When we talk about infrastructure we have to keep in mind the changing road situation. In the 60’s I would ride from Dumfries to Hamilton up the old A74. Never felt unduly risky. Today I wouldn’t dream of doing so. Traffic has quadrupled and speeds increased.
I would have resented cycle paths then but not now.
Search found 248 matches
- 16 Feb 2024, 11:52am
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Should electric bikes go faster
- Replies: 96
- Views: 5859
- 12 Feb 2024, 8:12pm
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Should electric bikes go faster
- Replies: 96
- Views: 5859
Re: Should electric bikes go faster
Nobody seems focussed on the legal consequences of these proposals. At 20 mph you are close to the speed of small electric motorcycles. These require tax licence and insurance. Is that a route you want to go down?
In my view if you are ghost pedalling at 20 mph you are effectively a motorcyclist.
In my view if you are ghost pedalling at 20 mph you are effectively a motorcyclist.
- 30 Jan 2024, 10:32am
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: E Hybrid purchase ?
- Replies: 92
- Views: 16730
Re: E Hybrid purchase ?
Nccutlers posts do reflect my own experience. I’m a normally healthy old git with a slightly dodgy knee. The e bike has solved that issue and provides me with a ride experience very like a conventional bike. I’ve only ever ridden in eco mode and while this bit of Scotland has few big climbs it is not flat!
The variety of e bikes is huge varying from 11kg super bikes to things that are vey close to old fashioned mopeds. And I’ve been passed by some that clearly no longer merit the label of bicycle.
The variety of e bikes is huge varying from 11kg super bikes to things that are vey close to old fashioned mopeds. And I’ve been passed by some that clearly no longer merit the label of bicycle.
- 29 Jan 2024, 4:50pm
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: E Hybrid purchase ?
- Replies: 92
- Views: 16730
Re: E Hybrid purchase ?
There’s a lot of theory about e bikes and power / battery range. Much of it is misdirected.
I’m 75 and I’ve been cycling since 16. I’ve a conventional tourer and a Ribble CGR e bike. My longest ride on it has been 100 kilometres in the Black Isle. Hilly but not mountainous. I was left with 7% battery. (I was 73 at the time). 250wh battery and Mahle x35 system. The bike weighs 15kg and rides like a normal touring bike. I can, and do, ride it motor off for long periods.
A bigger battery would be heavier. A bigger motor is heavier. A bike designed for these is heavier and the bike becomes less pleasant to ride without assistance.
So it seems to me that simply using battery size and torque figures as sole yardsticks is not helpful.
I’m 75 and I’ve been cycling since 16. I’ve a conventional tourer and a Ribble CGR e bike. My longest ride on it has been 100 kilometres in the Black Isle. Hilly but not mountainous. I was left with 7% battery. (I was 73 at the time). 250wh battery and Mahle x35 system. The bike weighs 15kg and rides like a normal touring bike. I can, and do, ride it motor off for long periods.
A bigger battery would be heavier. A bigger motor is heavier. A bike designed for these is heavier and the bike becomes less pleasant to ride without assistance.
So it seems to me that simply using battery size and torque figures as sole yardsticks is not helpful.
- 5 May 2023, 12:17pm
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Swytch - apparent tiny battery capacity?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 4831
Re: Swytch - apparent tiny battery capacity?
I’ve just converted a friends mtb to Swytch. She bought two of the lower capacity battery options. When I did the conversion I took the bike into the local forest to do a check ride. 6 kilometres and all the indicators on the battery still lit.
My own bike is a Mahle motored road bike. 250 watt hour battery. I got home after thirty miles with the battery showing green (50-75% charge left). So as others have said the biggest factor is the rider and his or her level of input.
My own bike is a Mahle motored road bike. 250 watt hour battery. I got home after thirty miles with the battery showing green (50-75% charge left). So as others have said the biggest factor is the rider and his or her level of input.
- 24 Apr 2023, 9:49am
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Transcontinental travel and incredible numbers of e-bikes
- Replies: 45
- Views: 6919
Re: Transcontinental travel and incredible numbers of e-bikes
An interesting debate. Much of it from the perspective of conventional bike riders. My own experience has been that the e bike has enhanced my cycling. I’m 74 and a lifelong cyclist. No particular health issues. I still have and ride a conventional light tourer (Spa Elan). However my Ribble CGR is my go to bike. It’s like being 50 all over again! In addition my non cycling wife had a shot and now has her own e road bike and is a cyclist. What’s not to like about that?
