I'm a Cheater?!
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Let's talk about e-bikes. I can't for the life of me understand why some cyclists are so against electronic bikes. In my opinion they are almost all positive when it comes to the world of bicycles and transportation in general. In this video I put together a review bike from Tenways while discussing my thoughts.
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Ok you made me cry. I ride an assist trike ,and I know now with my health issues without an assist I wouldn’t be riding at all . Thank you sir . I love your videos they make me happy. I love learning from you .
Your smile at the end says it all. Anyone who hops on an ebike for the first time will get the same smile.
*the first time but not forever. They do serve a purpose tho! 👍
Yeah - so much fun!
I had a blast on the second ride too - I'll keep a counter going for you.
I was always of the 'okay, but not for me' view. Until I hit cardiac issues and live in hilly area and had to avoid acute stress - I'm 62. It was go 'e' or don't ride. I bought an e bike. Then I got past my health issues, returned to my gravel bike. But I take the ebike when maybe I don't want to sweat buckets, and for commuting. You are absolutely correct that most ebikers come from cars, I talk to so many non cyclists who entered the two wheel world via ebikes. Good on you for putting a spotlight on this
Tim - I think you'll have a lot of fun with this new bike. Three things 1) My nephew owns an e-bike. He doesn't own a car. A lot of money can be saved by not owning a car. 2) I stopped in the local Specialized bike shop a few weeks ago. I asked if they have seen people improve their health with a bike. The answer surprised me. They said they have seen a lot of people do it with e-bikes. There is just less pain and you can go farther and longer. 3) Last summer on the local bike path i was passed by an older couple. They were in their 80s. They told me they had about given up on biking until they got the e-bikes. Thanks for your video.
100% I was working to ride this thing at top speed - I was just going faster than usual. I've thought about that - when my car dies do I buy a cargo e-bike? Maybe. Cheers!
I have to say your opening comments made me challenge my own thoughts and opinions on ebikes. After watching this video, and after some thought, I concluded my biases against them were off base and unwarranted. Truly. As a bicycle commuter and pleasure rider, I agree, the more biking.....whatever the type, is a good thing and brings more demand for infrastructure. Also, ebikes open more types of folks to get out there. This video and your few words showed me I was wrong in my negative attitudes towards them. Thanks for the video.
Andrew
Hey Andrew - I love to hear that.
I had a client in the studio the other day who literally said he kind of wanted an e-bike but didn't want to be seen as a wimp. I asked him how he got to the studio. "In my car".
Okay - "case closed" I said.
Ebikes got me back into biking. And I ride mine because of time. I can get in a longer ride on my ebike. Love the channel and content!
oui
CST = Cheng Shin Tire. The company that makes Maxxis tires. They've been around since 1967.
Ah - thanks!
Since Nov 2023, I've owned an emtb (for various reasons). Can't ever see me giving it up. I quickly got over feeling embarrassed about it. Still ride my analog bikes, but having an emtb comes with many benefits and adds to my cycling enjoyment.
I can't see a reason to be embarrassed about them. They are so much fun.
I built an ebike from a 2003 Gary Fischer 26er mt bike with disc brakes. I put an air fork on it and a $1000 750 watt mid drive motor kit, its a beast. I can go to places I would never be able to ride on a regular mt bike, its super fun. I ride it the least of my bikes but I dig it. It was expensive to build up but I still like and enjoy it.
Nice.
I'm like you, I don't own e-bike, mountain bike, fatbike or carbon frame bike, but I don't have any problem others have them. I like bike touring so gravel bike is what I need and have. I totally agree your explanation about ebikes. It's great for people who enjoy them and people who other way wouldn't ride. 😊
100%. Yes - I will still ride my gravel bike for almost everything....but one day the e-bike might be a necessity. It really is a lot of fun though. I beat the rain home last night riding at 20 mph - but didn't even turn on the motor on my way out.
I appreciate your perspective, Tim, about bike etiquette and new riders, and I agree. I would also add, at least in Texas, that though bikes are considered vehicles with their own set of requirements for lights at night, stopping at Stop signs, etc., there is barely a passing reference made to them in any driver certification program. There would be no harm in the addition of 1-2 pages related to bikes (analog and digital).
100% Rules/laws are going to have to progress - especially in the cities as they are already starting to add wider lanes for all the new riders.
I agree with you Tim, E-bikes get some folks out that otherwise would not leave the couch. It would be interesting to try it as a commuter. I enjoyed the look on your face on the first ride.
You'll have to take it for a spin one day. This one is nice because it is totally rideable without the motor on flat ground.
Tim, I bought my ebike late last summer, mostly as alternative transportation and for running errands. I, too, was amazed at how the motor makes a huge difference in speed as compared to peddling without assist. Instantly, you can go 28 mph on a flat with not a ton of effort. And therein lies the rub. The only downside to ebikes is the speed that otherwise inexperienced cyclists can achieve and maintain without already having the needed bike-handling skills. For that reason, newbies on the Tow Path or Hike and Bike Paths can be dangerous to others without fully understanding why. Otherwise, I am with you in advocating for ebikes.
I really think it is just something that will have to change over time. This country is a little laxer with a lot of the regulation on e-bikes and where they can ride too. I think it will work itself out eventually.
I often say how the first few nice days in Spring is the worst on the trails - everyone comes out and doesn't know etiquette. People chatting walkng dogs can be just as dangerous as an e-bike - same with guys in spandex!
Cheers!
Excellent point on eventuality of infrastrucure with more people riding. Hadn't thought of that. Overall excellent perspective on e bikes. Anxious to hear your Tenways review.
Thanks!
