Electric bicycles - who buys them?

[Adrian E]

Pvapour said:

I rode the giant for 2 weeks on 3.0s and it was one of the things i wanted to change..

Re side wall strength, the continental tyres have radial cords in the side walls, do the emtb have more strengthening then?

I honestly cant see a difference of 5kg to be have that much of an effect on the tyre, i mean 120kg v 125kg total mass, really?

Tyre/bike Manufacturers must allow for 100kg + riders versus 60kg riders, thats a huge margin, it leaves that 5kg bike difference looking rather unimportant to me.

My Cannondale full sus weighs circa 11.5kg with Di2 - far as I'm aware most full sus eMTBs are North of 20kg, but more significant than that is that they're intended for more extreme types of riding (typically) - it's the dynamic forces on the tyres that are more likely to cause an issue for those exploring the limits of the bike, rather than the individual. I wouldn't attack a big gap drop off on my 120mm travel bike, but I might on a 160mm eMTB. Most of the big name tyre manufacturers will indicate in their range guides whether they're suited to e-bike use.

Just something to be aware of - not suggesting you can't do it for the type of riding you are suggesting, just that a more lightly constructed tyre intended for a different purpose may not be up to the job, especially if you're running it at tubeless friendly pressures.

[Pvapour]

Adrian E said:

Pvapour said:

I rode the giant for 2 weeks on 3.0s and it was one of the things i wanted to change..

Re side wall strength, the continental tyres have radial cords in the side walls, do the emtb have more strengthening then?

I honestly cant see a difference of 5kg to be have that much of an effect on the tyre, i mean 120kg v 125kg total mass, really?

Tyre/bike Manufacturers must allow for 100kg + riders versus 60kg riders, thats a huge margin, it leaves that 5kg bike difference looking rather unimportant to me.

My Cannondale full sus weighs circa 11.5kg with Di2 - far as I'm aware most full sus eMTBs are North of 20kg, but more significant than that is that they're intended for more extreme types of riding (typically) - it's the dynamic forces on the tyres that are more likely to cause an issue for those exploring the limits of the bike, rather than the individual. I wouldn't attack a big gap drop off on my 120mm travel bike, but I might on a 160mm eMTB. Most of the big name tyre manufacturers will indicate in their range guides whether they're suited to e-bike use.

Just something to be aware of - not suggesting you can't do it for the type of riding you are suggesting, just that a more lightly constructed tyre intended for a different purpose may not be up to the job, especially if you're running it at tubeless friendly pressures.

I see what youre saying re typical riding and bike itself being sooo much heavier and thanks for taking the time to explain, but i still see the total mass inc. rider as the one the important part and what manufacturers ‘must’ use for their calcs, surely? After all, its this that stresses the bike most, if i were like you and many here tackling the drops etc then i might well stay within the tyre guidelines but like you say, for our usage then we’ll probably be fine.

I picked them up this afternoon and the dealer swapped the tyres foc for a better centre pattern that’ll suit the road work more, i’ll see how we get on with them pumped up a tad before changing, if at all

[benny.c]

There was a pedestrian who was killed in London last year after being hit by an e-bike. The rider of the bike is being charged with death by dangerous driving which wouldn’t normally apply to cyclists but does in this case as the bike was modded. Also being charged with causing death whilst being unlicensed and uninsured. Something to ponder on if your bike is overpowered and/or derestricted, independent throttle etc.

https://road.cc/content/news/267863-london-e-bike-...

Edited by benny.c on Tuesday 22 October 20:34

[kingston12]

benny.c said:

There was a pedestrian who was killed in London last year after being hit by an e-bike. The rider of the bike is being charged with death by dangerous driving which wouldn’t normally apply to cyclists but does in this case as the bike was modded. Also being charged with causing death whilst being unlicensed and uninsured. Something to ponder on if your bike is overpowered and/or derestricted, independent throttle etc.

https://road.cc/content/news/267863-london-e-bike-...

Edited by benny.c on Tuesday 22 October 20:34

This is what would stop me ever changing mine.
It is a simple and reversible software upgrade to remove the 15.5mph limit and would be fun off road, but I need to ride on the road to get there.

[Cupramax]

Interesting stuff, but hitting someone, let alone killing someone, on an illegal bike was never going to end well so I’m not remotely surprised they’ve thrown the book at them.

Cant see any info on the crash? Was it another brain dead pillock gawping at their phone and wandering into the road without looking?

[Toltec]

kingston12 said:

This is what would stop me ever changing mine.
It is a simple and reversible software upgrade to remove the 15.5mph limit and would be fun off road, but I need to ride on the road to get there.

Easy to change the limit on mine to the US 20mph one, but it isn't needed off road and as you say not worth the risk on the road.

[benny.c]

It’s a 10s job to derestrict mine but it’s not worth the risk IMHO. 14 yrs max jail time vs 2yrs.

