selling all and getting a cheating bike.

[Richard G]

Don't feel guilty Ton. Every time I've seen you out on the trails I've been impressed by your stubbornness and tenacity.

We can't control what our bodies do to us... but we do have a say in how we react to it. If I ever get to the point where I can't ride entirely under my own power any more (and I've had a few close calls with a blood clots / surgery), then I'll take an e-bike with open arms.

Lets just hope the battery tech continues to improve so as to match our stupidity... sorry, "drive", eh?

[Chicken Legs]

Could you hire an Ebike for a week to see if its what you really want ?

[Moder-dye]

I'd get an e-bike.

When I got my new bike (Topstone), back end of 2019 after knee replacement and heart issues I should have got an e-bike, but stupidity, ego and pig-headedness stopped me as it felt like giving up. 3.5 years later wish I had, but can't afford one now with not working. It means I'm constantly frustrated at not being able to do what I'd like, or constantly buggered from trying to do what I'd like.

I too would like to do easy paced tours/bike packing but know that if I did 3/4 decent days in a row I'd be recovering for a couple of weeks.

Edit: I did look at getting one of those bfang conversions, but they're not cheap, and I could be wrong thinking, but can't help thinking a made to be e-bike would be better.

[Cheeky Monkey]

I dislike the idea of an ebike because biking has always been about doing it under your own steam, for me. Plus, there's a simplicity and elegance to a "relatively" basic bike (setting aside the disc brakes, suspension forks etc ). I dunno, maybe it's just that I don't think plugs and bikes should be combined I'm an uninformed luddite though having never tried one.

Then again, I've never been big (or even average / sub-average) mileage and currently the mileage I happily manage is almost vanishing small

Go for it Ton. I doubt you'll regret it and you can always sell it on. Maybe try and change up a few of the things you do though so riding doesn't become too habitual. "Variety being the spice of life" etc etc.
Someone else elaborated on this earlier in better words than I can currently manage

[johnnystorm]

E-bikes keep people riding, and for that reason I’m supportive of them. I know someone with MS, and another guy late 70s, and they’ve kept them able to ride.

Amen to that, if the alternative is no riding then it's a no brained that it's a good thing.

For me, the grey area is as a replacement for a regular MTB. Part of biking for me is the suffering, and you lose a lot of that with the motor. Locally, E-bike riders seem to be wearing trousers even in summer, versus shorts for all the regular bikers, so it feels to me that it’s less effort.

I guess the counter argument is you can set your "suffering" level and use the ebike to get more miles, etc out of that effort.

There were riders in Thetford Forest yesterday with full length black tights, hi viz waterproofs/windproof on normal bikes in what must have been the warmest/driest conditions of the year. Some people are just weird!

I would simply say "Will it make you happier?" If the answer is yes, get it done.

[ScotRoutes]

Range: I read an article about the Orbea Rise which is an interesting bike. They've kept the weight low and battery small so as not to degrade the bike handling so much. It does have an optional battery extender but, even then, it's 70 miles max range.

https://www.surgebikes.co.uk/orbea-rise ... ange-test/


Clothing: yep. I frequently see ebikers wearing what appears to be their complete wardrobe while I'm in shorts. Maybe they're on their way to Iceland though(and not the supermarket).

[Pickers]

Go for it Tony! Make sure you keep riding, as has been said above even with a bit of help the advantages still outweigh the cons. But you’ll likely need two.
I was told I wouldn’t be able to ride any more a few years ago, I believed it would be permanent. I was gutted. Sold a few bikes, bought a Levo. Off road, hilly, utterly brilliant. But dull as everywhere else. Sold on.
Still gutted. I needed some of that “feeling” that we crave, I bought an Orbea Gain gravel bike that I’ve still got. I didn’t have the terrain on my doorstep that the Levo demanded, but the Orbea was spot on. Much lower power and discreet too, enough to get me riding (and just small enough that Mrs P can use it and ride with me now).
I know you’ve had ebikes before and sold them on. Please don’t dismiss them again.
I was lucky and managed to come out the other side but I still can’t ride like I used to be able to. I can manage on normal bikes but struggle if it’s lumpy.