E-bikes are a blast for sure. I have a Ride1Up Roadster V2 (also belt drive and single speed) that I purchased for commuting to work 3 years ago. I also recently purchased a Velotric T1 ST E-Bike from a local dealer. The Velotric is a lot easier to mount a rack onto and hydraulic disk brakes are very confidence inspiring. My Velotric came with CST "City Parkour" puncture resistant 700 x 40 tires that give a pretty bone jarring ride. I swapped them for some WTB Riddlers in 45 which promptly flatted on a large thorn on the local paved bike path but they are soo much more compliant :-) Not a really viable option for a short term review bike but lighter tires are worth considering. With all that extra rolling weight from the heavy rear hub motor and heavy built rear wheel every bit helps with acceleration when not using the motor. For reference my CSTs are 750 grams per tire and the WTB are 475 grams tire - that's 9.7 ounces less weight per wheel!
Interesting - thanks for sharing. I thought the bike would ride way worse with the tougher tires but it isn't that bad. I think tire inserts that MTB riders are using might make sense on ebikes.
Preach on!!! As you said you have people with bad riding habits without e-bikes. Yes it will increase somewhat with e-bikes and there will be some people riding faster than they should for their skill level but that's it. The positives far outweigh any of this so I totally agree. Personal choice. Purists will just have to live with it. If your riding for exercise just go farther. You can explore new areas and make it more exciting and therefore more likely to ride. ++. I would have one now if they were more affordable. I was just getting used to the motorless sticker shock since getting back into cycling. I can imagine how expensive these things will get.
Yes - why worry about what someone else is doing with their free time in anyway? If someone is playing video games are these purists going to complain? lol. I'm surprised how good this one seems for the price. It is cheaper than a normal steel gravel bike with mid range components. Cheers!
Hi Tim - I re-started cycling during lockdown in 2020 at the tender age of 63 not having ridden for 40 years - I made slow progress getting fitness back as I found it took a long time to recover between rides. I bought an ebike to allow me to get up steeper hills and take more regular and longer rides, the fitness geeks who accuse of 'cheating' should think of doing a half power workout for 3 times as long - it might suit a persons fitness to stay out of the red zone when building themselves up. 4 years on I now ride a mix of rides, and as my fitness has improved use the ebike less. A few observations on all the predictable comments, firstly there is great confusion between the different classes - pedal assist like mine, and the one which you are trialling where you always put some effort in and the motor boosts you is the best of both worlds. The comes the twisty grip throttle brigade with their greater power rating, and finally electric motorbikes by any other name. Here in the UK 'e-bikes used anywhere other than private land must not provide powered assistance beyond 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and maximum continuous rated power up to 250W'. As others have noted, the food delivery industry is passing electric motorbikes off as e-bikes and ripping up and down pavements amongst pedestrians - the first town centre bans on ALL bikes in certain area's are now being seen! In addition over here we are blighted by certain individuals riding Surron electric bikes and the like on our trails, spooking horses and walkers - and of course the un-informed think a ban on all e-bikes is then required. Basically, its complicated......
Most balanced comment in the discussion, thank you!
Your story is similar to a lot of ones I've heard. Thanks for sharing that and the other comments. One thing I think the haters keep forgetting though is that bikes simply aren't workout machines to the majority of riders in the world - they are transportation. Its very elitist for a spandex clad(usually middle aged white dude) to just hate on the way people choose to get around. But I guess they think the same thing about people on the bus when they drive to work in their gas guzzling SUV.
@@TimFitzwaterFor me it’s the fact that my weight is down 30 pounds, my blood pressure has fallen 30 points and my back no longer hurts. That’s why some of us are imploring people to stick with analog bikes. Why are you bringing age and race into the discussion? My goal is to hold out until I’m 70 as I NEED the exercise.
@grumpycyclist3319 because you can get a workout on an ebike….but regardless - most people don’t ride bikes for exercise anyways - it’s classist and elitist to think that is the case and at the least ignorant of the world.
@@TimFitzwater Im just trying to understand how huffing and puffing down the trail on a $400 Kona Dew is classist and elitist. And why polarize your channel?
Tim...shaved , eh ? And E-bikes are great , horses for courses ! I saw them in the Alps a few years ago , and it was the way to go , cruise up , blast down !! My LBS has test rides every so often , and I've tried em ...oh yeah , fun and why the hell not ? Too many snobs in cycling , its too bad cuz its foolish .
I went out on it last night and it was a lot of fun - didn't even need the assist on the flats.
Hey Tim. I gave up on e-bikes for the time being. My reasoning is different to most people. I got into e-bikes as a commuter in the mid 2000’s. I won’t bore you with the details but I worked my way up the ecosystem to a Dutch name brand in 2011. Each step of the way I encountered failures in different parts of the e drivetrain that led me to disposing of parts and bikes far earlier than what I considered a reasonable life cycle. At the time Bosch centredrive came in I decided to get out of e-bikes altogether because I could see myself with a proprietary frame that either needed expensive repairs or total disposal. I honestly wouldn’t get another one until my life expectancy and bike life expectancy is approximately equal. They are a pain to work on. I got into bikes when the commuter and sporting cycle industries were diverging into increasingly proprietary territory. In that world it is only worth having a limited number of bikes because the cost of specialist parts and service skyrockets.
I would guess this has already changed a lot with the dramatically bigger numbers being manufactured - but I'm a newb at this. I do know the battery tech has advanced significantly. The same is true of electric cars - shops are starting to get their techs trained on them - but it is still a newer thing....
