Anything that allows more people to ride bikes or gets more people on bikes, I will support. I don’t care if it is recumbent, full throttle e bikes, gravel, electronic shifting, rim brakes.
Raced expert BMX in late 70s. Got into Road in the 80s. MTB in the 90s. Bikepacking (Touring then) in the 2000s and beyond. Also had Cancer at 26, which treatments led to heart failure later in life and evenutally Heart Transplant. Oh!... Transplant led to low imune system and another Cancer which kicked my Arse!. eBikes allow me to continue with my 50+ year passion for cycling. If anyone gives me sh!t about riding an ebike, they get a quick education on the ADA (Americans with disability Act) and equal access. Looking to add an eGravel to my quiver... which is N+1 at N==13. This video is perfect timing as I only want to keep Riding even though my body doesn't always cooperate. Have been a subscriber for a while, keep posting such great and entertaining content. All the best... Todd Almighty!
Same for my wife, but less dramatic. Cardio docs insist she keep heart-rate below X but as former racer and decades long cyclist it meant she just had to soft-pedal all the time = no fun. With MAHLE X35 bikes connected to heart-rate monitor she can go as hard/fast as she likes...the assist comes on any time she exceeds the limits so she can keep up with me...and wait for me on the hills, unless I turn my assist up from 0! I don't NEED e-bike, but knowing I've got a strong (electric) friend who'll push me if needed or let me draft him into a stiff headwind lets me ride more and longer whether it's OK with @АнтонАлексеенко_044 or not!
@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 So awesome you get to ride with your wife by going E! I'm currently riding 'Acoustic' for 2 weeks on Rails to Trails and My Wife is kicking my Arse. We just rewatched this video together and she is already saying "Buy One" so we can ride together and not just do out and backs where she adds an extra hour after I turn back. I'm updating my quiver w 2 bikes. eGravel, eMTBI figure 12K US or less. That is way less than a new fancy Harley Davidson motorcycle.
I use my Grail ON as a daily commuter. I work construction, so it's nice not showing up to work at 5-6 AM already soaked in sweat and also not paying for parking meters, garages or $40 parking tickets.
Massive YES, not for me, but from me. Whenever my retired parents or my retired in-laws visit us in Scotland from the continent, we always want to take them to places, go on an adventure, show them the landscapes, which usually involves at least some hiking. They can't take that amount of physical activity for several hours and still be able to do anything comfortably for the rest of the day. Cycling is often also too much work. An e-bike is a perfect solution to give them the mobility they don't have. I don't need one, the missus doesn't need one, but whatever can put more asses into saddles when they would normally choose a car or staying at home - I'm game!
Absolutely this^ As someone who used to comfortably ride 100 mile sportives less than ten years ago but who now at 66 has spine issues that make unassisted riding impossible these are a godsend to me. The level of assistance means I’m still working my legs, heart and lungs but the north Cumbrian hills where I live are now accessible to me again.
Buying e-bike helped me to get into cycling big time. Got it like 6 months ago. At first i just enjoyed the power of acceleration, now I'm considering getting a propper non-e-bike for longer rides. Average battery consumption went down with every ride i did. Love them. They help to get lazy people like me get into sports.
I know there is much controversy over e-bikes. For me, getting an e-bike has changed my life. I’ve lost 75 lbs, I have already bought two analogs (one for Zwift) and I just bought my Salsa Journeyer as a future gift to my lighter self for next spring. I want to lose another 90 lbs and I want to do touring and gravel riding and all the rest. If it wasn’t for an e-bike, I never would have realized how amazing cycling is. I’m grateful. Love the channel and thank you for sharing your creativity with all of us.
I'm 75 and been riding since I was 4. Two years ago I bought my first ebike, a Trek Domane +LT. It's not really a gravel bike but has 32mm tyres. Here in Australia we are limited to 25kph under battery and I'm often over that but appreciate the boost up hills. I also ride with a heart rate monitor and the ebike has allowed me to keep pace with my riding group but lowered my heart rate significantly. I was sufficiently pleased with this bike that I also bought a lightweight Merida hardtail eMTB for gravel rides. I guess that makes a a real battery fan.
Dont overlook that Bosch has the Powermore add-on battery to extend the capacity by 250wh. Compatible with all mid-drive units and takes the place of the seat tube bottle cage. My Salsa Tributary has a range of ~150mi, Tour+ on rail trails with some minor tweaking of the assistance settings. The Bosch app is outstanding!
think what a lot of people are missing here - is mobility scooters, being able to grant access to places for people who wouldn't have the fitness to use a normal bike. think retired people trying to have an adventure instead of a tedious multi hour hike somewhere in nature.
Okay I'm so into my 2024 Specialized Creo 2 Expert. I've been riding road bikes since my dad bought me my first one at 11. The last 15 years touring on solo and now a tandem so there will be all types of terrain on those sorts of trips. Being an active gal of 65 my new 2024 e-assist Specialized Creo 2 Expert has given me that youthful feel back. I use no battery at times or Eco mode mostly and sport for hills and turbo only on the very long hills. Plus I can ride gravel trails with confidence on my 38 mm tires and pass my partner on his fancy road bike. Plus your recovery is better because you don't burn out on a ride. Planning your ride 100 to 160 km is important to make the battery last the entire ride. Glad you guys enjoyed the ride. Now to sell my solo touring bike. Thanks for the positive video! ❤
Hell yes. I own 8 bikes, 6 analog and 2 e-bikes. I have a serious heart condition so on days when recovering from an “acoustic ride”, I’ll hop on my levo (I keep it in eco mode 95% of the time) and go for a spin. For folks with health issues, this is a great way to get them outside and exercising without blowing out their legs. The way I see it, anything that gets folks off the couch and outside being active is a good thing. Plus e-bikes help level the playing field. Got a friend that isn’t as fit as you but wants to ride with you? Problem solved. Are you a dad that can’t keep up with your kids on rides? Grab one of these bad boys and go have fun with your family. I vote yes on e-bikes, purists will hate, and that’s fine. Let them. I think something else that needs to be further addressed is the absolute blast these bikes are going downhill. That extra weight keeps the bike planted AF on the trail. Don’t see the downside except for range anxiety which is definitely a thing, but for a full power emtb, it’s not that easy to outride the battery, most riders won’t even come close.
I pretty much use my Levo for the same recovery rides. It's funny though, when I ride my acoustic bike other cyclist seem to be more courteous and then on the days I ride the ebike I get the looks and smirks but I tell them I just kicked their ass on the climb without using my motor which doesn't help.
I have a Cannondale Topstone carbon gravel bike - no motor. Love it. But for other days I have a Cannondale Synapse ebike. Weighs 37 pounds, 75 Nm and 110 mile range in eco mode. Bosch mid drive. The nice thing is the battery is easy to take out. So I bought an extra battery. Bam! 200 mile range for bike packing/touring🥰.
Awesome review guys! Don't forget: range extenders exist! The Bosch PowerMore 250 fits on a bottle cage mount and instantly adds an extra 250Wh of battery capacity (on top of the 400Wh that comes standard on the Grizl:ON)
Great to see Ron in a video again!!! I love my Santa Cruz Skitch flat bar e-gravel bike. I rarely drive anymore having that as an option. Unfortunately, winter is around the corner here in Montana and I won't be able to ride it as much : /
One thing I love about these e-bikes is being able to do zone 2 training outdoors and staying in zone 2. We have a lot of hills out here in the PNW. Knowing you don’t have to make every day an all out effort while rebuilding fitness is cool. Opens up so many more rides. Lunch/End of day quick shuttle mtb rides with my lightweight e mtnb has been game changing.
I had some health setbacks over the last year that killed my fitness and I gained quite a bit of weight. I was worried if I'd be able to ride again period let alone this year. I picked up a Salsa Confluence eGravel bike a month ago and it's put me right back in the saddle, I freakin' love it.
