Originally Posted by
Rick53
The more I research E-Bikes : I find the problems seem to be related mainly to the software . I road a Specialized Vado that was a Class 3 > It was fun going 25 plus MPH . But that was rare. The average riding slowed us down to 15 MPH or so > On a regular Bike I'd be going about 12 MPH . While there were times having the juice to climb hills was a great advantage : I found on a 20 mile Road : 80% of the time our situation required speeds of 10-15 MPH most of the time. My complaint was I didn't feel like I even had to peddle : That was leaving the Bike in what they called eco mode I think .
Were I riding my regular Trek Dual Sport 3 > A 20 mile ride wouldn't have exhausted me > But I would have felt like I got some exercise: On the E-bike It seems to get the exercise I get on a 20 mile ride I'd need to go at least 30 miles . Maybe even 40 .
I can see these being a Big Help for a daily Commuter > I just can't see where a Casual Rider like me > Who has the time 3/4 times a week to go on a 20-25 mile ride . Owning an E-bike to ride mainly Bike trails and country roads is worth it > I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere >
I ride for fun and to strengthen My Legs for Golf >
Plus I read on the Electric Bike Forums all kinds of issues : Where having Shop support is a must. I'm a DIY type with a regular generic Bike : Never felt the need to run back and forth to a shop : Thinking maybe I should just upgrade My Dual Sport / and wait until prices drop and bugs get worked out better . Any Thoughts from those who OWN ONE:
It sound like you have rode an ebike with too much assist. Why do you need a Vado? Can't you get an entry level ebike with less than 90 nM of torque? Some ebikes only have 40-60 nM. Maybe ride a Class 1 or Class 2 ebike. It sounds like you're having trouble adjusting to an ebike in your head. You stated that you feel like you have to ride more per outing. Why not have more sessions spread across the week? I haven't spent more that $1600 for an ebike. I would like a nicer ebike, but my current ebike serves me well as a commuter. I don't feel that paying more for things mean that I get a good value. I have thought about getting a Class 3 ebike next and using less assist, but I don't like the handlebars and shifters that more expensive bikes have.
Shop support is a must for Mid Drives, for hub drives no, you can do things yourself. Sometimes the internet is the worst place to find out issues regarding products. With new technologies, with ebikes things change every 2-3 years, manufacturers learn and the economies of scale bring down prices. I am not sure what type of hills you're climbing. I think your issues are all in your head, not the reality of your experience with your ebike. Everyone has an opinion, but that may not be your reality. Good luck! I hope that you don't give up on ebikes. You need to test ride lots of different ones and find out what works for you. A lot of traditional bicycle shop personnel don't ride ebikes so they don't know. Ebikes are the new frontier of bicycling.