Worth going to an e-bike (pedal assist)?

[AllAboutRides]

This might sound weird to a lot of people but I'm just curious to find out....

 

 

I've recently tested the Spez Turbo Levo....Jeeeeezzzz it was an awesome outing and I really brings back the fun in riding a MTB!!!

 

For 6 years I've been riding a MTB (non pedal assist) and been doing quite a few races but ever since I've tested the Levo.....I want one, but will find it hard to sell my sworks for an ebike!!!

 

Will there be any ebike categories at races in the future?

[marko35s]

Ahh the difference between a want and a need brilliantly summed up right there 

If you want it and can afford it go for it.

[AllAboutRides]

Ahh the difference between a want and a need brilliantly summed up right there 

If you want it and can afford it go for it.

Hahahaha!!!! The only way I can afford one is by selling my sworks epic

[Pulse]

Hahahaha!!!! The only way I can afford one is by selling my sworks epic

In that case, the answer to your original question would be: NO

[Eugene]

What's the point? If pedalling is not your thing, then buy a motorbike. They are much cheaper to buy.

[eccc whippet]

at first i thought an ebike was a gimmick for lazy people...it is but there are a few advantages...

 

you could explore and ride further.

 

in my case...if i ride from home to meet up with the club...do the ride loop with the club then have to ride from DBN back to Pinetown it is a long uphill haul.

 

overweight...it could help you get up the really steep hills.

 

getting old...it will assist on the hills.

 

you really enjoy downhills and single track...you dont need a lift to the top of the mountain.

 

commute to work...dont want to work up a major sweat...just want to miss the traffic and be able to keep the bike safe in the office...rather than out on the street or in a parking lot...(cost and security)

 

the list just goes on and on...if I had R15 000 in my account right now...i would be investing in one...will certainly be looking into getting one next year for my assistant to use to commute to work and back... and yes i can claim everything as it will be the company delivery bike...i asked if we could have 4 delivery bikes...apparently not...only 1.

 

problem with a motor bike...

 

driver license

 

yearly license fee.

 

you have to keep it roadworthy...lights...number plate..etc ( not that you shouldnt riding a bicycle)

 

you cant take a motorbike on mtb trails...beachfront promenade...etc

 

they both have their pros and cons...

[BlackSnow]

This is exactly why I stay clear from test riding an e bike...I might just like it. Great question about future of these bikes in future races.

[AllAboutRides]

at first i thought an ebike was a gimmick for lazy people...it is but there are a few advantages...

 

you could explore and ride further.

 

in my case...if i ride from home to meet up with the club...do the ride loop with the club then have to ride from DBN back to Pinetown it is a long uphill haul.

 

overweight...it could help you get up the really steep hills.

 

getting old...it will assist on the hills.

 

you really enjoy downhills and single track...you dont need a lift to the top of the mountain.

 

commute to work...dont want to work up a major sweat...just want to miss the traffic and be able to keep the bike safe in the office...rather than out on the street or in a parking lot...(cost and security)

 

the list just goes on and on...if I had R15 000 in my account right now...i would be investing in one...will certainly be looking into getting one next year for my assistant to use to commute to work and back... and yes i can claim everything as it will be the company delivery bike...i asked if we could have 4 delivery bikes...apparently not...only 1.

 

problem with a motor bike...

 

driver license

 

yearly license fee.

 

you have to keep it roadworthy...lights...number plate..etc ( not that you shouldnt riding a bicycle)

 

you cant take a motorbike on mtb trails...beachfront promenade...etc

 

they both have their pros and cons...

 

The kind of answers I was looking for, thank you!

 

I'm 32 years old and 88kg...i've done a few stage races but getting tired of the competiveness and just want to have fun again!

 

But I know if I sell my current mtb....come next and all the races i've done previously like Wines2Whales i will regret that i've sell my mtb!!! LOL

 

Testing the levo really opened new doors to riding as you said....you can and want to go places where you have never ride before!

[shaper]

The kind of answers I was looking for, thank you!

 

I'm 32 years old and 88kg...i've done a few stage races but getting tired of the competiveness and just want to have fun again!

 

But I know if I sell my current mtb....come next and all the races i've done previously like Wines2Whales i will regret that i've sell my mtb!!! LOL

 

Testing the levo really opened new doors to riding as you said....you can and want to go places where you have never ride before!

^^ This should be the motivation to get lighter and fitter and go further especially as you are still young... but I guess is easier to pay for it, be lazy and get an ebike... seems you have pretty much made up your mind and just want some moral support to do so.

[Wayne Potgieter]

Actually I have been considering one as well.

 

I work 30 km from home with around 350 metres of climbs.

 

I desperately want to ride to work, but with limited shower access and not wanting to stink all day I am considering an e bike

 

Also, to get a motorbike license here is a rather involved process.

 

For the same price as a crappy motorbike I can buy a Levo.

 

Plus when I take my normal mountain bike to the forests of Rotorua or Woodhill, my wife can take the Levo and keep up and we can ride together for the whole day.

[WIPEOUT 1000]

I test rode a Lev 6 fatty at W2W and I cannot remember when I had so much fun on a bicycle.

 

I think it is important to note that it is pedal assist, i.e. no pedal, no assist. But if you give it some effort it virtually explodes up hills.

 

I would love to have one

[Wil6]

Actually I have been considering one as well.

 

I work 30 km from home with around 350 metres of climbs.

 

I desperately want to ride to work, but with limited shower access and not wanting to stink all day I am considering an e bike

 

Also, to get a motorbike license here is a rather involved process.

 

For the same price as a crappy motorbike I can buy a Levo.

 

Plus when I take my normal mountain bike to the forests of Rotorua or Woodhill, my wife can take the Levo and keep up and we can ride together for the whole day.

That makes sense. I guess it has it's plus points. 

 

Edit : The Strava junkies are going to freak out if these bikes hits the trails!

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

That makes sense. I guess it has it's plus points. 

 

Edit : The Strava junkies are going to freak out if these bikes hits the trails!

Only on the ups

[coppi]

Actually I have been considering one as well.

 

 

Plus when I take my normal mountain bike to the forests of Rotorua or Woodhill, my wife can take the Levo and keep up and we can ride together for the whole day.

Me too for similar reasons. I live in Northcliff and the climb back home is too much for the Mrs...........

[Hackster]

Spend a bit more, buy a motorbike and you'll have even more fun...

[The expat cyclist]

The next thing you know is that a woman will use an e-bike in a race so her husband can gain an unfair advantage and get podium.

 

The next day a fred will start on the hub questioning the above.

 

Some egos will be hurt in the process but we will debate it dammit. We shall stand our ground.