novemberdelta

I ride my ebike at 20-25mph with assist off as a matter of course. Why assume derestricted?

So i bought a Mach E from Chain Reaction Cycles a couple of weeks ago, exclusively to kit out for commuting. The main purpose is to encourage me to commute more in winter, especially as the route is hilly, and usually windy. I often check the weather and can't be bothered - I am hoping the extra assistance and efficiency will encourage me out. From reading forums I get the idea I am not a typical ebike rider. I am a pretty fit cyclist and runner, and have extensively commuted to work on a non ebike, run a few half marathons a year, participate in triathlon. I am seeing the ebike as a car replacement with some physical bonus. I will still ride my carbon at the club and for centuries etc. I have been interested in reading posts saying there is sometimes animosity between roadies and ebikers. I don't get it. It's about using the right tool. Anyway, I paid £2100 for the bike, and it was reduced to £1890 a few days after delivery. I emailed CRC and they immediately refunded the difference in vouchers, I have therefore obtained this bike fully loaded for the commute (guards, lights) for just undr £2k. I have installed a rack too. First impressions are very pleasant. I am going from an 8kg carbon bike, so this feels "bigger" and clearly heavier, but it is surprisingly fine to ride unassisted. I rode it unassisted for the first test to get an idea of it's characteristics, and it was no issue at all. People say that it can be difficult to ride an ebike over the cut off, but I havent found that at all. This bike is 17.5kg quoted. My average speeds have been around 18mph. Riding with assistance is a joy I have genuinely found myself smiling and laughing when it kicks in. I have been carrying a heavy pannier this week and have used the high setting on any hills, and to get going from a stop. The rest of the time I have just left the assistance off. I feel like it just takes all the sh.t bits out of a commute, and makes the whole thing easy and enjoyable. I want my commute to be easy. If I want to make it harder, I can simply switch off the assistance. The big tyres are great, I love the position which is super comfortable and personally I like the look but it's probably a marmite bike. It is great value for a shimano motor set up and gears.

I've bought one so I'll update you when I have it. I think the CRC description is wrong there is only an Alivio version. Obviously it's subjective but I think the finishes look fine. Can't wait for new bike day!

Hey any opinions on this for committing and bit of gravel? 9 mile hike rural commute. Was going to go for Ribble cgr but really long wait. This is a bit cheaper too. https://www.wiggle.co.uk/vitus-mach-e-urban-ebike-alivio-2020

Hey thanks. I'm just keep coming back to the Ribble. Like you I think I would be happy riding with assistance only when needed and it looks like a decent bike to ride unassisted. Other days I might be looking for a bit of an effort. I'm in Scotland in the coast, having a wee bit of help in the wind would also be great. Plus I really like the assistance and style of it, which is important to me in riding it every day.

Cheers. If much prefer 700/650b. Do you have any recommendations?

Cheers but that's not what I need. I still want to keep my unpowered bikes.

Hi Looking for a recommendation. Primarily for 9 mile/750ft each way commute in Scottish countryside. Some rough roads. Would really like some light off road ability. Ability to fit racks and guards essential. I'm a fairly fit, strong and experienced cyclist but can't always be bothered cycling to and from when it's windy or I'm tired. I'm hoping an e bike would help me do more commuting. My average commute usually takes anything from 28-34 mins. Budget max 3k but the less the better I'm considering Ribble cgr Al e - ticks ALL my boxes but it's expensive. Orbea Gain - seems ok Woosh faro - good price but doesn't look off road capable. I guess I could fit drop bars but I think the clearance would be a limiting factor. Anything I'm missing or general advice would be great. Thanks.