A couple of years ago, I helped my dad buy an e-bike. He was 69 years old at the time and reluctant to admit that he might need the assistance of a motor. The price of the bikes was also a major turn-off. How could he possibly justify such a purchase? They cost as much as a small car!
But eventually, I managed to get him onto a demo Specialized Turbo Levo and his opinion changed in an instant. Once he'd experienced the power of the motor up some of the steepest hills on Table Mountain, he put in his order immediately.
He's 72 now and we ride all the time. I don't have to worry about a route being too long or too demanding for him, and he can moderate the power output to give himself all the workout he needs. Best of all, we get to explore together in nature, spending time in mind-blowing landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible.
If you're considering buying an e-bike, first ask yourself what riding do you want to do? If you want to ride farm roads and you never plan to descend steep and rocky mountain trails at pace, then there's no need to get a dual-suspension bike with all the bells and whistles. Conversely, if you want to do multiple technical loops at your local trail park then you'll be frustrated with a basic hardtail. Want to do overnight adventures on gravel roads? Consider a bike with drop bars and mounts for racks and bags.
We've rounded up the best bikes in various categories to make your choice easier.
SPECIALIZED TURBO LEVO ALLOY
Specialized is one of only a few brands that develop their own motors and software in conjunction with their frames - most other e-bikes tend to be powered by either a Shimano or Bosch motor. Even though this is the "entry-level" Turbo Levo, you can feel the depth of the design work as you ride: The bike is so polished and everything works so well... It's a marvel of engineering.
This story is from the June/July 2022 edition of go! - South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June/July 2022 edition of go! - South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rolling out the big guns
If you're still scanning the horizon for a Chinese automotive invasion you're looking the wrong way. It's already happening, and the new GWM Tank is the off-road spearhead into the highly lucrative and hotly contested lifestyle market.
TAKE A HIKE
The beautiful agony of Tienuurkop
Time out in Dullies
A long weekend in Dullstroom is just long enough to make you realise you need to spend several more weekends here! There's food, drink, art and action in abundance. Here's your guide.
Gallivanting in the Galápagos!
The Galápagos Islands are on many a traveller's wish list. They were on Hanlie and Vivian Gericke's too, even though the price of visiting made their eyes water. Was it worth it? Read on...
BURCHELL AND THE COUNTRY OF THE BUSHMEN
How many times have you driven through a landscape and wished you could have seen it centuries ago? In 1811, the English artist and explorer, William John Burchell, travelled through South Africa. Join us as we follow in his footsteps.
Long live the Hibiscus Coast
The KZN South Coast is a national treasure. It's still the place to go if you want a classic seaside holiday complete with warm waves, cold beer, soft serve and good vibes. Here's your guide.
The island at the end of the earth
Imagine adlace-with the cleanest air arid:the clearest seawater, where_no human.oranimabwants to:harm you: A placewhere the climates balmy. year-round:-with a sekrhistory ahd wwild scenery. A place like this:exist8” and it’s called St Helena.
A day on the road
You never know what the road will bring. Toast Coetzer heads south on the N1 and discovers South Africa.
The wilder shore
The final leg of a 30-day trek across East Africa sees lan Tyrer and the Africa - Wild & Untamed crew explore both shores of Lake Malawi. Get ready for an overloaded ferry, a croc attack and being surrounded by elephants...
A river runs through it
Sabie is onthe Drakensberg escaromentialongMpumalanga’s famous Panorama Route. Want a weekend away surrounded by forests and waterfalls? Here's wnat you need to know.
