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As a cyclist myself I'm reluctant to believe this, whether it's out of pride or pragmatism. There are definitely confounding factors - e-bikes are considerably
by arjvik 3y ago
As a cyclist myself I'm reluctant to believe this, whether it's out of pride or pragmatism.
There are definitely confounding factors - e-bikes are considerably more expensive than pedal bikes (and I've never heard of anyone giving away e-bikes for free), so a different group of people purchase e-bikes. Bikes become a utility while e-bikes are more of a lifestyle choice.
The reasoning of "e-bike riders end up doing more exercise because it is easier" may make sense for casual riders, but anyone who dons lycra or even just thinks of themselves as a "cyclist" would likely not be trying for casual levels of exertion but rather to push themselves pretty hard. I personally will attempt the hardest climbs I can on my bike because of how rewarding they are to finish (and descend, which is honestly where all the fun is!). I will grant, though, enabling e-bike commutes that would be way too tiring on a pedal bike is certainly a big plus for casual/commuter riders.
And of course, I personally enjoy doing something out of purely my own physical power, and so clipping into a lightweight bike and reaching the top of Old La Honda is just beautiful for me. If I wanted the views from the top/the journey and the experience without exerting all that effort, I would drive to the top of Skyline instead (which I have done, often, and genuinely enjoy too! I'm not just ridiculing here).
- bryanlarsen 3y agoYes the real bikers get more exercise on a bike than anybody else, but what's the size of the Lycra crowd versus the size of the commuter crowd or the casual rider crowd?
- redfern314 3y agoI consider myself a "cyclist" (love OLH, but my personal favorite is Marin Headlands) and picked up an e-bike conversion kit a few years ago. I still have a separate road bike for exercise or adventure rides. However, the e-bike is far superior when it comes to daily commutes or errands around the city - the amount of assist is adjustable, so where I would ordinarily talk myself into driving to a store if I was tired, now I can turn up the assist while still getting a little blood flowing. I find that it's helpful to be able to separate the times I'm pushing hard vs the times I just need to get somewhere. I don't use the e-bike for rides with a view, but I also don't resent anyone who does - I know many people who would like to get up OLH, but can't entirely under their own power, so having a little help from an e-bike is perfect. (Using a throttle e-bike is a little different and more akin to motorcycle touring.) Without an e-bike, they wouldn't attempt it at all, which is a shame!
- arjvik 3y agoMarin Headlands are unbelievably amazing - I wish I spent more time riding through them when I lived in SF :)