Are EBikes RUINING Cycling?

[@Danger_Dingus]

I’ve been commuting to work and school on my bike for the last year. I started for the same reasons you mentioned, it was too expensive to operate my car with the price of gas and the bike is just way more fun! I’ve put 1700 miles on my e-cargo bike and I love it. I rode all through the winter(I live in Utah). The only challenge there is putting on the right clothes and knowing which route will be clear. I just wish the US had better infrastructure for commuting by bike. Sometimes it can be terrifying because cars don’t look for bikes and bikes shouldn’t be part of traffic.

[@evo1cycling]

Love hearing this! Perfect example of how useful they can be

[@MTBMOR]

We need more of these videos to lead to constructive discussions. I ride pedal bikes and I ride with people on e-bikes. It's not the bike but the rider. And yes, there are e-bikes and e motorcycles ...Again it's more the rider than the bike.

[@evo1cycling]

Seriously appreciate the kind words and support! I totally agree, less dividing and more uniting with a shared love for 2 wheels. I’d rather see a thousand people out riding e-bikes than watch 1 wither away inside because a pedal bike is too intimidating

[@daniellarson3068]

So - Are businesses putting out bike racks to accommodate all these E-bike owners? Are municipalities providing more safe bicycle lanes for all these E-bike owners? Do you think they are going to do this? I see a lot of people using these things. Old folks who would never use a conventional bike will use these.

[@evo1cycling]

I think it’s becoming a much bigger conversation in large cities. I can’t go into much detail yet but I got involved with my county recently on some bike related things and it’s amazing how open minded they have become to building out infrastructure for e-bikes

[@daniellarson3068]

@@evo1cycling It will help us riding regular bikes too. By building out infrastructure, they serve the public which is their real job. Less cars should make it easier to walk too.

[@Danger_Dingus]

I believe that the infrastructure is coming but it’s coming very slowly. Rn there still isn’t much public will for it and many state DOTs are obsessed with meeting the needs of cars first and foremost.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I’m not interested in an e-bike personally since I’m really obsessed with my regular gravel bikes and Mtn bikes. With that said, if I could manage to use a bike to commute to work or to the store. Then a e-bike that is set up as a cargo bike does make sense.

[@evo1cycling]

That’s kinda where I’m at, I don’t own an EMTB yet but for running to get 1-2 small things at the store, running by the bank, or even trying to get in a quick morning fishing session in, an ebike is kinda the perfect tool for those things

[@buckeystarbreaker]

I am not old but love my e-mtb. I also love my mtb...Funny when I was chased off hiking trails back in the late 80's riding my mtb...now people are being chased off trails with an e-mtb which does no more damage than an mtb. Class 1 that is...

[@evo1cycling]

YES! Love this! I think too many people underestimate the damage that even just a moderate rider can actually cause on a trail if they are pushing hard, not picking good lines, or the trail conditions are not correct. Everyone just wants to blame ebikes, but what about the higher pressure tires and shrunken contact patch of gravel bikes that seem to be gaining popularity.... nobody wants to talk about those rut machines....

[@BANGEDUPJEEP]

I love my e-bike, on a bad day it is 35wh per mile.

[@evo1cycling]

I need to calculate my average one of these days

[@chow-chihuang4903]

I use 13-21Wh/mi across my ebikes. The most efficient is my commuting model. The least is my cargo ebike, since half the time it’s hauling extra weight and a significant portion of the routes it’s used on are riding with or right next to traffic in a shoulder or painted bike gutter. I ride fast (18-28mph) when I have to ride with car and truck traffic, but I drop to around 12-15mph on separated trails or residential roads with very little to no traffic, which drops the Wh/mi.

[@Shindinru]

To the whole weather thing, your answer is already sold. Streamliners (2 wheeled) or Velomobiles (3 or 4 wheels) are basically bikes with fairings for weather and aerodynamics.

[@evo1cycling]

Just looked those up, that’s actually pretty sweet!