I used to race on road and offroad (cyclo cross back in the day and mountain bikes in the 90’s) and I have bought a Canyon Grizle On (the yellow one in your vid) and it’s a game changer if you want to go on trails for enjoyment and you don’t want it to feel like a training ride! Enables you to enjoy more where you are riding plus you can be out on the trails for longer. The motors on these bikes are not full power style motors so you still put the work in but they make you feel like you have a tailwind up climbs!
Dustin, you should show us how bad it is to ride past the “range anxiety” threshold. Ride until it’s out of juice and report back on how much harder it is to ride than a normal bike. Love the videos!
There are a lot of Flintstones commenting here 🤣. Thanks Dustin and Ron for giving it a go and making an unbiased review. By the way in Europe, as you know the top speed for assist is 15.5mph which makes them much better for training as if you hold the bike at around threshold you can hover in Level 2 all day. PS my Cannondale does over 100 miles in Eco. Great channel love all your videos.
I have just got one Specialized Creo similar to the one you have some videos in the chanel also. Straight after buying it, I got a knee injury, which will require surgery and rehab. Will do good use of assistance in few months. Regarding e-bikes, I was skeptical until I got one. They are awesome products, aimed at specific public. With some limitations, but really fun and some clear benefits for all types of riders. Love your videos Dustin. ❤ keep it up mate!
I got a closeout deal on a 3T RaceMax Exploro Boost and it’s a nice rig for commuting. Stacked it with a state tax credit. When I want to workout or do group rides I go with my acoustic road bike. To get to school sweat free? I take the e-gravel. Has a Mahle X20 hub motor which is just enough power. Still a surprisingly fast aero bike with assist off! Also weighs 27 pounds in my setup.
Was wondering if you could explain how to use the DUSTIN coupon for BuyCycle. I would like to sell a bike but cannot find where to enter this code as I list the bike. If it is for a buyer, do you know when you enter the code in the buying process?
Inhale a Specialized Creo SL E5 (aluminum) that was an upgrade from the gravel bike I was using for long distance commuting from an outer suburb of Buffalo to my job down town (32 miles RT). I love the suspension in the handle bars on both the regular gravel bike and the e bike version. It dramatically reduced fatigue. The roads here (especially in the city) can be rough. The “gravel” aspect I needed most was the ability to run wider tires… also to deal with the rough roads. I’m running 35 mm tires now. I also run them at 60 psi. Any harder and it’s a punishing ride. The e power is fantastic. It lets me shave 10 to 20 minutes off each leg of the commute based on how much headwind I have. The e powered bikes really help me maintain a steady pace better. Without empower I’m averaging about 3 to 4 mph less on a ride. It’s also just safer id I’m able to keep up with the speed of actual traffic. My bike was kind of stupid expensive, but I had a frame bread due to the rough roads. I was going to get a brand new bike from Specialized, but it was back ordered nearly 2 months. I had been lusting after e power … so I asked if they could simply give me equal credit to the cost of the replacement bike towards and e-bik. It only took an hour to get an OK from Specialized. It’s good to see that the current model came down $1500 in cost for even better specs. I have also seen e bike be spuuglelijk popular in my birth country of the Netherlands. It’s allowing people to keep riding into older age. The boost is great for dealing with head wind or short by steep bridges. E power is also an absolute game changer for the ever popular Bak Fietsen. Those have become the SUV for soccer moms and dads to take their you families everywhere, be able to load up on plenty of groceries or other shopping, etc. Those are definitely helping to off set the need for a car much of the time, but they are HEAVY. E power won’t make you a speed deacon, but it takes the extra effort it takes to move those bikes. Therefore you can take the kids somewhere or load up with supplies and not end up at the other end a sweaty mess. As a mid 50’s over weight male trying to stay active ima. Commute that’s kind of long …. My gavel e-bike is fantastic. I don’t have to be a super athlete to ride multiple days a week. Without the power boost it was just not fun on moderately windy days (head wind of 15 to 20 mph. I won’t ride either 30 to 45 mph gusts, that just too dangerous when I have to be in traffic for a good chunk of my ride.
Like many things in life, you have to experience it to fully understand and appreciate them. Since I have been riding an e-bike I notice I ride further, faster, longer and more frequently. If you can tame your ego, they are worth a try. Great video as usual DK! Cheers!
Despite me only owning bio bikes I tried out a couple. I think it can be great way for training: you can keep the heart rate exactly where you want it. Or for commuting, or for less fit people etc.
I got a stent in my right coronary artery in '17 as my heart was about to get wrecked. In '18 my right quads detached and were surgically reattached. Recovery took 5 months. I couldn't pedal my MTB up our driveway though. I got a '16 Haibike SDuro, a 55# class II ebike with a 100+mi range if you use "OFF" or ECO+ like you and Ron did. I rode it everywhere. If a hill got too annoying, I "flattened it" with a few button clicks. I live 6,000' below and about 2 mi from the Lone Peak (UT) summit. The root word for "foothill roads" is hill. In late '22 I tried my MTB. I had to traverse a 6% grade, curb to curb, to get up but eventually I could ride straight up (at 4 mph). Elevation of goals by reduction of means. EBikes became a thing, and all the riders have huge grins. They take you back to when your bike outweighed you: a skinny kid, zipping around like, "What bike?" In early '23 I signed up for the Tour of the Moon in CO but my left quads detached: more surgery and PT. I signed up for Levi's Granfondo (Picollo, 42 mi) in Napa Valley, April '24. I rode a Felt VR-60 and finished in under 4 hrs. Then, Rebecca's Private Idaho "Tater Tot" (9/1/24, 19mi). I rode that w a Fargo in a little over 3 hrs. Then the Tour de Vineyard in CO (9/23/24, 58 mi). That took just over 4 hrs on the Felt. My Garmin profile says I've ridden (a regular bike) 2,700 mi with 98,600' vert this year. Uninformed people diss eBikes, thinking they do the work. Ride what works for you, and move on. Tell haters to dial #SAND. Great video, and I agree with your eBike thoughts. Don't wait for 200 mi range though: Komoot can help w that I bet.
Watching this at a local cafe, biked here, on my ebike. Thought it funny this video came up. Enjoyed as always. My ebike replaced my car, and plays the role of “eh, I don’t wanna fight the hills/winds today” vehicle. Seeing gravel tuned e-bikes is neat. There’s a solid place for them for sure. The line between those who see ebike as “transit” alternative versus “recreational enabler” is interesting. But one thing is true, most folks who try an ebike come away smiling and appreciative. Riding an ebike is like having a cape… everyone who can should experience that superpower once.
yeah, I have the electric Revolt (missed opportunity in the naming there) and it's pretty great. the battery outlasts my butt, if anything I'd trade some weight for a smaller one but the newer bikes are lighter and more power-dense anyway (these Canyons look much slimmer than my frame). the only real drawback is I don't lock it up anywhere - I ride the much cheaper acoustic bike to the pub
An e-bike can be employed like a stationary bike where the rider can control the intensity of a ride. Battery management is a thing. A rider who uses the motor less will naturally ride farther. I also think it is important for a mid-drive pedal assist bike to maintain a cadence of around 80 rpm.
Line at 8:07: "What you lose in natural agility you gain in inspiration and effort." Exactly what I've experienced. I was horrified at how heavy my e-gravel felt when I first got it. Compared to picking my acoustic up by a thumb. But on the trail, wow. I have huge desire to add extra effort now. To get over to that one more lake. Up to that one extra pass. Around that golf course. Behind those factories. I'm in CO at the Rockies foot, and exploration is my game. So much better.
I bought this bike two months ago and I love it. It’s a commuter bike for me. It was a big upgrade from my heavy ecargo bike. I ride it over 100 miles a week to work but it’s so much fun to ride, I’ve now started doing gravel rides on the weekends. I’ve never been “a cyclist” until now and every week I use the motor assistance less and less.
I never thought I'd get an ebike because I feel like I can still pedal a bike, but I got one as a commuter and I love it. Packed bags, headwinds, uphill, no problem, it's like you're always in the right gear. You still have to put in the work but you get help when you need it most. Plus, it cut my commute time 8-12 minutes off my unplugged bike.
That's how I was until the other weekend when the e mountain bikers went out for 2 rides. I couldn't do 2 because I was spent from the first so I just hung around the fire. They have their place and I kinda want one now.
