure it would work for me. The top of of the line e-bike such as the one in this video is on my radar. Thank you to the person(s) who invented e-bikes.
E bikes help many who would not otherwise be able to get out to ride instead of taking the car. Has to be good. Looking at one for my better half😊 so we can ride hills together.
I've been riding a bike to work for 25 years and I recently bought an e bike because my knees were starting to really hurt. The e bike has fixed this problem so I love it.
Great video and review! I am in the process of purchasing my first e-bike (though more focus towards gravel style roadie). Got myself a couple of other bikes already but an e-bike would make my daily commute much quicker and easier, keeping me fresher for weekend rides. It'd also be great for dragging the kids around in a trailer and doing the shopping. I am hoping to get rid of the car by the end of 2020 and this video and review makes me certain we can do it! Wife already rides an e-bike and she loves it (particularly during the school run!) So getting me one would be a benefit for long family days out.
I ride 100 miles plus a week with my wife and I’ve recently been diagnosed with a heart problem. Still able to ride but starting to feel some frustration creeping into the wife..... I can see an e bike looming.....
I ride a GIANT Fastroad E+2 around Melbourne Australia. I am nearly 73 years old and have back and hip pain. This bicycle has allowed me to continue riding with my mates without feeling embarrassed about not keeping up. I often ride the flats with no motor assistance and usually achieve around 100 kms per charge. Very happy with this machine.
i hadnt been on bike in 20 years i tried an e bike fantastic technology i bought it on the spot and best is over taking younger cyclists who got all the flash gear its so cruel i feel horrible
My ebike has changed my life. I'm 68 years old and in the past have always ridden my bike whenever and wherever possible, but the hills in western VA and my aging body were taking the fun out of biking. Yea, I should have been strong, toughed it out, pushed through the pain, and all that, but I just didn't have the motivation. I got a Trek Powerfly 5. My first outing I rode up a gravel trail to the top of Massanutten Mt. I got my workout. I rode in "Touring" level until my legs and lungs were on fire, then I bumped it up to eMTB level and cruised on up. Now I'm going for rides every day that I'm at home ( I drive tractor-trailer so I'm on the road a lot). I'm getting better cardio workouts than I have for years, and loving every minute of it. I went for a 37 mile ride on some of our glorious gravel roads in the Shenandoah Valley with my son-in-law who is a serious hard core mountain biker, and yea, he could easily pull away from me on the downhills, but we could ride together and that is a real treat. I'm sure that if you filmed me while riding you would notice that I am grinning like an idiot during the whole ride.
Excellent story
The point is to enjoy yourself, and if an ebike helps you do that, then great :)
I'm approaching age 66 and I'm thinking of doing the same...first selling my Trek and then my Cannondale. I'm researching E-bikes now. Do you love the Trek Powerfly 5?
@@RitaD0724 I do! I think Trek makes a very slick, smooth operating ebike mostly because of the Bosch mid-drive motor. However, it is a mountain bike. It is really made for gravel trails. I bought it because it was very lightly used (12 miles on the odometer) and was $2000 below retail cost. I do ride gravel trails in the National Forest here in western VA, but mostly I ride roads and the wide, knobby tires are kinda slow and noisy. When they wear out I will get something a bit narrower. It all depends on what kind of riding you intend to do. If you are going to be riding on roads and paved or fairly smooth gravel trails I would recommend something a little different. The Trek Verve 2+ is made more for that kind of riding, or if you want more speed and a more aggressive bike, the Trek Alliant series is made more for the road. With the Verve 2+ you sit more upright. Also depends on your budget. My wife has a Rad City Step Thru and it's great for the kind of paved bike trails she prefers and only costs $1500. It has a rear hub motor and is not as smooth and refined as a Trek, but has built in lights, lots of carrier rack space and is made for comfort. I'm so into riding now that I also bought a Trek FX 6 'fitness bike', a road bike (non electric) with flat handlebars. I just got back from a 30 mile ride on the FX 6. It gives me an incredible cardio workout. Tomorrow I'll ride the Powerfly so I don't have to work so hard. I've been riding for 6 months now and have lowered my resting heart rate from 72 to 62 bpm and lost 5 pounds.
sfdint thanks very much for your reply. I appreciate your taking the time to respond in such depth. I’m doing my due diligence and researching the subject. I have a feeling once I settle on something, my husband will go the same route!
I do appreciate it. Stay safe and enjoy the road!
I am just happy that people are riding bikes instead of taking their cars, and if an e-bike let's them do that then they should go ahead
agreed!
Simon WoodburyForget I live in the outskirts of Berlin where a lot of old people live as well and I am starting to see more and more of the older generation getting ebikes and using them for Thier daily errands to the shops and back (around 10km) instead of taking there car. I disagree with your statement that 60km/h ebikes would be popular as 1. They would just be to scary for older people and 2. I can't imagine the type of person that would by one. people willing to go that distance in a bike will be fit and have a road bike and the others would want the creature comforts of a car (maybe cyclists that have been in a crash?)
Simon WoodburyForget yea even very robust training wheels would make it safe enough for people to want to use it
Simon WoodburyForget hey dumbass I was saying even training wheels would make going faster safer
Simon WoodburyForget oh and obviously you haven't realised having fat people riding e bikes would make the bikes far more stable then the average trike
All these tales of old guys rediscovering the fun and exercise biking through e-bikes! Well, I am one of them, having found out that I can now keep up with the group of cyclists that I organize for a weekly tour. Most of these fellas don't seem very old to me--I'm going on 86. I have just ordered my next e-bike.
At 86 ,even on an E bike ............RESPECT.
Ride on old cowboy. Ride on.
David Winer i love these stories
86!! Respect
My grandfather rode a bike into his early 90s, ebikes weren't a things back then so he'd literally cycled as slow as walking pace, as a kid I couldn't cycle with him, I'd simply fall over.
But it gave him some independence and freedom! Every morning he went out to get his newspaper and get some groceries for the day, sometimes he cycled all across our small town (some 50k inhabitants)to visit his kids and grandkids. Our country is relatively flat, so it wasn't a problem, he had all the time in the world, everybody in town knew about the old guy who cycled so slow it looks as he would tip over any moment, but never did.
You seem you're heading the same direction, keep it up, utter respect you're not giving up and just keep cranking!
I've never seen such an accepting, polite comment section in a video. This is nice
@Nick Maclachlan ........
Fuck e bikes and fuck you too
Exactly
As a disabled guy who used to ride 350 miles a month being able to ride my recumbent trike with e-assist is a gift from God! Yes I smile like a 10 year old the whole damn ride!!
I had a similar experience with a Batec Hybrid powered attachment for my manual wheelchair. I've been exercising for 1 year now and can do 6 km in my lightweight manual wheelchair before exhaustion on mixed uphill and downhills. I'm a big guy 80 Kilo so pushing me is a non starter. I demoed a power-assisted Batec attachment for my wheelchair and was able to keep up with my wife on her bike. Life changing moment. got my excerse and was doing about 20 km/h
Ride on dude
Erik Jonson bit rude
I'm disabled as well, and also have an e-assisted recumbent trike. I live in a mountainous area, and the electric is very helpful.
