Since first signing up to this forum I can remember reading Flecc's appraisal of the Kalkhoff's and his view that if the rider wishes to get the best support from the Panasonic motor, then just relax and pedal more slowly thus fooling the motor into judging that you need more assistance.
Thus, when I first became acquainted with my particular bike I thought the motor would behave similar to the delivery cycle of the Panasonic's; ie., pedal at a lower cadence to gain more from the motor. I quickly discovered this didn't work on my bike, (nor should it, it's not a Panasonic), and when on the smaller cogs using a low cadence was hard work. My bike, (The Salisbury), rewards higher cadences, and gives it best, (for me anyway), with the three largest, easier, 'hill climbing' sprockets - but not when on a severe hill - but for everyday use.
Pedalling along, (no throttle - pedelec only mode), in a cog about one or two less than I actually need appears to deliver 12-to-15 mph speed and 'free' propulsion, (can't be sure of the true speed as I had to send the faulty cycle computer back that I recently bought), with the motor appearing to do all the work, and is very enjoyable when I just relax and drift into saunter mode - truly blissful propulsion. My cadence is quite swift and seems to suit and engage the motor, but not the type of swift cadence that is redolent with rider effort, as my pedalling is just 'going through the motions' with what feels to me like 'nil' input, with just the slightest hint of resistance to stop my legs flailing wildly and becoming uncomfortable. Inevitably the road levels out or drops and when then happens I am 'forced' to select a smaller cog, and higher speed. But here's the rub - it's less enjoyable as regards rider effort. I can feel stronger resistance and I know I've been out cycling. At the moment I'm experimenting with trying to use the three largest sprockets only, (freewheeling when things gets easier), just to stay within that sweet spot.
Tonight about 8:00pm was a case in point. I'd nothing in the fridge and decided to cycle to the late night shopping centre 2 miles away, floodlit lighting in the huge parking areas, security guards, and security cameras, so felt safe about leaving the bike unattended; locking the Salisbury into one of the bicycle pens.
Using the second and third easiest sprockets to ride there, but not the large, 'granny sprocket', it was just perfect. Using shared cycle-paths all the way as I dislike night riding on the road, it gave me a chance to test out my new rear light and feeling a bit 'meh' I didn't want to exert myself in the slightest. And I didn't - the bike just floated along the two miles, total bliss. By the time I'd done my shopping and ready for the return trip I was now 'pepped up' and ready for some cycling effort, but I refrained and stayed within my new sprocket and cadence set-up and again floated back to base effortlessly. A lot of cyclists think that a high cadence means you'll end up tired out pretty quickly, but done correctly it does the opposite; actually preserves your energy and protects your knees from injury.
I wonder how many others cycle to stay within their 'sweet spot', whatever the characteristics of their particular motor, or let the competitiveness of the traffic drive them on to ever higher personal speed records, (and I suppose higher fitness levels). Me? I enjoy armchair cycling.
P.S. Here's the rear light I fitted to the pannier rack. If you have a carrier with a rear plate like the Salisbury has, you can fit one of these instead of trying to fit the typical rear light that has a seatpost/seatstay only kind of fitting. And the best bit is - it's only £3.99 post free! And with batteries INCLUDED; (from Chain Reaction Cycles only) -
P.P.S. The locking screw at the bottom of the light is needless 'belts and braces' as the plastic red outer snaps on and off securely like a lot of lights, and would stay firmly locked in place without the screw. Not complaining; just saying.
Thus, when I first became acquainted with my particular bike I thought the motor would behave similar to the delivery cycle of the Panasonic's; ie., pedal at a lower cadence to gain more from the motor. I quickly discovered this didn't work on my bike, (nor should it, it's not a Panasonic), and when on the smaller cogs using a low cadence was hard work. My bike, (The Salisbury), rewards higher cadences, and gives it best, (for me anyway), with the three largest, easier, 'hill climbing' sprockets - but not when on a severe hill - but for everyday use.
Pedalling along, (no throttle - pedelec only mode), in a cog about one or two less than I actually need appears to deliver 12-to-15 mph speed and 'free' propulsion, (can't be sure of the true speed as I had to send the faulty cycle computer back that I recently bought), with the motor appearing to do all the work, and is very enjoyable when I just relax and drift into saunter mode - truly blissful propulsion. My cadence is quite swift and seems to suit and engage the motor, but not the type of swift cadence that is redolent with rider effort, as my pedalling is just 'going through the motions' with what feels to me like 'nil' input, with just the slightest hint of resistance to stop my legs flailing wildly and becoming uncomfortable. Inevitably the road levels out or drops and when then happens I am 'forced' to select a smaller cog, and higher speed. But here's the rub - it's less enjoyable as regards rider effort. I can feel stronger resistance and I know I've been out cycling. At the moment I'm experimenting with trying to use the three largest sprockets only, (freewheeling when things gets easier), just to stay within that sweet spot.
Tonight about 8:00pm was a case in point. I'd nothing in the fridge and decided to cycle to the late night shopping centre 2 miles away, floodlit lighting in the huge parking areas, security guards, and security cameras, so felt safe about leaving the bike unattended; locking the Salisbury into one of the bicycle pens.
Using the second and third easiest sprockets to ride there, but not the large, 'granny sprocket', it was just perfect. Using shared cycle-paths all the way as I dislike night riding on the road, it gave me a chance to test out my new rear light and feeling a bit 'meh' I didn't want to exert myself in the slightest. And I didn't - the bike just floated along the two miles, total bliss. By the time I'd done my shopping and ready for the return trip I was now 'pepped up' and ready for some cycling effort, but I refrained and stayed within my new sprocket and cadence set-up and again floated back to base effortlessly. A lot of cyclists think that a high cadence means you'll end up tired out pretty quickly, but done correctly it does the opposite; actually preserves your energy and protects your knees from injury.
I wonder how many others cycle to stay within their 'sweet spot', whatever the characteristics of their particular motor, or let the competitiveness of the traffic drive them on to ever higher personal speed records, (and I suppose higher fitness levels). Me? I enjoy armchair cycling.
P.S. Here's the rear light I fitted to the pannier rack. If you have a carrier with a rear plate like the Salisbury has, you can fit one of these instead of trying to fit the typical rear light that has a seatpost/seatstay only kind of fitting. And the best bit is - it's only £3.99 post free! And with batteries INCLUDED; (from Chain Reaction Cycles only) -
P.P.S. The locking screw at the bottom of the light is needless 'belts and braces' as the plastic red outer snaps on and off securely like a lot of lights, and would stay firmly locked in place without the screw. Not complaining; just saying.
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