07-07-2004, 11:08 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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| | Re: Giant LAFree Lite electric bike - comments LONG
In article <cchqbc026da@enews1.newsguy.com>,
"Ralph" <Nospam@nospam.net> wrote:
> We're a late 50's couple who haven't ridden in many years who bought two of
> these about 3 months now and put on a bit over 300 miles so far. Bottom line
> is that I highly recommend them if this is your kind of bike. If you're a
> purist, don't read any further.
Interesting ride report. Sounds like you're enjoying them.
> The real limit to range is the rider's endurance, how many hills you use
> power on, and how fast you want to get somewhere. We like riding with the
> power off both to get some more exercise, and for the silence. The motor
> isn't that noisy, but it's there. One effect we've noticed is that with the
> power on, the speed is seductive. You are tempted to pedal harder than you
> otherwise might because even with the minimal assist at the top end the
> speed is great and the motor noise keeps lessening at you get up to and
> exceed 18 mph. For people like us who are decidedly not athletes, the bikes
> make getting out a lot of fun and we've both noticed our pants getting
> looser (although I haven't seen any weight loss). As they say, the best
> exercise is the one you actually do.
18 mph is a pretty good speed, but of course you understand the lack of
attraction for most cyclists: 30 km/h (just over 18 mph) sustained speed
on level ground is a pretty good goal for a cyclist after a year or two
of regular riding. After just over two years of regular bike commuting
and a bit of recreational racing, I did a 100 km ride at around 25 km/h,
including a food-and-bathroom break at the control point.
Regarding the loose pants, I just wanted to reassure you: you're losing
fat like crazy, but its being replaced by muscle mass. This means you
get leaner and more muscular (which is good!) before you actually see
any weight loss. Quite normal, and all to the good. Don't worry: the
lack of weight loss doesn't mean you don't look better  .
I will keep something like this in mind for people I know. Until it is
capable of sustained flat speeds of 50 km/h, I'm not interested. Right
now my goal is to TT at 50 for 1-2 km at a time. Because that would be
crazy-fast, and allow me to keep up with traffic .
-RjC.
--
Ryan Cousineau, rcousine@sfu.ca http://www.wiredcola.com
President, Fabrizio Mazzoleni Fan Club
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