E-Bike for re-gaining fitness
Discussion
So a potted history first.
Started (road) cycling again in earnest in 2009, first sportive and Rapha jersey in 2010, first good Italian bike in 2013, climbed Mt Tiede for first time in 2015, first Cat 4 race that same year - I'm sure you get the idea and a journey that is no doubt familiar to a goof few of us.
All but 1000 of these miles are until the end of 2019.
I share all this because I gave up cycling almost entirely at the on-set of Covid. I used to commute 2-3 times per week (25 miles ea.way) which gave me free training time and all of a sudden I was sat on my arse WFH replacing my miles ridden with bottles of wine consumed.
Fast forward to today and and I'm 15Kg overweight, with almost zero fitness and wondering just what the f
k to do with myself.
I've tried Zwift/Kickr but it brought on a hip injury but what I have enjoyed immensely is my Cube Hybrid Compact Pro (E-town bike) to blast around town on as well as hiring E-Mtbs in the Yorkshire Dales. I've also hired Specialized Creo's in the Canary Islands and loved it, even with my extra 15Kg!
I guess what I'm after isn't really advice but more inspiration from those who may have taken a similar path.
Started (road) cycling again in earnest in 2009, first sportive and Rapha jersey in 2010, first good Italian bike in 2013, climbed Mt Tiede for first time in 2015, first Cat 4 race that same year - I'm sure you get the idea and a journey that is no doubt familiar to a goof few of us.
All but 1000 of these miles are until the end of 2019.
I share all this because I gave up cycling almost entirely at the on-set of Covid. I used to commute 2-3 times per week (25 miles ea.way) which gave me free training time and all of a sudden I was sat on my arse WFH replacing my miles ridden with bottles of wine consumed.
Fast forward to today and and I'm 15Kg overweight, with almost zero fitness and wondering just what the f
k to do with myself. I've tried Zwift/Kickr but it brought on a hip injury but what I have enjoyed immensely is my Cube Hybrid Compact Pro (E-town bike) to blast around town on as well as hiring E-Mtbs in the Yorkshire Dales. I've also hired Specialized Creo's in the Canary Islands and loved it, even with my extra 15Kg!
I guess what I'm after isn't really advice but more inspiration from those who may have taken a similar path.
Yes, get an e-bike.
I had over a decade off due to knee issues, got an eMTB, I was 21kg overweight, regained fitness, lost all that weight, got back onto unassisted bikes, not looked back, thoroughly enjoy my cycling again. That was 4 years ago.
E-bikes are a great way to regain fitness after a long time away from cycling.
I had over a decade off due to knee issues, got an eMTB, I was 21kg overweight, regained fitness, lost all that weight, got back onto unassisted bikes, not looked back, thoroughly enjoy my cycling again. That was 4 years ago.
E-bikes are a great way to regain fitness after a long time away from cycling.
I can't speak for everyone...
However, Ive ridden MTB for years but was never super fit / bursting with stamina and so about 10 miles trails was my limit and climbs would kill me.
Add kids and my seat time dropped off a cliff, my fitness dropped (though didn't gain weight) and when I did go out I was struggling, getting frustrated and so the downward spiral continued.
My little boy, now 6, was making me look bad on a bike and trying to ride with him, more so helping him up climbs was just impossible and juggling work, family, life... I just couldn't commit more time to get fitter.
So, I bought a full power e-bike at the end of summer and it's completely transformed the situation. I'm back really enjoying riding it and so I'm doing way more miles, so I'm getting better and fitter and I also tow my little boy up some serious gradients and in turn, his ability has come on leaps and bounds.
Ignore the eBike hate, they're really rather good but you still get out what you put in. More you put in, more you get back.
However, Ive ridden MTB for years but was never super fit / bursting with stamina and so about 10 miles trails was my limit and climbs would kill me.
Add kids and my seat time dropped off a cliff, my fitness dropped (though didn't gain weight) and when I did go out I was struggling, getting frustrated and so the downward spiral continued.