There have been a lot of improvements in just the last few years. Reliability is improving. Batteries are improving. Motors are improving. E-bike specific components are becoming available. There's some really excellent stuff on the market these days.
I don't see the issue with mid-drive motors being proprietary....they're essentially just part of the frame and not something you'll likely upgrade. And of course they are serviceable and replaceable. Bosch has excellent documentation for repairs and good parts availability, I work on them from time to time and have found it to be pretty painless. Everything else on the bike is bog standard stuff you can swap out with whatever you want. It's a big improvement over hub drive motors.
Sounds like you just got the experience that many early adopters have, they did kinda suck back then. That's changed dramatically and will continue to do so as the technology matures and greater sales volumes prompt further development.
I wasn’t convinced until my 85 year old dad converted one of his (many) bikes and it has given him a new lease of life and I’m sure it has extended his riding days into his 90’s
I myself now feel the need after two minor knee surgeries and I find I can’t do what I used to do. I’ve just got to save up the money for what I’d like to buy.
Yeah - being able to stay on two wheels is huge!
Tim, so enjoy your vlogs! A regular guy having a regular conversation. I think E bikes offer something for everyone. I would rather see someone out riding an E bike and enjoying the outdoors than not be out there at all because their physical ability is impaired. When I first heard about them, I though they were like motorized "minibikes" and self propelled. Certainly not. I agree with the others, you do you E bikers! I can still pedal but when I can no longer do the mileage.....I'm getting one!
Thanks! I definitely wouldn't have had one at this age without the channel - but it sure is a blast!
I bought an eBike on FB Marketplace last year and you totally hit my use case. I ride mine as an alternative to my car, I have plenty of other bikes if I want to get a workout. Sometimes I just want to go to the store in street clothes without being covered in sweat.
Heck yes! Why would anybody be against that?
I'd love an ebike for running around my area just cant afford one. Cant get why people have problems with them. that one is pretty slick looking too.
There are some pretty affordable conversion kits.
I could not agree more on your e-bike opinion. My father was a lifelong biker and when he realized he was not keeping up...he bought an e-bike. It kept him out on the bike for an additional 15 years. Anyone that has witnessed that benefit has seen the power (no pun intended) they can provide to a person's quality of life and lifelong passion. Most of these purists are not as pure as they think they are.
100%
Great video. I ride with the Yeti group and was having problems trying to keep up for the whole rides. Talked to Otis about it and bing bang boom now I am riding a Ebike with the group. Problem solved. I was a little self-conscious at first but the group was very supportive. I cant always do the crazy things we do on the rides but that is okay. Its all about riding bikes and having fun.
Nice!
My dad got an e-bike about a year and a half ago, without it we wouldn't have gone on any of the rides we've done together. I've been considering biking to work a day or two a week, and if I had the money to drop on one I probably would, just to keep the sweat levels down 😅. I could see myself using it in place of a car sometimes too. I never thought about how more e-bikes could help increase biking infrastructure, a lot of good reasons to not hate on e-bikes.
Interested to see how the one you got holds up long term, and what your friends think of it.
For sure.
Yes - I'm hoping the quality on some of these sub-two thousand dollar bikes is getting them to a good place. It is an advantage of the hub drive too - easier to work on. Cheers!
"if you're riding a bike, you're doing it right."
Heck yes!
I like to think I won't get an ebike until my body tells me I need one. Hopefully by then, they'll be super light, efficient, and dirt cheap. In the meantime, I will continue the transfer of my resentment completely onto Segways. I'm sorry, but living in a city full of electric vehicles in narrow bike lanes can feel extremely dangerous at times.
That was my plan. But to your second point - that is why we need to take more space back from cars - like NYC & Paris are doing. Enforcement will need to catch up too. There was no such thing as a driver's license or speed limit when cars where invented.
I owned one for 3 years. Main use was commuting 9 miles to work that didn’t have showers. They are fast and fun
I think the smile at the end says it all!
😁
My only issue with e-bikes is that the typical person riding one isn't used to riding as fast as an e-bike enables them to ride. Additionally, e-bikes are much heavier. When you combine speed and weight, with an inexperienced rider, and put that combination on the bike trail / path, it's a dangerous, obnoxious combination. I feel like these are motorized vehicles so they shouldn't really be on paths where motorized vehicles are prohibited. If they could be limited to 12 or 14 MPH I might feel differently. Really--how much difference is there between some of the heavier e-bikes and a moped? But nobody would agree that mopeds belong on bike trails. Or would they?
False narrative. Just stop it with the BS, and get a handle on your ego
Mopeds and scooters are allowed on regular bike trails in Canada. It took a little getting used to, but not much. Niagara Falls is worth riding on both sides of the border.
Many cyclists can achieve 20 mph on trails - I've had more issues with roadies blasting by me not saying anything on highly trafficked trails than e-bikers. We will get used to it and e-bikers will start to learn the culture. There will always be bad actors - no reason to shame all e-bikers like many car drivers like to do to us cyclists.
🤙🚲🙂🚲🚲 cool. Hopes your mom gets one! I have not made it to the livestreams in awhile but I’ve been running it back and watching staying tuned in. Thanks for making content i absolutely love bikes and the many many forms they operate 👍❤️
Thanks! Cheers!
I have a friend that owns a bike shop in Prospect, OH. He sells Tenways, Lectric and Aventon among other brands. He has a lot of models available for testing and will order what you want. I have had the opportunity to test ride a bunch of E-Bikes.