Yes there is an environmental impact. Everything we do has one. But on the scale of things it is relatively low. As someone has said it’s like criticising model plane flyers.
Yes there is an environmental impact. Everything we do has one. But on the scale of things it is relatively low. As someone has said it’s like criticising model plane flyers.
- 23 Mar 2023, 7:48pm
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Not pedalling
- Replies: 48
- Views: 2907
Re: Not pedalling
A lot of this thread seems to conflate cycles with what sounds like motorcycles. If the e ‘bike’ does not meet the legal definition then it is in effect a motorcycle. Illegal unless licensed etc. The fact that the law turns a blind eye is another issue. Perhaps we should ask ourselves why we are discussing electric motorcycles?
- 15 Feb 2023, 4:51pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Spa Cycles Elan sizing — please help me choose!
- Replies: 60
- Views: 5653
Re: Spa Cycles Elan sizing — please help me choose!
32” actual inside leg
- 8 Feb 2023, 8:35pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Spa Cycles Elan sizing — please help me choose!
- Replies: 60
- Views: 5653
Re: Spa Cycles Elan sizing — please help me choose!
In the old days I rode a 56 x 56 cm frame ( seat / top tube). I now require a far more upright position. The front of the Elan is tall and works perfectly for me. I’m 6’0” with a 32” inside leg and ride a 54cm. I previously rode a Spa tourer. Very good but requires stacks of Spencer’s under the stem which I disliked.
- 2 Feb 2023, 6:53pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Shimano Sora 3400 short cage rear derailleur capacity
- Replies: 6
- Views: 660
Re: Shimano Sora 3400 short cage rear derailleur capacity
Mine is a 3400 series mech.
- 31 Jan 2023, 8:08pm
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: Shimano Sora 3400 short cage rear derailleur capacity
- Replies: 6
- Views: 660
Re: Shimano Sora 3400 short cage rear derailleur capacity
I’m running my Sora medium cage on a 34 tooth cassette. No problems.
- 26 Nov 2022, 7:57pm
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Suitable e bike
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2673
Re: Suitable e bike
I initially rode a Giant Fastroad E. Switched to a Ribble with Mahle system. Although the battery on the Giant had greater capacity the Ribble went at least as far. The difference is that the Ribble spends more time above 16 mph. It simply rolls better. Some of the heavier models on sale are not really designed for use without the motor. The Fazua bikes are well worth a look.
- 19 Aug 2022, 11:26am
- Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
- Topic: HELP can i take the 15mph limit off a hub motor ebike
- Replies: 104
- Views: 5151
Re: HELP can i take the 15mph limit off a hub motor ebike
As others have pointed out if you did this you would become a motorcyclist not a cyclist.
- 1 Jun 2022, 7:54pm
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Average Speeds
- Replies: 39
- Views: 1923
Re: Average Speeds
Nothing is entirely flat. Every rise will slow the bike. Even on the flat a small amount of energy is used to overcome the weight penalty.
My first e bike was a Giant Fastroad e. So a mid weight 20kgs flat bar with mid motor. I swapped to a Ribble cgr e. The Giant was stronger uphill but not as good as the Ribble in all other circumstances.
My first e bike was a Giant Fastroad e. So a mid weight 20kgs flat bar with mid motor. I swapped to a Ribble cgr e. The Giant was stronger uphill but not as good as the Ribble in all other circumstances.
- 1 Jun 2022, 7:43pm
- Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
- Topic: Average Speeds
- Replies: 39
- Views: 1923
Re: Average Speeds
You say e bike as though there is only one type. It’s like saying ‘bike’. There are many different e bike styles and their performance will be dictated by, among other things, the motor configuration. If the bike has a crank mounted motor it will probably deliver a lot of torque on the climbs and bomb down descents due to its weight. It’s average on a hilly route will be high. Less good on a flat route as once at 16mph you have its weight to contend with. If it is a lightweight road type bike like my Ribble it will deliver less (100 watts I think) on the climbs . Average speed may be lower. Good on the flatter roads and no range anxiety!