by jonathon.e » 11 May 2017 08:11
Haibike SDURO Trekking Electric Pedal Assist Bike.
Put the torches and pitchforks down, yes, that includes you at the back in the corner, as I do a brief review of an electric pedal assist bike. As a total Luddite I have viewed any mechanical assist bike with scepticism. However, I was very pleasantly surprised when I tried one.
Mrs J. was a very keen cyclist a few years ago, time trialling, cycling club member, regular weekend century rides. Unfortunately, a few years ago she suffered a serious knee injury, over compensation lead to the other knee suffering. Not wanting to have an operation until really necessary, and wanting to get back exercising she started looking at options. One of which was a pedal assist bike to take the pressure off the knee. After much research, the first bike she chose had sold out throughout Europe. ( A CUBE Reaction )
One of the criteria was a bike that didn't look like it was an electric bike, basically a standard MTB framed bike with a huge brick attached to the frame.
After much deliberation and visiting numerous bike retailers ( I will add that it is better to go to a retailer who deals primarily in electric bikes, at least they know and use the bikes, our knowledge was greater than some of the staff ' I ride motorbikes usually ', ' I'm a roadie, and I only started work this week ', were two comments, at least they were honest !!!
The bike was purchased from the Electric bike shop in York. Built on site to Mrs J's specification.
She rode it for the first time the other day. Came back to the house with a grin the size of a Cheshire Cat's. No problem with her knees. Initially she was just going to do a short flat ride to get the adjustment right and use to the gearing. But, enjoyed herself so much, she went for a longer and hillier ride.
"You have got to try it ", she said when she got back to the house. Admittedly I was reluctant.
The ride quality is excellent, very little road buzz. Due to legal reasons the pedal assist cuts out at 15mph, but, for off road purposes only, an adapter may be purchased to take the pedal assist upto 30mph. Keep it above 15mph and you are doing the work, drop below that and the assist kicks in. The level of assist is variable. Eco+, Eco, Std, and Hyperdrive. The higher the level of assist the greater the battery drain. As the bike is over 20kg, if there is a need to push it, it also has a Walk mode, to assist.
Ten speed cassette, compact twin ring (a number of electric bikes have a small single cog in the front), so a great amount of variability. Disc brakes, adjustable front suspension. What it lacks is space for a bidon on the frame, we have put a twin cage adapter to the saddle.
If you have not ridden a pedal assist bike, please try one, it was a revelation. You feel the assist kick in and out around 15mph. You can get a good workout on the bike, it is ideal for riders who don't want to stress their joints as it gives that relief of pressure. For families who maybe reluctant to go out riding with fitter riders, keeping up would be easier, and more enjoyable. It provides access to cycling to a greater number of people.
Is it cheating ? Is it keeping with the ethos of cycling ?
That is going to be a personal opinion. I am a convert to its capabilities, as it provides greater access to cycling. The cycle shop we purchased it from retails about five a week. Prices do vary from low (£700) to high (+£8000), for a small shop that is a good turnover, and increasing, as technology improves no doubt the bikes will get lighter.
The great thing about the York shop, was no hard sell. There are a couple of mainstream battery/motors on the market, namely Bosch and Yamaha. As you would expect the dealers would champion the ones they stock and rubbish the other. The HAIBIKE company utilises both, so we got the pros and cons of both, also the shop manager is a keen MTBer and uses his daily. No hard sell, what he used, what his advantages were and disadvantages, and what was best for our useage.
Get out, and give one a try, then get the torches and pitchforks out if you want.
Oh, I did a triathlon the other day.
Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.