I've ridden this particular Tenways model and I really enjoyed it. The power delivery is very smooth. If I lived in a large urban area with a decent public transportation system, I would have an ebike, alas, I live in central Ohio. But an ebike would be excellent in an urban setting with lots of stop and go traffic
A lot of older people are buying ebikes. People that wouldn't ride a bicycle otherwise. I wouldn't be surprised if bicycle related accidents rise at the same rate as ebike sales.
There should be bicycle safety classes for ebikes... Like Ohio's basic motorcycle safety course.
I am impressed with how well this bike handles for the price. It really does inspire confidence in traffic with the acceleration. I'm not really onboard with putting obstacles in place to buying any kind of bikes. You can go jump on any bicycle and ride down a hill at 40 mph. Common sense may be getting less common but I still think its about personal responsibility.
Great video and perspective on e-bikes. Like you, if I could afford one, I’d probably have one. I’ve thought about building a frame around a mid-drive motor and battery kit, but I’m gonna have to wait until the prices come down (a lot). Looking forward to the ride report.
Right off the bat it was a blast - I rode 14 miles last night only using the motor on hills and then to beat the rain. Full vids soon....
Well done! I really enjoyed your style in this video. You and Edmund were both equally entertaining. If riders have the bike best suited for their needs and desires, they will be happier, which will make them friendlier and the world will be better! No hate here for the e-bikes. There will probably be one in my future. Love that they keep getting better for the time that it becomes a part of my life inventory. Again, excellent video - very enjoyable!
Thanks! That was always my thought too - by the time I want/need one they will be rally good and almost indistinguishable from other bikes. I really did take this one to get the conversation going and let other people try it. Cheers!
E bikes are great! I just rode one for the first time at my grandparents believe it or not. They are not bike people at all. It they got them a handful of years ago and fell in love with riding. So if e bikes get my 75+ year old grandparents out exercising to some degree, I’m here for it!
Heck yeah!
paused the content at 3.57 to tell ya, outstanding content!! great edit, thanks
Thank you!
People often get more exercise when they get an ebike. They simply ride more often than if they have a normal bike.
Exactly- a regular bike sitting in a garage does nothing.
Hi Tim, I really enjoy your content and after this video and some other research, I decided to get one of these as my first ebike for a commuter and grocery getter! I'll get mine soon enough to find the answer but in the mean time and for others, could you please comment on the accessory attachment points on the CGO600 Pro? I haven't really been able to spot any place to attach a bottle cage and I'm thinking some bags or other creative solutions may be in the making!
Awesome! I would seriously consider ordering their rack. I wasn't able to fit the rear racks I have here to the bike. I really don't understand why there are no cages but with a bit of searching you can find ones that use rubber straps(can't think of a brand off the top of my head). I still love the bike but those are two downsides. I have put a Carradice Bagman on the saddle which works with my Swift Zeitgeist to haul stuff. I'm also considering putting the Velo Orange Utility Bars on the front - the rack is mounted directly to the bars. I will show all of this in videos soon.
I also got a commission from your bike so thanks so much!!!!!
@@TimFitzwater Glad to hear it! I tried to order some of the lights from your links too but all of the rear ones I liked were out of stock. I got the bike yesterday and I assembled it and took it out for about 10 miles. I really like it! Superhuman Strength is a great description of the experience. It's like you start pedaling and suddenly you're at 16MPH. 😀It is a bit stiff and yes indeed, not many places to attach things. As soon as I got home I made a list of a few things I'm going to try. I checked my local shops and got what I could and then I ordered a Planet Bike rear rack (the Tenways was out of stock) and I'm going to try to switch things up and put Granola Bars on it and a Knog Oi bell. I got an Ergon saddle and grips -- I've never had either so was looking forward to trying them out. I'm going to put one of those stem "feedbag" type things from a local vendor that can hold a bottle or some snacks and a bag under saddle for tools.
I do what I would call reverse cheating on my e-bike, turn off the motor when riding up hill. Climbed about 500 ft on 50lb ebike with motor turned off. The good thing about ebike is the power is there when you want it. Like I always say when you go downhill skiing you typically ride the chair lift up. What ever gets people riding more is a good thing
I rode last night and the bike was great without the motor on the flat - I only turned it on to get up hills and beat the rain on my way home.
@@TimFitzwater Nice, Yes that is how I use my e-bike pedal with your own power when you can and use the power when you want/need it. I may have missed it in your vid, what is the total weight of your e-bike? As you get more familiar with it over time you will find how it fits your bikelifestyle. Mine is a beast at 50+lbs, it is full suspension Trail BIke EMTB, I have other acoustic bikes for day to day rides
Great episode. Keepin' it real.
A balanced discussion regarding both sides of the issue would be helpful. Most importantly there is a huge difference between what you have here and the throttle e-bikes i.e. glorified mopeds. While there is a need for pedal assist e-bikes for many folks there is also the American tendency to never stand if you can sit and never sit if you can lie down. We see e-bikes on our wilderness trail system where they aren’t allowed. This is a new thing and the e bikers are not yet integrated into our various cycling clubs nature clubs etc.
Throttled e-bikes are still better than cars. And the idea that someone will break the laws or rules isn’t a reason to stop a technology. That happens everyday on the road with all kinds of road users. My thoughts are that e-bike’s positives far out weigh the negatives - I’m not searching out reasons to knock them as many people love to do for some reason.
LOL at your Dustin Klein video comment! Who ......... is he?
He is another cycling UA-camr. My early videos always got compared to his but I didn't know who he was at the time. His channel is really, really good though. www.youtube.com/@DustinKlein_
Guaranteed your heart is beating faster on an ebike than the guy on the couch with a bag of Doritos. #itisabike #getonyourbike
If an ebike gets people out then go for it. I love the idea of flattening hills on a commute to work.