Erik Jonson kind of a personal and irrelevant question, don’t you think?
I am 60 years old. I had a mild heart attack at 39 and started biking seriously after that. About 7 years ago I started experiencing arrhythmias That I was told were benign but that I should stop biking so much. The less I exercised the weaker I got. I finally have some relief from the arrhythmiasand I 've tried to bike again but the legs are shot after a seven year layoff. So, I got myself an e-bike. Icouldn't afford one as nice as the one in your video but mine is nice enough. I have to say this was the best purchase I ever made. At 60 I'm better than I was at 50 and soon I will try to jump on the old road bike (not e-bike) again. The e-bike really saved me If I do get back the road bike, I may keep using the e-bike for the commute. Stay nice and dry and get to work faster... Sounds good to me!
My father was riding bikes a lot when he was younger, but now he's almsot 60 and has some problems with illnesses, so he almost completely stopped cycling a few years ago. A few weeks ago, he bought an E-Bike, which marked the fullpower return oh his cycling. In fact, he is now cycling more than ever, just with a little help by the motor. Seems legit to me
Exactly like my father. He has just turned 60 this year. Used to take his care even for 1-2 km distances, Now his using his e-bike to go to work, roam around the city, sometimes even goes to meetings with 3rd parties using that bike.
I am 64 and Im back on two wheels again also
@ Alex Morgan: I'm 56 years old, I have a motor bike but I still want an e-bike, I have 3 mountain bikes and I love riding the best one but after recovering from a broken arm that I had to get fixed with an operation, I find it hard to get back on the mountain bike. I tried it for a while recently but being laid off for over 1 year and not allowed to ride my mountain bike for that time, I lost a lot of fitness. I want to get my fitness back so the easiest way for me it to get an e-bike mountain bike, I'm hard on bikes, lol. If you don't like that because you are a purist, then tough crap, I will do what I want to and not listen to you.
Stop being an elitist snob.
I have turned 61 two weeks ago, and I stopped riding bike almost 20 years ago because I had a problem in my knees... but in december of 2017 I bought an E-Bike and now I ride it every day, including visitin my mom, (95 years old) that lives almost 30 km far... (my city, Lima Perú is very extense and full of demential traffic, but you can always use cicloways and low transit streets near the big avenues...). The good thing is that now, I even ride some parts of the ride without the E-motor, that is, it´s working as a therapy for my knees...
give your head a bang dodo .... of course hes cycling, if he doesnt pedal the cycle cant move , think about that for a minute- as i think cycling means being on a cycle and using your legs to propel it , assisted or not- its not a moped , and its not a velocepide .... you want to be a martyr great ... i love passing lycra boys on their racers panting like old dogs when going up hill , in my cut down jeans , boots .and loaded with panniers and top box..i also like doing 25 miles plus several times a week -great exercise . even better passing old martyrs gasping for air going up hill. Wearing ridiculously tight dayglo lycra and struggling doesnt make you any more a cyclist then anyone else.
I rent my mrs an E bike and that enables us to climb mountains in the Alps instead of me leaving her sitting around for hours waiting for me, she has a ball on them. If it gets people out on two wheels and into the fresh air, that can only be a good thing!
Dee Flynn I'm 6ft my missis is 2 foot nothing and not particularly fit. This might be the answer.
That's the main reason I'm thinking of getting one. If it brings more people into the sport, that can only be a good thing.
Dee Flynn Holy guacamole. that's it, we can now ride together.
That's actually a brilliant idea. I have been tossing around the idea of a cycle tour in Europe for a couple years now, this might actually get it off the ground!
Los Santos City tortilla chips dipped in guacamole and salsa are a tasty treat.
Any technology that gets more people on bikes, is a great thing in my book!
Batteries kill people in n the 3rd world ignorant man
Yeah man keep up the positivity
@@sylvainbernaers6272 yeah so does everything else you use.
@@sylvainbernaers6272 I guarantee whatever you left this comment on has a battery or is just as bad. Hypocrite. Murderer 😂
Agree
During my lunch break yesterday I went into the shop to pickup a tyre for my super-fit partner and the sales guy suggested I go on a test ride on an e mountain bike - I gave it a go and bought it and when I got back to the store, I bought the bike and helmet immediately. I rode home from work (about 9km) - here is the kicker - I weigh 150kg, and haven't ridden a bike in about 25 years. Don't get me wrong, the ride home was still rough going, it took me about an hour and I am still sore all over, but this machine has given me a glimpse into a world where I can ride to work each day, where I can be active, where it's possible to get out and about and do things. And, when I got home today, I went for small ride around the block. The most important part is that test-ride showed me that life could be different and now I really want that different life. Ok, so my credit card statement is going to hurt far more than my rear by the end of the month, but it's given me hope and a shot at change... What was the last product that did that for you?
DifficultNerd awesome!
Well done
Thats wonderful man, happy to see you in our ranks! Less cars and motorcycles, less noise, less traffic stress, less polition, more relaxing, more activity and more happiness in the end
That's amazing! Please post updates on new levels of fitness, weight loss, etc.
I have to say that I have been leaning in the direction of the "anti-E-bike crowd, but have tried to keep an open mind about it. This story, and others like it are starting to sway my opinion in the other direction. Will I ever get an E-bike? Most likely not. That being said, I am starting to see that there can be a place for them. Just because it is not for me does not mean it isn't for anyone. Yeah, I am starting to come around a bit.
My initial reaction was to do “whaaaat? that’s cheating!” when an older person takes over on an e-bike whilst climbing 😂 but actually I think it’s brilliant! I love the fact that so many more people will be able to enjoy more active ways of spending free time and go to places they couldn’t before. It makes me so happy to see older couples enjoying the world together on an e-bike. I think so many people can benefit from it. Not just older but also mountain bikers and people with all sorts of disabilities and/or those who don’t want to drive a car. What’s not to love ?
Yeah people only think about their perspective as a cyclist without considering there's also a lot off young ppl that just aren't nearly as fit as them. Ebikes are also good for non bikers and casual cyclists. Most ppl can't bike at a sustained 25kph and they don't have the fitness to go on good routes or trails. Sure those ppl could get in better shape and work their way up to that level but it'll be a very slow and painful process before it gets fun. E bikes let casual riders have fun and enjoy themselves from the jump which means they're much more likely to cycle alot more and get into the sport while getting fit enough where they would'nt need an E-bike anymore. Ultimately it lowers the barrier of entry into cycling which will let alot of ppl that would've otherwise passed become cyclists.
It's funny that people think it's cheating because it's really just mechanical advantage, and having gears is also a huge mechanical advantage over a fixie. Hell even a good 12 speed is a significant advantage over a cheap 9 speed yet no one calls it cheating because you bought a nicer bike. E bikes are just the next form of mechanical advantage and will probably be widely adopted in the next decade or 2, especially as the motors and batteries get smaller and lighter and price keeps coming down.
