I commute by cycle all year round. I've done road race bikes, and a road bike I had converted to touring spec with mtb style brakes and triple ring crank, and rack mount etc (crashed so badly I don't remember it, so I never rode it again). I then went to hardtail mtbs for a while, before switching to nice lightweight hybrids that weren't silly money, as it's only for work.
I'm not getting fitter, in fact I'm getting progressively worse (lungs are shot). My route to work is mostly downhill and the 7 or so miles takes just under 30min (so probably 15mph avg but upwards of 20 I guess on the really downhill bit) Coming home however is taking about an hour, 45 mins on a good day? (Best times used to be 15 mins in, and 29 home) I've used the motorbike, but I didn't save any time due to gearing up and locking it away etc (thinking about it, I probably would save time now though?) and I don't like to use the car as my commute is basically the only exercise I get.
So, I'm thinking about ebikes. Not fancy carbon spec downhill mtbs, it's only for work really, but a hybrid style.
Question 1 - I have noticed that some ebikes come with massive rear sprocket ranges and a tiny front chain ring, but surely even with the rear set to it's smallest, your legs must be spinning like mad to get anywhere quickly? My legs are slightly disproportionate to the rest of me, so I can provide a lot of torque but not high rpm as I get out of breath too easily.
Question 2 - Just how easy is it to remove the rear wheel motor styles in the event of a puncture? I've convinced myself that it would be fiddly, and that I'd be better off with a mid-motor attached at the cranks, but I've heard that mid motors stress the chain leading to increased wear? I already go through a chain and rear sprockets once or twice a year depending on how neglectful I am and how much salt gets put down in winter?
Whilst I may not have deep pockets, I do have long arms to reach the bottom, and I'm having trouble convincing myself I should be spending £1700 on a Pinnacle Lithium Ion, or on a Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 at £2400, or a Trek Dual Sport + 2020 Electric Hybrid Bike for £2900... A little more saving and I could get a Honda CT125 when they come out
As I sit here typing this I can appreciate the stupidity of having my Panda that goes out once a week for shopping, and the XT which sees very few miles really, but they are all bought and paid for, except for the road tax and insurances that are all coming up due in the next few months
Oh, I also can't take advantage of the govt cycle to work scheme as the boss won't do it for just me... Plus, I don't like getting anything on a loan if I can avoid it now (been there, done that). If I can't afford it there and then, I'll do without it.
I'm not getting fitter, in fact I'm getting progressively worse (lungs are shot). My route to work is mostly downhill and the 7 or so miles takes just under 30min (so probably 15mph avg but upwards of 20 I guess on the really downhill bit) Coming home however is taking about an hour, 45 mins on a good day? (Best times used to be 15 mins in, and 29 home) I've used the motorbike, but I didn't save any time due to gearing up and locking it away etc (thinking about it, I probably would save time now though?) and I don't like to use the car as my commute is basically the only exercise I get.
So, I'm thinking about ebikes. Not fancy carbon spec downhill mtbs, it's only for work really, but a hybrid style.
Question 1 - I have noticed that some ebikes come with massive rear sprocket ranges and a tiny front chain ring, but surely even with the rear set to it's smallest, your legs must be spinning like mad to get anywhere quickly? My legs are slightly disproportionate to the rest of me, so I can provide a lot of torque but not high rpm as I get out of breath too easily.
Question 2 - Just how easy is it to remove the rear wheel motor styles in the event of a puncture? I've convinced myself that it would be fiddly, and that I'd be better off with a mid-motor attached at the cranks, but I've heard that mid motors stress the chain leading to increased wear? I already go through a chain and rear sprockets once or twice a year depending on how neglectful I am and how much salt gets put down in winter?
Whilst I may not have deep pockets, I do have long arms to reach the bottom, and I'm having trouble convincing myself I should be spending £1700 on a Pinnacle Lithium Ion, or on a Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 at £2400, or a Trek Dual Sport + 2020 Electric Hybrid Bike for £2900... A little more saving and I could get a Honda CT125 when they come out
As I sit here typing this I can appreciate the stupidity of having my Panda that goes out once a week for shopping, and the XT which sees very few miles really, but they are all bought and paid for, except for the road tax and insurances that are all coming up due in the next few months
Oh, I also can't take advantage of the govt cycle to work scheme as the boss won't do it for just me... Plus, I don't like getting anything on a loan if I can avoid it now (been there, done that). If I can't afford it there and then, I'll do without it.
