You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Really interested in long commute experience- mine is 20 miles each way and a headwind slog getting home, mostly less than 15mph.
The way in would largely be under my own power and is 18-20mph on a normal road bike. I know I’ll be slower in which is fine.
I only ever managed 3 times in a week, but normally Once or twice, would the e-bike mean every day? Looking at cutting fuel costs (£50 a week) as well as increasing fitness. I’ve had a couple of mtb hospitalisations in the last year so I’m a fat **** right now. Just hit fifty and not willing to lean into it.
You're pretty much going to have to get used to riding at 15.5mph, because soon as the motor clicks off you've the weight of the bike to propel, so you really need to use higher(or is that lower, i always mix them up) gears to maintain your speed or to accelerate. So above 15.5mph it will provide a workout should you wish.
But TBH after working a full day just pottering home is probably more than likely.
Great into a headwind. Hills, especially as wind seemingly by nature is always heading down the hill 😆 but it makes than far far less of a slog. No more head down, forcing yourself on into the gusts, now sit upright, set to turbo and *overtake everyone 😀
*Try not to smile when doing so, it just winds them up.
What I do to maintain my speed is to (set to tour) bring it up till the motor clicks off, allow myself to coast till my speed drops to about 13-14mph, then back on the pedals for a bit of a boost to get back to max, which is really just a few revolutions, and so on and so forth. I'm not pedaling constantly, just now and again to maintain the top speed allowable.
I wouldn't bother de-restricting it to gain a few mph, you screw your warranty, and if god forbid you're in an accident,involving a pedestrian, you'll get hammered for being on an illegal bike.
I had a chip fitted to mine, to remove the limiter, worked ok, but had a catastrophic effect on battery life. Like halving it. Since removed.
Most eco way is to sit on the speed limiter, I’ve tested this.
Choose a gear where you can comfortably maintain your cadence.
I have a Trek Conduit - full 'guards in built lights etc great for commuting but the 15.5mph did my head in initially as I was trying to ride it like my roadbike. I derestricted it but in the end I changed my route to avoid traffic and using the hillier back road route which suited the ebike better.
So on the flat, it’s still hard to get above the limit?
It’s not just the effort for every day. It’s the weather and the time. A commute in the car takes 20-30mins. A commute on the bike takes an hour + changing on either end.
You’ll have to be realistic with yourself.
My commute is 18 miles each way and I’ve only taken that car maybe 5 times in the past 4 years. But a large part of that comes from FORCING myself to MTFU (there are probably better, more correct terms these days, but hopefully you get the idea?), dress up and get out there even when it’s windy, wet or cold. I draw the line below minus 2 as this seems to be the temperature when you get proper ice on the roads.
If you think you’ll do that, I have no doubt the ebike will make it easier.
Agree with that. It's the time and the weather/lethargy/feeling a bit under the weather or tired that stop me getting out the door. My head is definitely the weakest link of my 27 each way commute. On days when I've had no choice as the car was out of action or actually at work already I get out the door far easier.
My commute is long and cold by anyone's standards at this time of year. I find one way commutes are more sustainable (drive in ride home, ride in drive home, and repeat). An ebike 'might' get me beyond 50% but I'm not sure.
1st lockdown and I decided to commute every day. It is 16-22 miles each way depending on route and I did it on my ebike. The ebike died after 3 months so I decided I'd carry on doing it on a normal bike. I managed a further month but I was pretty much dead after that so bought a new battery for my car (it didn't like being sat unused for 4 months!) and started driving again.
I've built a new ebike since then and now do a mix of car / ebike / normal bike commuting.
As for going over 15 mph you'll only do that if you buy a light (by ebike standards) e-road bike, otherwise you'll just sit at the speed limit.
I had a 6 month driving ban from July until December. Although I'm no stranger to commuting 15 miles each way 3 times per week, I bought a canyon endurace-on to give my legs a rest so could still train for the cx season on the days in between.
Imo the bike kind 'flattened' the route, the assistance on the climbs made them an extension of the flats. But on the flats around 18mph, I was really conscious of not trying to accelerate when I didn't need to as it was such a pig to get any response from.
I use an ebike on a 13 mile commute normally 3 times a week, any more and I find my legs are still a bit pooped by the weekend for regular bike rides
As others have said you will find best to just sit at the limit in a good cadence rather than push beyond but you will do this uphill and into headwind too so is probably still faster overall than a road bike and a lot less effort
I used to use eco but found sitting at speed limit in emtb is efficient enough to get there and back for me and is more fun
The nice thing is taking scenic or offroad routes on the way home on nice evenings or being able to detour to pick up shopping in town with panniers on way without the faff of parking so ticks off a job and breaks up the route
Is about 2x time for me compared to driving but OK once you plan in the routine and is quicker once there with being able to just park the bike outside
I bought a second hand hybrid ebike of ebay and is just used for commuting so have basic brakes and gears. I found that chains and rotors wear fast which I think is due to increased load and road grime. Not sure how I would feel if was a more expensive bike or components about using it so hard.
