Posted by: bux-bux
Why? We have talked about the EMtb issue to death. This thread was getting really interesting with some good points about ebikes in general.
I agree. It's 77 pages later, the thread has evolved.
I have a few comments to respond to from last page but before I do, let me say - I wholly admit that I don't get ebikes. I am happy some people like riding them. I myself have ridden and still do ride bikes that others think are out dated or ridiculous. For instance, I rode a fully rigid 29er back in the year 2000 when 29ers were gauche and fully rigid was ridiculous. I currently ride a 27.5 hardtail with a 73 degree seat tube angle and a 450mm reach in size large - no one understands why I ride or like either of these, but I do. If ebikes are your jam, great 👍.
Syncro, I don't think I've ever seen a post here with journal references- way to elevate the conversation. I actually didn't need any evidence to be convinced that exercise people like is a good thing. That being said, I know for fact that many of my patients are not getting the exercise they think they are because I do stress tests on them and we talk about their heart health and fitness level. I never tell them to stop ebiking but I encourage them to do some other exercise that will build their conditioning. Many ebike riders on here love cycling and use the motor to cover more ground but still get a great workout. If I assumed all my patients were using their ebikes like the riders on here, I would be misguided. On one occasion I had to convince a person that there was something wrong with their heart, a fact they couldn't understand because they ride their ebike every day. I won't go into details but sufficed to say they had open heart surgery a week later.
Am I glad people ride ebikes and enjoy it, yes. Do I assume they are getting good exercise on them, no. Could they be getting exercise, yes. Is it good for the soul to ride on two wheels down a country road with the sun on your face and the wind at your back (motor assisted or not), HELL YES! There are drugs that help people avoid heart attacks and strokes but none of the drugs actually make you healthy. Exercise is key, as is emotional health, family, friends, financial security, good diet etc etc. Medical school does not teach this perspective in bc in my experience; but people do understand this and a doctor saying so can sometimes go a long way.
KenN, your life sounds really really busy. I'm glad the motor on your ebike helps you fit everything in. Your ebike story is a commendable one in regards to the benefits of attaching a motor to a bike. Thanks for sharing it. This forum is a great place for all sorts of people with different experiences to share what they love about cycling.
I'm interested to see where ebikes go as a form of transportation. I have bike commuted on and off for years including the 50k trip from downtown to whiterock. I don't bike commute any more, not because of the distance but because I hate getting to work drenched in sweat. Personally, I'd rather have an ebike with a throttle, the idea of getting all sweaty with a perfectly good motor between my legs seems superfluous, but obviously people like them for their own reasons. Enjoy your two wheeled contraptions and ride safe.