[@shepherdmyers]

I bought a Bafang mid drive kit and build up it up with 20 + year old steel frame from Craigslist. One of best things I've ever done The amount of driving I goes to near zero, I can haul 50-60 lbs of grocery up 10-12% mile hill, and commute to work. The commute even with hauling supplies helps me recover for fast paced weekly road ride. The only downer is weather; in cold weather I need Bar Mitts, wear heaviest lays possible (like Pearl Izumi AmFib line) heats foot and hand pads, and I always need to keep rain gear in my one of my panner for the wet days. One other point now working in e-bike specific store, the biggest phase change is entry level e-bikes need have have dropper posts so people can put both feet on ground when they come to stop. That's just as important have having big step throughs to sell like Aventon, Velotric or even Gazelle for people to feel confident.

[@evo1cycling]

So glad you brought up droppers and step through, I’m testing a few of those now and I have to say they are way easier to maneuver and offload in tight spaces

[@lunar607]

as someone with one of those shitty knobby tire 30 mph ones, its a matter that the people riding them have zero respect for others, its like cyclists blowing past a mother walking her child on a walking trail, its fully legal when it manual but its still a matter of respect.

[@evo1cycling]

Common sense is not that common it seems with some riders, they ruin it for the rest of us

[@davespangler007]

With this upcoming move and the location I may just have to get myself an e-bike!

[@evo1cycling]

Where are you moving?

[@soopergoof232]

Battery fires are the big nemesis of E-bikery, same with scooters, skateboards etc. Many apt. building owners will not allow them in the bldg., and it's written into the rental lease. I would love to have an E bike, but understand the prohibition of them.

[@evo1cycling]

A very little known issue among buyers, thanks for bringing this up!

[@chow-chihuang4903]

That’s due to the industry as a whole not addressing bad quality parts and bad use and charging practices proactively. Some have been actively resisting addressing them. So here we are. Even if a municipality doesn’t restrict them, private landlords and liability insurance companies do.

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

Yes 👍

[@jayziac]

I bought an ebike on sale as an impulse a few years ago, it completely changed my transportation routine nowadays. I got more comfortable riding to close destinations first, then farther destinations, then rode my regular bike for a better workout. Now I ride my regular bike to most destinations whenever weather & time permits. Time just needs to be planned ahead, usually it adds only a half hour to my commute vs car to most destinations in a metro area. As for weather, it is a bit tricky since I live in Minnesota, and I rode through out last winter. It takes more thought into what to wear, but not impossible. At first it takes more time, now I'm on auto pilot on what to wear when the temperatures change.

[@evo1cycling]

I’m about to experience winter on an ebike for the first time in Colorado, any advice?

[@jayziac]

@@evo1cycling Sure, no need to wear too much, pedal harder to warm up as necessary. Mittens with a latex/nitrile gloves as liner can handle most situations, you get a bit sweaty under the gloves, but I just take them off at the destination inside out and they dry out quickly. Wear a thin balaclava, or something to cover ears & neck under helmet. Any regular winter boots with flat pedals are fine. Also no need for fat tires, junless your roads & trails get a lot of heavy snow, most cities remove them pretty quickly after a storm, just like most roads. Hybrid gravel tires with some tread is good enough, just avoid smooth road tires in the winter. Also fenders front & back, and add some extensions so they come down close to the ground.

[@MTB_Girl]

I don’t think I will ever replace my car with a bike but definitely would be nice to have as an alternative option

[@evo1cycling]

Totally agree, I’m trying to test more cargo and long range bikes to see if this changes my opinion any. I can’t imagine a bike ever fully replacing a car

[@chow-chihuang4903]

Since a Costco opened where I can ride to, I’ve been able to reduce using my car to less than 600mi/yr by using my cargo ebike or other ebike towing a trailer for almost all my shopping and errands. Ebikes really enable a lot. Since a connected route to a local long rail-trail opened up, I usually ride to it instead of drive to it, though it means about 26 miles of the ride is just getting to and from the trail. 😅

[@edwardchesser8133]

I own an e-bike and regular mountain bike. I use the e-bike to ride from one end of town to the other and the mountain bike when I ride the bus or car to the next town. I get complaints from drivers on the rode and walkers in the park when trying to use bike lanes when I use the e-bike.