My little boy, now 6, was making me look bad on a bike and trying to ride with him, more so helping him up climbs was just impossible and juggling work, family, life... I just couldn't commit more time to get fitter.
So, I bought a full power e-bike at the end of summer and it's completely transformed the situation. I'm back really enjoying riding it and so I'm doing way more miles, so I'm getting better and fitter and I also tow my little boy up some serious gradients and in turn, his ability has come on leaps and bounds.
Ignore the eBike hate, they're really rather good but you still get out what you put in. More you put in, more you get back.
Davie said:
I can't speak for everyone...
However, Ive ridden MTB for years but was never super fit / bursting with stamina and so about 10 miles trails was my limit and climbs would kill me.
Add kids and my seat time dropped off a cliff, my fitness dropped (though didn't gain weight) and when I did go out I was struggling, getting frustrated and so the downward spiral continued.
My little boy, now 6, was making me look bad on a bike and trying to ride with him, more so helping him up climbs was just impossible and juggling work, family, life... I just couldn't commit more time to get fitter.
So, I bought a full power e-bike at the end of summer and it's completely transformed the situation. I'm back really enjoying riding it and so I'm doing way more miles, so I'm getting better and fitter and I also tow my little boy up some serious gradients and in turn, his ability has come on leaps and bounds.
Ignore the eBike hate, they're really rather good but you still get out what you put in. More you put in, more you get back.
By 'full power ebike' you mean 'illegal motorcycle'?However, Ive ridden MTB for years but was never super fit / bursting with stamina and so about 10 miles trails was my limit and climbs would kill me.
Add kids and my seat time dropped off a cliff, my fitness dropped (though didn't gain weight) and when I did go out I was struggling, getting frustrated and so the downward spiral continued.
My little boy, now 6, was making me look bad on a bike and trying to ride with him, more so helping him up climbs was just impossible and juggling work, family, life... I just couldn't commit more time to get fitter.
So, I bought a full power e-bike at the end of summer and it's completely transformed the situation. I'm back really enjoying riding it and so I'm doing way more miles, so I'm getting better and fitter and I also tow my little boy up some serious gradients and in turn, his ability has come on leaps and bounds.
Ignore the eBike hate, they're really rather good but you still get out what you put in. More you put in, more you get back.
I've spent a few years riding (and loving) e-bikes, but I'm currently back to manual indoors with a dedicated smart bike and Zwift.
You can get as much cardio out of an e-bike as a manual bike. That is very clear from my Garmin watch. However the e-bike resulted in me losing leg strength as I'm not a fan of grinding out hills.
You can get as much cardio out of an e-bike as a manual bike. That is very clear from my Garmin watch. However the e-bike resulted in me losing leg strength as I'm not a fan of grinding out hills.
TheFungle, I feel your pain!
Similar path upwards, through to racing and life being dominated by 10-12 hrs week training. Got very very fit, down to 6% bf, and just couldn’t get enough. My issue was my back started being a problem two years ago, and my interest quickly waned to avoid the pain. Now alot better after physio and regular Pilates, but probably now 8kg over, and feeling lardy. For the first time in 20yrs I got out of breath the other day which was a shock.
I’m really not one for New Years resolutions (why wait!) , but the timing of my ‘shock’ coincides nicely with the new year start and I’m now itching to get back on my bike. Something has clicked and I’m feeling really motivated again.
I think do anything you can to remove the barriers. If it’s an e bike then that’s cool. If it’s going off road (always more enjoyable off road than on when the weather is sour) then look at riding off road. Maybe try a turbo again but on a rocker board which might help with avoiding hip injury. Maybe hook up with some friends so you don’t bail, and it’ll force you to get out whilst the weather is crap.
The biggest barrier I face is that I’ve got used to using 10hrs a week for other productive means. But I guess it doesn’t have to be an either / or.
Best of luck getting your mojo back and getting inspired. It will come!!!
Similar path upwards, through to racing and life being dominated by 10-12 hrs week training. Got very very fit, down to 6% bf, and just couldn’t get enough. My issue was my back started being a problem two years ago, and my interest quickly waned to avoid the pain. Now alot better after physio and regular Pilates, but probably now 8kg over, and feeling lardy. For the first time in 20yrs I got out of breath the other day which was a shock.
