Ebikes explained
Who are ebikes are for, how do they work and what should you look for? Here's our seven-step guide
The rapid growth in recent times means that ebikes are now a commonplace sight. They remain a big investment, though, so whether you're thinking of buying your first ebike or are an early adopter looking to upgrade your current model, this guide will tell you all you need to know.
01 WHO ARE EBIKES FOR?
Ebikes are for anyone who enjoys having fun on two wheels. Electric pedalling assistance has obvious benefits for people with an injury or other health problems, not to mention those who are simply a bit out of shape or want to keep up with faster riding companions. But you'll find plenty of fitter riders using ebikes too. The extra speed up the climbs means you can go further for the same effort, which is great if you're having to fit riding around work or parenting and want to squeeze in the miles, or if you just want to explore further afield.
02 ARE THEY TOO HEAVY?
Although they're getting lighter all the time, ebikes are heavier than conventional bikes, so if you have lots of steps to your house, you'll have to take this into account. Surprisingly, though, this weight can boost confidence on descents and make the bike feel more stable, as the ebike's extra weight is mainly low-slung, which adds plenty of balance. Also check whether your battery is removable or not. If your bike-storage area doesn't have a power outlet for recharging your battery, then a removable battery unit is the smarter choice.
03 IS IT CHEATING?
この記事は Cycling Plus UK の September 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Cycling Plus UK の September 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Air Apparent - Pollution hasn't gone away. It's still there in every lungful, even if we can't see it in the air or on the news. But there are reasons to breathe easier, thanks to pioneering projects using cycling 'citizen scientists'. Rob Ainsley took part in one...
The toxic effects of pollution have been known about for years. 'Just two things of which you must beware: Don't drink the water and don't breathe the air!' sang 1960s satirist Tom Lehrer.Over recent decades, though, pollution has dropped down our list of things to worry about, thanks to ominously capitalised concerns such as Climate Change, AI, Global Conflict, Species Collapse, etc. That doesn't, unfortunately, mean the problem has expired. Air quality often exceeds safe limits, with far-reaching and crippling effects on our health.
No limits
Not every adventure needs to be that epic, says bikepacking Scotland founder Markus Stitz
UNBOUND UNLEASHED
Josh Patterson was one of 34 starters for the inaugural edition of Unbound in 2006. Now, with more than 5,000 riders taking part in today's event, he charts the rise of the most important race in gravel
FOREST COMMISSION
Looking for a goal race in 2025 that'll stimulate the synapses and live long in the memory? You'd struggle to do better than ENID CRV in Finland
15 OF THE BEST ADVENTURES
Featuring Yorkshire, the USA, Sri Lanka and more, here are our picks of the world's greatest gravel races and routes
The stuff of dreams
Ned sings the praises of the Paris Olympics road-race course
"I rode 3,000 miles around Britain on a bamboo bike to highlight our climate crisis"
Recordbreaking cyclist and triathlete Kate Strong, 45, took to the road to raise awareness of environmental issues
FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
We venture into the hidden gem of the glorious Creuse, one of France's least populated regions
STAR TREK
New tube shapes and carbon lay-up makes the eighth generation of Trek's legendary Madone an aero and climbing bike all rolled into one
GOLD RUSH
With conflict around the world, Paris 2024 was a ray of light. Here are our highs of a mighty Olympics