[@evo1cycling]

That’s crazy, I haven’t as much as gotten a dirty look in Denver bike lanes

[@geokite]

When I need that accommodation I will get one.

[@evo1cycling]

Right!

[@xXABOMB46Xx]

You forgot to mention cost of insurance, as well which has gone thru the roof in cost. You can insure a nice e-bike for $20/month

[@evo1cycling]

Insurance is insanely expensive

[@briansture4353]

My Local shops are a km away, which is a 2km round trip. I have an e-scooter and an e-bike. I use the scooter for light-load shops and the e-bike, which has a rear carrier, for heavy shopping. I am over 80 but fit and find both easy to ride and maintain. I live in a mild climate so I can choose my shop days. I don't ride in wet weather. I have met many seniors on e-bikes and spoken to them. When asked why did you buy an e-bike. Most answer it is too far to walk and carry shopping. Many have said they use the bike more than they use their car. I have met some with bad knees and they favour the e-scooters. I also ride my e-bike for recreation as many other seniors do. I still own and ride my 15-year-old e-bike. It has been fitted over the years with three different types of batteries, lead acid, gel type, and now. lithium-ion. 15 years with no motor maintenance. Still working well it is Chinese manufacture fitted with the original Fero magnets which are nowhere near as strong as today's neodymium magnets. I reckon it will see me off the planet.

[@evo1cycling]

I love to hear things like this and e-bikes actually allowing someone to enjoy being on 2 wheels! There is so much complaining about them not being real bikes but I’m of the mindset that if it gets someone out on 2 wheels and outside then what is the harm? Keep riding and thanks for watching!

[@dustinmhill]

E-bikes have their place. However, some of the things sold as e-bikes are really electric dirt bikes with huge knobby tires and little to no pedaling required. There needs to be some regulation around what types (power?) of e-bikes are allowed on non-motorized trails. On motorized trails or open roads, anything goes.

[@evo1cycling]

It’s like the line between a Surron or Super73, I feel like a Surron is in no way a bicycle but a Super73 really pushes that boundary

[@johnfranceschi3271]

There is no need for any sort or ridiculous regulations on these types of bikes. You could make the argument that if you are caught going over 35 mph on a bike path that you could be fined, and I might not give you a hard time. However, if you start crying about needing "regulations" you are inviting more government overreach into our already slavishly controlled lives. The current regulations against ebike speeds, their "class system " and arbitrary rules about pedaling are already ridiculous, obnoxious and in some cases, if followed put riders at increased risk in traffic on the streets. Can we not have one single mode of motorized personal transportation and enjoyment that isn't over zealously regulated and controlled by government? I thoughts this was supposed to be the land of the free. So much for that notion, thanks to you, Karens' out there. Besides, most laws never actually prevent tragedy most of the time. Reason being is because if someone is going to do ride like an a-hole or anything else for that matter, that willingly put other people at risk due to their proximity to them, they aren't concerned about following your law in the first place. If I'm on a bike path and I'm traveling at 28 mph and I see people and dogs ahead of me, care to guess what I do? I slow down and pass them at a responsible speed and give them a wide bearth. Why? Not because of some law on the books or regulations, etc. I do it out of respect and care because I'm a decent person. If I was a criminal type of person who didn't care about others, I wouldn't care about your rules anyway. It's the same stupid logic as g-u-n free zones.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

Stronger ebikes will peak at 1300-1500W, most ebikes peak between 500-1000W, depending on system voltage and controller current capacity. I’ve seen Swind, Delfast etc. (look and operate like dirt bikes, even if they have a set of pedals) rated at 15,000-20,000W peak. Those should be considered light motorcycles and kept off bike and pedestrian/bike trails. My state considers them so, so require the full DOT lighting kit, a VIN, place to install a plate, insurance, registration and a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.