[johnnystorm]

Range: I read an article about the Orbea Rise which is an interesting bike. They've kept the weight low and battery small so as not to degrade the bike handling so much. It does have an optional battery extender but, even then, it's 70 miles max range.

https://www.surgebikes.co.uk/orbea-rise ... ange-test/

Worth mentioning that's the M frame which is carbon. The alloy H frame isn't much heavier but has a 500wh-ish battery and I doubt the extra weight is enough to cancel out the advantage of the bigger battery. It too has a range extender option.

[The Cumbrian]

The main thing is that you'll still be getting out on the same routes and having a good time without damaging your health further.

My mate was a really keen keen mountain biker until he got cancer, and then stopped for a long time while he underwent treatment. He bought an EBike when he was regaining his health so that he could get fit and go out with his mates. When he regained his fitness, he was enjoying the EBike so much he kept it and sold his normal bike.

You're just adapting to your circumstances rather than having to pack in something that you love.

[fatbikephil]

Nothing much ore to add ton, but try not to sell your Fargo as it's such a nice bike....
A friend of mine was in a similar situation a few years ago and went for the e bike so she could get out. She kept her Jones as a motivator to get back to normal bike riding and now has both of them so the e-bike gets used if she is having an off day but the Jones is there for when she is feeling good.

[RobLyon]

I know 3 people with ebikes and all have had warranty claims. 1 is currently facing a 1k bill for a new shimano motor (torque sensor failed out of warranty) and being without the bike for a few weeks/months. The whole bafang kit is less than 1k and you can buy the parts seperately. I dont have one but its the only ebike i'm considering.

[PaulE]

Aaagh... Just typed out a big reply then pressed the wrong button...
Basically saying that my dad bought an ebike, Ribble e-gravel one, last year and it's brought his cycling back to life. He got it for age related rather than specific health condition (he's 73 now) but is a massive fan and out most days, 100+miles each week.

His reasoning for getting one was when he felt he didn't have enough gears to do the rides he wanted to, and decided that the cost/complexity was well worth it to get the range, freedom and general pleasure from being outside and moving.

[Mrs Burty]

I have an ebike and it lets me keep up with Paul (Burty). Which has always been an issue.I can get up rocky hills which I wouldn't attempt normally lol. I love my ebike it gives me more confidence.i have a full sus trek rail 7 and have gone as far as to buy a second battery so I can go back packing. We ride together now and not him waiting or looking behind for me all the time. So if you want to stay riding yeah and ebike is for you. You don't have to ride sat down in turbo all the time. I don't, you can still ride just with alittle help.you can ride in tour mode and use the gears like a normal bike and still use your legs and it still takes effort.
Peak District proper ride with one battery, riding with Paul and Martin did nearly 50 miles with one cell left. Starting with 5 cells.
I have done the winter bivvy and winter event and bivvied out over night on the Jenn ride but with my spare battery which I only changed with an hour to the end. So the batteries are good and can last miles of you use them right.
I would have done the WRT this year but couldn't get time off work but I will be there next year with ebike and spare battery in its proper backpack loaded up at the scales with everyone else.
Well I don't have any real excuse for an ebike I just wanted one and it has made such a difference riding with Paul. Be aware of you fall off as they are damn heavy when they land on you. I know broken ribs and a permanent dent in my leg, but without my ebike I won't have been as enthusiastic in the first place. Lol
Hope this helps. Do what you can to keep riding, that's what counts.

[ton]

thank you everyone for your replies. so ace input and idea's.
i am still in 2 minds has to what to do. to fund a decent ebike i will have to sell my fargo, which i really dont want to do. even tho i dont seem to be riding it much.
for the rides i am doing now a halfords bargain bin special would be perfect.
and that then gets me thinking, to get out properly i need a ebike..............

[yourguitarhero]

I've got one - I love it.
But I've always ridden for fun/being outside/getting places/chilling as much or more so than the exercise.

