E-Bikes Are All the Rage. Should They Be?

Two new studies shed light on whether pedal-assisted
electric bikes  provide good exercise, and 
how safe (or unsafe) they might be.

By Gretchen Reynolds, Aug. 19, 2020

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/well/move/e-bike-safety-exercise.html

Is riding an e-bike good exercise? Is riding an e-bike safe? With interest in and sales of pedal-assisted electric bikes surging during the pandemic, those questions share a growing urgency. Two timely and soothing new studies of e-bike riders’ exertions and injuries suggest that the answer to both questions can be a qualified yes, though anyone riding an e-bike needs to remain aware that the experience is certainly cycling with a kick to it.

Riding an eBike in the Rain

Today, we got caught in the rain while on a ride.  What would we have done if we were on an eBike? I added the answer to that on the FAQ page.

Latest Input on eBikes from WIRED Magazie

Most Versatile Bike

Yamaha Wabash E-Bike

A gravel bike is a versatile choice for everything from daily commuting to gentle weekend bikepacking trips. The Yamaha Wabash (7/10, WIRED Review) is more affordable than the Turbo Vado SL, and I used it for everything from heading to my local coffee shop to hitting (some) trails on the weekends. Yamaha's custom motor and zero cadence trigger are powerful enough to let me start up in the middle of very steep hills. It also has rear rack mounts, an LED headlight, and a little bell. I did find its slim wheels and lack of shock absorption quite jarring on rougher roads. Specialized also has a very nice gravel-ready electric bike.

https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-electric-bikes/

How (E-)Cycling Can Keep Post-COVID Cities Moving

Pedaling Through Pandemic: How (E-)Cycling Can Keep Post-COVID Cities Moving
Wednesday July 16th 12:00-1:30pm

In a short time, the coronavirus crisis has forced communities worldwide to reevaluate their mobility networks, especially as public transportation faces reduced capacity for the foreseeable future. Enter the bicycle, which—in combination with an electric pedal assist—is filling a portion of the gap. This webinar will discuss how cities across the globe are adapting their streets to this new reality and are working to ensure this ‘bike boom’ sticks long-term. Register for the webinar here.

BEST EBIKE

Specialized Turbo Vado SL Equipped

      When I had to return this electric bike (9/10, WIRED Recommends), I almost cried. The tiny, but powerful, custom motor and slim battery are integrated into the frame, so it doesn't even look like an ebike. The XS frame weighs 33 pounds, only a few more than a regular steel bike. It has a hybrid frame with flat handlebars that make it easy to maneuver on a variety of surfaces, whether you're scooting along at 28 miles per hour or bumping through trees at your local park.
      Specialized's Smart Control system means you don't have to adjust assistance while you're riding, or worry about having enough battery to get home. A hidden shock in the head tube cushions the blow from any unexpected potholes. Even the accessories are top-notch, like long, flexible custom fenders that sluice water down and away from you in the rain. I put 40 miles on it in three days. It was so fun that it was hard to hop off.
https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-electric-bikes/

I did a scan of eBike offerings from Trek and Giant.  Specialized is at least a year ahead of everyone.  My only concern is this eBike outclasses everyone else by such a significant margin that it may be too good to be true. Tom

Also check out https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a22132137/best-electric-bikes/ 
Although this article is dated in May 2020, it most likely was several months out-of-date when published,

Carey's New Toy

From: Carey Rogers 

I’ve been there since 2016. I give unsolicited advice all the time.  I bought one of these just for fun and I’m waiting on delivery.

https://www.swytchbike.com/

Mine is a Trek with  a Bosch mid-drive and it’s been great.

---

From: David T Irvine  

Hi Carey, I like the Swytchbike concept and low weight, I can see this on my venerable Trek 520 which has touring gearing adequate to get me home if I ran out of battery juice. 
Thanks for the link!

---

From: Tom Evans  
Here is a video on the Swytchbike 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FroqiezWWAM  

and a review
https://electrek.co/2019/10/31/review-swytch-electric-bike-conversion-kit/ 

The company is offering discounted “early bird” prices. The Eco kit is listed at US $394, the Pro kit is listed at US $490 and the Tour kit is listed at US $738. All of these prices are around 50% of the MSRP.

Ross's eBike Thoughts

From: ROSS SHERMAN Date: Jun 17, 2020 Subject: Re: H2O 2021
To: David Shumaker

Dave:
      Well its not too early to start considering an e-bike, I researched them 1 and half years before ordering mine. You are so right about fast changing technology. A number of people that I know still oppose them but when its time for you their comments will not bother you, I promise. Now rather than being limited to the streets around my house, i am back to touring and enjoying it. I like to ride and the e-bike has extended my ability to ride and hopefully for a few years. You will know when its time for you.
      I looked at and researched bikes by Giant and Trek. I had nearby dealers who could service them. I got a Dual Sport Plus made by Trek. This bike is not offered by Trek anymore, but I really like it, it sold for $3599.Works well for me. Its compares somewhat to the Trek Verve 3 Plus but has suspension fork, and 10 speed 11-42 and 700X 38 tires. I liked the Bosch motor and controller over the Shimano system on the Giant, so I went with the Trek. I put on a pannier rack and haul my gear in either one or two panniers and strap a gear bag on top of the rack. I have made 2 trips without SAG.
      I have no problems on the mountain roads in Virginia and have ridden some hard headwinds. This is working for me. Go to your local bike store, I am sure they will be happy for you to test ride several models.

Sincerely,
Ross Sherman

Dave Asks Ross about eBike

Ross

What brands did you consider and what bike did you choose?  Would you have any specific bike or feature recommendations now from your experience?    There are a lot of us that are coming to this point.  But this technology is so new and changing that at least I am still learning. 

Hope to see you pretty soon.

David Shumaker

Ross Gets Electric

From: ROSS SHERMAN
Subject: H2O 2021

Bob, I am looking forward to May 2021, I am definitely in for the ride. Dave referenced my e-bike. I have had it 14 months now and ridden it 2600 miles. Really helps the old legs and stamina on long hard climbs and takes the sting out of a hard headwind. Keeps me in the game. I will continue to stay in condition and try to stay healthy and be ready to go in 2021.