[@TheArimatheus]

I just got back to Dallas a few hours ago after spending the week in Bentonville. My dad brought his new Orbea Rise 20 (2023 version) eMTB and I took my 2015 Fuji Cross (heavily upgraded to AXS Rival with carbon wheels/bars) The fuji was a bike he bought new as a commuter but was given to me a year ago. I honestly, on paved trails like the Razorback - couldn't tell a difference in efficiency. But when I took his eMTB out on real trails like cohler, slaughter pen, etc - it was noticeably easier to ride compared to his 2016 Santa Cruz Blur he keeps at his house there. But I'm in Dallas, so... it's kinda apples and oranges when I compare the eMTB to the 2016 Blur, to my 2018 Epic. I didn't really *NOTICE* the advantage of the motor, but I think that's the point.

[@TheArimatheus]

I guess the big difference that's noticeable was my 17 lb gravel bike on pavement with 38 mm gravel tires was "as easy" on pavement as his 38 lb 2.5" maxxis Rekon tires at 25 psi to ride. 🤨😐 In Bentonville there were lots of people using "throttle" ebikes vs just "pedal assist". And from a stop, those folks just TOOK OFF whereas I was rolling forward, clipping in my left foot... There's definitely two totally different classifications with ebikes in that regard. Pedal assist is still a bike, whereas an ebike with a throttle is a vehicle.

[@evo1cycling]

I think that is a great way to look at it, throttle vs pedal. The tech on these bike is becoming crazy with how normal they can feel

[@TheArimatheus]

@EVO1CYCLING yeah, this guy just took off - pedaling like 40 or 50 cadence - gone into the distance. I was stopped, was already downshifted into a starting gear, clipped in perfectly inside of a half rotation from the stop - my garmin told me I was at 90-100 cadence putting out 250 watts by the other side of the 5 lane intersection... Homeboy was like 150+ yards ahead by that point. That's definitely a vehicle, not a bicycle. Even Tadej or Phillipsen couldn't compete with that, lol.

[@markifi]

you get a boo for the clickbait title, but also a compliment for the well written video

[@evo1cycling]

Thank you for being fair!

[@Psp-id7uw]

Title should say, "Grab your torches and pitchforks! "

[@evo1cycling]

Right! 😅

[@seanbossler9260]

Like the content, but man your effiency numbers are WAY off. Own an older Chevy Bolt and an overbuilt Radwagon 4, have averaged 260Wh per mile over 107k miles in the Bolt, and ~30wh per mile on the RadWagon that never comes down from power level 5.

[@evo1cycling]

Those Bolts were way underrated, they lost so much money on that program and that is likely why. They beat out Tesla for mass production but couldn’t convert the customers to buy in. Huge shame as they will go down as one of the OG reliable EVs that was actually efficient.

[@vulpixelful]

I have an EV, but I live in a non-sprawling suburb, so I still feel silly driving my car 3 miles to the store or gym 😂 I just got an ebike, and I'm slowly investing in bike security devices to run errands with it. I'm just getting used to the pedal assist for now.

[@evo1cycling]

I think bike security will be a huge area of innovation in the near future, it’s really the biggest limiting factor

[@flightographist]

I'm at the 500km review on an emtb, more or less entry level but 'designed' in Canada. So far so good. In terms of deep cycle endurance training- it's the cats pyjamas. Use it as a bike with assist when needed and zone 2 2 hours burns are where it's at.

[@evo1cycling]

It’s amazing how long some of them can last now, a few years back not so much

[@hindesite]

Our car probably costs about 50c per km to run (excluding vehicle purchase costs). Insurance is expensive, and fuel is $3/l. E-mtb may achieve the same mileage cost; to get real savings you need to be running high mileage and commuting.