One bonus of an ebike is the lights run off the battery so no need to worry about charging lights. Another is that seem to get much better driver behaviour on fast rural roads on a hybrid compared to when I used to do the same route and time on a road bike, I think is a combination of doing a consistent speed for them to pass and also just the look of carrying panniers and sitting more upright means they give wider berth.
My office is 20 odd miles away. Pre covid was a mix of drive to edge of town and ride the 11 miles through town and out the other side on 75% of the days and then ride the whole way for the other 25%.
I didn’t want an ebike and used a touring bike of various types.
During lockdown I realised that I wanted to eliminate much more car use so bought a Tern GSD. If we return to the office I intend to use that for most of my commuting and ride all the way most days.
I have done 5000 miles on the GSD in the meantime. It’s great. I tend to ride in Sport or Turbo, get up to speed quickly and then ride around the cut off point. That way it seems to be quite economical on juice as the motor is mainly in the fade out zone on the flat and so not drawing the full sport/turbo power. In any tail wind or slight down hill I can keep it above the power assist.
My thoughts:
It is faster than my other bikes in hilly or mixed terrain and headwinds.
It is way more fun to ride in hilly country. On the flat bits it is a bit umm… ‘flat’ to ride.
I have looked after it quite well. But if you do high mileage you will eat through chains. I change my chain before the wear limit and I am still on the original cassette and drive sprocket.
The GSD is a lump of a bike. I suspect a lighter bike with less inbuilt resistance when riding above the max assist speed would be faster.
I live at the top of a 20% hill and after riding 20 miles home in the dark, the feeling of zipping up in turbo as great. It took me a while to admit that.
It hasn’t spoilt the enjoyment of riding my mountain or bikepacking bikes.
I don’t use my touring bike much now.
I have double batteries on the GSD. I really like not having to think about range.
What I do to maintain my speed is to (set to tour) bring it up till the motor clicks off, allow myself to coast till my speed drops to about 13-14mph, then back on the pedals for a bit of a boost to get back to max, which is really just a few revolutions, and so on and so forth. I’m not pedaling constantly, just now and again to maintain the top speed allowable.
Clicking off sounds like a pain in the arse. Is there no way manufacturers could make it easy to sit smoothly at the limit?
Clicking off sounds like a pain in the arse.
I should have been more descriptive, unless my point there was clearer than im inferring. Im not clicking it off as in shutting off the motor via a button, i stop pedaling and coast, turning the pedals again the motor automatically kicks in.
I admit theres less tendency to use the gears unless its hilly or theres a bit of a headwind.
Is there no way manufacturers could make it easy to sit smoothly at the limit?
Well yes, i could depending on the conditions, choose a lower speed cog, and be continuous in pedaling with the motor constantly on. lower cadence, lower gear, on the flat for example would have the motor on all the time.
What i think im really doing is conserving the battery to some degree, but also ive a vascular issue, so by continuing to pump with the legs it means less blood flowing, which in turn presents its own problems like a frozen foot,a build up of lactic acid, which is uncomfortable to say the least.
Okay this all sounds promising.
It all sounds like people hate to push with their legs!
If it gets you out of a car then great. If you want to get fit commuting it seems part-pedalling so you don't have to push past the 15 5mph limit is 'de rigeur'.
Whatevz. Boats to float and all that. But can we finally call them motorbikes now?
But can we finally call them motorbikes now?
yawn - you call them whatever you like
I would probably be looking at something like Ribbles hybrid range
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-hybrid-al-e-fully-loaded/
Or maybe one of their e gravel bikes, a lot lighter than an emtb and more suited to regular commuting
My ebike commute is only short so it’s quite a different experience as it’s a 10 minute sprint at the shortest with about half on tarmac to a 30 minute long way via some more technical trails. I don’t find the Levo any worse above 15.5mph on road than a normal MTB on the same tyres. Uphill, where the weight makes a difference, it’s rare to stay above the cut-out speed for long so then you get the motor to help. Strong headwinds are no longer hell. I always take the hilliest routes possible now.
If you’re using max assist whilst pedalling soft I’d say it’s similar effort to going for a leisurely stroll. Obviously you can pedal harder, and as my commute is short I usually do - downside of pedalling hard on the road in turbo is I destroy drivetrains. Shimano 11 speed cassettes tend to last 600-1000 miles. I tried a Microshift one recently and 8th, 9th and 10th started skipping within 200 miles even though the chain wasn’t appreciably worn. But with a longer commute I can’t see that being such an issue.