@@Noadvantage246 They should be banned from bike races, unless they are e bike races.
I thought of it as cheating too but then I recently got one for a thousand bucks. Since I’m 72 I was intrigued to see what an e-bike would be like. The one I have is about 70 pounds so you have to be very careful not to run into pedestrians but it is a fun way to get around especially off road.
I commute on an ebike. I turn the peddle assist all the way up on the way in and half way up on the way home. 27 miles round trip, 245 days a Year. Love that damn bike.
which one do you have?
i love my ebike more than the car
Used to think Top Gear presenter was the best job in the world - GCN presenter now tops it. Riding with your mates on some of the best climbs in the world and getting paid for it... brilliant. As for e-bikes? If it gets more people into riding then I'm all for it.
Thanks Andrew!
Let's have a day where Matt, Clarkson and Gordon Ramsay converge.
Clarkson would die before he finished one of these vlogs.
Yes you nailed this in Top Gear way. Laughed a lot when i saw you having your capuccino and croissant while waiting. :D
What an overwhelmingly positive comments section! I nerviously scrolled down the page expecting a barrage of eBike hate, but all I saw was good positive opinions and how eBikes have changed peoples lives for the better. I never really gave eBikes any thought till I rode one in New Zealand last November, I was converted immediately and bought one by Christmas. Now I'm an advocate, the smile on peoples faces when they ride one for the first time - the eSmile as I like to call it - is a joy in itself, but the one constant for even the skeptics is eBikes are fun - no matter how you look at it they allow anyone to have more fun on the pedals, and that can only be a good thing.
Unlimited speed ebikes are even better. Even for avid cyclists. You would be like a Borg. Imagine combining your 500 watts with the motors 500 watts. It's hilariously good fun.
Personally, I'm glad older people are loving ebikes, but im only 15 so I prefer a normal mtn bike since its better for my fitness
I am in my seventies and have never enjoyed cycling as much as I do now, since I bought an e-bike. It has taken away all the negative aspects of cycling, such as slogging up hills. It's all about getting out there, having fun, and exercising comfortably. If you think this is cheating, that's your problem.
word
Well its how you see it... I love climbing hills
Its not really cycling tho. "Slogging" up hills is part of cycling. Funny how you see the motor assist as a workout it pretty much does the work for you. Unless ofc you're going over the assist speedlimit which would be the same as not having it on. ALTHOUGH E-biking is still better thsn driving but dont call it cycling when it isn't one or exercise when its nearly effortless. Exercise and exhaustion is part of cycling
@Chuck Martin 😉
@@lollol-nr6th I know a lady that rode an e-bike to work as a way to lose weight, I rode the same route she did, it had a monster hill on it, (Fletcher Parkway, part of the tour of California, San Diego) it's an ass-kicker. I am an ex-racer, the woman was a 400# never exersizer, she lost 200 lbs, and still has good knees, and could pass me on climbs. As I am reaching my golden-arthritis years, the e-bike is looking tempting.
A few weeks back I saw a bloke out training hard on some hills while his wife was keeping him company on an ebike, Iknow some people cycle to get away from the other half but they looked happy.
My best E-bike moment is being overtaken up Mont Ventoux by the happiest middle aged woman I have ever seen. While I, on the other hand was achieving new levels of facial contortion that would put Lasty to shame. After a load of self muttered expletives it did encourage me to ride faster, so we both ended up quite happy at the summit.
Same thing for me, whenever I see people on e-bikes, my ego tells me to overtake them. So in the end, e-bikes make me ride faster, which is always a good thing :D
haha! yes, i get passed all the time by e-bikers. its funny when its an old guy or a big person. of course, i'm a commuter so it doesn't take that much to pass me anyway. :) that's a great moment though!
Haha, this is gold! I find the same, whenever I am passed by an e-bike - especially when it's someone trying to go fast - I get a sudden bout of must-catch-itis and thunder past them at >40kph :D
It's especially gratifying when you pass them going uphill (albeit a very short hill).
I used to like to motorpace with motorbikes but the exhaust sucked..they would be good for that I guess
William Hicks: motorpacing at 25 kph???
I'm waiting for my new ebike to be delivered. I'm 70, and was finding hills difficult on my push bike. Can't wait to get out again!
Tastor wow
How r u getting on with the ebike?
That is just wonderful hope you enjoy
@@YorgosEU : She is too busy having fun riding. No time to reply;-)
@@YorgosEU coronavirus got her
I can see a use for e-bikes, they could be used as a pacing bike for a coach or for someone like my father is in his 70's and has always been an avid cyclist this would let him ride with me and some of the groups around town that he couldn't keep up with on his own but with some assist he could still get a good workout and be able to keep up.
I've never thumbed up so many comments EVER! So much positivity below :-)
Just like he said on the video, "it should be a good comment section"
Id love a "Created traffic jams while video production" Counter
Früher hättest du bei Dr Sommer kommentiert. Schade dass du dich so verändert hast
Then your just counting every video that has them riding a bike!
The real time saver on the first run wasn't the ebike. It was that Matt started clipped in. That alone saved 2-3 minutes.
I met a chap the other day who says he uses an e-bike on club runs so that he can keep up. He's 75. Seems the young'ens don't mind.
Sounds like a good use for an e-bike.
How lucky you got to meet Matt Stephens
memybikeandfriends OOOOOOHHHHHHH
MRGRUMPY53 Its very hard to keep muscle mass at that age
@membybikeandfriends :
If u dont get a GCN-bottle for that comment, the GCN-Boys should be ashamed :-)
I sometimes come back to these old GCN videos just because of the interactions between the presenters and the original content (back then). Matt was awesome.
Gets people off sofas and outdoors exercising that normally would never think of getting back on the saddle due to health. Spend the wealth and get some health. 👍❤
But on an e-bike at max setting on a 350W you aren't even trying lol so it's not really exercise.
Im, sure its much more exercise than not riding at all.
Anthony A you know nothing. i got an emtb and a normal road bike and i can tell you i can get completly tired with both
@@inkultat Well if you are maxing out the emtb beyond the speed it is capable of propelling it's like it's not even on. I just cruise at like 10mph and do nothing. lol
Yeah tbh you're better off using that time for a walk
As someone who was involved in a road accident, my ebike has been a god send for getting out. It helped me get back some road confidence and build my fitness up slowly. Granted it's not a road bike like the Giant but for those of us who are less mobile, they are definitely a plus.
I do few bike tours with my friends and family every year. We have found a really good group to ride with. One of my friend always had kneepain when we go uphill. She did good on flat surface, but uphill was not her thing. She actually hated it. Last year she bought an e-bike. She use eco mode most of the time, but when uphill comes she turn on power mode and go uphill like a pro. :) I am really happy that this technology exist. It allows almost everyone to ride a bicycle.