[@evo1cycling]

Very true, now we just need battery tech to catch up a little bit to get range into 100+ miles

[@TheArimatheus]

@EVO1CYCLING my dad's wife has a Specialized Crux ebike, only weighs like 22 lbs and has 100 mi range depending on what "mode" you're in, but again - pedal assist. Are you riding to ride for the fun of riding and just need a little help, or are you riding for a utility purpose? Do you drive a full size pickup truck because you need a truck for work? Or do you drive a truck just to commute back and forth to your office job and need a truck once or twice a year?

[@markifi]

@JamesGoddard-i7s chain, pads, tyres, and most of all depreciation will easily land you north of 20p a kilometre depending on your level of cleanliness and your luck with your electronics. (enclosed chains with a hub drive will cost drastically less compared to this) then again, cars never really go under 30p a kilometre if you really count everything. depreciation is one of the major costs there also, and energy cost is perhaps a third of all costs. same as the biek.

[@johncoons1666]

Yeah, what the fuck are you gonna do with the batteries. How about all the minerals they have to mine to make the stupid EV batteries and the stupid bike batteries. Is that good for the environment? It’s all about money clowns, batteries aren’t the answer..

[@danbob1650]

2020 Dj4 26" to 2024 180/160 ebike 29"... Emtb is headache.. fun /keep up on maintenance. And save money in your budget for parts n maintenance. They come fast if you go fast.

[@evo1cycling]

Great points!

[@rajendrabareto8065]

I gave up car and rinding bikes with and w/0 e-prefixed 😅. The only reason why I wanted car was because I was lazy and my family too who didn’t like to bike. It’s a lot of savings now. Atleast 100$ of I use public transport and up to 200$ on fuel with maintenance and repairs costs add another 100. Plus health benefits. Only saving is not on time at that instance but hoping to give extra life time

[@evo1cycling]

Love to hear this! Thanks for watching!

[@73megalith]

E MTBs are destroying the the local trails here in the UK. Small hills, many laps, mild winters and rain leave nothing to ride other than rutted out axle deep grooves. Not the same comparing ridged to suspended, still got to earn the decending!

[@evo1cycling]

Destroying them due to the power they put down or just the increased traffic because they do more laps?

[@groupnakub]

​@@evo1cyclingpoint is e bike destroy trails.

[@Wyoutside]

If E-bikes can ride on non-motorized trails, shouldn’t motorcycles also be allowed? Never really thought about the hypocrisy before. I’m sure others have but it’s new to me.

[@140theguy]

Pedal assist electric bicycles yes but not electric dirt bikes. They're not the same so no motorcycles. E-bikes are still bicycles. Don't confuse them with electric dirt bikes. A 750w/1hp ebike won't even climb a hill by itself. You're going to compare that to s 120 decibel, 30hp gas burning motorcycle? No

[@buckeystarbreaker]

@@140theguy Thank you!

[@ChampyOnPC]

rare bike lanes, motorists aggression towards bikers, crazy expensive eBikes, no safe parking for bikes in general... Im not gonna leave my expensive bike chained to a metal pipe, people can just remove a wheel/break, dropper post easily.

[@evo1cycling]

We really need better bike security, I’ve been racking my brain but since they are easy to carry off in general I’m not sure

[@davidstriderlindsley2712]

Greetings from Tucson. My wife and I have four e-bikes. There’s always room for a couple more.

[@evo1cycling]

That is awesome! Thank you so much for watching!

[@megane230f1]

fck em all have 20 e bikes lol seriously i dont care what peoples views on me riding an e bike are

[@TheArimatheus]

@@davidstriderlindsley2712 Wasson peak is a hell of a ride!

[@YoStu242]

If government doesn't get it's money from gas car owners then it turns attention to other vehicles and in future owning and riding e-bike will be whole lot more expensive. It's already happening with electric cars

[@evo1cycling]

Oh there are laws and regulations coming big time, I’d imagine early 2025 we start to see some at the state level

[@Mr-SRG]

E-Bikers in my area don't wear helmets. Blows me away when they are going so fast putting their lives at risk.