@@denisrogers4358 in the emtb space it just means you aren’t completely crushed after the uphill section and can lap twice. It does not mean you are scooting about as if it was a Kawasaki.
@@denisrogers4358 The guys I was with did proper rides. They charged the bikes in between rides so that helped. I have an E commuter, I love it, but range is the issue.
I went to a carbon Bianchi Alcadex e gravel bike last year (would've loved the Canyon but weren't available here in Australia) after diagnosed with a heart condition and recommended by my cardiologist. Now, I'm the 1st to admit, the Alcadex isn't the most handsome e gravel bike but with the superb Bosch CX motor, GRX 600 and a AU$2000 discount, it was hard to turn down. For me, it gives me the pure joy of still being in the drop bar position and can continue enjoying the tarmac and gravel while being able to take it easier on the climbs. I miss my Cannondale Slate with the carbon Oliver Lefty but the Bianchi keeps me out there enjoying nature and the trails.
Totally appreciate the video…great work guys! For eGravel I would assume that the tougher your route options the more value you would get out of it. For example, the ride you did seemed to be the sweet spot for a eGravel…40 miles, 4K of vertical…and writhing the battery range. I suspect the value of a bike like this would be less if you were doing 20 mile rides of 2k vertical.
Funny really, E-bikes have created a need for a name for non e bikes. I have heard them called analogue bikes, and now acoustic bikes. How about just A-bikes? Love how you tried to make the weight seem like an advantage😊
E-bikes make great commuting bikes and better training bikes. You use the assist to get to max output, then you reduce the assist for a better burn at a higher speed. I use my e-gravel bike for training.
Rode a Moots Vamoots CR as my main ride until this past summer. I found that at 76 I couldn't keep up with my riding group any longer. After buying a Santa Cruz skitch drop bar version, no problem!😊
Dustin, Nice recap. I have been looking at e-bikes as of late to add one to the stable. Getting older nice to have something for easier days. On another note, I have watched videos on your van before and found them quite good. Do you regret having the smaller van or do you ever wish you had the next level up? Looking at vans as well for weekend get aways and not sure what to get..
One thing that is needed for eGravel is ability to add external batteries in modular fashion. eGravels are supposed to go longer than eMTBs, surely the riders would like to have extra range if they desire without being limited by internal battery? Either that, or very accessible battery that can be hot-swapped easily and quickly.
Yes, definitely. I'm struggling with that decision right now. I'm getting older, and the body issues are starting to pile up. Touring alone is one thing; I can go slow, take lots of breaks, and nobody has to wait for me. But when I'm in a group ride I feel pressured to keep up and push it beyond what is comfortable. An e-bike solves that later problem quite nicely.
Bikes are mostly viewed as recreational but e bikes open up a huge range of possibilities. I agree with the idea of it's not if but when I will buy one. It looked like a great ride 👍
Battery tech is moving fast-like, really fast. At the rate things are going, we could be seeing e-bikes with a 200-mile range in under three years! Just think about it: what used to be reserved for cars is now within reach for bikes. That kind of range could completely change the way we think about e-bikes, making long-distance rides and even bike-based commuting a reality for so many people. The future’s looking pretty electric!
E- Gravel bike will be my next bike for sure, I live somewhere idyllic the only problem being the nice trails and roads are all on a saw tooth set up, it's a 1.5km 10% average climb back from the shops, I can easily do a 20km ride with over 600m of riding and it's just slow and tiresome a bit more oomph would be lovely. An E-cargo bike has transformed my grocery getting and trips to friends it's just a bit er much for the trails although doable. I can ride at the bottom of the valley and slog up a hill when I get home, but I on't get the views the trails or the fun...
Got a Creo 2 last November...and the shit is AMAZING. Will it be the only bike I ride...no. For anyone on the fence, I totally recommend trying it. We're allowed to have them top out at 48km/h assist here in NZ, so on the ride to and from the gravel they're incredible. It's got a dropper (only 50mm and it should be longer) and comes with 47mm rubber as standard. The downsides: you can't take it on the plane. You do have to consider the battery life if you're a long way from home and don't have a range extender on. That's about it so far. Mine is 15kg with SPDs on it.
@@DadMichoMurphyI’m kinda on the fence about keeping mine long term. I very much want a Ti all road as I’m missing road riding (I’m roadieless at the moment) and if that handles the local gravel ok as well the Creo 2 might be redundant.
@@DadMichoMurphyI hear you, I’m just keen to maintain my non-assisted riding too. Right now now I have my trail bike and a belt-drive commuter rig for that but the 100+ mile rides in the summer need something else :)
I didnt have that rangeanxiety, I have rangedumbness, and therefore I get extremely tired if I ride for ten hours. I suspect it is running out of sugar.
The answer is YES! Whatever put people on bikes - whether if it's for commuting, utility or sport - I'm good with it. Sometimes you need a little boost to get off of your comfort zone (aka the couch), or you can't ride regular bikes due to health restrictions, or you just don't want to get to your office or workplace all drained in sweat. I started commuting by e-bike 5 years ago, and that opened a life of bike obsession for me, full n+1 lifestyle 😅. The e-bike replaced the car and I still use it for pure excercise from time to time, eg. for recovery rides when I feel too tired.
What about no power mode shifter on the bars where you need them! Some people say and rate the Bosh SC with notable hum in strong demand and even a sentation of vibration in the feet? Just curious as the review seemed more like an ad; that also looked like a great fun!
Video now has me truly wondering how the new G-line Brompton will fare - especially the electric version which seems similar to this Specalized in weight and tire width 🤔
I guess the only big downside is if you a lot of wilderness biketouring with no charge possibilities. If the E gravel make mpre people ride a bike im all for it. Would I but it? prob not my first choice as I woul spend my money on a e-cargobike first. The bikes seem great and the range should be plenty for day routes! Great to see Ron again.
My Ebike can do everything BUT being fast once it hits the limit. Just got myself a Gravelbike (non E) and it a totally different animal. I wanted to use both in conjunction with each other, but I actually prefer the gravel bike now. I have used the ebike mostly without support for the last two months anyway. What it definitely did, is negating my need for a car.
Whatever the elevation, 45km with most of the battery drained by the end of the ride is a deal killer (for me). I agree a 200km range would make these slightly more interesting. Also note that in EU, e-bikes are limited to 25kmh by law so any acoustic gravel bike will overtake you in a snap especially with the weight advantage. Also they're crazy expensive. Yet I reckon they're still interesting for commuting and for people in need for assistance, whatever their reasons are.
You tried the Santa Cruz Skitch no long ago. It doesn't have front suspension but it's a bit lighter and it kinda seems more playful. Is ride quality very different between the Skitch and this one?
You called it. Those 2 bikes are set up so different. Both are ultra fun. I think the SKitch offered a bit more Range. but the stability of the ON was really appreciated(thanks to the RUDY)
Yes, these will be used for bike packing. I would want this to ride the Katy train in Missouri along with the soon to be completed rock island trail to be completed in the next few years. Could cover the 500 miles of rail trail.
I had one, a Niner RLT E9, but I ended up selling it. Very, very cool bike built to MTB standards, was a Bosch and Class 3 bike too. I just found myself when I wanted to mountain bike, gravitating towards my eMTB, and when I wanted to do mixed road/gravel or just gravel, I didn't want the e-assist because it was more of a fitness thing than a fun thing to me. When I wanted to go get groceries I wanted throttle and didn't want to load the back up on my 29er gravel bike and make it all wonky with too much weight on the rear. That said, there are a LOT of people these things are for, I just found myself not one of them, and ended up selling it with just under 200 miles on the Odometer. Someone got a great deal, haha
I’m a big fan of eRoad/eGravel. I have a Trek Domane+ for commuting to work (50 mi round trip) and it allows it to be as difficult as you want it to be. I’m in pretty good shape now, but there’s no way I’d be riding my normal road bike 50/mi a day and definitely wouldn’t be able to do fun rides on weekends after all that. So yeah. eRoad for commuting fast, plus normal Road for fun with friends.