To be fair, I've got normal pushbikes as well but I'm also (relatively) young and in good shape.

If it's the difference between getting out riding or not, then it's a no brainer.

Anyway, here's a free one: https://off.road.cc/content/news/win-a- ... 2359-10229
Sort of

[ton]

Anyway, here's a free one: https://off.road.cc/content/news/win-a- ... 2359-10229
Sort of

and you would never believe it would you. the flat bar Cairn bravE is the bike i am gonna get once i decide.

[Specialist Hoprocker]

Due to long covid knackering my ability to ride with my mates without causing me horrible symptoms for days (sometimes weeks) after, i sold 3 bikes and bought an Orbea Rise about 2 months back.

It's been vaguely exciting. Perfect for the 2 hour blasts with mates, good for an overnighter last weekend, and even managed London to Brighton off-road overnight this weekend. I either would have avoided those things or suffered the consequences 10 weeks ago.

Feel free to drop me a message of you want details.

[ericrobo]

Ton, remember it’s the spirit that counts, not the mechanics nor the fitness nor anything else.

If you have the motivation that’s a really big big thing, and it doesn’t come from nowhere.

I’m getting on a bit now and still riding regularly, and if anyone asked me if I’d get an e-bike I’d tell them to bugger off… but there’s quite a bit of ego there too…

Watch this video “5000 feet on one battery”.

You probably know the Lakes and have probably ridden quite a bit in the Lakes, same as me…

I never fail to be impressed by watching this… (and the descents probably nothing to do with the battery but impressive)

So get one (and report back on riding from Honister up that BW west towards Fleetwith Pike…. or something a bit easier )

https://youtu.be/UBjlxnL6Sg8

[boxelder]

I was going to suggest the Cairn Brave, then read your post.
About to order Mrs B an Orbea Vibe - looks like a ‘normal’ bike but should double her wattage when needed.

[yourguitarhero]

Anyway, here's a free one: https://off.road.cc/content/news/win-a- ... 2359-10229
Sort of

and you would never believe it would you. the flat bar Cairn bravE is the bike i am gonna get once i decide.

Maybe we can all enter and give it to you if anyone wins...

One thing I will say about eBikes is that I would really recommend getting one from a local place.
The motors/electrics can fail randomly and on some it can mean a new motor. Which, outside of warranty is nearly £1k.
However, a bike shop you've spent some money in, who like you can maybe sweet talk the company into a good will replacement outside of warranty. Which is what my local place are trying to do for me after my Shimano e8000 motor's torque sensor failed while in the rugged and extreme environs of sitting in the shed doing nothing for a week. Thoughts and prayers.
Though, supposedly, if you do need a new motor they give you a full two year warranty on it.

[RobLyon]

One thing I will say about eBikes is that I would really recommend getting one from a local place.
The motors/electrics can fail randomly and on some it can mean a new motor. Which, outside of warranty is nearly £1k.
However, a bike shop you've spent some money in, who like you can maybe sweet talk the company into a good will replacement outside of warranty. Which is what my local place are trying to do for me after my Shimano e8000 motor's torque sensor failed while in the rugged and extreme environs of sitting in the shed doing nothing for a week. Thoughts and prayers.
Though, supposedly, if you do need a new motor they give you a full two year warranty on it.

That's exactly the situation my friend is in. Apparently it calibrates the torque sensor when 1st turned on. He was riding the peak district and took a rock strike to the motor. It allowed him to finish his ride but then next time out it gave all the error codes, luckily he hadn't travelled far to ride. The guy at york cycleworks thinks the rock strike is what finished off the torque sensor. The torque sensor on its own would be easy to replace but they don't supply parts only complete motors. He does have the original bill of sale (although its in another friends name) but they are trying to get a goodwill discount for him. He now has a rockguardz waiting to go on but i'm not sure how much it would help if its shock/vibration that's made it fail. The other issue is there is a shortage of motors so he doesn't know how long it will take yet.