The less I wear when commuting, the harder I tend to pedal - there’s more windchill on an ebike.
That Ribble hybrid looks great!
Clicking off sounds like a pain in the arse. Is there no way manufacturers could make it easy to sit smoothly at the limit?
Mine is 1st generation Shimano Steps6000 - it abruptly cuts off at 15.5mph, I dont know what 2nd/3rd gen drives are like.
Hopefully a critical mass of cyclists is the one good thing to come out of Ukraine/high oil prices.
It all sounds like people hate to push with their legs!
If it gets you out of a car then great. If you want to get fit commuting it seems part-pedalling so you don’t have to push past the 15 5mph limit is ‘de rigeur’.
Whatevz. Boats to float and all that. But can we finally call them motorbikes now?
What a strange comment.
Read the posts. You can push beyond the limit and it works fine in the right conditions.
You can still get fit riding an ebike. Especially when compared with driving a car.
The primary purpose of commuting is to get you to work. If you can’t cycle the whole distance to work on a non ebike then surely it is better to ride an ebike than drive.
You can call them whatever you like but surely it is better to encourage ebikes than to make ‘clever’ remarks about a mode of transport that has the potential to displace car use, keep people fit and make them happy.
I guess from your stance that you don’t drive a car which is admirable. I am afraid that I do (in part due to where I live) but I am a near obsessed cyclist and it dawned on me that by resisting getting an ebike I was driving my car more than I needed to.
Mine is 1st generation Shimano Steps6000 – it abruptly cuts off at 15.5mph, I dont know what 2nd/3rd gen drives are like.
Second Gen Bosch on my bike and it fades out nicely rather than cutting out.
i made a thread about this a while ago, had plenty of good advice....
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/commuter-e-bike-give-me-some-advice/
Its still on my mind and my intentions to start commuting. And am still considering an E-Commuter to do it on. i very much like the look of the specialized Vado's...
Its still on my mind and my intentions to start commuting. And am still considering an E-Commuter to do it on. i very much like the look of the specialized Vado’s…
That looks like a nice bike but I’d try it before you buy it if you can.
For a daily commute of 13 miles on flat terrain I think you would be best with a bike that runs nicely above the cut out speed. I know Fazua bikes do that. That Specialized may well do so; but you would want to make sure unless you are happy to stay around the cut off speed.
yeah, that was part of the debate on my thread, the cut-off and whether it would be a hindrance.
tho its easy to assume i can ride above 15.5mph sitting behind my computer 😛
Would defo like to try some E-commuters, but easier said than done!
“ Second Gen Bosch on my bike and it fades out nicely rather than cutting out.”
Second Gen Brose on my Levo and it’s similarly seamless - it actually takes into account your rate of acceleration to make the transition as smooth as possible. Also the drag with the power off (at any speed) is minimal - I frequently ride mine on a group night ride where it’s usually the only ebike, so for the two hours that I’m with the group I leave the power off and it’s fine - a bit heavy uphill but that’s the only downside I notice vs my previous full-sus.
My wife has a Ribble e-gravel bike and loves it. It's hilly round here and while she is fairly fit and strong she goes on much more ambitious rides than she'd do on pure pedal power. Says it's great to know she can get home comfortably without grovelling up the last few hills.
For 20 miles of flat commuting, I'd consider getting a derestricted e-bike and ride at 20mph with assistance. 15mph would be just a bit too tedious. Hilly, it would be fine in legal condition.
I don't commute by bike, but if I did I'd likely use my eroad bike, rather than eMTB. I have a Spesh Creo SL and it looks and feels like a regular road bike, albeit weighs a little more. Easy to ride along at 18 - 20 mph and get a bit of a push on the hills
I think I’ll take the plunge, a gravel or hybrid so I can take the off-road route as well if I fancy it.
So the Ribble or others I should look at as well?
Edit- that spesh looks ace
I commute by (non-e) bike but I'm curious whether an eBike would make the journey more enjoyable. Specifically in the depths of a dark, wet, winter I sometimes really dislike riding.
If I had an eBike, I'm imagining I'd sweat less, so I'd be able to wear more layers so I wouldn't need to start off freezing, plus I could wear full waterproofs. Would all that make life better? Or is wet weather still just as miserable on an eBike (presumably with added self-loathing)?
Or is wet weather still just as miserable on an eBike
It certainly isn't pleasant. I try and avoid it.
