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Post by Phil on Feb 21, 2014 15:11:01 GMT
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Post by singlespeeder on Feb 21, 2014 16:36:22 GMT
It is controversial,in wales it will never work because water and leccy motors don't mix. Next time im at the marin,I will take a tow rope so if I meet one I can be towed up the long climb:-X. A motocross is cheaper,tougher and faster so get one and ride where its legal.
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roger
Have-a-go Hero
Posts: 185
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Post by roger on Feb 21, 2014 17:53:14 GMT
Thats the problem, if electric mtb's get popular & I'm sure they will, people will always want more & more power. Whereas a low powered electric may not do much damage, as the power goes up so does the damage resulting in torn up hills on the trails.
When it gets to an electric motorcycle as above, you're back where off road motorcycles are now - nowhere to ride without competing.
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Post by Phil on Feb 21, 2014 19:44:15 GMT
These will become popular because there is a whole network of great race tracks, they are currently called MTB Singletracks.
Had quick chat with the electronics guys where I work and they reacon they could overide the speed governer (road legality requirement)and get a Kilowatt of power (currently 200 watts) without to much fuss, which basically means within the next five years you will be able to buy of ebay from China kits to do this, you are looking at 20+mph up single track climbs sounds like great fun eh? but here lies the problem as a keen road cyclist I live with the fact that most of the time I am in the way, but when im on the trail its mine im not in the way and if I am its to better cyclist whome to some degree will understand my self induced pain and we will let each other by with some mutual respect (dependent on how much lycra is involved).
When the person on the tweeked Tron bike comes up behind you at 20+ mph chasing the Strava segment (no it wont be held by a cyclist anymore) YOU WILL BE IN THE WAY! and you will probably get sworn at once theyve spat theyre Cigerette out.
I think they are going to be brilliant fun but think that great feeling we currently get out on the trail as a cyclist and being top of the food chain will end.
anyway wheres my fkn Hoverboard Michael J Fox you lying Tw*t! you never went to the future did you!
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Post by Phil on Feb 22, 2014 7:09:15 GMT
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Post by singlespeeder on Feb 22, 2014 8:14:15 GMT
I don't think it is a big concern because:
Cost-not meny now can afford the price tag.
Transporting in/on cars is more difficult if it weighs more than 40lbs plus.
If you can override the limiter,the battery will drain in no time.If the legal limit is somthing like 15 mph,then say up the marin climb it would only do 5mph.
Then there is the maintenence costs would be huge.
So I predict it will never take off.
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Post by Phil on Feb 22, 2014 9:41:53 GMT
All the big Bike mfrs have electric bikes in they're range built on very capable mtb componantry, the new shop
in llanberis is stocking them and will be riding up snowdon on one in march.
but you are probably right, ha you remember when people started rattling on about other wheel sizes other than 26" that never caught on did it ;^)
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Post by oldgit on Feb 22, 2014 10:25:55 GMT
Having had my knee and large quad removed I have been researching E-bikes; as mentioned they are limited to 15mph and the law about trail riding is the same as normal bikes: bridle ways and green lanes with the speed limiter; the bike in the single speed link has to registered as a mo-ped in this country and have a number plate; but you gotta catch them first, like some dirt bikers. They are heavy, lightest I have found is 16kg and the price is almost prohibitive at over a two grand for a decent one
Save the electric option when you need one (like me) I'd love to be out there turning the pedals and climbing naturally.
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Post by rallybiker on Feb 23, 2014 17:45:54 GMT
I suppose a more relevant view to our forum is : are they going to be allowed on our rides or not? How long is it going to be before a future member rocks up on a Plan your ride/ Forum ride on an eMTB and what is the reaction going to be. To ban or not to ban, Oggy over to you?!!!
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Post by singlespeeder on Feb 24, 2014 8:12:42 GMT
What would happen on a forum ride if it has a mechanical and has to push 16kg the rest of the ride.That would be no fun for the group. There are more con's than pro's for a bike that rides itself.
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Post by oldgit on Feb 24, 2014 10:16:05 GMT
I suppose a more relevant view to our forum is : are they going to be allowed on our rides or not? How long is it going to be before a future member rocks up on a Plan your ride/ Forum ride on an eMTB and what is the reaction going to be. To ban or not to ban, Oggy over to you?!!! I doubt if they will appear on set trails like 'Degla and the Marin etc. After reading the electric bike web site Pedelec uk there are very few commenting on big time off roading; just fire roads etc They are in the main commuters and "come back" riders who can't hack any more. So don't worry; you lot are faster than they are on the rough stuff |
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Post by Oggy on Feb 24, 2014 18:41:21 GMT
This is cycling, if people don't want to pedal they should stay on the sofa  Although i do see the possibilities for people with a disability and in certain locations they could be great (cycle paths etc) people who don't have the fitness or physical capability to get them selves out of the wilderness should not really be given the means to get themselves in to trouble in the first place, its a bit like the old ''fella up snowdon in flip flops and shorts'' scenario. |
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Post by Phil on Feb 27, 2014 10:34:57 GMT
This is cycling, if people don't want to pedal they should stay on the sofa Although i do see the possibilities for people with a disability and in certain locations they could be great (cycle paths etc) people who don't have the fitness or physical capability to get them selves out of the wilderness should not really be given the means to get themselves in to trouble in the first place, its a bit like the old ''fella up snowdon in flip flops and shorts'' scenario. A good point well made. Trust me when I tell you that this tech will advance at an impressive rate over the next few years. |
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Post by singlespeeder on Feb 27, 2014 15:19:46 GMT
Light Motors are easy to manufacture.The problem is energy storage,batteries are heavy.
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Post by sam on Mar 2, 2014 22:21:42 GMT
I like the idea of being able to rent one and take an inexperienced friend on a bit of an epic and not be held back, but I'm really not keen on the thought of people riding them regularly, especially when it comes to strava segments haha.
Though I guess I would want one if everyone else was riding them, in the same way I wanted a dropper post and kashima on my stanchions, and the only difference it would make then is mountainbiking would make me even poorer than it does already. I've often thought how much more I'd be able to do if I wasn't spending thousands a year on cycling.
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Although i do see the possibilities for people with a disability and in certain locations they could be great (cycle paths etc) people who don't have the fitness or physical capability to get them selves out of the wilderness should not really be given the means to get themselves in to trouble in the first place, its a bit like the old ''fella up snowdon in flip flops and shorts'' scenario.
