Further, Fitter Fun Vs Fastest, Fittest Fun
More and more road and especially off road cycling enthusiasts are starting to embrace the concept of The E-bike, even if maybe they don’t want one themselves. Anything that gets more people out on bikes. For some, it is good training, like riding in a pace line. For others, it is more trips down or around, building skills.
The real difference is Further, Fitter Fun vs Fastest, Fittest Fun. Once cyclists gasp this, they begin to see how e-bikes fit in the pantheon of cycling.
In The U.S, we tend to see cycling only through a sport or fitness lens. You ride to be your fastest and fittest. That’s fun! Sadly, it leaves the majority of would-be cyclists out in the cold.
A proper Pedelec isn’t as fast as road bike (though you might maintain a higher average speed over a day). It won’t tackle technical single track any faster than a comparable mountain bike (though it might get you back to the start quicker). It does allow an average Joe to have fun, going further and get him a bit fitter. Certainly fitter than skipping a ride because it is too hilly, too windy, too cold or too hot. Sometimes, other cyclists are too fast or it is too much trouble riding to work. An e-bike deals with all these.
I don’t have to load my e-bike on my car for a ride starting up the hill at Crawford’s. I use a little extra boost and ride. There is no hill. I don’t have to bring a change of clothes for work. I don’t have to work up a sweat on shorter rides. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose how much boost you want to turn a headwind into a tailwind. Suddenly, you are making excuses to ride instead of excuses not to ride.
Because of the assist, you don’t have to worry as much about having the right type of bike for the ride. Even a fat bike can be a reliable 5-10 mile commuter. A cargo bike can be a fine weekend touring bike (S48’s). My wife takes my heavy Dutch commuter on rides fit for my touring bike. Now, we aren’t going to be doing any century rides, but 30-50 miles per day leave plenty of reserve (High Tressel, Katy Wine Trail or Pedaler’s Jamboree). Hey, maybe for once I can get her to carry the gear!
The point here being, the priorities are different, but more inclusive. One might be an affordable and worth while addition to your stable. Perhaps one is a way for another to experience the joy of cycling once again.