I have a cannondale tesoro neo x from a few years ago and has been great for me. It looks like they still sell a similar model but with a newer version of bosch motor. I got it to try simply because was nearby and cheap on ebay but having now used it one nice feature is that it can fit 29 mountain bike tyres which is handy if looking at any use on forest roads or fields.
I did look around at newer bikes recently to try to get a bigger battery and found the cube nuride hybrid was very similar design but in the end decided could not justify the spend just to get a bit more battery life but looked good and felt well built. I would not worry too much on the drivetrain spec because will get worn quick so better to have cheap replacements than slightly better shifts and wider range for me.
I know someone with the orbea vibe and is a lot neater set up than mine and is significantly lighter but lacks the suspension and wide tyre clearance and has lower overall assist levels. It did come with a nice pannier though.
I used to commute in all weathers before COVID and whilst the worst weather was less fun than good weather, I nearly always preferred it to not riding.
I am still working from home but using my GSD for a load of ‘utility’ journeys. In wet and windy weather it does take some of the discomfort out of a journey because you can wear heavier wet weather gear and fight wind and hills more easily. I sometimes ride in wellies and it’s fine.
If I had an eBike, I’m imagining I’d sweat less, so I’d be able to wear more layers so I wouldn’t need to start off freezing, plus I could wear full waterproofs. Would all that make life better? Or is wet weather still just as miserable on an eBike (presumably with added self-loathing)?
when I'm on my ebike, I ride at the same HR as on a regular bike, I just tend to be going a bit faster
The thing is, I really want to do it more for my mental health- being stuck in a car for 45 mins then in the shop all day, then car without breathing fresh air or being outside is no good for me. I used to leave so early for work id avoid the traffic then go to the gym, so the ride in would replace that. When I get home after driving I pretty much collapse on the sofa, riding home I'm buzzing, but the 39 mile round trip is too much everyday.
I'm going to set up ride to work and buy one.
when I’m on my ebike, I ride at the same HR as on a regular bike, I just tend to be going a bit faster
For my commute, a (restricted) eBike would be faster on all but the gentlest inclines but (quite a lot) slower on the flat bits. Any sustained downhill bits (i.e mainly freewheeling) would be similar, I'd imagine.
I've done the mental math(s) and even if I sit at 15.5mph on the uphill bits, I'd still be slower overall on an eBike I think. There wouldn't be much in it, anyway, but it would be easier.
The comment above about battling wind/rain is more what I meant.
this has had me thinking... due to a change of circumstances im unable to night ride, and can only ride 1 day a week on my mtb
so i want to commute a lot more.. i like the ride on my gravel hybrid thing.. it take s a few mins more than driving (9.2m ride 10.5m drive) but im guranteeed to get to and from without traffic being an issue.
however.. i have a narrwo window of time to get both ways.. and last night i was hit by a headwind which added a chunk of time to my ride...
my ride has two climbs were i drop to way below the 15.5mph restriction, so ebike win. i also clacualted that sitting at the restriction id still be quicker by a decent margin overall, disreguarding that 50% of the time i ride beyond that speed happily, so im thinking a bout a fazua based bike...as apparently zero drag when beyond the limit, however th cheaper bikes also seem to be coming with the mahle hub setup.. not sure how well that rides beyond the restriction?
Also thinking, as above, in less optimal weather id be happy to chuck waterproofs on and either up the assist or pace myself more.....
those that do currently commute, how do you carry stuff? IE your lunch, work clothes, whatever else you need? Panniers or a back pack?
Panniers make sense to me, to avoid a sweaty back, but having never used any, i could be wrong!
"For my commute, a (restricted) eBike would be faster on all but the gentlest inclines but (quite a lot) slower on the flat bits."
Is that because the ebike would have slower tyres and/or worse aero?
Would also like to know how you carry stuff?
id like to sort my commuter out with a permanently bagged up set of wet weather gear.. on a bar bag maybe? i have a set of clothes at work i rotate in and out so dont need to carry that, likewise my food lives in work
Is that because the ebike would have slower tyres and/or worse aero?
Yes - I've only ever ridden MTBs as far as eBikes go and if I ever got an eBike, it would be a fat tyre heavy cargo bike thingy. But I take your point - perhaps there are drop-bar skinny-tyre eBikes that would be ideal for commuting. I'm not comparing apples with apples because the appeal of an eBike for me is to replace the car for more than just commuting. Obviously I didn't actually mention any of that...
those that do currently commute, how do you carry stuff? IE your lunch, work clothes, whatever else you need? Panniers or a back pack?
