| Re: electric bikes on centuries
Werehatrack wrote:
> On Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:59:07 -0700, "Daryl Hunt"
> <dhunt@colwestnospam.com> may have said:
>
>
>>I think there are a few reasons you don't see Low Speed Electric Bicycles
>>(legal term).
>>
>>First of all, they would only be really able to ride in the 10 mile run.
>>Range past that just isn't really going to happen. Claiming otherwise is
>>sort of like claiming that your Moutain Bike can maintain 30 mph over a 60
>>mile race.
>
>
> Breathalysers can usually shed a lot of light on such claims.
>
> In any event, more than half of what's required in order to go 30mph
> for 60 miles is a rider who's capable of that level of sustained
> output. Bikes sold with such claims wouldn't be marketed to the
> riders who might be able to achieve the result with a *suitable* bike,
> because even the marketing people are smart enough to know that the
> real racers are not going to believe the hype. Well, *most* of them
> won't, anyway.
>
>
>>And don't forget about that carberator that gets your car 200
>>mpg. Now, you can go the long distance but, even when you are helping the
>>motor by pedalling most of the time, I doubt you want to finish the last
>>half of the race pedalling that extra 40 pounds or so.
>
>
> Nasty laws of physics, we hates them! Give us a nice fantasy world
> where we can do what we likes!
>
>
>>I think the biggest is that the "Pure" cyclists make the Low Speed Electric
>>Bicycles (pedal assist) feel about as welcome as an absessed tooth.
>
>
> Actually, in a non-race long-ride setting, I think some of the snobs
> would welcome (or at least not snub) *certain* riders aboard an
> electric-assist bike. If the rider has a physical limitation (other
> than simple lack of conditioning) which makes it impractical or
> impossible to participate without the assist, even the majority of the
> purists would, in my limited experience, accept such a rider and bike.
> You're still right, though. There would be a group that would stand
> well away, never approach, say nothing supportive, and make snide
> remarks; it would just be much smaller than would be the case if the
> assisted bike was being used by (for instance) a mere couch potato.
>
But you ignore the possibility that a couch potato trying to become a
non-couch potato might need a little assistance going uphill while in
the process of getting into decent shape. Maybe just having a little
help with the tougher parts will keep the couch potato from becoming
discouraged by the process.
That said, there will always be the "tour-de-France wannabes" who will
snub anyone that isn't a fellow wannabe (and must have the "right"
clothes, the "right" bike, etc)
Janet
|