Originally Posted by
350htrr
+1... what is the difference riding a single speed compared to riding a 27 speed? Isn't the mechanical advantage practically the same using the gears as compared to getting 35% assistance from a motor that only gives you 35% extra torque as compared to whatever the actual torque you are putting onto the pedals...? Isn't gearing mechanical assistance that increases the amount of torque the person
actually puts in by 5% or 35% or 100% or more? Would that be considered "cheating"?
compared to anyone that only rides single speed?
Only
if one says one did it with a single speed I suspect...
Quick answer is no. Adding gears is a mechanical advantage. The person riding the bike does all the work and energy expenditure. A gear range would be chosen based on the person's experience and fitness level. If the fitness level is not up to the challenge based on gear ranges available, then the person can either modify the gear range on their bike, change the route, or train to be ready for the challenge when it arises.
Adding a motor is a motorized advantage. That is, the person riding the bike is not doing all of the work. Being either an E-bike or E-assist. If the motor is not powerful enough for the job, modify it, or replace with another which generates more power. If the range is not enough, find a way to get more miles out of it, by either taking more fuel or ways to easily refuel the motor. You begin to focus on how to improve the motor-aspect of the bike and not the human-aspect of the bike.
Riding a bicycle is a very rewarding experience to me; knowing I was able to travel distances at some speed solely powered by myself. There are times where I fail riding and need to walk, change the route, or lighten the load (either being gear or my belly). But I never thought of adding a motor to a touring bike as a solution.
There may come a time when that may change, however, if 50-miles a day is too much, then I would gladly shorten the distance per day over a longer period time before considering a motorized-bicycle. If the hill is too steep, I will gladly consider walking for a bit or changing the route before considering adding a motor to the bicycle.