Do you have a parent, child, partner or friend who you’d like to introduce to the joys of cycling, but they’re concerned about keeping up with your well-tuned, endurance-loving self? Or perhaps you yourself are not quite in peak shape and you feel restricted by your own capabilities? Or maybe you’re plagued by dodgy knees? Or perhaps your co-workers hate you because you fill the bin with wet wipes after an improvised ‘shower’ every morning after your commute?
If any of the above speaks to you, maybe you (or your friend) should consider an electric bike. Here are three key reasons why your next bike should be electric and then a few options that might suit you.
1. Endurance
The prospect of being capable of riding further, faster and for longer is an attractive one to any cyclist, but the fact is, that most of us are held up by our stamina, the comfort of our saddles and our position on the bike. Ebikes are not motorbikes, you must still pedal to trigger the power assistance, so riding one will consume energy. However, in comparison to your average road bike, you will burn through your reserves a lot slower, allowing you to endure for longer. Another advantage, favourable for commuters, is that by not having to put quite so much force in, you will not sweat quite as much, and of course there’s the (huge) added benefit of getting help on the hills. Why would you not?
2. Fitness
Contrary to some assumptions, there is a physical requirement to electric bike riding; the vast majority will not generate any power unless the rider applies force through the pedals. Essentially, electric bikes demand the same action from the rider but they provide extra power, sometimes adding in the region of 500W to the pedalling. This makes ebikes particularly attractive to those just starting out who want a gentle introduction to the sport but who want to ride with others. Many ebikes will come with a tuning feature whereby you can dictate the level of assistance required, so as you get fitter, you can make it harder for yourself.
3. Social
We’ve all got friends who we would like to ride with but who are either too fast or conversely, would struggle to keep up with us. Ebikes are particularly good at getting groups of different abilities riding together.
A women’s bike with a traditional step-through frame design that is perfect for urban commuting and exploring in comfort. It is easy to control and features Giant’s proprietary SyncDrive motor that gives a smooth and silent ride experience.
The Trek Dual Sport is the ultimate hybrid bike which offers a comfortable and efficient ride on the road as well as on slightly rougher terrain. With the look of a lightweight hybrid urban explorer, the Dual Sport is well equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, Trek’s discreet Steps motor and Bontrager finishing kit. For a balanced, smooth and versatile all-rounder, you get a lot for your money.
{Giant Road E+2:35245}
There are not many road specific ebikes on the market just yet, but with the aptly named Road E+2, Giant have combined their keen knowledge of performance road bike design with e-power design to create a fast and powerful machine. This sporty number will get you to work feeling fresh but will also look at home on any club run with full Shimano Tiagra groupset and disc brakes.