The serious question I have is are we not going to discuss the clean shave?? 😄
I shave a couple times a year🥸
That is how I rode it last night - no assist on the flats - just kicking on the motor on the hills.
ebikes have a bad rap because at lest in big cities every uber (food delivery) driver has one most if not all are full throttle on the sidewalk. from what I seen most are very inexperience cyclist pushing 30-40km/h. The rules around ebikes seems to be a mixed bag here (Toronto) some trails say nothing some say no 'motorized vehicles' . I lean more in favour of all the ebikes being pedal assist only, just seems too easy to let someone who hasn't biked before go ripping down a trail. On a side note local commuter train (GoTrain) just banned all ebikes that don't have a certified battery.
** also Tim needs some wires cutters for those zipties ;)
Again though - it is about the rider and the enforcement of(or writing of ) rules. There are roadies who blast by me on busy trails at the same speed e-bikes can go. Everybody had to go through training to get a driver's license but people speed and roll stop signs all day long.
I remember the fixed gear riders calling me cheater for having gears still bitter😂😂😂 Just go outside and have an adventure.
100%
Well said, we agree fully on this topic and you basically said everything I would say if I had the platform to do so.
I don't own an e-bike, nor do I plan to any time soon....but I think they're great for all the reasons you listed. I'll certainly own one someday whenever time catches up to me and I need the extra help to do what I love. I have a few riding buddies of a more advanced age for whom this is already the case. Hard to tell a literal former pro racer that he is cheating just because after 65+ years and a significant medical issue he chooses to ease the load on his body. He could probably switch the motor off and drop me if he really wanted to.
One area of interest for me is electric cargo bikes. I'm involved with a non-profit that has started dabbling in them and they are very cool. I can see them being at least a seasonal car replacement for many people, and in fact we've gotten a few folks to make the switch already. You can haul two kids or a weeks worth of groceries on the back of one of these things, no problem. The ones we have are amazingly stable and easy for almost anyone to operate. Fun, too. They're also, for the moment, very expensive....but that will change.
E-Bikes are a good thing. I assume anyone who complains about them just has a fragile ego that can't handle getting passed by someone they deem to be a lesser cyclist.
100% Also - its quite classist and elitist to only think of bikes as work-put machines. That is not how most of the world rides bikes. NYC is already enlarging their bike lanes to accomodate more cargo e-bikes. I will seriously consider one when my car dies(yes - I will drive it until it doesn't make financial sense to fix).
For every new bike rider that doesn't know the rules on a trail seeming to be rude, there are 20 or 30 walkers with dogs, kids or friends taking up the whole trail like they are the only ones on it.
100%
very nice video, once more, Tim !!!...i have ten e-bikes and 20 muscular bikes....all are good !!!!!!!!! mich in France......europe.....
I hope someone will figure out how they will recycle the used batteries as it is still a problem to dispose the batteries from electric cars💡
For sure. Still better than gas vehicles that are everywhere.
Blasphemy!
I'd love one Dustin, but can't afford it 😢 be interesting to see it's range and climbing ability.
Btw you're looking 12 years younger without the beard.
This one is supposed to be able to climb a 10% grade. Going to fully test it but last night rode up a 5% grade at 16 mph. Range is stated at 53 miles.
@@TimFitzwater Mmmm, not too shabby. It's a remarkable measure of tech that this weighs 15kg and my Reynolds framed mountain bike is 14kg.
is that a cgo600?
Yes. I will do a full review - out riding it now and it is a lot of fun.
I remember in 2010 when I pissed off my whole town by mounting a 49CC two stroke on my old Trek 930 MTB. And took the lane! I made a sign "MOPED" on the back. Full lights, an air horn. What a dick I was. Totally legal. I became a legend in the hispanic community. 8 YO boys went WHOA!!! Eventually I sold the motor to a police cadet. In my new town here, they have drug cartel gangs doing wheelies on ATV's down mainstreet every thursday. There's also a guy on a completely silent electric unicycle, who does 50 MH (yes 50) around the popular park loop , Wait 'till he runs over a kid. He wears a dark visored motorcycle helmet. Cops here aren't doing anything. There's a guy on You Tube lobbying to stop a recent Ebike ban in Key Biscayne FLA. because an E-biker killed an old woman. so 60 day ban. How's that gonna help? Yes, some people are just stupid. It's an imperfect universe. I know adout 6 people who love their E-bikes , I myself am a bit paranoid about the exploding LION battery thing. There are different grades and types. Pretty sure they had ebikes in the 1920's.
One con:The farty old guys at the bike Co-ops and bike shops refuse to work on them, so You're stuck with either DIY tutorials if you bought it online, or taking it to your dealer.
Just like anything new though right? Hopefully the tech and infrastructure start to grow together. NYC is already enlarging the bike lanes.
Nailed it! Ebiker here.
Last week, seen two kids riding there E-bikes with feet up on the top tube just holding the throttle down
This one is only pedal assist. Fixie riders do that too.
@@TimFitzwater I guess if it has two wheels, we’re just all the same then.
E-bikes are 35-40% of our sales annually. That’s thousands of people if you consider we have sold e-bikes since 2008-9. That’s a huge community to alienate. The amount of e bike nay sayers in Northeast Ohio astounds me,m. Like you mentioned, the more people riding, the better, and the more cycling infrastructure will happen.
I’m glad you got one to try. I’d love to see you try a gravel or adventure e bike. We would be happy to have you out to try some at some point.
The haters blow my mind. I will have to make another video addressing some of the weird attitudes from the comments(though the majority were still positive).