I use a rucksack (Osprey commuter-centric one). Toolkit, spare lights and showerproof jacket in there permanently + laptop, lunch, shirt, underwear. I shower when I get to work otherwise it would be impossible for me (I sweat a lot). I've used panniers in the past, but didn't like the extra width or the feel, nor the idea of my laptop being subjected to every bump in the road. BUT this question comes up on STW regularly and most people seem to prefer panniers IIRC.
those that do currently commute, how do you carry stuff? IE your lunch, work clothes, whatever else you need? Panniers or a back pack?
Panniers make sense to me, to avoid a sweaty back, but having never used any, i could be wrong!
Pannier
jkomo
The thing is, I really want to do it more for my mental health- being stuck in a car for 45 mins then in the shop all day, then car without breathing fresh air or being outside is no good for me. I used to leave so early for work id avoid the traffic then go to the gym, so the ride in would replace that. When I get home after driving I pretty much collapse on the sofa, riding home I’m buzzing, but the 39 mile round trip is too much everyday.
I’m going to set up ride to work and buy one.
That makes perfect sense. Go for it. I was definitely an ebike skeptic but when I worked out what they offer and got one, I found it complements my other cycling really well and I love riding it. Especially when I know that I would otherwise be in the car.
Been looking at the Kinesis flat bar Fazua bikes, they look perfect. Just need to find a medium.
Maybe I’ll convert one of my bikes till I can get one.
I would recommend panniers, I used to use a rucksack and is fine but there is something nice about not having a heavy bag on your back with laptops and clothes when on the road. A combination of comfort and not feeling weighted down as much. If the aim is to cycle as much as possible then make it as easy and enjoyable as possible. Was about £100 for a set of panniers but was worth it in my opinion and just click on and off the rack so no faff. Panniers also gives capacity to have option to carry a bit of shopping or swimming kit etc to do other things on journey.
Regarding cut off speed I have a bosch 2018 performance model and is pretty seamless transition, the power tapers gradually so the main give away is the noise of the motor. I find I pedal pretty much continuously for the whole ride at a comfortable cadence for me, if I drop below the limit then the motor gets me back up to it, once beyond it is just like a heavier bike. Definitely still get a workout, just faster overall and legs not as drained at the end of the week. This is with hybrid tyres not mtb tyres.
I commute on a Cannondale Topstone Neo (drop bar, skinnyish tyres). Predominantly cyclepaths and lanes from 20 to 30 miles each way depending on season and how wet I'm going to get. Bosch Performance CX motor, 500wh battery. Bike all 'commuter'd up with mudguards, rack, panniers, and gaterskin tyres.
I got bored with the 15.5 limit very quickly as was slower than my proper bike (though much more sustainable for consecutive day commutes). Chipped it so could set own assist limit. Normally set around 22mph as I still gotta pedal and the motor is less effective on the little cog at the back. Speed is fine on the early morning pedestrian free commute, am happy to sit up and knock off the speed at busier times/sections as I would on a proper bike.
Can do the 21mile route both ways on a single charge, eco on the way in, tour on the way home and a bit to spare at the end. On the sunny summer days with the 30mile route I take in the charger for a top-up unless I go eco both ways. Going in by eco is fine, but the ride home is best done with a bit more power for the pleasure of it and am more tired after a workday. Plus the hills are at the end!
I still think ebikes are the spawn of the devil there to steal the purity and joy of spinning around in near silence under your own power. But am fully and hypocritically sold on the whole future of personal transport thing.
Just rode proper bike in this morning (being social with a mate). Comparing to ebike 21mile route commute last week, ebike took about 15% off ride time and used about 20% less calories.
In summary, love the ebike commute and has definitely reduced car use. Makes it easier getting out on the shit days as it is easier and quicker. Plus not so wiped out when I get home so evenings aren't a write-off. Proper bikes still used for joy.
those that do currently commute, how do you carry stuff? IE your lunch, work clothes, whatever else you need? Panniers or a back pack?
As mentioned on a couple of threads, the secret is to leave as much stuff at work as possible. I have shoes and a selection of coats which never come home in my office so the commute is just lugging the basics which will fit in a carradice saddle bag on a sqr mount. I have now got a bar bag for miscellaneous small bits and pieces (office pass, phones, keys etc). I used a courier bag for a while but only dig that out if I have to carry a laptop , which is very rare for me. A back pack is a definite aesthetic no as it will make you look like a nodder, the lowest of the low in commuting. Mrs Kilo uses panniers and carries a lot more stuff than me and she really likes them - she also has a longer commute and does it more regularly.
Is there anywhere you can rent / demo an e-gravel bike?
I commute a couple of days a week on a PX Tempest (even though it’s all road, the surface, panniers, laptop & clothes make gravel a more practical style of bike).