I’m really not one for New Years resolutions (why wait!) , but the timing of my ‘shock’ coincides nicely with the new year start and I’m now itching to get back on my bike. Something has clicked and I’m feeling really motivated again.
I think do anything you can to remove the barriers. If it’s an e bike then that’s cool. If it’s going off road (always more enjoyable off road than on when the weather is sour) then look at riding off road. Maybe try a turbo again but on a rocker board which might help with avoiding hip injury. Maybe hook up with some friends so you don’t bail, and it’ll force you to get out whilst the weather is crap.
The biggest barrier I face is that I’ve got used to using 10hrs a week for other productive means. But I guess it doesn’t have to be an either / or.
Best of luck getting your mojo back and getting inspired. It will come!!!
Edited by thepritch on Monday 1st January 12:02
thepritch said:
TheFungle, I feel your pain!
Similar path upwards, through to racing and life being dominated by 10-12 hrs week training. Got very very fit, down to 6% bf, and just couldn’t get enough. My issue was my back started being a problem two years ago, and my interest quickly waned to avoid the pain. Now alot better after physio and regular Pilates, but probably now 8kg over, and feeling lardy. For the first time in 20yrs I got out of breath the other day which was a shock.
I’m really not one for New Years resolutions (why wait!) , but the timing of my ‘shock’ coincides nicely with the new year start and I’m now itching to get back on my bike. Something has clicked and I’m feeling really motivated again.
I think do anything you can to remove the barriers. If it’s an e bike then that’s cool. If it’s going off road (always more enjoyable off road than on when the weather is sour) then look at riding off road. Maybe try a turbo again but on a rocker board which might help with avoiding hip injury. Maybe hook up with some friends so you don’t bail, and it’ll force you to get out whilst the weather is crap.
The biggest barrier I face is that I’ve got used to using 10hrs a week for other productive means. But I guess it doesn’t have to be an either / or.
Best of luck getting your mojo back and getting inspired. It will come!!!
Given I had 2 separate attempts at the Kickr and both resulting in injury, it's not something I'm going to pursue any further (Kickr for for sale!) but I appreciate the rocker board suggestion. Similar path upwards, through to racing and life being dominated by 10-12 hrs week training. Got very very fit, down to 6% bf, and just couldn’t get enough. My issue was my back started being a problem two years ago, and my interest quickly waned to avoid the pain. Now alot better after physio and regular Pilates, but probably now 8kg over, and feeling lardy. For the first time in 20yrs I got out of breath the other day which was a shock.
I’m really not one for New Years resolutions (why wait!) , but the timing of my ‘shock’ coincides nicely with the new year start and I’m now itching to get back on my bike. Something has clicked and I’m feeling really motivated again.
I think do anything you can to remove the barriers. If it’s an e bike then that’s cool. If it’s going off road (always more enjoyable off road than on when the weather is sour) then look at riding off road. Maybe try a turbo again but on a rocker board which might help with avoiding hip injury. Maybe hook up with some friends so you don’t bail, and it’ll force you to get out whilst the weather is crap.
The biggest barrier I face is that I’ve got used to using 10hrs a week for other productive means. But I guess it doesn’t have to be an either / or.
Best of luck getting your mojo back and getting inspired. It will come!!!
Edited by thepritch on Monday 1st January 12:02
I am toying with simply getting back on the gravel bike but quite frankly, the initial slog back to fitness fills me with dread!
Just start again, wipe the slate clean forget about what you did and start again nice and slowly built it up just like you did before, just get back on your bike and go from there that coupled with a change in calories will see you back in shape and fit again, there aren't any hacks to this stuff.
Same thing happened to me during CV-19 consistent effort and time is all that is needed.
As above, just do it! I was a sceptic until I got my eeb then the first ride was the closest I've ever felt to being a kid again, I was giddy AF as it was just pure FUN!