Shared a link with a friend who was thinking about getting one since he;s more casual and concerned with not being able to keep up, even though that's never really been a problem when we ride together, I just do mostly zone 2 on those days and we're on even pacing. Unless he flipflops back to a bio bike before he makes the call I imagine it'll be something like one of these, I'm also on a suspension gravel myself
I think range anxiety on the gravel ebike is a non issue because it doesn't have the weight of your typical ebike of 25kg. The Scott model I tried was 12kg and I rode it without the motor on to test it and it rode like a normal bike. Great fun if you have the budget for one
I'm in the EU under the same restrictions. At first I thought about cheaters to fool the limit but when I realized I use the assist only when going uphill wondered WTF I "needed" to go more than 25 kph uphill? Turns out I don't.
It's the draggy uphill ìnclines where 15mph is not enough and your mates gradually disappear into the distance while you struggle with a heavy bike and no assistance.
@@bikeman123 If you're not fit enough to keep up, that's not the bike's fault. Wanna ride at the front? Get a scooter and motor-pace your mates if you can't cut it pedaling! Seems like you thought the e-bike was gonna turn you into Superman...sorry.
I totally get e-bikes for cargo or commuting. Kinda for mtbs if it eliminates the shuttle. This…IDK. That said my wife recently bought an e-bike so we can ride together without having to wait for her etc and it has been very nice as an equalizer. I get in the ride I wanted and so does she without all of the acrimony. It’s nice.
@@EverythingsBeenDone That link appears to go to the Clifdens that you often rock. I am specifically curious about the shields you swap to at 0:12 which appear to also be transitional. They look awesome.
As a motor relies on input... Couldn't this be a cheap powermeter included? Could be a good training tool if you can just go 25kmh uphill at a constant whatever watts, the motor doing the rest
A cool bike. I really like the back lights, silent motor, the weight really surprised me, but I prefer simplicity. Yes or no, yes, but not for me 😉. Same as suspension in a gravel bike.
Love my road, e-gravel and e-trekking+cargo bikes. Each to their own. Though, treat ebikes like cars as they can break down and you'd want to have a second bike for the time being. Having bad expderiences with smaller brands, I highly recommend going with the system that has dealers and mechanics wherever you want to ride in. Small brands require you to send the whole motor or other parts of it back to their headquarters, because they are the only ones that can fix it. I recently broke a 4 or 5 pin round speed sensor connector and Fazua told me the whole motor needs to be replace for 500 euros. On the other hand, I had far smoother and pleasant experience with Bosch. I don't need to talk to Bosch at all, just talk to the mechanic. Fazua mechanics are confused and ask me to wait for weeks for them to align the issues with Fazua, keeping my ebike for months at a time. And these are happening in Germany, where everything is based in here. Final word: the extra juice takes the pain of climbing away, you will still be sweating and panting like a regular bike, but now you can go higher altitudes or spend 1 more hour on the bike. They also help those that need to ride in Z2, but don't want to choose specific terrain for the easy ride.
I think 200 km isn't too far off, but that's with big caveats. For now, it'll require you to put the assistance exclusively on Eco mode, and at that point you might as well just get a regular carbon fiber gravel bike at half the weight. I think you can still get in excess of 70 km and reserve the power for specific climbs that you don't like, and put it on Eco or off the rest of the time.
Regarding yes or no, before my heart attack, I was "no" for me but "minding my own business" for others. Since my heart attack and severe distance curtailment (I have a 130BPM MHR limit, too 😱), I've relented and fitted a 250w 40Nm full Australia legal pedal assist (no throttle option) front wheel with 540Wh battery pack. So, yeah, I'm a yes. It certainly makes a difference to me as I am now. It would have been a spare willy at a wedding for me before my ticker popped, but I sure get why they're popular.
Honestly, I'm still on the fence. I feel if you're healthy enough to ride a NON-E-BIKE you should. But if you need an electric motor to get out and ride, get one. And hey man, I hope you know how blessed you are to have a homie like Ron who's down to ride bikes with you. That's RAD. Great video.
200 mile range would be crazy! There’s some gas guzzling cars that have about that range. I agree, that would be awesome piggybacking on another comment that E-bikes should not replace regular bikes but instead replace cars. And in that context we should have lots of options for cargo E-bikes.
I'm a fan of EVs but I don't think we'll ever get rid of range anxiety bc most of the time, we just want to get on/in and go! If it's range is 50, 200 or 300 miles, I'm pretty sure I'll find myself forced to change my ride when I'm in a situation where my range is empty/zero. Yes, it's bc of lack of or poor planning, but sometimes I just want to be a free spirit
The motor amplifies the power pushed into the cranks. I have no idea how it does it but it makes each pedal stroke feel like its more powerful. two main categories of e bike pedal assist (this bike) and throttle(think motor cycle).
27mi doesn't seem like much range with only 2 bars left. But, considering the ft climbed, it seems adequate. Given that, I would still like to see more range.
As much as I love making biking more accessible, the can o' worms an e-bike opens up for those going on 'gravel adventures' is very big and wiggly. Did you consider the terrain and trail conditions against battery life before you left the trailhead? Are you, as a rider, fit and/or capable enough to deal with technical trails and the extra weight of the bike? Can you push that extra weight if you run out of battery, or worse, have a technical issue? If you *do* encounter a mechanical issue, can you expect to be able to effectively repair it on the trail (considering both the added complexity of the bike, as well as the weight?) So long as the rider realisitcally evaluates themseles and the equipment? Sure, it's a win...except for the eventual e-waste.
E Gravel bike Yes or No?
has long isn't a canyon, they will throw you under the bus when the time for the warrantee arrives
No. Never. No.
Sorry, only acoustic bikes for me. And like keeping the e-bikes off the trails. Don't need the crowds.
Anything that allows more people to ride bikes or gets more people on bikes, I will support.
I don’t care if it is recumbent, full throttle e bikes, gravel, electronic shifting, rim brakes.
Yes. Enables you to be out longer for the same effort. Turns rides into a joy not a training run!
Raced expert BMX in late 70s. Got into Road in the 80s. MTB in the 90s. Bikepacking (Touring then) in the 2000s and beyond. Also had Cancer at 26, which treatments led to heart failure later in life and evenutally Heart Transplant. Oh!... Transplant led to low imune system and another Cancer which kicked my Arse!. eBikes allow me to continue with my 50+ year passion for cycling. If anyone gives me sh!t about riding an ebike, they get a quick education on the ADA (Americans with disability Act) and equal access.
Looking to add an eGravel to my quiver... which is N+1 at N==13. This video is perfect timing as I only want to keep Riding even though my body doesn't always cooperate. Have been a subscriber for a while, keep posting such great and entertaining content. All the best...
Todd Almighty!
This is what its all about! You story inspires Todd thank you for sharing.
Same for my wife, but less dramatic. Cardio docs insist she keep heart-rate below X but as former racer and decades long cyclist it meant she just had to soft-pedal all the time = no fun. With MAHLE X35 bikes connected to heart-rate monitor she can go as hard/fast as she likes...the assist comes on any time she exceeds the limits so she can keep up with me...and wait for me on the hills, unless I turn my assist up from 0!
I don't NEED e-bike, but knowing I've got a strong (electric) friend who'll push me if needed or let me draft him into a stiff headwind lets me ride more and longer whether it's OK with @АнтонАлексеенко_044 or not!
@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 So awesome you get to ride with your wife by going E! I'm currently riding 'Acoustic' for 2 weeks on Rails to Trails and My Wife is kicking my Arse. We just rewatched this video together and she is already saying "Buy One" so we can ride together and not just do out and backs where she adds an extra hour after I turn back. I'm updating my quiver w 2 bikes. eGravel, eMTBI figure 12K US or less. That is way less than a new fancy Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Everyone needs to mind their own business, it doesn’t matter what anyone rides! ride what you brought or what makes you happy!
Good Todd! That's quite the story.