I shaved last night 🌙 😂
Thanks for this video! Ebikes are fabulous! I finally decided to get one to support my commutes after I rode my pedal bike across the country. 😅 One of the best decisions I made. I ride for transport and utility and don't care about exercise (which yes, I am getting either way).
I took mine to a dinner party on Saturday - and same - I wasn't out for exercise. It was nice to not get in my car.
I’ve always enjoyed your videos but none more than this one. Cheers
Thanks!
E bikes are a great addition to being able to enjoy the ride. that is why we do it.
Thanks!
Thanks so much!!
spoke too soon on “don’t need be a bike mechanic”
We will see! 😅 might have you button it up.
You no longer look homeless, then it struck me, you shaved. 😄 Late, like really late in life I bought an e-bike for around town then an eMTB for the awesome rides around Grand Junction. In my 30-40’s I rode streets only with a max of 5500 miles one year. I love being back on two wheels.
HA! I do shave a couple times a year. e-mountain bikes are going to continue to get more and more popular - it opens that style of riding to a lot of people. Cheers!
Long time "Cyclomaniac" sez E- bikes are fun! Although I don't own one now,I can see one in my future of decrepatude!😂😆👌
That is what I always thought - I'll get one when I'm a bit older.
"it's so fun", yup. How do you know if somebody is riding an ebike? They're smiling!
I ride e-trikes…comfortable and just fun!
🔱
...something something dark side...
welcome!
😎
“Studies show that people aren’t riding e-bikes instead of bikes” How can you possibly collect that data? I’m always curious about conclusions based on data that is impossible to collect.
The pros & cons of electric assist aren’t that black & white. I do see e-bikes as a long term health risk for some. Watch people who ride e-bikes, they learn to use the motor more and more, but that means there’s less weight on the pedals, so they sit upright. They are non-weight bearing, and thinking that they’re getting a workout.
On the flip side, there are group rides which don’t allow e-bikes. Those are cyclists who don’t understand how group rides work. I’m talking about fastish paceline rides where riders get to put in some effort. Sometimes riders get dropped, and all learning stops because they are no longer in the group. When I was coaching I would drop back, get the dropped rider on my wheel and pace them back in. That’s no easy task, I have to sit up to make the best draft for the dropped rider, and I would have to ride just a little bit faster than the group to close the gap. That is the perfect application for an e-bike.
You do studies and collect data by asking people - you use the scientific method. Studies by surveys are very common. So that kind of invalidates the second point - because some exercise is better than none. I don’t agree that most people use the motor more and more - a lot of the comments on this video mention people getting into cycling because of e-bikes. I can tell you that personally I still got a workout on this one the other night- even when I used the motor I just used it to get up to top speed - so I was still pedaling fast - just going faster than usual. But people can use tools however they please - bikes don’t have to be workout machines - it’s a weird elitist attitude to think so because it isn’t how or why the majority of bicycles are ridden worldwide.
@@TimFitzwater data collected by survey is always going to be skewed. The scientific method would be observation, which is what I do. I work in a bike shop, a number of employees were early adopters of electric assist, all of whom were cyclists before that. If you asked them they would say they still ride just as hard, but the truth is they’ve all gained significant weight and can’t run up a set of stairs any more. I thought that 8 people in a large bike shop was too small a sample, so I checked the other area shops - same exact thing. Bikes don’t have to be workout machines, but the human body has minimum requirements to remain functional. It’s hard to look at bicycle transportation in American cities vs Chinese cities and think we’re doing something right. They have simple commuting bikes, nobody talks about getting a workout, it’s just how they get places. They age better than we do. It’s an unpopular opinion, but it’s not wrong.
I am with you on e-bikes. I think whatever gets you out riding, it is fair game.
My only complaint is when they half wheel on an e-bike on group rides.
Anyone who half wheels tho!🥸
nyc is lowering speed limit to most streets to 20mph. Increasingly, more bike lanes, allowing the roads to be more multi use friendly. Welcome to the dark side Tim. Cheat until your hubs fall off! citibike electric ebikes which are awesome. I have my own regular bikes but ebikes are so much fun. Just try to use bikes with good batteries so they don't blow up while charging. Putting out an electrical fire is not the same as a regular fire. Sad to see in NYC all the shops and residences destroyed by battery fires (low quality batteries). Everything else about ebikes seems super fun!
I have read that. I really wish the batteries were more regulated. Haven't had any problems with this one but I don't charge it when I'm not around.
Cheers!
@@TimFitzwater also where you charge. Not near entrance or exit or close to flammable stuff. The fire is bad on its own but when it catches hold of other things nearby is when shit hits the fan and maybe not even while your sleeping because you wouldn’t notice it until it’s too late.
I put it on a metal tray. Not that that would solve all the problems. The charger and battery never get hot on this one - but I still like to be close. Anyways - as mentioned hopefully regulation catches up with these.
No thanks, I'll stick with EPO for my cheating. Just kidding, I find myself far afield sometimes and a little oomph for the return trip into the wind would be awesome.
Last night I rode it mostly without the motor on but then blasted home when it unexpectedly started raining.
eBiking is not a crime
I should try one these.
You should take this one for a spin.
BECAUSE YOUR RIDING A BIKE WRONG, JUST BUY A MOTORCYCLES 😂😂😂
lol
Riding is riding. Does not matter what you ride.
100%
Only problem is the possibility of the battery exploding or the polluting of the ground and water.
There are cheap bikes being sold with cheap batteries that have had problems. It is still exceedingly rare for batteries to malfunction though. E-bikes are far more environmentally friendly than cars by a long shot. So no, this is not a big problem.
