Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
I know that a pedal-assist e-bike is in my future. I'm delaying this day by increasing the regularity of my training by using an indoor trainer. I've also added a lightweight carbon bike with a 46 & 30 chainrings and a 11-32 cassette. But an e-bike is going to happen eventually.
Being active will always be superior to being sedentary. An e-bike keeps a cyclist active, pure and simple. Especially if you enjoy scenic, hilly routes, an e-bike will increase your overall health and happiness.
When I pull the trigger for an e-bike I won't worry what anyone else thinks or says. I'll still be pedaling and enjoying the great outdoors, that's all that matters.
I can sure relate to this line of thinking. Struggles with my health over the past few years seem to have stabilized, but I'm now a good bit weaker with less potential for really hard exertion than I had before. I'm still able to ride most any terrain I want, but I'm slower and I can't go as long. I can only keep up with riders who are purposely holding back so I can keep up. But I still love riding and I'll keep doing it as long as I can and I don't mind riding alone most of time.
The idea of getting an e-bike seems much more of a real possibility than it did just 2 years ago. I've just begun to read up on them a little and review the options. At this point, every time I start looking at e-bikes, what they can do and what they cost, my mind quickly turns toward my long left behind love for motorcycles. Right now I see myself more likely to supplement my bicycle riding with a dual purpose motorcycle like a KLR-650 or when I really start dreaming, a road bike like a Triumph Bonneville. I think an electric motored motorcycle would be fantastic, but I don't see that as an affordable option for several years at least.
So I'm not sure where this line of thinking will lead, but I'm open for whatever. For now, I'll keep riding my unassisted bikes. Next year, who knows?