[@evo1cycling]

Anytime on a bike should be with a helmet, just too much that can go wrong

[@Tumid1]

I go to NYC most Saturdays & have NEVER seen anyone other than food delivery ppl riding a private ebike. There are e-Citibikes which some ppl use, but compared to pedestrians 1 in 50. Perhaps in fair weather cities there is an opportunity for an increase of users, but I think promoting ebikes to non-enthusiasts is potentially dangerous, as these ppl won't appreciate the inherent dangers involved in riding. When the 9 months of sub-optimal weather arrives here, the percentage of bicycles declines even more. Bicycles only appeal to fit ppl 35 & younger who are carrying nothing. They are useless for transporting groceries, anything of size or weight or wearing nice clothing..ie. a niche.

[@chrisregister8021]

I have a mountain bike that I never ride. I really want to convert it to an e bike that I will never ride. 😂

[@evo1cycling]

You should!

[@anakinskymonke3670]

According to statistics. E-bike riders get more exercise than non e-bike riders because they ride more 😂

[@Psi-du2lw]

At least you called normal bikes normal bikes, not musical term

[@evo1cycling]

I learned my lesson 😅 But on a real note, if I used guitar string for my shifter cables could I call it “Acoustic”? 🤣

[@spinnetti]

Stop calling them e-bikes. They are electric mopeds and don't belong on trails any more than a gas moped. As an alternative to a car or motorcycle on the street, I'm all for it. Off road, I do judge you full sus guys lol.

[@evo1cycling]

“I do judge full sus guys” 😂 I love it!

[@dolittle6781]

Well, not so fast-pun intended. Folks, get a regular bike. Pedaling is so much healthier than letting a motor do most or all of the work for you. Staying nice and slim is becoming harder and harder-elevators instead of stairs, cars instead of walking, leaf blowers instead of rakes, grocery stores instead of hunting and gathering, fast food joints instead of cooking our own food, and on and on it goes. No wonder the obesity rate is through the roof. And now they don’t even want us to ride a bike with pedals especially if riding up a hill. OMG! I need pedal assist!! Just say no. Don’t let all the various industries take away your body’s autonomy to move to work to exert itself, to get fit! E-bikes? No-unless you’re disabled. The less we move the sicker we get!

[@vulpixelful]

Have you ever rode an ebike? You still have to pedal. Studies consistently show that ebike riders ride more miles than non-ebike riders _because_ it's less strenuous.

[@dolittle6781]

@@vulpixelful Right, have heard this marketing ploy many times. They just want to sell you something that sounds good but really isn’t very healthy for you. E-bikes are the fast food joints of the cycling industry. You can’t even buy a car nowadays with a manual transmission anymore. It’s too much work using a clutch and moving the stick shift. What about self driving cars. You can sleep in such a car on your way to work. They don’t even want us to think anymore! Total silliness! I have no desire to ride an e-bike. A lot of industries make corrupt money pretending to make things easy for us. That’s not okay. I’ll do the hard work. Love the burn and feeling spent after a challenging ride or just upping the heart rate during a five mile jaunt to farmers market.

[@evo1cycling]

Couldn’t agree more, but I will say e-bikes can help start this process. I have a friend who was struggling with some health issues and ptsd, the health issues prevented normal cycling (for a while) but having an ebike kinda kickstarted the process until he was able to get some strength built up and the confidence to really be out in public. He now does both. I think if you are fit enough to ride and pedal you should, but if riding to work and just wanting a super light workout pedal assist could be a good alternative so you don’t show up all sweaty…. See the line gets blurred so much.

[@vulpixelful]

@@dolittle6781 You can do what you want, that was always an option! I'm for anything that gets people outside and more active. It doesn't have to be so black and white, human behavior is varied.

[@dolittle6781]

@@vulpixelful …varied and healthy or varied and unhealthy? Makes me wonder if industry is ganging up on us to make us sick-like cigarettes in the olden days and added sugar hidden in everything we eat and all kinds of toxins everywhere. Gotta take a hard line and push back.

[@LAMF24]

Your opening statement is a logical fallacy.

[@evo1cycling]

Thank you!