...and the batteries that have caught fire have mostly been during charging - still a nightmare but its not like they are exploding on rides.
I've ridden bikes all my life, then about 4 years ago, I bought my first Harley. I'd be a hypocrite if I ripped on someone for having an E bike
I don’t really like E-bikes not because of the whole “you’re cheating” thing but because they are dangerous. A point I heard from a friend was, “When cars became electric, they still had to be on the road, and you still needed a licence. When motorbikes became electric you no longer needed a listened, you don’t pay road tax, you don’t need to follow the laws of the road, and you can cycle it on the sidewalk.” I know that they are electric bikes, but they have basically the power of a cheep motorbike. Pedal bikes can also go fast but the main thing is that human endurance runs out, a motor can go as fast as needed (if you follow one of the many “how to delimit your e-bike speed” tutorials) for long periods of time. I feel the same way about electric scooters and that they don’t belong on the path, they don’t belong on the road, they just don’t belong anywhere. Especially considering that a 12 year old can get their hands on one and become an unlicensed motor vehicle. I know that it’s probably not going to change though, or at least it won’t until either a huge amount of people die on them, or somebody considered socially important dies on one of them. That’s just my opinion though.
Wow. Do you know how many people die driving every year? It’s insane. Bikes and e-bikes are so much safer. The motor on this one cuts off at 20mph. It also has a power on password. You’re just off base. Sorry. I can easily ride my bike faster than this thing can go and at top speed this is going to go maybe 40 miles? It’s illegal in most places to ride on the sidewalk . What kind of weird right wing talk radio shows are you listening to?
@@TimFitzwater Yes, many people die driving, but because of the electric bikes people are dying walking because of the stupidity. As I said before, the problem is that you can sustain high speeds for long periods of time. If you looked it up, which many people do, you would find that there are tutorials galore of how to get more power out of the motor. It is actually not illegal to ride an e-bike on the sidewalk. Even if where you live it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk, it isn’t enforced, which it should be. I say that if there is a motor in your vehicle, it should require a license, road tax, as well as having harsh punishments. Btw huge fan of the vids.
E bikes are nothing but a motorcycle. Nothing like pedaling
You are completely clueless. There is no throttle on this bike. I’m taking a beer break on a ride right now and I’m still pedaling - I’m just going faster. Pay attention and learn something before typing ignorant comments.
I guess an old man like you can’t handle the
Miles anymore. You now
Need assistance.. go ahead and admit it. And yes an e bike is nothing but a motorcycle.
It pedal assist you moron. I got it for free and it is fun as eff. I still ride 120 miles a week on my normal bikes. Make another comment so I can ban your Lance Armstrong cock-sucking loser ass from the channel.
100 percent! Whatever it takes to get more people cycling
I agree with you. I have friends who bought ebikes so they can keep riding into their golden years.
Tim, I just recently obtained an e-bike and have taken a couple of "longer" rides. At 77 yo, this bike has enlivened my passion to get off the couch and go. A friend, who is 65ish, thinks I'm a wimp, but he hasn't been on an e-bike as yet. 😅 I noticed also that you have shaved😂. I enjoy your channel
Does he think your a wimp when you drive a car, take plane, a train, walk? Such a ridiculous attitude. Tell him to grow up - its getting late in life! Cheers brother - keep riding what makes you have fun!!!!
Welcome to the dark side Tim (hahaha) I'm 65 years old was a cyclist most of my life, getting back into it two years ago I went the E Bike route, I now have two E bikes a Giant Mountain bike and a Aventon Adventure 2 fat tire bike, The mountain bike makes me work for it getting a good work out and getting my heart rate pumping. The fat tire being a class 3 bike is a tank and doesn't require much effort if needed although I don't rely on the throttle much at all both bike I've been logging 30-60 miles each weekend. I don't think its cheating and like others on this topic if the bike is getting someone outdoors and off the couch then it's a good thing. Would love to see some organized e bike rides in the greater Cleveland/Akron area. If you want to try either of my bikes let me know I can make that happen.
Awesome! Its so strange that people can care so much about what someone else rides. No one says anything when I drive my car! I do want to try sme other e-bikes so I have a frame of reference for what this one is like.
@@TimFitzwater I ride the CVNP quite a lot maybe we'll cross paths. Enjoy your ebike.
Anyone on a any bike of their choosing is a welcomed addition to the community in my opinion.
2 things:
A) How long will the motor be available, repairable, the mount supported for replacement motors? Will there be replacement motors? So what’s the picture in 20 years from now? Don’t tell me I should buy a new bike, then. That’s AS. I love my bikes hold a life long until they’re stolen.
B) similar to above, what’s up with Battery repair, replacement in 20 yrs? How will the battery be recycled?
How many cars from 20 years ago are on the road? Not very many. I keep hearing this about e-bikes somehow not being environmentally friendly - um - compared to the alternative they are. Your questions are decent ones - but I think the products are a bit new to have all the answers yet. There is electronics recycling where I live. I will ask about how reparable the motor is on this bike before I do the full review with all the specs. This motor is in the hub so no reason it wouldn't be replaceable though - one of the advantages over the mid-drives is the simplicity.
This could not be more timely because I used to be an e-bike snob because of all the bad behaviors I've seen: speeding on sidewalks and MUTs to name a couple. Of course that's not the bike's fault. But I'm coming around to the idea that "a little help" might be okay when bike commuting with a load or in unpleasant conditions such as windy days. I just have to decide on platform (drop bar road vs flat bar mtn style) and it needs to accommodate rack and bags for shopping, brining stuff back and forth to work. Great content. Keep up the good work.