I still ride normal bikes, always will as the E is a very different thing all round to ride but it has its place and I love it. I find it improved my fitness as it motivated me to get out when I otherwise wouldn't have bothered and when I ride it, I still put the same effort in, just go faster and further...
There could be an argument about leg strength but I've not noticed it as like I say I still ride normal bikes as much as I can along with my smart trainer for when the weather is crap.
I still ride normal bikes, always will as the E is a very different thing all round to ride but it has its place and I love it. I find it improved my fitness as it motivated me to get out when I otherwise wouldn't have bothered and when I ride it, I still put the same effort in, just go faster and further...
There could be an argument about leg strength but I've not noticed it as like I say I still ride normal bikes as much as I can along with my smart trainer for when the weather is crap.
Edited by bobbo89 on Monday 1st January 20:06
Have you tried just jumping on your bike and seeing what's what?
After a decade off the bike, even now if I jump on I can spin for an hour and be enjoying 2-3 hour hilly rides in 6-8 weeks of getting out every few days.
Last spring I nearly bought an ebike, the only thing that stopped me was not being able to get the cycle to work scheme to purchase it. Then I got out on my crappy old bike and realised I didn't really need the assistance anyway. I think I'll get one if I get out often enough that I get bored of the local stuff as it'll let me get out to further away stuff as well.
After a decade off the bike, even now if I jump on I can spin for an hour and be enjoying 2-3 hour hilly rides in 6-8 weeks of getting out every few days.
Last spring I nearly bought an ebike, the only thing that stopped me was not being able to get the cycle to work scheme to purchase it. Then I got out on my crappy old bike and realised I didn't really need the assistance anyway. I think I'll get one if I get out often enough that I get bored of the local stuff as it'll let me get out to further away stuff as well.
I was ok on the bike a few years back. After it all getting a bit serious with training and coaching it became a chore. Then I got a kidney stone and never got the same buzz again. Have been out on e-MTB and enjoyed it, but, it literally took 3 rides and I was wanting a harder workout. I sold the bike and have dipped in and out recently. Perversely the pain of getting fit on a standard bike is half the appeal, but I do understand why e bikes are popular, you can do crazy stuff at much lower level of fitness.
Horses for courses. Ride what you want and whatever makes it enjoyable. That's it.
Horses for courses. Ride what you want and whatever makes it enjoyable. That's it.
I bought an E - MTB (Rockrider EST900) and haven’t looked back.
Yes it’s easier than a normal MtB if you mirror your effort but what I have found is that I have simply ridden faster, further and longer as it’s more fun.
What I like about it most is you can climb obscenely steep hills off road with the only concern being not falling off the back, then go down and enjoy them.
I have found that I have explored more places as I’m not worried about coming back up a massive hill after a wrong turn.
My average HR is usually around 133 (34 YO overweight) on a long ride which shows I’m still putting the work in.
Yes it’s easier than a normal MtB if you mirror your effort but what I have found is that I have simply ridden faster, further and longer as it’s more fun.
What I like about it most is you can climb obscenely steep hills off road with the only concern being not falling off the back, then go down and enjoy them.
I have found that I have explored more places as I’m not worried about coming back up a massive hill after a wrong turn.
My average HR is usually around 133 (34 YO overweight) on a long ride which shows I’m still putting the work in.
TheFungle said:
Given I had 2 separate attempts at the Kickr and both resulting in injury, it's not something I'm going to pursue any further (Kickr for for sale!) but I appreciate the rocker board suggestion.
I am toying with simply getting back on the gravel bike but quite frankly, the initial slog back to fitness fills me with dread!
Yeah, I wondered if it would be wise after I posted. Sorry. Trying to think of ways to ride given the weather has been awful. I am toying with simply getting back on the gravel bike but quite frankly, the initial slog back to fitness fills me with dread!
That slog - I’m also dreading it. Love numbers/training so I know when I get on the bike it’ll be 75% excitement, 25% crushing disappointment. However remember, the slog disappears quite quickly if you were well trained before as it sounds like you were. Maybe time the first gravel ride back with a crisp sunny winters day - hard to go anything but ‘wow’ on days like those. Best wishes going forwards
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff