Search found 248 matches

by swscotland bentrider
16 Feb 2024, 11:52am
Forum: Electrically assisted pedal cycles
Topic: Should electric bikes go faster
Replies: 96
Views: 5859

Re: Should electric bikes go faster

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.
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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?
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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. :D
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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. :shock:
by swscotland bentrider
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.
by swscotland bentrider
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! :D