cheri mills on e-bikes
“You don’t need an E-bike, you're super fit.” I hear a lot when I say I’ve bought an e-bike, the question is do we really need a lot of the things that we own?
After a lot of research and with the availability of bikes I decided that the cube stereo 140mm 29er would suit my riding style. It has the bosch gen 4 motor and a 750w battery, and it’s totally pimped out with some Hope goodness, perfect for big days out.
So what’s the difference from a normal bike? I find I pedal more, the motor seems to like a faster cadence, they are heavier than an ordinary mountain bike so there is a lot less freewheeling and there is pedal assistance up to 25km then you’re on your own steam.
Riding technical terrain is very similar to the non e-bike, you need good body positioning so it doesn't feel like your wrestling an alligator, the bike is well planted due to the extra weight, the fun starts for me on technical climbs, there is so much grip and your not limited by your anaerobic capacity.
The benefits of an e-bike: People ride for different reasons, training, recovery, work, fun! the most important thing is they ride, we all know how good it feels pedalling in the fresh air. This year over 50% of my coaching has been e-bikes, i also run a local project taking e-bike sessions for over 60’s and exercise referral clients, these clients have different conditions that would make “ordinary” cycling out of reach, some have cancer, cardio problems, mental health and just old age (the oldest is 88).
At trail centres e-bikes sometimes get bad press, is it the bikes or just the odd inconsiderate rider? A lot of e-bikers haven’t learned their trade so to speak on ‘ordinary’ bikes and don’t realise how hard pedalling up a steep hill is or how scary it is to be passed by a flying e-biker without any notice, on the other hand a lot of e-bikers slow, chat and usually apologise for having assistance, so i guess as Nino Schurter once said:
“Consideration is the foundation for peaceful co operation on the trails”
If you’ve never ridden an e-bike give one a go. I can guarantee you will be bu⚡️⚡️ing!
Words & Pictures: Cheri Mills