[@burkaanc]

Yeah leave ebike locked in the city 😁

[@evo1cycling]

It will be gone!

[@MTB_CO]

4:02 sounds like girl math 🤣

[@evo1cycling]

Sounds like good math to me

[@snörre23]

E-Bikers don't belong to the biking community, its not a bicycle.

[@evo1cycling]

So at what point do you think is the cutoff? Some could argue that using anything battery powered is then not a real bike, such as electronic drivetrain. Not at all saying you are wrong in this opinion, I’d just like to understand better where the line is in your eyes. I’d love to make a video that better covers this topic so having a clearer picture or some good points would help.

[@snörre23]

@@evo1cycling I don't know, even thought i am getting old and am in bad shape i would not allow myself a motor. Also i can spend 3500 on a MTB (which i will use for ten years) - but double that for an E-MTB - that will not last that long - not really.

[@robvanduren761]

Ride whatever bikes youve got and STFU

[@TheArimatheus]

The big issue with a $1600 ebike - if you're gonna replace your car with it, to compare demographics... A $1600 throttled ebike, sufficient to replace a car for grocery runs, etc is pretty cheap on the spectrum, it's gonna break down, and that same demographic - young people- are gonna be living in apartments, they're gonna have to carry 50 lb bikes up the stairs, or trust them outside, where they can't be charged (unless you have easily removable batteries). I agree with all the points you're making as far as micro mobility is concerned, but I think there's some lack of infrastructure/realistic ease of use. I haven't owned a car in 20 years, I'm 40 years old, live in a 2nd floor exterior walkup, and that's the big hurdle for me plunking down 3-5 grand for a decent throttle assist cargo ready ebike. I've already got 5 bikes in my 400 sq ft apartment and none are electric. Just sharing my reasons why I don't buy one when I could use public transport/walk/uber for those errands you're describing.

[@evo1cycling]

So true, they really need to lighten them up which will come over time as battery tech evolves. I think it will be interesting to see how infrastructure is built out

[@TheArimatheus]

@EVO1CYCLING yeah, I mean - I just as a general rule do NOT leave a bike locked up outside - for any period of time - unless I'm riding a true "beater". Leaving a $3k bike - especially one that's brand new - would be very very difficult for me unless it was maybe from my house to a parking garage with bike cages at work, or specific destinations like that. But to replace a car, and leave it anywhere - that would just probably create an extra layer of worry when I'm at wherever. Plus an a nice ebike is like just cheap enough to justify not using your homeowners' policy if it's stolen because of the deductible and rise in premiums, but expensive enough to make you WANT to use your insurance if it were stolen... 😔😬😒

[@TheArimatheus]

Thinking about riding $5k+ in electric bicycles to say, a local bar, or outdoor mall where I and a significant other are gonna spend the afternoon, 3-5 miles from home for an indeterminate period of time, get some food, watch a movie, that kinda thing - then come back and our batteries, or seats or wheels have been stolen - and we're still 5 miles from home... That just doesn't make fiscal sense to me. People are assholes. 😪 And nine times you use the bikes for something like that, they'll be unmolested, but the tenth time - when you think it's safe - that's when the teenagers get ya - lol.

[@vulpixelful]

​@@TheArimatheus ​Then don't spend 5k and invest in locks and security bolts instead. Plenty of great ebikes can be had under 5k. Seperate bike insurance exists, too. Even in your scenario, you would call an Uber to get home and sort things out.

[@TheArimatheus]

@vulpixelful well, I was obtusely referring to a pair of ebikes for $5k, but then you're carrying tons of locks and cables. Even though a locked car is open to theft, there's just a different "feel" to it with bikes. Like, if they stole nothing but the saddles and seatposts - it would totally ruin your night. And like I said, people are ASSHOLES - they'll do that type of thing just to f_ck with you and ruin your day, with no real monetary goal in mind.