I'll mention it when I review this one but I thought it was weird there isn't a good way to put a front rack or basket on it. The brand does sell rear racks though. Wha is the point of a bike like this if you can't carry things?
I think like anything e-bikers will get better and with improving infrastructure that will help too. NYC is alreay planning enlarging their lanes to accommodate cargo e-bikes to get box trucks off the roads.
Hard to take serious.... its 4/1... we'll see....
Ha! I didn’t even think of that!
How long do the batteries last and are they recyclable?
I plan to look up all those specs before the review video. They do take these batteries at many electronic recycling centers. There are definitely negatives in the manufacturing of e-bikes and ebike batteries- but when you compare it to what goes into a gas or electric car - it’s better. Again - people aren’t buying these over regular bikes - they are buying them and staying out of their car.
Ride what you got. ride it often. I know one day I’ll be riding an e-bike, but I’m grateful right now where that’s not my ONLY option. Same with recumbent bikes
Ebikes are fine. Also, love the shaved look!
I’m out on it now and it is a blast! Thanks! Heard will be back - I like the clean shaven look - I just hate shaving.
Well done.
whatever keeps a person riding, is my stance. once i am an old fart i will prolly get an e bike. and put my pedal bikes on the wall.
That is what I figured for myself too. I took this one because it looked decent enough and made it so I could talk about the topic from a place of a little experience.
@@TimFitzwater I wrecked my L5 S1 disc at 26, so I am all for team, "whatever keeps ya on two wheels". Peace and love bro!
I own a gravel e-bike. 250 watts enough for a slight tail wind. It's just part of the stable for when I'm feeling la..... huh , not into a hard ride. 😛
The fear I have with e-bikes is the non existent enforcement of e-bike classification on trails.
Right now you can find YT videos on how to modify the speed restrictions on any e-bike. While working on trail I have had e-bikers brag to me about their home built e-bike that can go 40 mph. and then proceed to chase down mtb'ers on the trail. I have seen e-bikers in full moto kit tearing down a bike path passing walkers , runners, hikers and families with strollers .
When the injuries start to happen in numbers from e-bike collisions the managers of that infrastructure will ban all bikes. That's how they put out the fire. especially with the lack of funding for enforcement. Sounds like mess to me.
I really enjoy people twisting themselves into verbal knots when they try to explain away why a bike with an electrical MOTOR can't be called a motorcycle.😂
Have fun on the e-bike Tim.
Greg, as you are an e-bike owner that's a great opinion well said, unfortunately , it "sounds like a mess" to me also. Time will tell?
It will just take a bit of time like any new tech. NYC is starting to enlarge their bike lanes to better accommodate e-bikes. Maybe there will be a day when a lane is just for them. Most cities weren't built for cars originally either....
Most people are not modifying their bikes though and are limited to the 20mph of class one bikes. Just like cars though - nothing can stop someone who wants to break the law - enforcement will have to become a thing.
I think e-bikes are great for all of the reasons you gave. The main issue with them is that it gets new bicyclist going faster than they may have the skills to keep themselves and others safe, especially the throttle ones. I don't own an e-bike, but I definitely feel that there will be one in my future.
You have to remember - anyone can jump on a bike and bomb a hill at 40mph - it is all about personal responsibility. We have speed limits but don't actual limit how fast cars can go and 40,000 people die every year in the US.
Well said, Tim, your reasoning for not owning those other bikes, simply wouldn't use them enough to justify the expense. And I, too, am weary of the e-bikes-is-cheating excuse for not riding one, nothing wrong with one in the hands of a rider who makes the most of it for commuting or pleasure or whatever. And I am frankly flummoxed that e-bike conversion kits have not become a more popular go-to for lots of riders. I took a flyer on one from Green Zone Bikes, just a 250w front-hub motor with a throttle and Samsung battery, and I mounted it to a 26" mountain bike with the battery stashed in a rear pannier and talk about useful, that converted bike has saved me from the wrath of the time clock at work a number of times because I was either running late or the weather was miserable with wind or whatever on my 14-mile journey over hill and dale. And what sold me on the package was the Samsung battery. They make good electronics and I figured they made good batteries, too, and indeed, so far, so good with my low-power kit from Green Zone Bikes. Plus, I should add that I considered the Swytch kit from England but they sold them in batches a few years ago, maybe still do, and I was outside their sales window and didn't want to wait.
Nice. I think the conversion kits haven't caught on as much yet because a lot of people simply aren't aware of them or are nervous to do the conversion themselves. I have been offered a few - I should try one on the vintage MTB.
I had a specialized turbo here in SF for a while. It was amazing for getting around the city. It paid for itself the first year. Normally I didn't mind cycling places and I did it a lot, but I'd show up sweaty and insane. The hills here are nuts. The e-bike was something I'd take no matter how tired I was as well.
Awesome!
Took about half a second to wonder what happened Tim spring cleaning? Just kidding you look good though I still like the beard. Now I have to restart the video and listen to what you’re saying. Thanks again
Ha! - yeah - I shave once or twice a year.
“They’re cheating on their workout…” Who cares, it’s not your body or your workout even *if* that was true.
100%. It’s such a jock thing to say.
Looks like it would be a solid commuter bike
I think so - I'm going to take it to a photo gig tonight. I've still only been around the block on it.
Love ebikes...
My sister in law had a hard time keeping up with the family when we went on bike rides. She bought a Rad ebike and now is in the front of the pack. I haven't bought an ebike because I know I am lazy and won't ride my acoustic bikes. XD
Nice. I found myself only turning on the motor to go up hills or when I was racing the rain home last night. So as expected - I still got a decent workout.