Getting back in the saddle... (possible ebike)
Discussion
Okay, go easy on me....
Mid fourties, out of shape (and overweight but not massively so), used to love cycling (mostly mountain bikes). Live on the edge of the Yorkshire dales with a mix of roads including the Tour de France 2014 route, etc on my doorstep.
Haven't cycled foryears decades. No interest in getting to competition level but would be nice to get to 50-70mile loops over time. I prefer a more upright position rather than a roadbike.
Before leaping to a solution or a specific bike, can this forum help me with what I should be considering... getting measured / advised for an older returning rider, any good hire services to try before you buy, any experiences in building back confidence on the road?
Many thanks.
Mid fourties, out of shape (and overweight but not massively so), used to love cycling (mostly mountain bikes). Live on the edge of the Yorkshire dales with a mix of roads including the Tour de France 2014 route, etc on my doorstep.
Haven't cycled for
Before leaping to a solution or a specific bike, can this forum help me with what I should be considering... getting measured / advised for an older returning rider, any good hire services to try before you buy, any experiences in building back confidence on the road?
Many thanks.
I was similar to you, 48years old and out of shape. Used to MTB in the 80s and 90s two or three times a week.
November last year I bought an EMTB (Giant E +2 fathom) and love it. I have cycled 2300 miles on it so far, commute to work over 26 miles a day on a reasonably hilly route.
I have lost about a stone in weight and feel really good - despite some other health issues.
The electric bit just makes it so enjoyable, no longer almost feeling sick at a top of a climb and actually attacking the downhill bits too. It has totally rejuvenated my dormant love of cycling. I think you can try an ebike out at Halfords which might be a good introduction. And check if you have a cycle scheme at work to save a few quid too!
November last year I bought an EMTB (Giant E +2 fathom) and love it. I have cycled 2300 miles on it so far, commute to work over 26 miles a day on a reasonably hilly route.
I have lost about a stone in weight and feel really good - despite some other health issues.
The electric bit just makes it so enjoyable, no longer almost feeling sick at a top of a climb and actually attacking the downhill bits too. It has totally rejuvenated my dormant love of cycling. I think you can try an ebike out at Halfords which might be a good introduction. And check if you have a cycle scheme at work to save a few quid too!
I'm a lot older than you OP (60) and still enjoy mountain biking 2 or 3 times a weeks - Whinlatter, 7 Stanes and lots of natural stuff in the Lakes.
I'm looking to change my 15 year old Commencal Meta full suss at the moment and do not feel ready for an E bike just yet though I will get one at some stage. One of our group is 72 and still rides like a demon on his hardtail.
I can see the attraction oif an E bike as they do allow you to ride longer and do stuff you might otherwise fail to climb but for me, at least at this stage, I still view them as a 'cheat' and you will get more exercise from a non assisted bike and get fitter sooner. I know others will chip in to say that's wrong but it's my view anyway!
My wife has a Specialized E bike and I'll admit it's very impressive but just not for me (yet!).
I'm looking to change my 15 year old Commencal Meta full suss at the moment and do not feel ready for an E bike just yet though I will get one at some stage. One of our group is 72 and still rides like a demon on his hardtail.
I can see the attraction oif an E bike as they do allow you to ride longer and do stuff you might otherwise fail to climb but for me, at least at this stage, I still view them as a 'cheat' and you will get more exercise from a non assisted bike and get fitter sooner. I know others will chip in to say that's wrong but it's my view anyway!
My wife has a Specialized E bike and I'll admit it's very impressive but just not for me (yet!).
I started cycling during the lockdown and bought an ebike. I’m 45 now and the ebike got my fitness up enough to use a regular bike. I can now handle 60miles on my regular bike. I prefer drop bars and gravel bike geometry to bolt upright though, easier on my back.
Check out the cube e hybrids. They are hard tail mtbs with Bosch motors, reasonably priced too.