[@mlb6d9]

With urban areas becoming more overrun with tents, druggies, and other nonsense, I seriously doubt ebikes will replace cars as one's main mode of transport

[@evo1cycling]

This is true, Denver has some areas that are less than ideal

[@ortem000]

Every single town/city has their sketchy areas. That's a given. But I've yet to hear about the hoards of "druggies" running into the streets and stealing bikes. They have other things to worry about. Stay in your car if that works for you, but don't just fantasize about reasons not to commute via bike. Plenty of folks have been doing it safely and soundly for ages.

[@mlb6d9]

@@ortem000 Good for you! 'Fantasizing' about reasons not to commute - LOL I see what I see Bud - best of luck to you. You must be a Biden voter

[@Psi-du2lw]

Useless for sport/working out, which is what I bought my mtb for. Good for commuting, if you can afford for it to get stolen.

[@evo1cycling]

Yeah I find myself really only using throttle when I’m on an ebike, most of them are awkward to pedal or just feel a bit odd. I have one coming this next week that I have heard is a good pedaling bike but I still have my doubts

[@FredFox-m9v]

I have several very expensive normal road bikes and time trial bikes for sport and recreation and have been a very fast time triallist. Although I have ridden normal bikes for many years, I now own a highbrid style e bike for getting about with ease. E bikes have their place, particularly for less able people. I am not but like my e bike.

[@jackbauer562]

Riders with big belly are normal now

[@evo1cycling]

“Extended range” not big belly, at least that’s what I tell myself 😅

[@TheArimatheus]

@jackbauer562 yeah, I watched a guy probably 230 lbs on a Turbo Levo SL zoom past my scrawny 125 lb ass on a hill the other day as I was huffing and puffing on my gravel bike, lol.

[@markifi]

isn't that a good thing? more people on bikes the types who never would have ridden in the past. i know a guy who rides with one side of his lungs missing. he was a shut-in before these bikes came about.

[@TheArimatheus]

@markifi yes, I totally agree. As I mentioned previously I just got back from a week in Bentonville, AR - the new mountain bike capital of the world, but it also has lots of paved trails. And paved mountain bike trails like The Masterpiece. I grew up in Eugene, OR, which would compete with Portland to the north (during the 90s) as "#1 bike friendly city the US". In Bentonville you just CAN'T go anywhere without seeing a bike of any type. However, there's a lot of growth going on - almost like Austin, TX where I've lived - there's a lot of animosity from the long time locals because bikes don't obey traffic laws, things like that. America is still a very, VERY car-centric nation, and there's a long way to go before we as a society stop sorta "looking at cyclists with disdain". If you don't own a car in America, people look at you like you have some kind of deficiency, like you're "less than". There are some big societal mindsets that need to shift in that regard.

[@danieleverywhere132]

why are you using high pitch extra annoying sound to cover swearing? nobody told you there are couple millions of other sounds being less obtrusive? and about cost you obviously gathered all the best on e-bike side and left all the worst for car car lasts 200K miles and more,e-bike crap under 2K lasts maybe 10K and even that requires lot of servicing compare 4K e-bike with used car and you will discover economy car is actually cheaper than e-bike

[@TheArimatheus]

@danieleverywhere132 high pitched whine? Have you ever listened to a 52 point DT ratchet hub coasting? It's louder than a swarm of locusts, hahaha.

[@danieleverywhere132]

@@TheArimatheus once i raced with guy who had campy carbon wheels,everytime when his freewheel engaged i flinched

[@evo1cycling]

Is the high pitched tone really more annoying than my voice already? 😅 Just needed a quick and dirty way to cover it up so people get less offended, or in case kids are around when someone is listening. I appreciate the feedback and will bring the decibel level down next time

[@TheArimatheus]

@EVO1CYCLING it's not always about you, lol. Your voice with the new microphone sounds about the same. Watching on a Galaxy S23. Maybe if I were on my workstation with real speakers, it might sound different?

[@danieleverywhere132]

@@evo1cycling i absolutely don't mind swearing but you are saying you are hiding it ibecause kids and so on.... ok but WHY DO YOU HAVE TO USE SUCH IRRITATING SOUND? put squirel sound over it,it is cute