I support your term ‘blender bike’ to describe the e-bikes! (And I hope folks who ride e-bikes can appreciate the humor as well)
However, I think there are some good points being made here about the general tone being projected at e-bikes. There will always be some extra friction in play when introducing a motor to a historically non-motorized sport. It’s our job as experienced riders to NOT turn people off to engaging in conversation etc. Andrew, I think you and NSMB in general do a good job of walking the line between personal preferences and comments.
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I also think it’s important to find ways to educate folks getting into the sport about misconceptions / pitfalls that marketing is sidestepping if one chooses a motor. Here’s my big two:
1) don’t expect skills to translate 1:1 … if at all possible, learn bike handling on a Bike, then add the motor later. I know several MTB skills coaches who have witnessed folks getting hurt on e-bikes because they are heavier and more complex to control. Yes, e-bike specific skills classes could help. But I’m currently a strong proponent of learning to ride a Bike… then adding the motor later for folks who want that.
2) Adding a motor: its a very different value proposition compared to a mountain bike. $2k to $3k can buy you a nice hardtail or even alloy FS bike that could last 5-10 years. Chains, tires, and brake pads could be the most expensive things you’ll need to replace. Compare that to 2-3 years before the current crop of e-bikes become devalued… and at a minimum need very expensive replacement batteries to stay on the trail. Know this before you invest.
June 26, 2023, 7:57 a.m. - Vincent Edwards
I support your term ‘blender bike’ to describe the e-bikes! (And I hope folks who ride e-bikes can appreciate the humor as well) However, I think there are some good points being made here about the general tone being projected at e-bikes. There will always be some extra friction in play when introducing a motor to a historically non-motorized sport. It’s our job as experienced riders to NOT turn people off to engaging in conversation etc. Andrew, I think you and NSMB in general do a good job of walking the line between personal preferences and comments. _ I also think it’s important to find ways to educate folks getting into the sport about misconceptions / pitfalls that marketing is sidestepping if one chooses a motor. Here’s my big two: 1) don’t expect skills to translate 1:1 … if at all possible, learn bike handling on a Bike, then add the motor later. I know several MTB skills coaches who have witnessed folks getting hurt on e-bikes because they are heavier and more complex to control. Yes, e-bike specific skills classes could help. But I’m currently a strong proponent of learning to ride a Bike… then adding the motor later for folks who want that. 2) Adding a motor: its a very different value proposition compared to a mountain bike. $2k to $3k can buy you a nice hardtail or even alloy FS bike that could last 5-10 years. Chains, tires, and brake pads could be the most expensive things you’ll need to replace. Compare that to 2-3 years before the current crop of e-bikes become devalued… and at a minimum need very expensive replacement batteries to stay on the trail. Know this before you invest.