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I'm a bit out of touch with both the UK and E bike conversions, but my Dad is in his eighties and still road rides quite a bit, but it isn't getting any easier. I think he has a mid-range Bianchi of some kind (carbon frame and 105 I think). He is asking if it can be converted to an E-bike as he doesn't want to spend $$$ on a new E-bike.
My hunch is either 'no', given that bolting stuff to a carbon road bike doesn't seem like a great idea, or it'll be some death-trap ali-express kit. But If there are options, I'll pass on the info to him!
I'd be wary of it. He's made it to his 80's riding and the ease of ebiking might give him a lot of temporary joy at the expense of his fitness falling off a cliff.
For me, ebikes are a potential double-edged sword. If he *can't* do it any more or actually dislikes biking now - then an ebike is deffo the way to go.
Something along the lines of the Swytch kits? Front hub motor and bar-bag battery so no extra frame stresses like a mid-drive conversion.
https://singletrackmag.com/charged/2021/03/14/swytch-ebike-conversion-kit-review-did-it-convert-us/
Slightly rude seeming question but how is he at getting on and off the bike?
My FIL was finding it increasingly difficult with stiff hips and couldn't keep up with longer club runs so at 77 decided to get an ebike. My BIL and I convinced him a step through was a good idea as it made getting on and off easier, particularly with the extra weight. He does find the ebike heavy for manouvering when off the bike (not on it).
He is very happy with the Cube he's now had for 2 1/2 years bought nearly new, 50 mile club runs no problem. Islabikes also look good, and light but are wheel not centre motors if this matters.
He still uses his older bikes for shorter rides sometimes. He never got a very light road bike though (we did try to persuade him) as that might have staved off the e a bit longer.
Some of my older customers have the Swytch conversion (or something very similar) and are all happy with them.
Some of my older customers have the Swytch conversion (or something very similar) and are all happy with them.
I had a go on one the other day - friend brought one over. Was quite fun...
Thanks all. The Swytch system looks interesting, although a shame about currently having to take a file to fork dropouts. I'll look into that more though.
He hasn't mentioned hip type issues at all. Just finding it harder on the climbs mainly. He goes out with a few 'CTC' types who are all of roughly similar age but I think he is one of the older ones.
My FIL was insistant his hips weren't a problem for a long time. He just had to lie the bike down on the floor to step onto it (new hip done now). He's got over the step thru thing and is out and about plenty still, doing 30 or 40 mile ebike rides as he recovers from his surgery. Should be back to full distance for the summer. It's a local CTC group of mainly retired people he rides with too.
the swytch is an expensive way to buy and underpowered kit. Much better are available
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/tongsheng-tsdz2-ebike-kit/
the swytch is an expensive way to buy and underpowered kit.
But it is light and gives assistance on the hills where it is most needed for older, seasoned cyclists and is fairly unobtrusive otherwise. Fit a Tongsheng kit and you won't ride the bike unassisted.