E-bikes are for sure a good thing. For me cycling is a personal thing and do not use one, however anything that gets people out of there cars is only a good thing. I cycle a lot of hills and frequently come across a 90 yr old cyclist on an e-bike. The guy cycled a road bike most of his life but just got to much for him, without the e-bike he wouldn't be able to get out any more.
one slip and hes dead
BikeIt UK I ride an e-bike I'm not 80 years old I'm closing in on 50 but I have been riding for every bit of ten years and I have earned the right to ride an e-bike it does not mean I am lazy or less than someone else it means that I enjoy going green and I want to be comfortable doing it lol
Well I happen to be quite fat and lazy and I love my Pedego e-bikes. Got in an accident with the first one (a Boomerang Plus with a big, heavy Wald front basket, which saved me). Got an Interceptor to replace it, then got the first one fixed up so now I have two. Use them for work commutes, shopping, the works. Won't even bother with a car now - if it's a long distance hop I carry a spare battery, or ride the bus.
The biggest argument for e bikes....commuters and hills on the way to work. Exercise is great and all, but some us need to still be able to stand when we need to work.
Avoiding traffic is handy too. A nice bike trail beats rush hour every time.
Cycling should not be an elitists club. Any bike with 2 wheels and pedals are good. If an EBike gets new people to take up riding it has to be a good thing. If it means people are now able to keep riding longer due to age or injuries, that is a good thing. If it means they decide to tackle an epic road trip that is a good thing. It is not like you are going to see them in the Tour De France. It's just about people enjoying cycling.
Agreed, Though they tend to be a hindrance on long trips, since you'll run out of battery, and still have the motor drag, and extra 30lb of motor and battery.
My parents, both pensioners, sold their e-bikes and continued to go by their normal bikes. They said they were just too heavy to get out of the basement or on and off the car, so they'd just take their usual bikes, ride slower and walk them uphill, if necessary.
Actually, they should replace all bikes in TDF with ebikes. The races will be much more fun to watch, the athletes won't look like bulimic zombie robots, and the problem with rampant doping will solve itself immediately.
I agree but saying that cycling should involve pedaling by your own power is hardly being elitist, that's what cycling is. If you want an electric moped that's perfectly fine but you're not cycling then.
I'd never ride with someone on an ebike, unless it was like a friend or family member with an injury, disability, old age or whatever wanting to just ride a relaxing trip through nature on a nice day or something. It's not that I mind people using the ebike but they're not doing the same activity as actual cyclists are so I'd never accept them on group rides or whatever.
If you can't ride an actual racing bike, you don't belong in a club for racing bikes. Start your own electric moped gang if you're so inclined but stop pretending it has anything to do with actual cycling.
Gnawer Shreth honestly who cares? It's like people take my bike choice personally. Just ride and be a good person. You'd never accept them. Who are you to accept anything.
I'm happy to see how it's helped so many people in their late 60's and onwards who would otherwise have stopped cycling.
To all those people who hate on e-bikes referring to them as "cheating" because they give an advantage, does that not also mean that lighter and more aerodynamic carbon fiber bikes are also cheating vs cheap steel bikes?
People have different needs they are attempting to fill. If I was a 20-30 min bike ride away from work, I wouldn't need a ebike. If I plan to do 26 miles (with many hills) daily, I'm gonna need an ebike. So I bought an ebike, now I'm waiting for it to arrive.
@@Kinimodes You wouldn’t need one for 30 minute commuting? Pff it takes 10 minutes for me on my bike and I find it to be too long.
@@Kinimodes >>If I was a 20-30 min bike ride away from work
What if your half-our commute had some BRUTAL hills? You want to turn up to work sweaty?
@@darthkek1953 That comment is a year old. As I stated, people have different needs. I stated my own, not sure what there is to argue.
I've since moved WAY too far from work, but at the time it was an hour ride one way. That was going on a 30 mph bike (pedal assist only) with many hills. I still showed up to work sweaty. The shower at work was closed initially. I used panniers and carried a change of clothes and wet wipes. You can make it work if you care enough.
Brilliant for commuting to work over steep hills so you're not a sweaty blob when you get to work and after working twelve hours on my feet the whole time my legs feel like tree trunks. So an e-bike would be a very nice solution for three seasons. Even some winter if the temps stay above minus numbers.
I'm 68 years old and still enjoying my old Fuji road bike, but I can foresee the day when an Ebike will enable me to still do biking vacations and long distance work.
Not far behind ya [age] on my [Fuji] S-10S. However, I just ran into some health issues a while ago .I just found out about eBikes and I'll be getting one very soon! These are absolutely life changers, for those of us that cycled in our youth, but then latter thought it was all over.Best wishes David, keep the crank turning on that Fuji and know that if the time comes, there is an ebike alternative waiting for you.
68 years old people do not use internet. Do not lie please. :)
Good to hear people love their old Fujis, I just unboxed a 2018 Sportif 2.3 and I’m loving it
kAs yes they do
kAs-of course they do, there's no age limit to the internet
What a great video - We loved the coffee breaks! We really thought the ebike was going to run out of power at the end - you had us hooked!!
Well presented & you made it very interesting - Very well done guys!!
I was thinking the tortoise and hare tale was about to be told... the hare running off, then having a nap, while the tortoise plods on... and the hare realising it was too late to catch up...
ive ridden so many miles over the years until one day i got smashed by a drunk driver taking away my mobility. my ebike allows me to recover on a bike in the world and not in my living room on a stationary. i get a lot of hate from fellow cyclists on the trail for no reason. i follow the speed limits and am very polite. but they still say things like "you are a pu**y!" "that bike is for cheaters". i dont get it. i used to scoff at the gas motor bike conversions as those are generally loud and annoying, but an ebike, specifically my class II rad rover ebike, are quiet, fast enough for me to commute on, and nothing to be worried about. i am using mine to recover from the accident and i so so so look forward to the day i can ride my road bike and mountain bike with no pain again. until then, i am going to commute on my ebike 50 miles a day. and yes, i will be waving as i pass you.
Aaron Hoberman Where do you live with so many hateful people?
God bless.. Your a hero...
Hang in there, don't let the bastards wear you down.
Aaron Hoberman I wish you a speedy recovery.
Cheats , not cheaters , they are cats .
I wouldn't be without my converted Gaint afer 4 heart attacks in 2013 , My semi mountain bike was converted to an E Bike ( mainly to assist uphill here in Tasmania ) , I ride almost every day , Saturdays or Sundays ( depending on the weather , ) home to Clairmont and back ( 80 km ) and getting home with almost no battery , its great fun and healthy especially at 70+ yrs old !
Since this I have purchased a new Giant road E Bike , a bit more grunt , and great to ride to Claremont and return with still 45% battery left ;
with this I'm becoming more disciplined and using eco and normal staying away from the sports mode Plus I'm losing weight and getting stronger !
Sounds like cycling is worse than smoking the way that came across lol. best wishes
@@EnglishLaw XD
@Bike!Bike! There HAD to be someone to say something as ignorant and arrogant as that. You don't what you're talking about. Coronary artery disease has a complex etiology and V02 max is only one part of it.
