5MV-KU – Ebike in a group ride – is it cheating?
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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fiveminutevelo
In this video I look at whether or not using an ebike in a group ride is ‘cheating’. I narrate a ride where I use my Specialized Turbo Vado in a clubrun. I then look at the actual power that the bike contributed during the ride. I also carry out the power calculations for a lightweight (Orbea Gain) ebike to compare. Finally I discuss the pros and cons of riding an ebike in a group ride.
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About the 5MV channel
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My name is Terry and I love cycling. I have named my channel “Five Minute Velo” (5MV). I have called it 5MV because the videos I upload will (mostly) last no longer than five minutes. Each video will cover just one subject that is described in the title. Although the channel is mainly about cycling on the road, I will also cover some light (gravel) off road riding, cycle touring and ebiking. No matter what, much of the advice will be pertinent to many branches of the sport/pastime.
I welcome constructive comments that will help me improve the videos that I produce and upload.
There may be some dry humour in some of the videos, so dry it may not always be obvious :-).
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My strava profile can be found here:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/7723982
Cambridge Cycling Club website:
http://www.cambridge-cycling-club.org.uk/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/fiveminutevelo/
Photos of 2019 Tour of low countries:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3ierczDfurM1gTGi7
Random cycling photos (will be updated from time to time):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VZBhCWcQZtynsJF1A
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Terry
9 Comments
Not the first time I've heard how an e-bike on a club run is 'cheating'! Club runs aren't races, there is no competition, all that matters is that all riders are able to keep up with the intended pace. Much rather someone uses an e-bike and the ride is enjoyed by all at the correct speed, rather than having to wait at the top of hills for someone that has overestimated their ability and spoils the ride for others. Use an e-bike if you have one and get out and ride!
great stuff, thanks for sharing
I love 🍰, if you could leave some in the comments that would be great. Also, 🍰 emojis are calorie free 👍.
🍩 It's not cheating in a club ride. My wife has an eBike (Ribble SLe) and it enables her to ride with me, without me having to slow down too much and get cold. On 4%+ climbs her additional ~200W is more than a match for me over a km or more, as I would need to hold 300W+ for 10-15mins. Possible, but a real effort.
🍪 Obviously in any competition or hill climb 'race', or TT, using an eBike would be cheating, although legal eBikes could not match TT speeds, nor indeed any Sportif rate. However, IMO there are more hidden issues with eBikes….
🧁If a person is on a club ride on an eBike and can match the other riders' speeds, what happens if they lose power? Unlike a flat tyre or minor mechanical, they will then have to drag around the weight of the eBike. Should the club ride slow down to that eBike rider's speed?
🎂 In closer formation it can be an issue for some eBikes on club rides, that have more of an on/off power delivery when going from freewheeling to pedalling. This can cause a sudden surge into the wheel of the rider infront.
🥧Finally in any collision, the eBike is heavier, maybe 5kg heavier, and not so soft as my body's extra 5kg.
🥮eBikes are a great solution to those mismatched ability rides, or those recovering from illness/injury, and for those who wouldn't ride but will on an eBike. Anything that gets more people onto bicycles is a good thing.
☕The Daily Mail ilk would have you believe eBike riders are a menace and yet more legislation is needed to ban them in more places, but the reality is they represent a tiny minority of idiots with illegal over-powered 'motorbikes'. Dangerous drivers dominate all KSI statistics and the focus should remain on them.
There is only one O in Vado , it’s not a Vadoo
Interesting 🍰🎂 🍪
The cartilage under my knees is slowly disintegrating and causes me pain, I had to stop riding my bike, I have trouble going up and down stairs, I was going to get a motorbike but someone suggested an ebike, I got one and never looked back, I'm on my second now, 15 years of happy ebiking, without it I would have to sit in the house and rot, I love riding in the countryside in all weathers.
Are you tempted to derestrict? Would it help make your effort level more consistent?
But Electric Assisted "workouts" are so easy! . . Makes one feel like Superman! They're out there for the exercise of it all vs. a "fun" ride with more power than everyone else. Folks love that!