Over the 20 miles I average 16mph in the winter, and maybe 17-18 in the summer - less in wind or rain.
There’s only a couple of climbs - a 10%er that takes me down to 8mph loaded with work stuff, and another one that drops me to 11mph.
Sitting near 16mph on the climbs and flats, bumping up to 30-40 on the descents and doing it more days a week appeals - but I’m not sure I believe it.
Can I try before I buy anywhere?
@andyv that's an interesting insight, thanks.
Comparing to ebike 21mile route commute last week, ebike took about 15% off ride time and used about 20% less calories.
How is that calculation reached? Forgive my ignorance, but surely the eBike is putting out more power than that? As a total guess, even on eco mode it's gotta be putting out 100W? So unless you're putting out 400W for your commute, there's no way the eBike is only contributing 20% of the work? IANAeB
A back pack is a definite aesthetic no as it will make you look like a nodder, the lowest of the low in commuting.
I’m not sure what a ‘nodder’ means, but I commuted for years with a regular small rucksack. There has been no cycle-commuting ‘in-group’ at any place of employment to date (have always been the sole cycle-commuter) so I haven’t had to worry about fashion. I discovered the joy of not having a sweaty back once I fitted a rear rack and rack-pack or panniers.
I think you’ll find that in the UK at least you are viewed as an extreme oddity/lower life-form simply for riding a bike for transport, and no-one cares or knows about your luggage options.
I have an ebike with panniers.
Because the bike is so heavy, the panniers are totally unnoticeable.
Far better than a backpack imo/ime.
Because the bike is so heavy, the panniers are totally unnoticeable
Weight is more efficiently carried on the bike no matter what, even if the bike is not particularly heavy.
Carrying loads on the bike vs shoulders also means less weight compressing your undercarriage too, which can only be a good thing.
I’m not sure what a ‘nodder’ means
Rucksack, gym shorts, rugby socks, trainers, road bike stuck into higher gear so nods with the effort of pushing the pedals, usually jumps red lights but if not pushes to the front of the queue of cyclists and then gets in the way when the lights change, probably a junior accountant or project manager, high chance he’s called Josh 😉
Would also like to know how you carry stuff?
id like to sort my commuter out with a permanently bagged up set of wet weather gear.. on a bar bag maybe?
Probably nailed it in one. Uo to you of you prefer a bar bag or a saddlebag or a framebag. I’m looking for a bar bag (probably going with a Carradice Super C) because it’s quick and easy to pull up and grab what you need (ie rain jacket, camera, phone, keys, snack/fuel, that sort of stuff) without dismounting. It also has a waterproof map pouch and I do still use paper maps at times when exploring. Latter is also handy for a phone or something if said phone isn’t too watertight but needs quick access/to be viewed.
I also have a Blackburn Outpost medium frame-bag which carries 5.8 litres when expanded. More than enough for wet weather gear. It can easily carry my heavy duty poncho and lunch. Or a kagoule, lock, toolkit etc.
@kilo ah, then ‘nodder’ just sounds like some very specific entitled and rude person (possibly known to you) who also happens not only to wear a rucksack whilst cycling but also some clothing of which you disapprove 😉
Time for an Urban Dictionary entry? (claim that hyper-specific stereotype)
See also Josh
(Imagine for a moment if I had a friend named ‘Josh’ and we are now actually here conducting some kind of anonymous semi-virtual proxy war against both real and imagined enemies!)
Here was Josh last week with your crush/girlfriend/wife/daughter (delete as applicable), for instance. (Possibly all four):
😉
How is that calculation reached? Forgive my ignorance, but surely the eBike is putting out more power than that? As a total guess, even on eco mode it’s gotta be putting out 100W? So unless you’re putting out 400W for your commute, there’s no way the eBike is only contributing 20% of the work? IANAeB
Very simply by comparing two identical commutes on ebike and CX bike as recorded by garmin watch with wrist HRM. Very unscientific and no account taken on how loaded up panniers/rucksack headwinds, hangover level, eagerness to get in etc.
No idea on wattages, eco mode puts in an extra 50% of what I put in, tour 120% Sport 200% and turbo 340%. I suppose if i'm only putting out 100w then in eco its adding another 50w, in sport my 100w would get an extra 200w. I'm a MTBer at heart so this sustained wattage thing is beyond me tbh! In practical terms I've a long straight flat bit and in derestricted eco mode i can maintain 18/19mph(ish) but in tour its 21/22mph (ish). Aero resistance will be having a large effect by then too.
Thanks, that's useful re the percentages.