Go Danny! I rarely ride over 30 miles but love it.
So much positivity in these comments. I love it. I’ll add in that my parents love their e-bikes. They are in their 60s and use theirs constantly to get out and get riding! They would not be able to do that if not for the pedal assist.
I think e bikes are great. Obviously they have no place racing, but the reality is that only a small percentage of cyclists race. Everyone else rides either for fun and/or for transport, and if you feel an e bike helps you with either of those than what can you really say against it. Not like it bothers anyone.
River Carson
I think there will be e-bike races eventually. Something like a 100km race with 500Wh battery limit (for example). That wiIl require strategic motor use so as not to deplete the battery prematurely. It will be unique in that it will combine human physical effort with mechanical advantage, but also the concept of limited battery energy and no refills.
there was the first efondo that occoured in alberta canada. they let you have refills but since charging was slow, it actually put them at a disadvantage.
ILikeWeatherGuy where in Alberta was that?
that's actually kind of surprising to me. I feel like it's sort of weak motorcycle racing, especially as most of the strongest athletes will probably lean towards traditional cycling.
River Carson I don't even have a problem with them racing. I think it could be great fun.
Obviously they would be an entirely separate form of racing, though, to be fair.
I do occasionally like to drag race them from stoplight to stoplight when I'm on my roadbike, though.
Anything to make the cycling sport more accessible, is a good thing. I think e-bikes definitely deserve their spot in cycling.
I bough an ebike 1 year ago. It's my 4th bike. I used them all in different ways.
1- XC Hardtail: It's my go to bike to have fun because it allows me to go wherever i want and be able to perform. Woods, up, down, road, cobblestone, short, long.
2- Road bike: For obvious reasons. For pre determined rides where i know i won't be discovering new paths nor leaving the main roads. Tool for longer rides and group fun.
3- Full suspension MB: For the occasional trail fun or rougher terrain. Don't use it as much as the others but it still is an important part of my ride rotation. Twice a month adventure.
4- Ebike: Because i work dressed somewhat formally and i can't pedal 13km back and fourth and get there sweaty and stinking like a donkey. I live in Portugal and summers usually get scorching hot. Ebike allowed me to avoid traffic and get to the office without breaking a sweat. I just use the Max Power setting ant it's like i am in a scooter cruising trough the flats of the valley. I have installed a small solar panel that powers a small home battery. Turns out, 6 months a year, i barely use my car. Unless its raining, i won't waste a second stuck in traffic like a idiot EVER AGAIN.
that's pretty awesome with your home battery solar setup
Anything that gets people cycling who might otherwise be unable to do so is good in my book. We aren't all dogmatic elitists
Perfect
It's motorcycling. It's fine as long as they stay on roads and don't go on paths there motorized vehicles are prohibited.
LisaPet so are the scooters that some people use and on pathways too :-) just saying :-)
I agree completely. Why would I care what other people enjoy? It's their business, not mine.
However, it's a completely different thing if we start talking about races etc. I have no interest in watching electric cycles going over mountains at all. The whole appeal of cycling (to me) is seeing what the riders can do. We're all fully aware that electric cars, motorcycles etc. can climb mountains and that's not in any way impressive. They would be shit if they couldn't.
Of course it's motorized when it has an electric motor. To "motorize" something you add a motor to it. That's what it means. The fact that it "only" helps doesn't make it less motorized. As you could clearly see in the video it's not just a slight boost to prevent the rider stopping completely.
I would never watch cycling again if they allowed motorized bicycles as it would be more akin to watching motorcycle races which I have no interest in than cycling. The whole point of watching a cycling race is to see how hard people can push themselves before hitting the wall. There's nothing impressive about what we saw an e-bike do in this video so why watch it as a sport?
I’m fortunate to have a road bike and an eBike. Two different tools for different jobs. Both are an absolute joy. I took a test ride on an eBike with a view to using it for my daily London commute. I defy even the skeptics to give one a try. It’s exhilarating and addictive.
In my family we pretty much all ride bikes, just for fun and recreation, and last year we for my Grannys 87 birthday bought her E bike, not sport one. She's been using it daily since then. Pretty good and awesome thing...
"I do think [e-bikes] have a place in this sport." Sport, schmort; they're an important component of the future of personal commuting vehicles.
I'm 45 and fairly fit. Never driven a car. Biked all my life. I've got £1k to spend on a new bike and took a test ride of a Carerra Crossfire e-bike. Boy oh boy, I have to tell you I've never had so much fun on 2 wheels in my life! A lot of you serious Strava guys will poo-poo the idea of an e-bike and that's fine. But for me, just looking to keep fit and have fun, commuting with 2 laptops + accessories in my backpack, doing the occasional long weekend ride, I'm very tempted by the Crossfire.
The bike you rode is 36V x11.5 amps = 414 Watts plus you say around 300 watts peak.
A drug dealer carries 2 mobile phones. So, why carry 2 laptops? Work related and Hacking related?
Hey Micky great question
youd be more fit if you didn't ride the ebike, duh....get a big messenger bag and suckit up, some of us do grocery runs in the mountains by bicycle, your laptop troubles get no pity theres no question that an ebike rider will never achieve the same level of discipline and overall cycling prowess and endurance that one is rewarded with from a good old fashioned bicycle
I hope you didn't buy the crossfire? Poor quality! And known for random power cut outs. Go for something online from E-bike dealers, You will get more for your money.. And if you can spend a little more it's well worth it!
Better quality components and battery make all the difference :)
But a lot can happen in a year lol What did you do in the end?
I been road biking for 35 years, here on San Francisco hills. None of my friends go with me on a second ride, the run is too grueling. So I just bought two RadRovers, and a RadMini for my GF. If these ebikes get everyone on the road with me, that's a no-brainer in my book. I rode a RadRunner yesterday. I can now opine that an added benefit of owning an ebike, the thing is damn fun.
I had a top spec ladies touring bike made for me 32 years ago, it is still brilliant! I regularly do at least 40 miles with it, and no problems. On one of my regular visits to Japan I inherited a ladies bike complete with basket and 3 gears..... yes 3 gears. Well, I used it as my only form of transport for some time ....up very steep mountains.....LOTS of steep mountains. Enough is enough I thought so I bought an e-bike. I am so in love with it, I regularly ride 60 miles a day which is more than I could ride on my other bike. I use the hardest gear in order to maintain my fitness level. It is made by Panasonic and looks like a mountain bike. It's called a Commuter bike. Thoroughly recommend it!
They're not for me yet, but when I'm in my sixties or seventies I won't hesitate in getting one if it means I can carry on riding.
A riding friend of mine in his 40's has been dealing with a foot disease his whole life, where special shoes are required just to walk, let alone ride his bike. He's been able to deal with it over the years, to the point where he was able to do some significant climbing and lengthy rides, but of late it's become worse, limiting how long and steep he can ride. An e-bike will absolutely extend his riding years.
