An interesting thread this.
I too have recently made the jump back on to my hybrid for commuting. I tried this a year ago and quickly gave up again as negotiating the hills on my local commute near enough killed me. The e-biking has done the trick however and thanks to my Wisper, I can now manage the hills OK. I certainly know when I've done it - it is harder work and slower going home, but going to work (net downhill) I can match the ebike time on a good day.
I have now settled on the routine of using the Wisper on Mondays, loaded up with all my stuff for work (incl. changes of clothes etc.) which I leave at work, using the Wisper to collect and return them on Fridays. Tues, Wed. and Thurs, I commute on my old(ish) hybrid. Works well for me and I'm definitely getting much fitter (plus a little slimmer
).
I now never use the Wisper throttle and force myself to use pedelec only, plus I switch off the electrics on the flat and minor inclines as well as the downhills. I find it now takes me less time to charge the battery after a return trip to work than it used to after a one way trip. I have to say I'm well chuffed about this and very pleased to thank the Wisper for getting me back to this point - I wouldn't have got there any other way.
Incidentally Mussels, I too have had thoughts along both the Cytronex lines and ones of changing my hybrid for a decent road going bike. I s'pect I'll end up doing the latter and keeping the Wisper for the loads, winter etc. A little research and a long chat with some genuinely experienced experts at my LBS has convinced me that the way to go regarding a road bike is to buy a cyclocross bike. They are tougher than road bikes. built to take the rough and slippy stuff, whilst still being light weight. Most are also better geared for the hilly areas. I have been looking at the Specialized Tricross Sport, which seems to tick all the boxes for me (approx. £789-00). I reckon that when (if) I'm find myself a little more 'flush' I'll very likely find myself investing in one....
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Phil