I use my Grail ON as a daily commuter. I work construction, so it's nice not showing up to work at 5-6 AM already soaked in sweat and also not paying for parking meters, garages or $40 parking tickets.
basically an unlicenced scooter. its a new era!
@@dalton-at-work Canyon is a proper and legal e-bike. Engine it assists you and does not propel the bike without you pushing the pedals.
Massive YES, not for me, but from me. Whenever my retired parents or my retired in-laws visit us in Scotland from the continent, we always want to take them to places, go on an adventure, show them the landscapes, which usually involves at least some hiking. They can't take that amount of physical activity for several hours and still be able to do anything comfortably for the rest of the day. Cycling is often also too much work. An e-bike is a perfect solution to give them the mobility they don't have. I don't need one, the missus doesn't need one, but whatever can put more asses into saddles when they would normally choose a car or staying at home - I'm game!
Absolutely this^
As someone who used to comfortably ride 100 mile sportives less than ten years ago but who now at 66 has spine issues that make unassisted riding impossible these are a godsend to me.
The level of assistance means I’m still working my legs, heart and lungs but the north Cumbrian hills where I live are now accessible to me again.
Buying e-bike helped me to get into cycling big time. Got it like 6 months ago. At first i just enjoyed the power of acceleration, now I'm considering getting a propper non-e-bike for longer rides. Average battery consumption went down with every ride i did. Love them. They help to get lazy people like me get into sports.
This is awesome!
I know there is much controversy over e-bikes. For me, getting an e-bike has changed my life. I’ve lost 75 lbs, I have already bought two analogs (one for Zwift) and I just bought my Salsa Journeyer as a future gift to my lighter self for next spring. I want to lose another 90 lbs and I want to do touring and gravel riding and all the rest. If it wasn’t for an e-bike, I never would have realized how amazing cycling is. I’m grateful. Love the channel and thank you for sharing your creativity with all of us.
So cool to have Ron back !!
I'm 75 and been riding since I was 4. Two years ago I bought my first ebike, a Trek Domane +LT. It's not really a gravel bike but has 32mm tyres. Here in Australia we are limited to 25kph under battery and I'm often over that but appreciate the boost up hills. I also ride with a heart rate monitor and the ebike has allowed me to keep pace with my riding group but lowered my heart rate significantly. I was sufficiently pleased with this bike that I also bought a lightweight Merida hardtail eMTB for gravel rides. I guess that makes a a real battery fan.
Dont overlook that Bosch has the Powermore add-on battery to extend the capacity by 250wh. Compatible with all mid-drive units and takes the place of the seat tube bottle cage.
My Salsa Tributary has a range of ~150mi, Tour+ on rail trails with some minor tweaking of the assistance settings. The Bosch app is outstanding!
Holy moly I am very curious about this!
E-bikes should not replace bikes. They should replace other vehicles - cars, shuttles, ski lifts.
I like the way you’re thinking here!!
The cool part is that you can turn the assist off any time you like...
Agree, 100%
They are going to, for the most part, eventually replace bikes. There’s nothing anyone can do about that.
think what a lot of people are missing here - is mobility scooters, being able to grant access to places for people who wouldn't have the fitness to use a normal bike. think retired people trying to have an adventure instead of a tedious multi hour hike somewhere in nature.
Okay I'm so into my 2024 Specialized Creo 2 Expert. I've been riding road bikes since my dad bought me my first one at 11. The last 15 years touring on solo and now a tandem so there will be all types of terrain on those sorts of trips. Being an active gal of 65 my new 2024 e-assist Specialized Creo 2 Expert has given me that youthful feel back. I use no battery at times or Eco mode mostly and sport for hills and turbo only on the very long hills. Plus I can ride gravel trails with confidence on my 38 mm tires and pass my partner on his fancy road bike. Plus your recovery is better because you don't burn out on a ride. Planning your ride 100 to 160 km is important to make the battery last the entire ride. Glad you guys enjoyed the ride. Now to sell my solo touring bike. Thanks for the positive video! ❤
Hell yes. I own 8 bikes, 6 analog and 2 e-bikes. I have a serious heart condition so on days when recovering from an “acoustic ride”, I’ll hop on my levo (I keep it in eco mode 95% of the time) and go for a spin. For folks with health issues, this is a great way to get them outside and exercising without blowing out their legs. The way I see it, anything that gets folks off the couch and outside being active is a good thing. Plus e-bikes help level the playing field. Got a friend that isn’t as fit as you but wants to ride with you? Problem solved. Are you a dad that can’t keep up with your kids on rides? Grab one of these bad boys and go have fun with your family. I vote yes on e-bikes, purists will hate, and that’s fine. Let them. I think something else that needs to be further addressed is the absolute blast these bikes are going downhill. That extra weight keeps the bike planted AF on the trail. Don’t see the downside except for range anxiety which is definitely a thing, but for a full power emtb, it’s not that easy to outride the battery, most riders won’t even come close.
I pretty much use my Levo for the same recovery rides. It's funny though, when I ride my acoustic bike other cyclist seem to be more courteous and then on the days I ride the ebike I get the looks and smirks but I tell them I just kicked their ass on the climb without using my motor which doesn't help.
I have a Cannondale Topstone carbon gravel bike - no motor. Love it. But for other days I have a Cannondale Synapse ebike. Weighs 37 pounds, 75 Nm and 110 mile range in eco mode. Bosch mid drive. The nice thing is the battery is easy to take out. So I bought an extra battery. Bam! 200 mile range for bike packing/touring🥰.
Awesome review guys! Don't forget: range extenders exist! The Bosch PowerMore 250 fits on a bottle cage mount and instantly adds an extra 250Wh of battery capacity (on top of the 400Wh that comes standard on the Grizl:ON)
Great to see Ron in a video again!!! I love my Santa Cruz Skitch flat bar e-gravel bike. I rarely drive anymore having that as an option. Unfortunately, winter is around the corner here in Montana and I won't be able to ride it as much : /
One thing I love about these e-bikes is being able to do zone 2 training outdoors and staying in zone 2. We have a lot of hills out here in the PNW. Knowing you don’t have to make every day an all out effort while rebuilding fitness is cool. Opens up so many more rides.
Lunch/End of day quick shuttle mtb rides with my lightweight e mtnb has been game changing.
Most of my eMTB buddies judge battery by how much elevation they can do. 4200' on a 720w battery seems to be about the average max. Cool video.
I had some health setbacks over the last year that killed my fitness and I gained quite a bit of weight. I was worried if I'd be able to ride again period let alone this year. I picked up a Salsa Confluence eGravel bike a month ago and it's put me right back in the saddle, I freakin' love it.
I used to race on road and offroad (cyclo cross back in the day and mountain bikes in the 90’s) and I have bought a Canyon Grizle On (the yellow one in your vid) and it’s a game changer if you want to go on trails for enjoyment and you don’t want it to feel like a training ride! Enables you to enjoy more where you are riding plus you can be out on the trails for longer. The motors on these bikes are not full power style motors so you still put the work in but they make you feel like you have a tailwind up climbs!
Dustin, you should show us how bad it is to ride past the “range anxiety” threshold. Ride until it’s out of juice and report back on how much harder it is to ride than a normal bike.
Love the videos!
There are a lot of Flintstones commenting here 🤣. Thanks Dustin and Ron for giving it a go and making an unbiased review. By the way in Europe, as you know the top speed for assist is 15.5mph which makes them much better for training as if you hold the bike at around threshold you can hover in Level 2 all day. PS my Cannondale does over 100 miles in Eco. Great channel love all your videos.
I have just got one Specialized Creo similar to the one you have some videos in the chanel also. Straight after buying it, I got a knee injury, which will require surgery and rehab. Will do good use of assistance in few months. Regarding e-bikes, I was skeptical until I got one. They are awesome products, aimed at specific public. With some limitations, but really fun and some clear benefits for all types of riders. Love your videos Dustin. ❤ keep it up mate!
We have the commuter’s version, love it
I’m a life long cyclist in my 50’s and in very good shape. I love bikes and e-bikes and don’t care what anyone else rides.
