Get the grin

Even the most serious cyclist returns with a big smile after a trial ride on an e-bike!

There was a time when I biked everywhere, in my youth I even rode 60 miles following the veteran car rally from London to Brighton with a fixed wheel. But that was a long, long time ago. Now 50 plus years on I’m back on two wheels enjoying the exercise and seeing more of this wonderful country.

A short while ago I read an article on Grownups recommending cycling as good exercise – I suppose it’s a little like swimming, a non-impact exercise but very sociable and you don’t get wet! Until a short while ago, my cycling distance was limited and certainly hills and headwind not good. Then, I had a phone call about e-bikes.  I was cynical as most cyclists are, but I was convinced when I tried one that I really could enjoy cycling again and subsequently converted my favourite trail bike into an e-bike.

cl-biker_pp-97When we moved to Papamoa from the Kaipara area a few years ago I thought it being a flattish area with loads of cycle tracks, cycling would be easy. Well, sort of.  At the age of 72 and coming back to biking, 10 kms were my usual limit. In the spring when the westerlies take revenge, on my return home I needed a tank full of oxygen followed by a very large glass of Famous Grouse. During the remainder of the year there’s always a sea breeze of some sort to do battle with. Since having battery power, I’m cycling twice as far, enjoying the ride, exercising the legs and making the lungs work. And to crown it all, I’m able to sit down in a cafe without being covered in sweat and enjoying a lemon slice and large flat white.

It isn’t cheating!
At this moment I think it’s right to dispel a few myths about e-bikes.  Essentially you pedal as normal making use of the bike’s gears. The most popular electric bikes are all about torque sensors which measure the force being exerted on the pedals. As you pedal harder, the force increases and a clever little gizmo reacts sending a signal to the motor which kicks in providing extra power. Your legs feel as if they have grown muscles – you have the confidence to battle headwinds and tackle big hills! Combine the e-bike’s gears with the variable electrical power control and you travel further with less effort and arrive relaxed.
The electric motor is not really designed to power the bike continuously without pedaling although many bikes do have a throttle – very useful for powering you up the steepest hill if you run out of puff.
A Better Way to Exercise
I believe it really is a great way to exercise and e-bikes are perfect for us ‘oldies’.  I do not understand why people drive their cars to a gymnasium, sit on a static exercise bike going nowhere while paying good money for the privilege. Why not ride an e-bike, enjoy the best of Kiwi air in beautiful surroundings on the extensive, newly constructed cycle ways and proudly keep up with your grand children!

holly-1-copy-2“Get the Grin”
So I suggest, wherever you are in New Zealand, contact your nearest e-bike supplier and try one. A warning! Even the most avid cyclist returns after a trial ride with a big grin.

 

Buy from a reputable supplier, please don’t buy on-line without riding the exact model before signing over your hard earned cash. Buying an e-bike is not just about the power of the motor. It depends on you – whether you want an urban or trail type bike, the physical size of the bike, what “extras” are included and remember an e-bike is a sophisticated piece of kit and should be powered by the best equipment. Do your research.  An e-bike is a modest investment, but can be an expensive mistake if it goes wrong. You need good advice, local support and a friendly hands-on introduction to how the bike works best with a no quibble warranty.

 

Written by Colin Lunt

Background
All his life, Colin Lunt has been involved with marketing and event management he is also a professional photographer and graphic designer. Since coming to New Zealand in 2000 he spent 7 years organising Tauranga’s National Jazz Festival, managed a couple of bands and toured New Zealand with international musicians. He recently become involved with Evolocity, a non-profit making organisation formed to encourage school kids to develop an interest and understanding of electric powered vehicles.  As a revenue stream, it derives extra finance by supplying high-spec affordable e-bikes with profits benefitting Evolocity.

You can contact Colin at leckiebike@gmail.com  or for more information see www.leckiebike.co.nz