Originally Posted by
chancelucky
Having toured back in the 80's, I think the cell phone has made a huge difference. It's now harder to get lost, easier to get help, and it's made it easier to change plans on the fly.
tires are less flat prone and faster
This may be the most controversial item here: the modern e-bike has gotten lots of people back into cycling by reducing fear of hills.
I like to think that the "e" in "e-bicycles" should truly mean "enabling." These bikes have allowed many people to get back into shape and reducing strain o their aging or impaired bodies.
The advent of the e-bike is fantastic and only purist snobs are the ones to look down on them. When talking to these fellas, I often I think to myself, "Sorry buddy, but my 80 year old grandpa doesn't have the knees of a 40 year old anymore."