Originally Posted by
DougG
I'm really torn about this. I can't come up with a good reason for why I'd really need an e-bike at this point, but I'm kind of a techie person and am pretty fascinated by the technology and all that. Besides, my wife just got one and absolutely loves it. She mainly uses the assist for hills and riding into the wind, but has already ridden farther and more often than she has in years. And of course, she can not only keep up with me without any trouble, but can whip me any time she wants to!
But would I want to show up for one of our group rides with an e-bike? Maybe it's all a matter of ego (probably is!), but it would seem like I'd have it "too easy"when everyone else is busting it to do a 40-miler or whatever.
I could almost justify it if I didn't have to give up one of my current bikes, but we're already short of garage space. Although I do have any extra ceiling-mounted lift hanger...
Here's another twist for consideration. If you ride purely for exercise, then an ebike may feel like surrender. On the other hand, I rode my ebike whenever I could this winter (temp over 38 F). The winter difference was that my battery was kept comfy in the basement. I didn't want speed against a cold Lake Erie wind. I only wanted exercise. Now that it's warm, the battery is back- time on the road and range are extended. While exercise is important to me, my real motive is to carry my camera to more distant shooting locations. So, I bike to keep more mobile, but also to aid my photographic instincts. For me, biking is both an end and a means. The reason you ride may determine the time to get electrified.