Me too. I ride both e gravel and normal road
@@RAG0407he just said he does not care what you ride
I got a closeout deal on a 3T RaceMax Exploro Boost and it’s a nice rig for commuting. Stacked it with a state tax credit. When I want to workout or do group rides I go with my acoustic road bike. To get to school sweat free? I take the e-gravel. Has a Mahle X20 hub motor which is just enough power. Still a surprisingly fast aero bike with assist off! Also weighs 27 pounds in my setup.
yep … future self when i can no longer get that analogue bike to where i want it to go, just about to turn 61 … hopefully a while yet!
Was wondering if you could explain how to use the DUSTIN coupon for BuyCycle. I would like to sell a bike but cannot find where to enter this code as I list the bike. If it is for a buyer, do you know when you enter the code in the buying process?
Inhale a Specialized Creo SL E5 (aluminum) that was an upgrade from the gravel bike I was using for long distance commuting from an outer suburb of Buffalo to my job down town (32 miles RT). I love the suspension in the handle bars on both the regular gravel bike and the e bike version. It dramatically reduced fatigue. The roads here (especially in the city) can be rough. The “gravel” aspect I needed most was the ability to run wider tires… also to deal with the rough roads. I’m running 35 mm tires now. I also run them at 60 psi. Any harder and it’s a punishing ride. The e power is fantastic. It lets me shave 10 to 20 minutes off each leg of the commute based on how much headwind I have. The e powered bikes really help me maintain a steady pace better. Without empower I’m averaging about 3 to 4 mph less on a ride. It’s also just safer id I’m able to keep up with the speed of actual traffic. My bike was kind of stupid expensive, but I had a frame bread due to the rough roads. I was going to get a brand new bike from Specialized, but it was back ordered nearly 2 months. I had been lusting after e power … so I asked if they could simply give me equal credit to the cost of the replacement bike towards and e-bik. It only took an hour to get an OK from Specialized. It’s good to see that the current model came down $1500 in cost for even better specs. I have also seen e bike be spuuglelijk popular in my birth country of the Netherlands. It’s allowing people to keep riding into older age. The boost is great for dealing with head wind or short by steep bridges. E power is also an absolute game changer for the ever popular Bak Fietsen. Those have become the SUV for soccer moms and dads to take their you families everywhere, be able to load up on plenty of groceries or other shopping, etc. Those are definitely helping to off set the need for a car much of the time, but they are HEAVY. E power won’t make you a speed deacon, but it takes the extra effort it takes to move those bikes. Therefore you can take the kids somewhere or load up with supplies and not end up at the other end a sweaty mess. As a mid 50’s over weight male trying to stay active ima. Commute that’s kind of long …. My gavel e-bike is fantastic. I don’t have to be a super athlete to ride multiple days a week. Without the power boost it was just not fun on moderately windy days (head wind of 15 to 20 mph. I won’t ride either 30 to 45 mph gusts, that just too dangerous when I have to be in traffic for a good chunk of my ride.
Like many things in life, you have to experience it to fully understand and appreciate them. Since I have been riding an e-bike I notice I ride further, faster, longer and more frequently. If you can tame your ego, they are worth a try. Great video as usual DK! Cheers!
Carl coming in HOT with that wisdom!! Great take. Appreciate you taking the time to share it.
@@casualcarl8460 spot on!
Looking forward to getting one when I turn 70. My last
1000km bike pack in Ireland was wishing I had one climbing the Conor pass
Despite me only owning bio bikes I tried out a couple. I think it can be great way for training: you can keep the heart rate exactly where you want it. Or for commuting, or for less fit people etc.
@@Oliver-xz9km it works exactly like you say, only you have more fun!
I got a stent in my right coronary artery in '17 as my heart was about to get wrecked. In '18 my right quads detached and were surgically reattached. Recovery took 5 months. I couldn't pedal my MTB up our driveway though. I got a '16 Haibike SDuro, a 55# class II ebike with a 100+mi range if you use "OFF" or ECO+ like you and Ron did. I rode it everywhere. If a hill got too annoying, I "flattened it" with a few button clicks.
I live 6,000' below and about 2 mi from the Lone Peak (UT) summit. The root word for "foothill roads" is hill. In late '22 I tried my MTB. I had to traverse a 6% grade, curb to curb, to get up but eventually I could ride straight up (at 4 mph). Elevation of goals by reduction of means.
EBikes became a thing, and all the riders have huge grins. They take you back to when your bike outweighed you: a skinny kid, zipping around like, "What bike?"
In early '23 I signed up for the Tour of the Moon in CO but my left quads detached: more surgery and PT. I signed up for Levi's Granfondo (Picollo, 42 mi) in Napa Valley, April '24. I rode a Felt VR-60 and finished in under 4 hrs. Then, Rebecca's Private Idaho "Tater Tot" (9/1/24, 19mi). I rode that w a Fargo in a little over 3 hrs. Then the Tour de Vineyard in CO (9/23/24, 58 mi). That took just over 4 hrs on the Felt.
My Garmin profile says I've ridden (a regular bike) 2,700 mi with 98,600' vert this year. Uninformed people diss eBikes, thinking they do the work. Ride what works for you, and move on. Tell haters to dial #SAND.
Great video, and I agree with your eBike thoughts. Don't wait for 200 mi range though: Komoot can help w that I bet.
Your videos are so nice to watch, you obviously seem to love what you do and i appreciate all the work!! Cheers!!
Watching this at a local cafe, biked here, on my ebike. Thought it funny this video came up. Enjoyed as always. My ebike replaced my car, and plays the role of “eh, I don’t wanna fight the hills/winds today” vehicle. Seeing gravel tuned e-bikes is neat. There’s a solid place for them for sure. The line between those who see ebike as “transit” alternative versus “recreational enabler” is interesting. But one thing is true, most folks who try an ebike come away smiling and appreciative. Riding an ebike is like having a cape… everyone who can should experience that superpower once.
And dudes, you guys have amazing countryside to ride in. Makes my heart melt!
yeah, I have the electric Revolt (missed opportunity in the naming there) and it's pretty great. the battery outlasts my butt, if anything I'd trade some weight for a smaller one but the newer bikes are lighter and more power-dense anyway (these Canyons look much slimmer than my frame). the only real drawback is I don't lock it up anywhere - I ride the much cheaper acoustic bike to the pub
An e-bike can be employed like a stationary bike where the rider can control the intensity of a ride. Battery management is a thing. A rider who uses the motor less will naturally ride farther. I also think it is important for a mid-drive pedal assist bike to maintain a cadence of around 80 rpm.
Line at 8:07: "What you lose in natural agility you gain in inspiration and effort." Exactly what I've experienced. I was horrified at how heavy my e-gravel felt when I first got it. Compared to picking my acoustic up by a thumb. But on the trail, wow. I have huge desire to add extra effort now. To get over to that one more lake. Up to that one extra pass. Around that golf course. Behind those factories. I'm in CO at the Rockies foot, and exploration is my game. So much better.
I bought this bike two months ago and I love it. It’s a commuter bike for me. It was a big upgrade from my heavy ecargo bike. I ride it over 100 miles a week to work but it’s so much fun to ride, I’ve now started doing gravel rides on the weekends. I’ve never been “a cyclist” until now and every week I use the motor assistance less and less.
How do they charge? do they have to be plugged into a wall socket or could you use a power brick on the ride for extra juice?
I never thought I'd get an ebike because I feel like I can still pedal a bike, but I got one as a commuter and I love it. Packed bags, headwinds, uphill, no problem, it's like you're always in the right gear. You still have to put in the work but you get help when you need it most. Plus, it cut my commute time 8-12 minutes off my unplugged bike.
No judgement at all but the only e bike I'd ever consider would be a cargo bike for errand runs. But to each their own
I tend to feel the same. I realllllly like the idea of an e truck bike!
That's how I was until the other weekend when the e mountain bikers went out for 2 rides. I couldn't do 2 because I was spent from the first so I just hung around the fire. They have their place and I kinda want one now.
@@mikemazzantini6397
But remember he did 2 “rides”
@@denisrogers4358 in the emtb space it just means you aren’t completely crushed after the uphill section and can lap twice. It does not mean you are scooting about as if it was a Kawasaki.