One of the guys in our local group is in his early 60s. He's also one of our fastest riders and races MTB and fatbikes in Open Class.
Hm, wondering how old you are. 59 here, road 10K miles last year. Yep, I can keep riding for many years. OTOH, got a Zero (electric motorcycle) a year ago. It's fantastic fun. Am guessing e-bikes are similar.
It's pretty dangerous when they don't know how to ride and go blasting down bike paths loaded with children, or ride into the middle of a group without knowing the rules. It's also pretty silly to see overweight 25yo men riding by getting very little exercise. It's a motorcycle and should be treated that way. Having said that, I'd like one for my 90th birthday...
It's not a motorcycle and should not be treated that way, in my opinion, because it's slower. It all depends on respect: for others, for your fellow riders, for the traffic laws. I ride an e-bike and I treat it like a regular bike, except for its weight (60 kg). I'm 58, and I have a regular bike too. I have never had accidents while riding any of them. As for the e-bike, it allows me to go where I wouldn't go with my regular bike (well, I would, but I would be very sweaty if I did). My e-bike gave me a sense of freedom I never had, since I never wanted to own a car.
I rode an e bike few days ago for the first time in my life and it put a smile on my face like the first time I learned how to ride a bike or the first time I rode a road bike. It's a beautiful experience.
Anything that gets ppl out of their cars and onto a bike is a good thing. The more mainstream biking is, the more consideration bikers get. Korea has an entire network of bike trials that are like the American interstate, complete with hotels and rest areas.
Krieghandt omg that would be wonderful!
I am 60 years old and had a hybrid Street and mountain bike and was only riding the bike paths... now that I have my hardtail mountain ebike I find that I'm going on fire roads along the crest of the mountains and down the other side. I am going places where I would never dreamed I could go at 60. I absolutely love my hybike Bosch e-bike with the 500 battery.
I think you embody the beauty of this sport. I converted the mountain bike I purchased in college to an ebike as a test (Im almost 50 now and a bit thicker in the middle than in college) but I can not be happier that I did it. I built a higher power system (1000W mid drive) and it allows me to cover much more terrain and brings me back to the sport that I have loved so much over the years. I am building a second unit with a full suspension downhill bike (1500w mid drive) for more challenging terrain :). Where I live with farily hot days, the higher speeds keep me cooler and encourage me to get out more. I still get a fantastic workout but at a much more exhilarating pace! As long as people are respectful, courteous, and mindful of others and not reckless and rude, there should be no qualms from others. Its a great way to get people outdoors where they otherwise would not.
* rides an ebike
"most of this speed is just raw talent" XD
Yidiifd
Optibike makes a great SIMBB e-mountainbike with 750w motor that goes 28mph for a good distance. With the lower rolling resistance of road bike and slightly more aero and light it would be cool so see an e-roadbike with similar high spec. 40mph assistance pedaling would be amazing.
great scenery in this video .
matthew kluge UNESCO heritage for a reason.
I put a motor kit on my old custom steel frame, what a blast, I am 81 I had a quad bypass 8 years ago, it is so much fun to be able to keep up on club rides instead of the others having to wait for me. The Giant has softer angles and longer wheelbase, mine is tight and twitchy, so I have to be on the ball when riding it.
Isn't cycling also to see the landscapes and having fun? I never liked it as a kid to drive uphill, but with an ebike even that is fun. As long as you can pedal and actually do some fitness as well, I dont see any problem with that...
No, it isn't cycling.
@@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele You push (cycle) pedals, it moves... It sure as shit looks like cycling to me, so what if it's assisted?
It's all about fun really as you both said. In the past few years 80% of us living on the south coast have converted to e mountain bikes, it's just such fun blasting up hills at 13mph when it used to be 2mph. You still find yourself working hard but never having to give up.
The perfect description of "cheating".
@@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele sorry for having fun
@@jangold4652 you should be sorry for not being able to find pleasant riding a bike and moving it by PEDALING!
@@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele Dude i have a normal bike. And you should be happy that a much larger audience can enjoy the fun of Riding a Bike
if your giving up on a climb and are able bodied and not old, you are just weak minded.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed riding a bike again. My e bike allowed me to ride hills that I would have struggled to get up on a regular bike. For bike studs e bikes might/probably will seem lame. But for us old guys, they are a game changer.
My experience is similar to most comments, I served my time on road and mountain bikes, rode thousands of miles for pleasure and competition, but age and health catches up eventually.
My ebike has renewed my joy of cycling, I still work up a sweat, and get my pulse up, and it gets me out and about, so I have no time for the purists who mock our activity, they will be there eventually.
Thanks for an entertaining video, I just love the Dolomites.
I sold all my extra bikes for an ebike and am happy with the decision 6 months later. I very much prefer training hard on my road bike and then doing everything else on the ebike. ie, commuting, shopping, recovery and even some adventure riding. living in a hilly area, pedal assist rly lets me ride at whatever wattage I need to and still get to where I want faster than driving.
Which e-bike you bought, this one in the video?
This is exactly why I'm interested in e-bikes. I have a great road bike that I use when I want to ride for exercise and fun. But I don't own a car, and there's lots of times I just need to get around. I also love to hike, and it can be a pain to climb up to more distant trailheads with a full load of gear on a regular bike.
So simple for me, I would not be cycling without pedal assistance. Im over weight and old, but love riding my bike.
I had an E bike in the early 90's.. when I was riding home after an all-nighter.
the future for long non sweaty commuting
or an electric car...
Joe Stevenson
Can't take your electric car up to your office to store in a closet.
Get stuck in traffic, pay large amounts of parking charges, needing a full licence, paying for your MOT, compulsory insurance and registration, wasting time finding a parking space etc etc . Sure get a car .
I've seen a Brompton with an e bike conversion kit - imagine that..!
Hacon B A lot of the people at the company that I work at do that. We even have a charging station for e bikes.
Excellent video very professional indeed ,I have just converted my mountain bike to electric after being stuck in the shed for three years ,I am now out on the road again fresh air in my lungs that must be a good thing surely.
Big thumbs up to electric cycling.
9 months car free thanks to my ebike.
Nice!
You mean thanks to that DUI ticket you got.
@@stevek8829 lmao
Is your ebike battery still functioning? Noticed you commented a year ago...
So how's your cargo space
I use my e-bike for a daily commute to work - 40 km a day. Before by car - only me... I can see great usage of e-bikes for the commute - just compare - by car I was using alone 7-10 kWh of electricity - I would not mention people driving benzine cars. By bike, I use less than 1kWh plus I have nice daily bike jogging. It is a lot of money to save a year not mentioning environment positive aspects. Sports e-bikes - not all people are able to ride through mountains - this is rally opening new possibilities. Maybe this time more people would go by bike than by car...
