Going to the Sun Unlikely to Open Before July 4th

[hikerjer]

Haven't heard that one. Who knows?  Honestly, I'm not ready for an e-bike yet. Seems like cheating and too much  akin to a motorcycle. Like I said, not yet. Talk to me in ten years.

[J Griffin]

I've heard the "cheating" comment before on some of the videos I've watched.  but can't understand this: on our Class I bikes, if I don't pedal, i don't go, period.  It provides a boost for riding uphill, which this 71 year-old really appreciates!  I find that at my age, i no longer have the power for sustained hard climbs.  Like you say, in 10 years, it might be something you'll seriously check out!  Hopefully by then, the industry will have decided that the bells, whistles and foghorns aren't really necessary, and produce light, powerful motors and long-lasting batteries, rather than building bikes with computer-sensed automatically adjusted suspension systems (Fox), and anti lock brake systems....after all, it's just a frikkin` BICYCLE for Pete's sake, not the space shuttle!!!

[hikerjer]

I say "cheating" with tongue in cheek. Still, it's not quite the same as riding completely unassisted, is it?  I just don't know how I feel about this whole e-bike thing although I suspect their future development, refinement and widespread use is inevitable. Makes me wonder if regular peddle bicycles will become a thing of the past and be consigned to the realm of past curiosities sort of like the penny-farthings. I hope not, but some things are just going to happen. As for now, I'll continue to peddle - I'm 70 - but I'm not saying that the time won't come when an e-bike might look pretty attractive.  Time and old age get everyone, except those that die young, I suppose.

[J Griffin]

I wonder the same thing-especially since I haven't paid off my Trek Stache 8 yet!!!  but on mild terrain, I doubt unassisted bikes will ever go away.  I can't think but they will forever handle better, be lighter, and more nimble because of that.  But for climbing especially, and I don't enjoy the twisty, "flowy" single tracks out there, I really appreciate the extra power, especially for sustained climbs.  We live in a part of the Cascades of Washington that doesn't have a lot of flat spots.  Riding here requires a lot of work.  I live on a mile long 6% grade, and it's a slog with my stache, even with the dinner plate rear gear.  I'm maxxed out on heart rate climbing it, and only managing 3 or 4 mph.  In the lowest boost setting (eco) on my Turbo Levo, and I can manage 8-10 mph while maintaining a heart rate of around 120 bpm, and not top out the ciimb feeling like I need an hour in the recliner to recover.  When you think about it, this means i could slide back downhill and do it all over again, so it has the potential to double or triple my riding.  In the long run, i'm actually getting more of a sustained, lower level workout than I normally would, so it's a good benefit physically!   I probably will wind up changing my 32 tooth gear in the front to a 30 or 28, to prolong the battery life.  Gotta say though, it's really a gas to power up stuff I'd normally be walking!!!  And when DMV finally yanks my drivers license, I'll have to get myself a powered 3-wheeler, and become the terror of the retirement home!!