Have you tried an electric bike for fun?

[platgof]

After trying out an electric bike at Village Cycles in Sarasota, I picked up a Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0. This thing has all the whistles that you could want. Belt drive, auto shifting, car radar, and a very impressive motor and battery. Places I could not ride before because of hills are now in reach. What used to be a real workout not so much now. This bike requires that you use the pedals, so no slacking either. I noticed that since riding my legs are much stronger, especially on long car trips. That radar is a real peace of mind knowing when cars are behind you. 

[scotee]

On 12/13/2023 at 7:36 AM, platgof said:

After trying out an electric bike at Village Cycles in Sarasota, I picked up a Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0. This thing has all the whistles that you could want. Belt drive, auto shifting, car radar, and a very impressive motor and battery. Places I could not ride before because of hills are now in reach. What used to be a real workout not so much now. This bike requires that you use the pedals, so no slacking either. I noticed that since riding my legs are much stronger, especially on long car trips. That radar is a real peace of mind knowing when cars are behind you. 

 

Great bike!

 

[TiScape]

Every time I see the title of this thread the smart aleck in me thinks.

No, but I tired one to get somewhere and ended up having fun. Does that count? But I’m choosing not to go there 😇

[platgof]

On 3/29/2023 at 1:59 AM, TiScape said:

Buddy of mine was telling me he was gonna buy a bike and start riding it to work as part of a program to lose about 40lbs. It’s about 15 miles each way on a mostly flat paved trail. Told him I thought that was a great idea. So I’m at his place and he tells me he got his bike and told me to come out to the garage to see it. Turns out it was electric and he always uses the assist! I was like huh??? So much for that great cardio I thought he was gonna get! 😂 

Mine will not move without pedaling. Depends on the model as I pedal a lot. So, if he does 8 miles on a non e bike and 20 on an e bike?

[platgof]

On 11/9/2022 at 8:09 PM, 596 said:

One of things that moved me away from the ebike was the fact that all it would do was make me go faster. We have no hills nearby enough that I would need the assist to get to the top. If it was hilly here I'd consider one.  Don't really need one for golf as I use a Stewart follow cart. 

But you can easily double the length of your ride, your mileage may vary. I could never go up the hills that I did last week. It was 3.5 miles to the gym, some downhill, and 3.5 some uphill going back.  

[596]

2 hours ago, platgof said:

But you can easily double the length of your ride, your mileage may vary. I could never go up the hills that I did last week. It was 3.5 miles to the gym, some downhill, and 3.5 some uphill going back.  

Gave in.. motor cuts out at 20mph. I average right at 20 so it's cutting in and out all the time. The Mahle motor is so smooth you can't feel it cut in and out.  It's pedal assist so you must pedal.  All it does is add watts to your effort.

 

Little bit of fishing that one day! 

 

 

 

Edited December 19, 2023 by 596

[TiScape]

2 hours ago, platgof said:

Mine will not move without pedaling. Depends on the model as I pedal a lot. So, if he does 8 miles on a non e bike and 20 on an e bike?

Oh yeah, I get it and it’s definitely a lot better than nothing or driving! I was just more surprised than anything. He is an ex-D1 athlete and only 39 years old. So IMO definitely doesn’t need any assistance 🤷🏼‍♂️ 

[platgof]

On 12/19/2023 at 12:11 PM, TiScape said:

Oh yeah, I get it and it’s definitely a lot better than nothing or driving! I was just more surprised than anything. He is an ex-D1 athlete and only 39 years old. So IMO definitely doesn’t need any assistance 🤷🏼‍♂️ 

OMG, I think your missing something here, a 39 year old athlete is about the time the body starts kicking your butt for working out hard all those years, especially the knees. I hate to tell you, but it just gets worse.

Edited December 25, 2023 by platgof
spelling

[TiScape]

51 minutes ago, platgof said:

OMG, I think you’re missing something here, a 39 year old athlete is about the time the body starts kicking your butt for working out hard all those years, especially the knees. I hate to tell you, but it just gets worse.

I can assure you that no OMG needed! As a 51 yo former D1 level athlete myself that still works out hard 5x a week, I think I get it. Thanks though and Merry Christmas 😊