Check out the cube e hybrids. They are hard tail mtbs with Bosch motors, reasonably priced too.
vaud said:
Okay, go easy on me....
Mid fourties, out of shape (and overweight but not massively so), used to love cycling (mostly mountain bikes). Live on the edge of the Yorkshire dales with a mix of roads including the Tour de France 2014 route, etc on my doorstep.
Haven't cycled foryears decades. No interest in getting to competition level but would be nice to get to 50-70mile loops over time. I prefer a more upright position rather than a roadbike.
Before leaping to a solution or a specific bike, can this forum help me with what I should be considering... getting measured / advised for an older returning rider, any good hire services to try before you buy, any experiences in building back confidence on the road?
Many thanks.
Depends if you want off on on road. Trek Powerfly mountain bikes with Bosch brilliant, for road or hybrid road the Specialised Turbo Vado with Brose motors really impressive. Mid fourties, out of shape (and overweight but not massively so), used to love cycling (mostly mountain bikes). Live on the edge of the Yorkshire dales with a mix of roads including the Tour de France 2014 route, etc on my doorstep.
Haven't cycled for
Before leaping to a solution or a specific bike, can this forum help me with what I should be considering... getting measured / advised for an older returning rider, any good hire services to try before you buy, any experiences in building back confidence on the road?
Many thanks.
I have and enjoy both, an e-bike and a regular bike.
Obviously the regular bike will get you fitter faster but the ebike is a whole lot of fun.
The ebike lets you cover much longer distances.
My ebike has 5 levels of assistance and level 1 and 2 only supply a small amount of assistance, good for fitness purposes but you have the knowledge that the other levels are there if you are tired and want some more assistance getting up those hills.
Be warned, as the saying goes, You try an ebike, you buy an ebike.
Obviously the regular bike will get you fitter faster but the ebike is a whole lot of fun.
The ebike lets you cover much longer distances.
My ebike has 5 levels of assistance and level 1 and 2 only supply a small amount of assistance, good for fitness purposes but you have the knowledge that the other levels are there if you are tired and want some more assistance getting up those hills.
Be warned, as the saying goes, You try an ebike, you buy an ebike.
Dalby Forest has E-bike hire if you want to try, I've been round there on a regular MTB and was fun, but hard work!
https://www.dalbyforestcyclehub.co.uk/bike-hire/#b...
https://www.dalbyforestcyclehub.co.uk/bike-hire/#b...
vaud said:
bennno said:
Depends if you want off on on road. Trek Powerfly mountain bikes with Bosch brilliant, for road or hybrid road the Specialised Turbo Vado with Brose motors really impressive.
Road + occasional dry forest trail / disused railway line.Barchettaman said:
Get an e-hardtail. Bosch mid drive. Enjoy.
I have and as others say above. ticks many many boxes. add a Suntour suspension seatpost too for comfort on the ass,ecsrobin said:
I have a CX bike, a XC FS bike and now as I don’t use them I need an E-bike. I see both Bosch and Shimano motors and I think a Yamaha developed motor, any to keep clear of?
I had a giant with Yamaha and that was very good, the trek Powerfly with Bosch is very good, the brose equipped specialized are most normal feeling.Go see Stu and the team here:
https://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/
You can have a go on a few bike types, try some gravel riding, some MTB, some ebike etc
https://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/
You can have a go on a few bike types, try some gravel riding, some MTB, some ebike etc
snotrag said:
Go see Stu and the team here:
https://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/
You can have a go on a few bike types, try some gravel riding, some MTB, some ebike etc
Great, thanks! I have friends up the road near the CB Inn so can do both! https://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/
You can have a go on a few bike types, try some gravel riding, some MTB, some ebike etc
vaud said:
snotrag said:
Go see Stu and the team here:
https://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/
You can have a go on a few bike types, try some gravel riding, some MTB, some ebike etc
Great, thanks! I have friends up the road near the CB Inn so can do both! https://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/
You can have a go on a few bike types, try some gravel riding, some MTB, some ebike etc
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