@@denisrogers4358 The guys I was with did proper rides. They charged the bikes in between rides so that helped. I have an E commuter, I love it, but range is the issue.
I went to a carbon Bianchi Alcadex e gravel bike last year (would've loved the Canyon but weren't available here in Australia) after diagnosed with a heart condition and recommended by my cardiologist. Now, I'm the 1st to admit, the Alcadex isn't the most handsome e gravel bike but with the superb Bosch CX motor, GRX 600 and a AU$2000 discount, it was hard to turn down. For me, it gives me the pure joy of still being in the drop bar position and can continue enjoying the tarmac and gravel while being able to take it easier on the climbs. I miss my Cannondale Slate with the carbon Oliver Lefty but the Bianchi keeps me out there enjoying nature and the trails.
I am a Firefighter and I use this bike to commute to work. I love it
You rule!
completly diffrent question, as I struggle to find good prescription glasses, which are you using in the intro?
Totally appreciate the video…great work guys! For eGravel I would assume that the tougher your route options the more value you would get out of it. For example, the ride you did seemed to be the sweet spot for a eGravel…40 miles, 4K of vertical…and writhing the battery range. I suspect the value of a bike like this would be less if you were doing 20 mile rides of 2k vertical.
Funny really, E-bikes have created a need for a name for non e bikes. I have heard them called analogue bikes, and now acoustic bikes. How about just A-bikes?
Love how you tried to make the weight seem like an advantage😊
E-bikes make great commuting bikes and better training bikes. You use the assist to get to max output, then you reduce the assist for a better burn at a higher speed.
I use my e-gravel bike for training.
Rode a Moots Vamoots CR as my main ride until this past summer. I found that at 76 I couldn't keep up with my riding group any longer. After buying a Santa Cruz skitch drop bar version, no problem!😊
Dustin, Nice recap. I have been looking at e-bikes as of late to add one to the stable. Getting older nice to have something for easier days. On another note, I have watched videos on your van before and found them quite good. Do you regret having the smaller van or do you ever wish you had the next level up? Looking at vans as well for weekend get aways and not sure what to get..
I’m in the whatever floats your boat category…..buuuuuut basic bike for me. I love the heritage
One thing that is needed for eGravel is ability to add external batteries in modular fashion. eGravels are supposed to go longer than eMTBs, surely the riders would like to have extra range if they desire without being limited by internal battery? Either that, or very accessible battery that can be hot-swapped easily and quickly.
Great to see Ron back in your videos!
Yes, definitely. I'm struggling with that decision right now. I'm getting older, and the body issues are starting to pile up. Touring alone is one thing; I can go slow, take lots of breaks, and nobody has to wait for me. But when I'm in a group ride I feel pressured to keep up and push it beyond what is comfortable. An e-bike solves that later problem quite nicely.
Higher amount of amps equals further distance for bike rider to travel. But weight, weather conditions (windy), can affect range of distance too.
Bikes are mostly viewed as recreational but e bikes open up a huge range of possibilities.
I agree with the idea of it's not if but when I will buy one.
It looked like a great ride 👍
Battery tech is moving fast-like, really fast. At the rate things are going, we could be seeing e-bikes with a 200-mile range in under three years! Just think about it: what used to be reserved for cars is now within reach for bikes. That kind of range could completely change the way we think about e-bikes, making long-distance rides and even bike-based commuting a reality for so many people. The future’s looking pretty electric!
This is the kind of optimism I’m here for!
E- Gravel bike will be my next bike for sure, I live somewhere idyllic the only problem being the nice trails and roads are all on a saw tooth set up, it's a 1.5km 10% average climb back from the shops, I can easily do a 20km ride with over 600m of riding and it's just slow and tiresome a bit more oomph would be lovely. An E-cargo bike has transformed my grocery getting and trips to friends it's just a bit er much for the trails although doable. I can ride at the bottom of the valley and slog up a hill when I get home, but I on't get the views the trails or the fun...
Got a Creo 2 last November...and the shit is AMAZING. Will it be the only bike I ride...no. For anyone on the fence, I totally recommend trying it. We're allowed to have them top out at 48km/h assist here in NZ, so on the ride to and from the gravel they're incredible. It's got a dropper (only 50mm and it should be longer) and comes with 47mm rubber as standard. The downsides: you can't take it on the plane. You do have to consider the battery life if you're a long way from home and don't have a range extender on. That's about it so far. Mine is 15kg with SPDs on it.
that is a legit set up for e bike! Way to go!
Me too, I love love my Creo, this bike might be an upgrade though.
@@DadMichoMurphyI’m kinda on the fence about keeping mine long term. I very much want a Ti all road as I’m missing road riding (I’m roadieless at the moment) and if that handles the local gravel ok as well the Creo 2 might be redundant.
@@monguzzle I converted my Creo (for winter months in Texas) to road tires and gears. It rocks on the road.
@@DadMichoMurphyI hear you, I’m just keen to maintain my non-assisted riding too. Right now now I have my trail bike and a belt-drive commuter rig for that but the 100+ mile rides in the summer need something else :)
I have range anxiety for non assisted rides! Have I got enough food, juice, will power, daylight hours, lights....aaaaarrggghhhh!!!!
Me toooooo 😂🤣
I didnt have that rangeanxiety, I have rangedumbness, and therefore I get extremely tired if I ride for ten hours. I suspect it is running out of sugar.
The answer is YES!
Whatever put people on bikes - whether if it's for commuting, utility or sport - I'm good with it.
Sometimes you need a little boost to get off of your comfort zone (aka the couch), or you can't ride regular bikes due to health restrictions, or you just don't want to get to your office or workplace all drained in sweat.
I started commuting by e-bike 5 years ago, and that opened a life of bike obsession for me, full n+1 lifestyle 😅. The e-bike replaced the car and I still use it for pure excercise from time to time, eg. for recovery rides when I feel too tired.
Can we get a song written about Alessandro and his journey!
@@EverythingsBeenDone LOL
I’ve got an Orbea Gain with a range extender, 100 miles plus and no range anxiety 👍 great video gents
You sold me on this one Dustin. Gonna order my first eBike tomorrow! Who would have thought. Awesome. Only 16 KG! Great job Canyon!
PLAYER
What about no power mode shifter on the bars where you need them! Some people say and rate the Bosh SC with notable hum in strong demand and even a sentation of vibration in the feet? Just curious as the review seemed more like an ad; that also looked like a great fun!
I've taken my Specialized Creo Evo on 70+ mile rides before. Temp makes a difference on the range along with how much effort you put in.
Video now has me truly wondering how the new G-line Brompton will fare - especially the electric version which seems similar to this Specalized in weight and tire width 🤔
Informative vid, good to see the Ronstar 🌟
I guess the only big downside is if you a lot of wilderness biketouring with no charge possibilities. If the E gravel make mpre people ride a bike im all for it. Would I but it? prob not my first choice as I woul spend my money on a e-cargobike first. The bikes seem great and the range should be plenty for day routes! Great to see Ron again.
Yooo does anyone know where exactly they were riding? Looks dreamy.
My Ebike can do everything BUT being fast once it hits the limit. Just got myself a Gravelbike (non E) and it a totally different animal. I wanted to use both in conjunction with each other, but I actually prefer the gravel bike now. I have used the ebike mostly without support for the last two months anyway. What it definitely did, is negating my need for a car.
Yes! My canyon grail on is absolutely brilliant and fits me perfectly xs - I love it!
Whatever the elevation, 45km with most of the battery drained by the end of the ride is a deal killer (for me). I agree a 200km range would make these slightly more interesting. Also note that in EU, e-bikes are limited to 25kmh by law so any acoustic gravel bike will overtake you in a snap especially with the weight advantage. Also they're crazy expensive. Yet I reckon they're still interesting for commuting and for people in need for assistance, whatever their reasons are.
You tried the Santa Cruz Skitch no long ago. It doesn't have front suspension but it's a bit lighter and it kinda seems more playful. Is ride quality very different between the Skitch and this one?