If you're putting out a relatively relaxed 100W and the bike is adding 50W, then the bike is contributing 33% of the total work (work can be measured in Calories, if you like). As you say it's non-linear depending on your speed but I'm struggling to see how (even on eco) the same trip would only use 20% more calories if you did it under your own steam vs eBike. But as you say perhaps there are other factors like how laden you are, or perhaps the algorithms in the watch don't take the various levels of assistance into account.
Is it a generic bike ride on the watch or do you tell it that you're on an eBike?
Just a generic bike on watch, garmin hasn't seen fit to create an ebike activity update for my watch yet. So calorie burn will be from heartrate only, I'm fittish for my age and the main differnce between those two activities is I'm only 9% aerobic on the ebike journey compared to 25% on the proper bike. Tbh It was a very rough comparison and the only sure data is that on my commute it is easier and faster on a derestricted ebike. Speed and ease will rise as you up the assistance level, battery will drain accordingly.
ever ridden a fat bike? they certainly do and a lot slower than a bike on decent tyres - thats a very cherry picked set of data and comparing it to an awful slow draggy tyre
Ortleib waterproof panniers for me. Super tough so still going after 5 years at least.
Brother in law loves restrap seat pack but I didn’t like it when I tried one
@Lankysprinter - interesting you mention those, as they were also recommended to me.
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/back-roller-city+F5003
Do panniers like these need a specific rack? or will they generally fit any and all? (apologies for my ignorance!)
Any rack I’ve tried. They come with adapters for different thickness of rack tube and the lower clip thing swivels to fit any shape of rack. They’re the only one of 3 pairs of panniers in our house that got all the different racks we’ve had
Our Tongsheng-kitted bikes are doing well and seem to be able to do at least 50 miles on a single charge (eco/tour mainly). They're set up single speed on 26" wheels and the gearing (42:17) is such that the assistance cuts out at a comfy pottering cadence so the motor helps you up to speed (25km/h) but you have to keep it there with no assistance. The power cuts out smoothly in the lower three assist levels but maximum assist cuts out too abruptly so it's best kept for the end of a long ride when you just want to get home (and we live at the top of a hill!)
Oh man I’ve just seen this:
https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/546413/s/kona-dew-e-dl-2021-electric-bike/category/12530/
But I have a couple of bikes I could do the tongsheng on…
New bike would be on RTW and is a NEW BIKE.
Tongsheng I’d need to add to a tatty rat bike.
I’d feel so guilty if I didn’t ride in on the new bike I’m more likely to use it daily and it is a new bike and so shiney, but I am
Trying to save money…
I’ve ordered that there Kona /\
Well the Kona didn’t happen, it was damaged. Winstanleys were great to deal with and very helpful, so no complaints there.
In the end went for https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/bikes/electric-bikes/giant-fastroad-e-ex-pro-electric-urbanhybrid-bike-2021-black__8626
Ordered Sunday, and it arrived yesterday. Only had a quick spin on it, but oh Lordy the thing is a beast. It weighs well, quite a lot, but feels fine to pedal on the flat, with the motor it is hilarious, turning the pedals Being something of a formality. I’m away for a bit now so won’t be riding in till Monday. Only a couple of things- the built in rear light is rubbish, so I’ll probably change that at some
Point.
Just need to choose bottle cages and a pannier bag. It’s got mud guards and a rack.
Hi all,
I've just started ebike commuting 3x week, with a 40 mile round trip. So far it been
pretty good, especially enjoyable on the way back in the evenings if sunny. Apart from the last bit near the office it's generally nice lanes and a couple of farm roads.
I'm on a bulls gravel ebike with DI2 and 500wh, flies along and is quite comfortable. Just swapped* the tires to schwalbe marathons as I had a couple of punctures, and to save the gravel tires for gravel.
One issue is the Uk car drivers. I've just moved back after living in Europe for 15 years so
the ****ish behaviour has caught me out a bit!
Main issue for me is bike storage at work. We've got some racks kind of out of sight
of the office, and thefts have happened. I asked to keep the bike in a workshop
but so far it's been rejected. Apart from insurance any antitheft tips welcome.
*by swapped I mean wrestled
“ Main issue for me is bike storage at work. We’ve got some racks kind of out of sight of the office”
I’d want two massive locks plus an alarm, ideally one that’ll talk to your phone somehow. I use a fairly big lock on mine plus a disc lock / alarm if it’s going to be out of sight for a few minutes but I don’t leave it anywhere I can’t see for longer than that.
I’d pressure work hard, they should be more supportive. Do they have a ‘Green credentials’ statement you can quote back to them? I wouldn’t leave 1000’s pounds locked up outside anywhere. What if you offer to put some hooks up somewhere?