What is wrong with you? I do same commuting every day on usual speed folding bike with average speed is 22-25kmh
Michal Borkowski 4
Of course you can do the same commute on a normal bike, but you'll be slower and come to work sweaty when it is warm outside. An e-bike allows you to cover relatively long distance without arriving all soaked in sweat. Again, not everyone has shower facilities at work... Think, avkie.
I commute 70 km a day (35 either way) and its much nicer to use an ebike. Its not a question of 'wrong with', it's a question of 'fit in my day'. Sure I can show up at work looking like i've done some serious work, or like I've just had a good morning cycle. Same thing going home, I can now push with confidence and get me to the front door with no bonking, and it's faster. I am not here to race anyone on my commutes, but is sure if fun passing all the gumby's that dont use e-bikes
@@Flamdring 100% agree with u about arriving to work sweaty. I did a 14 mile daily commute this summer & wud arrive sweat dripping. I'd have to shower or I'd be sat stinking my desk up of Lynx the whole day
"This bike, on this road, and this amazing scenery feels every bit as amazing as you would expect." That's the difference between you and me, Simon. Put me there on a road bike and I'd be cursing the hills, barely even noticing the scenery for the burning in my lungs and legs. I ride bikes for the pleasure. You prefer the pain. A bike hedonist vs. a bike masochist. I'll take the ebike, thank you very much.
I have had a Bianchi e-bike and it is a game changer for me. I am still a strong biker at 76, but have Dystonia of my right leg, so the muscles do not fire properly. I cannot get the right to spin much past 80rpm, so when climbing I do not have the ability to drive off the right leg as well as the left leg. The e-bike equalizes the drive somewhat so I can climb better and do more miles. It is the best tool for the job. I use my pulse to compare to my Colnago and it is not hard to get about the same bang for the buck. I would not be using the e-bike unless I was getting a similar workout. Over 20mph you do not get help with the e-bike. There is a 30%, 50% or 100% help. At about 7 grand it is not cheap.
I used to ride my road bike for 500 miles per week, then i took an arrow to the knee and havent ridden since.
E bikes put a glimmer of hope into my future of biking
Dino Seidievski - you took an ARROW to your knee?! Er..?
You can't just leave this comment. How did you take an arrow to the knee?
Hahaha arrow to the knee 😍 Skyrim player I presume 😎
@11:14 Just some random dude whizzin' on the mountain.
I bought an e-bike as a car replacement less than two years ago. Started riding and forgot how much I loved it. Decided I needed to learn how to fix and maintain it so I'd never be without a well working bike. Switched careers and now I'm a full time bike mechanic and really enjoying work for the first time in many years... all thanks to my first e-bike.
I'm living in London and just bought my first e bike. Wheres the best place to start learning about fixing and maintaining it. Any courses? or did you teach yourself?
@@PhatEpics I went to BBI school in Colorado. It was a 3 week immersive course. Totally worth every penny.
I think E-Bikes are awesome. They get people out. There is an old couple that ride around the River Mountain Trail in Las Vegas. First time I passed them going up a 4% climb was killer for me and fun for them. Only problem I have with an E-Bike comes when they are used on Zwift. I am sure people have already tried.
I didn´t finish my driving license because i didn´t want to have the luxury of being able to drive anywhere. But with my ebike i commuted about 6 000 miles in 6 month plus i used the non electric even more than before. Recovering from a knee surgery the ebike helped me get back into shape. I now take normal or e bike everywhere.
I have Giant Trance EMTB. Climbing is now as much fun as decending. Climbs a steady 22kph when I used to do 8kph. Top speed assisted 49 kph.oh and it defends like no other bikebi have owned
LOVE IT. From hilly New Zealand
I have 2 e-bikes and will never train on a regular bike again. I work just as hard but simply go faster and further. I can envisage these bikes improving rapidly, especially re battery outputs, plus costs coming down.
Haha i think you should train too in normal bike you can be strong cyclist on that😂✌️
Liam in Rio Just get a motorcycle instead of lying to yourself
Liam in Rio I would recommend you to train normally with the motor off and when your workout is over and your legs are dead just turn the motor on and go for a fun ride. It’s what I would do and it’s really fun. It’s like a big “fuck You” to the hills and workout lol
Liam in Rio
Why the actual hell would you TRAIN on an E-bike. Your making it easier for yourself which is the opposite of what you want.
Dragon Warhammer you realize it’s all relative right. Why buy a road bike when you could ride a tricycle, you’re just making it easier on yourself! You can still push as hard on an e-bike, I’m guessing the dude likes going faster and further, the same rationale for a road bike.
People ride motorcycles for fun. How is this any different? I see it as more relaxing, quieter and cheaper. WTF is not to like?
That some people actually seem to think it's remotely comparable to actual cycling and that they should be allowed to go ridiculously fast on bike paths, that they belong in cycling clubs, that they should be allowed in races etc. That's what's wrong with them and what make it different from motorcycles, mopeds etc. No one cares if you enjoy riding a motorcycle or a moped but if you think you're a cyclist who should be allowed in a cycling race, you're going to get shit on. The same applies to these electric mopeds.
Id' imagine that E-bikes will get their own racing class at some point. Because if you have the option to either A) use the throttle B) use power-assist C) use the pedals alone, you might make that decision strategically in a race, meaning that the more athletic you are, the farther your battery will go.
However, motorized bikes are not safe on the majority of the bike trails here (which are dubiously safe for some road bikes too, to be honest). And if you have an E-bike, you have to remember that someone using legs alone cannot keep up with you, and act accordingly.
Russell Senenfelder, I could see that happening as well and I doubt anyone would really have anything against E-Bike racing existing. It's that people keep calling it cycling, comparing it to normal cyclists, saying "It's the future of cycle racing" and stuff like that that annoys people. It's not remotely comparable and it'd kill cycle racing as a popular sport if they let E-Bikes enter it.
However, I really doubt that the E-Bike racing would be all that popular to be perfectly honest. The suffering and amazing physical ability is what people tend to enjoy about actual cycle races, and when it comes to motorized racing, people tend to enjoy the speed. E-Bikes don't really offer either.
You could imagine electric motorcycle racing becoming a bigger thing though I suppose. More battery power than the smaller E-Bikes, more speed etc.
Exactly who is saying they deserve to be able to ride an ebike in a bike race? I've never heard this claim. Citation, please. As for going ridiculously fast on bike paths, I'd say people like you are just as guilty, blasting around them like they're road race courses rather than places for leisurely riding.
If they are limited to 25kph then they won't terrorize most of the bike paths too bad.
Having that cheat factor get home after a long ride looks amazing especially climbs where I fade rapidly.
I forsee charge points for electric bikes at cafe stops.
Was recently in TelAviv where ebikes have replaced Vespa and Lambretta scooters. People bring their batteries into restaurants and cafes to get charged up while they get fed and caffeinated.
I for see compulsory insurance and licences for them as well .
You don't have to foresee them...they are already here ;)
Patrick Parker will probably happen at some point. Some of the commuters do 45 so a head on at 90 not so flash
I really hope so yet I find a 2 hour ride for coffee and a 2 hour ride home is enough, and my Haibike still has around 30-40% charge remaining.All good.
