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e-Bike on a club ride?

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  • September 1, 2017 at 9:32 am #27587
    T44ISKN

    Due to back surgery 3 years ago, I’ve basically had to start from scratch fitness-wise on the bike this year. I’ve ridden just under 2000 miles since January and am gradually getting back up to speed, but it’s taking a lot of time and effort and I’ve still got a long way to go.

    I’m planning to move back to Cornwall after many years of living away in the London area. I hoped that joining a local cycling would be a good way to form new friendships with like-minded people. Unfortunately, I simply can’t keep up on the club rides and feel bad for holding everyone up.  This past Sunday, I was dropped within 5 miles. I’ve had this experience with both local clubs that I’d like to join (one of which I was last a member of 30 years ago!)

    How would you guys react to someone turning up to a club ride on an e-bike? I’d just like to be able to get to the cafe stop and enjoy the banter, but I’m not sure on the etiquette and how others would react? I’m not actually going to do this – I’ve already conceded that I need another 3-6 months solo training before I attempt to go out with the group again – just thought it might be an interesting discussion point.

    Thoughts?

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Viewing 6 replies - 16 through 21 (of 21 total)
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  • September 1, 2017 at 1:58 pm #901325
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    Alessandro

    Personally, I’d rather see

    Personally, I’d rather see people getting on bikes regardless of whether they’re powered entirely by legs or with slight motorised assistance and, given your circumstances, I’d be surprised if anyone begrudged you opting for the latter. 

    Playing devil’s advocate for a moment, would anyone here see a difference between a rider flying up a hills on a high-end carbon bike versus a relative struggle on a 30 year old steel number? I appreciate that it’s not directly comparable but the lighter bike would require less power, similar to the ebike. 

    September 1, 2017 at 1:12 pm #901323
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    peted76

    I think it’s perfectly

    I think it’s perfectly acceptable, but be prepared for some banter if you drop eveyone on the last mile in ðŸ™‚

    September 1, 2017 at 12:20 pm #901321
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    Mungecrundle

    Our club ride is 2 hours with

    Our club ride is 2 hours with groups of different speeds doing a similar route with extensions for the faster groups, that way we all get a decent ride at a pace to suit, may see each other on the way round and all get back at the same time for cake and bitching.

    eBikes are welcome, we have at least 1 that I know of.

    A club ride is not a competitive event, well except maybe in the fast group. With our club I would suggest riding with a slower group if you are able rather than go straight to mechanical assistance. The chap who uses one has a pacemaker, his heart simply cannot work harder for going up hills.

    September 1, 2017 at 12:09 pm #901319
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    alansmurphy

    My ‘club’ wouldn’t let anyone

    My ‘club’ wouldn’t let anyone suffer – we all have good and bad days and will see different people forming a lead and rear group with newbies, oldies or the odd recovery sharing the back. We sometimes stagger a start, have an organised section where people can put in an effort and then wait (maybe just before a stop), or split the route a little. I’d be really upset if i thought we were leaving someone to fell like an inconvenience, especially as 2k is a significant effort in recovery.

     

    I’d be tempted to change group before bike. In answer to your question though, would be happy to see an e-bike though there is something about them that annoys me somewhat. Wouldn’t mind someone having a ‘handicap’ as such like in golf but may be a bit miffed if all my sweaty efforts up a 10k ramp were peed all over by someone getting a free 15kmh boost 🙂

    September 1, 2017 at 12:03 pm #901317
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    JohnnyEnglish

    If you ride with an e-bike it

    If you ride with an e-bike it may take significantly longer before you are fit enough to keep up on a normal bike.

    September 1, 2017 at 11:52 am #901315
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    PRSboy

    Personally, I’d be pleased to

    Personally, I’d be pleased to see someone on an eBike, particularly in your position getting back into it.  Its not a competitive event after all!

    Plus I could sit behind you in the headwind sections…yes

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