Cupramax said:

Interesting stuff, but hitting someone, let alone killing someone, on an illegal bike was never going to end well so I’m not remotely surprised they’ve thrown the book at them.

Cant see any info on the crash? Was it another brain dead pillock gawping at their phone and wandering into the road without looking?

There was a video doing the rounds at the time which allegedly showed her stepping out when the pedestrian crossing lights were red (for pedestrians) IIRC. It’ll all come out in the court case obviously.

[Bill]

benny.c said:

There was a video doing the rounds at the time which allegedly showed her stepping out when the pedestrian crossing lights were red (for pedestrians) IIRC. It’ll all come out in the court case obviously.

That's the issue. She may well (well, possibly) looked and assumed she had time, but if he was travelling 50%+ faster than expected then neither of them had a chance.

[Pvapour]

Well.. bull bars added (to wifes), comfy saddles on and usa derestricted, comfy cruiser that handles the rough stuff, perfecto!

Lovin em, shimano moteur way better than the early bosch, cant feel any drag from motor at all.

[Tiggsy]

benny.c said:

It’s a 10s job to derestrict mine but it’s not worth the risk IMHO. 14 yrs max jail time vs 2yrs.

Cupramax said:

Interesting stuff, but hitting someone, let alone killing someone, on an illegal bike was never going to end well so I’m not remotely surprised they’ve thrown the book at them.

Cant see any info on the crash? Was it another brain dead pillock gawping at their phone and wandering into the road without looking?

There was a video doing the rounds at the time which allegedly showed her stepping out when the pedestrian crossing lights were red (for pedestrians) IIRC. It’ll all come out in the court case obviously.

"Nathan Rasiah, prosecuting, told the court: “In this case the evidence suggests it was travelling in excess of the road limit and the limit for the bike."

If you derestrict, just ride slow and take care till you get where it doesn't matter. Going over the road limit (even if it was a 20) is daft on an illegal bike.

[Cupramax]

I’ll never understand why they made the model S a hatch and the 3 a saloon. On a similar subject I can get my bike in the boot of an S5 cabriolet with only the front wheel off, if I fold the back seats down.

[Janluke]

Sambucket said:

Frosty day for a northern ride. Took a few tries but now can pack up the bike in the model 3 relatively easily. Haven't tried charging from the 12V yet.

I like the "double" Electric theme and the modern ebike/brooks saddle look too

I have a simular look on my E hybrid

[Tiggsy]

Cupramax said:

I’ll never understand why they made the model S a hatch and the 3 a saloon. On a similar subject I can get my bike in the boot of an S5 cabriolet with only the front wheel off, if I fold the back seats down.

Tell me about it! I'm getting an S over the 3 just to fit my dogs in the back! (expensive bloody pets!)

[Amateurish]

Bill said:

benny.c said:

There was a video doing the rounds at the time which allegedly showed her stepping out when the pedestrian crossing lights were red (for pedestrians) IIRC. It’ll all come out in the court case obviously.

That's the issue. She may well (well, possibly) looked and assumed she had time, but if he was travelling 50%+ faster than expected then neither of them had a chance.

Yes, I've seen the video and it looks like she runs across the crossing on red and probably misjudges the speed of the bike. It also looks like he isn't pedalling, so probably not pedal assisted.

[The Mad Monk]

Brompton Electric.

Anybody got one? Any thoughts?

I already have an Oxygen CB Emate, and wonder whether I would use the folding facility. How much different is the handling on a small wheel bike compared with full size?

[anonymous-user]

The body of research continues to grow

https://cyclingindustry.news/body-of-research-disp...

[Joscal]

Very interesting article, I’m fitter than I’ve ever been now I’ve had my Turbo Levo for 7 months. It’s the best thing I’ve ever bought without a shadow of a doubt!

[Trophy Husband]

Joscal said:

Very interesting article, I’m fitter than I’ve ever been now I’ve had my Turbo Levo for 7 months. It’s the best thing I’ve ever bought without a shadow of a doubt!

Same here. I've had my full suspension eMTB for nearly 2 years and clocked a few miles on it now, lots of up and lots great downs.
My resting heart rate has gone from 80 to low 60's.
They're fantastic things for anyone.

[Joscal]

Did 15 miles at 8am this morning through a deserted city centre. It was awesome max heart rate 148bpm average 120bpm. Great fun!

[anonymous-user]

Just bookmarking this thread because at some point shortly I will be buying an electric bike.

I fancy one of the small folding ones. Been eying up the numerous ‘Chinese’ folding e-bikes for around £350-500. Not sure if these will be any good though.

I just want something for going a few miles to the pub on, going to friends houses, bits of commuting.

I’ve been encouraged to look at e-bikes because it seems loads of people of my Dad’s age group (65-75) are buying them and saying they are the best things ever.

These are people who haven’t ridden a bicycle in 25 years, now getting out regularly and doing 40 mile rides.