Who needs to train?
 

I could see this getting out of hand (depending on how quiet it is)...

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05...cle-into-an-e/

This will be fun.

Nice you read Autoblog big fan myself.

sounds like its pretty loud...

http://www.gruberassist.com/english/...t-description/

Hope they don't make a silent model.

So what's the purpose of this post?

For having 200 watts of assistance those people sure were moving slowly.

Based on very limited observation, it seems to me that the people to whom electric bicycles are attractive are the very ones who in fact need to be pedaling more rather than less. I don't think you need to worry about these overrunning the bicycle racing scene. It's more like the electric carts at Walmart.

Also, don't assume that 200 watts gets 300 lbs moving as fast as it does 140 lbs. Big difference there. I have no clue what my power output is, but toting an extra 80 lbs of lard around, it really doesn't matter.

-requires 31.8mm ID seat tube.

hmmm... now if it fit 27.2mm ID seat tubes, then we have something.