I'm fortunate that I've always been able to keep bikes inside. If I didn't have that option then I'm not sure I'd ever commute 🙁
Just over 750km commuting over the past 3 weeks for me. Did get my first puncture on the Conti Contact City which was annoying but otherwise all good. Even road in on my summer road bike yesterday morning for a change. 19.5mph average despite not having ridden a non assisted bike for months & months so e-biking has clearly given me some fitness 🙂
alarm, ideally one that’ll talk to your phone somehow.
Something like the See.sense tracker? - not sure when they are making them again
https://seesense.cc/products/see-sense-knowhere-pre-order
Hopefully going to start commuting on the Rise Pro next week, if my leg is up to it. Done a few rides on the flat and get no grief.
Luckily, we have secure sheds on site, been locking ti bike up there for the last 5 years. Ebike does look more nickable, so could always bring into the motorbike shed, which is inside the security gate.
First ride in was a success.
After the big hill, which was a breeze, managed to keep above 20mph on the flat with no head wind.
Hardest bit was when it’s a slight up hill you have to drop to 16 mph.
20 miles took about 10 mins longer which is fine, I normally arrive a sweaty mess but not today!
Well to answer the original question, not very well at the moment....
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/warranty-does-this-seem-fair/
When i had the bike, Orbea Gain D50 it was great!
My commute was about 40 mins each way on the normal bike, its pretty flat but there is quite a lot of stopping for junctions/lights etc. The thing i notice about the ebike is that it accelerates super quick and you can go from stopped to 15mph with very little effort. I find this means most of my effort is focused on pedalling the bike at above the 15mph so i think i ride faster than before.
I had no idea about ebikes when i got it but i was worried id lose the fitness aspect (think i thought it was like a motorbike 😋) but actually i'm as knackered if not more than on my standard bike.
Its knocked 10 mins each way off my commute which was one of the 2 reasons i got it for.
Second reason and where i really find the benefit is that my ride is along the seafront and the way home is into the prevailing wind. On a windy dark day it was a real drag (literally)
could be a 50 min miserable grind especially if it was wet.
Some days i'd just leave the bike in the office and get the train. With the ebike i can just sit at 15mph and still get back in 35 mins.
paying about £30 a month on the bike to work scheme so was a no brainer for me.
cheers for the feedback pat.
i am into my second week of commuting and very much enjoying it. prep the night before is the key for me, getting lunch and clothing all ready, so i can get up, freshen up and go.
I have got into the groove of not working too hard on my commute, so whilst i am a little sweaty when i get to work, i am not a drenched mess. always in the back of my mind is the e-commuter. i seem to average around 25kmh on my gravel bike, so just the right speed for an e-commuter, which makes me think i would only gain a few seconds getting back up to speed from junctions etc. or if there was a belting headwind etc.
My work currently doesnt offer a bike scheme.. which probably isnt a bad thing at the moment! 😀
I've commuted over 1000km in the last 4 weeks, mainly by e-bike. I've got fitter, helped the environment and saved more than enough in petrol money for a pair of HebTroCo jeans and a nice takeaway tonight 🙂
We're loving ours! The last charge I stuck in mine has lasted a trip back from my mam's (~32 miles), a blast over to the home brew shop at Houghton-Le-Spring (~18 mile round trip) and a couple of shopping trips, so around 60 miles all in. The ride up to my mam's takes around 3 hours or so including waiting for the Shields ferry which isn't that much longer than using public transport (2 buses & change at Newcastle) takes and it's a much nicer way to travel 😎
Here it is, loaded up on my way up to Blyth-
[img] 
[/img]
Excellent 🙂
Oh yeah, everything's good with my bike now. Finally got decent forks after 2 warranty returns (yeah, so nice of them to follow up and see if everything's ok.. not!) - but I've not been into work since I last posted due to catching a lovely virus. Maybe next week.
Evening all.
I'm looking to get a conversion kit for an old bike I have for commuting. I see some of you on about chipping to achieve 20ish mph.
Now, the 20 mph appeals to me rather than 15. So,ignoring the fact that they're illegal, you know the Bafang things with a 500 or 750 watt motor, apparently they go 30 odd mph. If you was to use it in just low power, could you just stay around 20 ish? I don't want to go faster than that, but I'd like something to hold me at 20mph.
And I also don't want to argue about legality.
Ta.
The 16mph is quite limiting, even 18 would feel so much better, but still.
Rode in yesterday, and the power cut out half way in. Hauling the 22kg bike the last 9 miles was actually fine, did slightly feel maybe I should have bought a flat bar commuter. Anyway downloaded the new firmware at work, and rode back fine.
Again I think the main advantage is I could do the 38 miles most days, and feel better mentally and not use petrol.