Wow, totally awesome. Was thinking about getting an e-bike. Now absolutely convinced. Thank you for the sharing.
Did you get one?....I'm researching now but haven't a clue!
@@nakkadu I guess he got it and didnt survived it to tell a story haha
Oooooor he is still riding it because he cant get enough. CANT STOP ME NOW!
We pick up our new e-bikes this weekend. We've recently moved to a near-mountainous area. Where we live, any ride returning to our house ends with a 300 foot climb over last 1/2 mile. 200 foot of that is in last 1/4 mile.
Yamaha Cross Connect should tame that home-bound climb.
My name is Gesmond 54 years old im from Malta europe, i use to play football had to stop due to injury, stopped for 8 years, decided to start cycling useing an E bike, hard tail. this helped me to gain fitness, Now i use my ee bike to go to work only, at the weekend i use a Carbon Focus raven bike for lets say a distance between 50 k to 80 k, with no problems. the E bike helped me to re start cycling.
At 66 years old, I can still keep up with my fellow club cyclists without any artificial assistance. So, although I'm not ready for an e-bike yet, the prospect of extending my cycling life well into my seventies, and possibly beyond, is both reassuring and really exciting.
@Bjorn Arnesen Eventually probably - I finally went electric assist at 90 and gave the hills best.
I forgot about watching the video and ended up just reading the comments❤
I think road ebikes can be a "mental" aid after a day at work when you have to decide to stay at home or go out
For an older rider an ebike absolutely opens up cycling to them once again, for a younger rider, ebikes are the ultimate gateway drug. At 40 I got myself an ebike, within a year I transitioned to a road bike without assistance, now I save the ebike for those long days out where lots of climbing is required and spend the rest of the week using the road bike for commutes and "rest days"
Just finished your e vs reg road bike, your flat vs curved handlebar and your road vs. gravel bike vids. Excellent work. Having been away from bikes for a long time, it’s evolved a lot of terms and options I’m trying to catch up on. This has been a huge help.
They both had a great day, enjoyed the views, did a fair amount of exercise (if that's your thing). Matt probably had more smiles per mile (and also coffee and cake). Ebiking for me, is just a way of making something I enjoy, more enjoyable. I don't see why anybody should mind.
Great video! I think the comments by everyone really sum up the benefits of E-bikes. Whether it's age, disability, injury, or the like, e-Bikes offer an opportunity back into cycling that otherwise wouldn't exist. While I'm still a few years away from one it's encouraging to know that technology will likely allow me to continue the sport I love well into my aged years!
The random cuts to Matt eating while Si is pumping away just crack me up.
I've found your channel a few days ago and am just getting into commuting cycling here in Fairbanks Alaska. Quality Content. I'm a big fan now.
8:40 I wouldn't say they had a place in the "sport". Around town, yes. On club runs, absolutely. Helping make deliveries, definitely. Touring over continents, go for it (although the battery might be a bit of an issue). In fact, in pretty much every part of cycling apart that which could be called 'sport', eBikes are a good thing. Opening up the activity to more people, and allowing more everyday tasks to be done by bike rather than car is undoubtably beneficial for individuals and for wider communities. The eBike is a great leveller, but that's why it belongs everywhere except competition, where the point is for people to strive to distance themselves from their fellow competitors.
That's taking the definition of 'sport' as 'competition' though, which might be a bit narrow. I suppose it's largely just quibbling over semantics at the end of the day.
good post !
Motorbikes are used for sport, competitions and pro racing.
There are zero reasons why ebikes can't be used for the same purposes.
Totally agree......As long as the field is level, then why not. As several people have said in these comments, there could easily be an ebike sport. (Whether anyone would watch is another thing entirely!)
Rob Godwin, try riding motocross trails on a bike. You won't be able to comfortably ride them, the climbs are too steep, no room to accelerate, no flow, it's quite a ridiculous and painful experience.
I'd imagine they are pretty doable for an e-bike, and harder trails mean the competitions will be more interesting to watch..
here you go th-cam.com/video/vEfT-B0kKoY/w-d-xo.html
I've ridden bikes for years and really enjoyed my road bike, however I converted it to a pedelec and its the best thing I have ever done! it added about 9 kilos to the bike which is a fair bit but I can do around 40 miles using electric assist which allows me to explore more and enjoy being out the bike more than ever which can only be a positive in my eyes!
Thank you guys. I have been wondering why I haven't found a bike dedicated forum on You Tube and low and behold you guys pop up. I have been considering giving up riding all together for reasons of health and cost but reading your web posts has convinced that I may have a few more years left to keep riding. I am switching to an e-bike though. Again, thank you for the ebike / road bike comparison, it helped me make an important decision.
I think the question whether there's a place for ebikes is inherently stupid, because of course there is. They're something in between a bike and a moped: quiet and legal to use almost anywhere, but works on hills and are quicker than normal bikes.
I agree
They absolutely have a place in cycling. In the "sport"? I don't think so. It'll end up like F1 with all their special DRS and stuff!
I was an avid cyclist awhile back and then my knees went bad on me and literally could not ride any near the level I wanted to. I got frustrated and to the point where I did not ride for years. I then discovered and bought an e-bike and it changed everything. I ride now like I used to. It basically has changed my life. I absolutely love riding again. I bought an entry level e-bike to start out with to make sure it would work for me. The top of of the line e-bike such as the one in this video is on my radar. Thank you to the person(s) who invented e-bikes.
E bikes help many who would not otherwise be able to get out to ride instead of taking the car. Has to be good. Looking at one for my better half😊 so we can ride hills together.
I've been riding a bike to work for 25 years and I recently bought an e bike because my knees were starting to really hurt. The e bike has fixed this problem so I love it.
What kind did you buy?
Great video and review! I am in the process of purchasing my first e-bike (though more focus towards gravel style roadie). Got myself a couple of other bikes already but an e-bike would make my daily commute much quicker and easier, keeping me fresher for weekend rides. It'd also be great for dragging the kids around in a trailer and doing the shopping. I am hoping to get rid of the car by the end of 2020 and this video and review makes me certain we can do it!
Wife already rides an e-bike and she loves it (particularly during the school run!) So getting me one would be a benefit for long family days out.
Able to remain chatty even when panting. Classic brits.
Lol
u made my day mate
I ride 100 miles plus a week with my wife and I’ve recently been diagnosed with a heart problem. Still able to ride but starting to feel some frustration creeping into the wife..... I can see an e bike looming.....
I ride a GIANT Fastroad E+2 around Melbourne Australia. I am nearly 73 years old and have back and hip pain. This bicycle has allowed me to continue riding with my mates without feeling embarrassed about not keeping up. I often ride the flats with no motor assistance and usually achieve around 100 kms per charge. Very happy with this machine.
i hadnt been on bike in 20 years i tried an e bike fantastic technology i bought it on the spot and best is over taking younger cyclists who got all the flash gear its so cruel i feel horrible