You called it. Those 2 bikes are set up so different. Both are ultra fun. I think the SKitch offered a bit more Range. but the stability of the ON was really appreciated(thanks to the RUDY)
@@EverythingsBeenDone you used to have the original Creo- how does the canyon ride in comparison? I’ve had both the Creo versions 1 and 2.
I have the Skitch flat bar, kicks ass!
Yes, these will be used for bike packing. I would want this to ride the Katy train in Missouri along with the soon to be completed rock island trail to be completed in the next few years. Could cover the 500 miles of rail trail.
I had one, a Niner RLT E9, but I ended up selling it. Very, very cool bike built to MTB standards, was a Bosch and Class 3 bike too. I just found myself when I wanted to mountain bike, gravitating towards my eMTB, and when I wanted to do mixed road/gravel or just gravel, I didn't want the e-assist because it was more of a fitness thing than a fun thing to me. When I wanted to go get groceries I wanted throttle and didn't want to load the back up on my 29er gravel bike and make it all wonky with too much weight on the rear.
That said, there are a LOT of people these things are for, I just found myself not one of them, and ended up selling it with just under 200 miles on the Odometer. Someone got a great deal, haha
I’m a big fan of eRoad/eGravel. I have a Trek Domane+ for commuting to work (50 mi round trip) and it allows it to be as difficult as you want it to be. I’m in pretty good shape now, but there’s no way I’d be riding my normal road bike 50/mi a day and definitely wouldn’t be able to do fun rides on weekends after all that.
So yeah. eRoad for commuting fast, plus normal Road for fun with friends.
You missed the video link at the end. I assume for the over seas trip?
Shared a link with a friend who was thinking about getting one since he;s more casual and concerned with not being able to keep up, even though that's never really been a problem when we ride together, I just do mostly zone 2 on those days and we're on even pacing.
Unless he flipflops back to a bio bike before he makes the call I imagine it'll be something like one of these, I'm also on a suspension gravel myself
I think range anxiety on the gravel ebike is a non issue because it doesn't have the weight of your typical ebike of 25kg. The Scott model I tried was 12kg and I rode it without the motor on to test it and it rode like a normal bike. Great fun if you have the budget for one
What would your take be on Egravel for the UK where they are restricted to 15mph?
I'm in the EU under the same restrictions. At first I thought about cheaters to fool the limit but when I realized I use the assist only when going uphill wondered WTF I "needed" to go more than 25 kph uphill? Turns out I don't.
It's the draggy uphill ìnclines where 15mph is not enough and your mates gradually disappear into the distance while you struggle with a heavy bike and no assistance.
@@bikeman123 If you're not fit enough to keep up, that's not the bike's fault. Wanna ride at the front? Get a scooter and motor-pace your mates if you can't cut it pedaling! Seems like you thought the e-bike was gonna turn you into Superman...sorry.
I totally get e-bikes for cargo or commuting. Kinda for mtbs if it eliminates the shuttle. This…IDK.
That said my wife recently bought an e-bike so we can ride together without having to wait for her etc and it has been very nice as an equalizer. I get in the ride I wanted and so does she without all of the acrimony. It’s nice.
Well, in lieu of 200 mile range, what is the coffee shop recharge time?
What glasses are you wearing in this video? I like their approach to including the prescription lenses.
Links are always in the description of each video. But because you are so nicely, I got you.👓 DK’s Glasses: alnk.to/8iTR7Oy
@@EverythingsBeenDone That link appears to go to the Clifdens that you often rock. I am specifically curious about the shields you swap to at 0:12 which appear to also be transitional. They look awesome.
As a motor relies on input... Couldn't this be a cheap powermeter included? Could be a good training tool if you can just go 25kmh uphill at a constant whatever watts, the motor doing the rest
A cool bike. I really like the back lights, silent motor, the weight really surprised me, but I prefer simplicity. Yes or no, yes, but not for me 😉. Same as suspension in a gravel bike.
Love my road, e-gravel and e-trekking+cargo bikes. Each to their own. Though, treat ebikes like cars as they can break down and you'd want to have a second bike for the time being.
Having bad expderiences with smaller brands, I highly recommend going with the system that has dealers and mechanics wherever you want to ride in. Small brands require you to send the whole motor or other parts of it back to their headquarters, because they are the only ones that can fix it. I recently broke a 4 or 5 pin round speed sensor connector and Fazua told me the whole motor needs to be replace for 500 euros. On the other hand, I had far smoother and pleasant experience with Bosch. I don't need to talk to Bosch at all, just talk to the mechanic. Fazua mechanics are confused and ask me to wait for weeks for them to align the issues with Fazua, keeping my ebike for months at a time. And these are happening in Germany, where everything is based in here.
Final word: the extra juice takes the pain of climbing away, you will still be sweating and panting like a regular bike, but now you can go higher altitudes or spend 1 more hour on the bike. They also help those that need to ride in Z2, but don't want to choose specific terrain for the easy ride.
I think 200 km isn't too far off, but that's with big caveats. For now, it'll require you to put the assistance exclusively on Eco mode, and at that point you might as well just get a regular carbon fiber gravel bike at half the weight. I think you can still get in excess of 70 km and reserve the power for specific climbs that you don't like, and put it on Eco or off the rest of the time.
Regarding yes or no, before my heart attack, I was "no" for me but "minding my own business" for others. Since my heart attack and severe distance curtailment (I have a 130BPM MHR limit, too 😱), I've relented and fitted a 250w 40Nm full Australia legal pedal assist (no throttle option) front wheel with 540Wh battery pack. So, yeah, I'm a yes. It certainly makes a difference to me as I am now. It would have been a spare willy at a wedding for me before my ticker popped, but I sure get why they're popular.
Bought a Yamaha Wabash RT recently, it's amazing!
Love those glasses whats the brand seems like it has prescription I need those
I'm super impressed by that Coros Dura's battery, definitely going to have to do more research into that!
Honestly, I'm still on the fence. I feel if you're healthy enough to ride a NON-E-BIKE you should. But if you need an electric motor to get out and ride, get one. And hey man, I hope you know how blessed you are to have a homie like Ron who's down to ride bikes with you. That's RAD. Great video.
200 mile range would be crazy! There’s some gas guzzling cars that have about that range. I agree, that would be awesome piggybacking on another comment that E-bikes should not replace regular bikes but instead replace cars. And in that context we should have lots of options for cargo E-bikes.
I'm a fan of EVs but I don't think we'll ever get rid of range anxiety bc most of the time, we just want to get on/in and go! If it's range is 50, 200 or 300 miles, I'm pretty sure I'll find myself forced to change my ride when I'm in a situation where my range is empty/zero. Yes, it's bc of lack of or poor planning, but sometimes I just want to be a free spirit
Yes, if it makes people go out, great!
I love this video! You should try to get your hands on the one up gravel ebike. It's carbon and somehow $2500
I’m old and stupid, how does the motor drive the wheels????
The motor amplifies the power pushed into the cranks. I have no idea how it does it but it makes each pedal stroke feel like its more powerful.
two main categories of e bike pedal assist (this bike) and throttle(think motor cycle).
27mi doesn't seem like much range with only 2 bars left. But, considering the ft climbed, it seems adequate. Given that, I would still like to see more range.
After 4 years Creo SL I bought a Crux... I barely touched my E-gravelbike since then...I am 59 years old btw😉
How does it ride with the power off? If it rides OK with the power off, then range limitations are less of a problem.
As much as I love making biking more accessible, the can o' worms an e-bike opens up for those going on 'gravel adventures' is very big and wiggly.
Did you consider the terrain and trail conditions against battery life before you left the trailhead?
Are you, as a rider, fit and/or capable enough to deal with technical trails and the extra weight of the bike?
Can you push that extra weight if you run out of battery, or worse, have a technical issue?
If you *do* encounter a mechanical issue, can you expect to be able to effectively repair it on the trail (considering both the added complexity of the bike, as well as the weight?)
So long as the rider realisitcally evaluates themseles and the equipment? Sure, it's a win...except for the eventual e-waste.