10 mile commute. E-bike or standard Bike?

[NickNickNick]

Thinking of buying an e-bike or a standard bike. My commute would be 10 miles each way. Downhill on the way to work, and would only have to cross traffic ~13 times. With only ~2.5 miles is gravel bike trail, and the rest on paved bike trails.
I used to enjoy bike riding, but have not done it in a while as I got rid of my bike. I got rid of it as it was the wrong size which made it inconvenient to ride.
Would a modern bike be sufficient, or would an e-bike (class 1 or 2) be better for this type of route?

 

[tinyrick]

Taking into account that it is for commuting, 10 miles is not short, especially with 2.5 miles of gravel road.
I recommend choosing a gravel e-bike or eMTB, which will allow you to arrive quickly and without sweating too much.

 

[DaveMatthews]

I have a similar commute (slightly shorter), but the 13% grade hill going home makes me very happy that I chose ebike.
I don't do it often because the only practical route is large truck mayhem, especially in early morning winter darkness.
My choice was 2021 Giant Stance.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Since you've been off bikes for a while, test-ride an ebike and an unmotorized bike at a local bike shop. Include some hills in both tests. Extrapolate the findings to your commute. Might simplify your decision-making.

One nice thing about an ebike with torque-sensing pedal assist is that you can dial in any level of exertion you want. After an especially hard day at work, you might want more help than usual. At times when you'd like more exercise, you can do that, too. You're in control.

Quick bursts of speed can be very useful in traffic. An ebike can help there, too.

Finally, if you start riding again recreationally, you'll have a lot more options on an ebike. Many of us find that we ride farther/longer/faster and have more fun doing it when we don't burn ourselves out on the big hills.

 

[mrgold35]

I purchased his/her Radrovers rear hub 750w cadence sensor class II with throttle fat tire ebike back in 2016 for weekend fun rides. Decided to try work commuting at 6.5 miles direct by bike compared to 8.5 miles by car (+/- 400 feet elevation change between home and work). I do take occasional detours after work and ride the dirt trails near the river on my commute route (usually put 55-75 miles per week avg). I would switch between both Rovers and had around 4000 miles on each before lockdown.

It would take me consistently around +/- 30 mins on my ebike in the morning, afternoon, below freezing winter temps, +100 degree F heat, or 15-25 mph windy days. The same trip on my old 700-40C commuter pedal bike would take 45 minimal and sometimes over an hour depending on how good or bad the riding conditions were. It was a lot easier with an ebike AND my weekly/yearly mileage went up by 10X compared to my pedal bike because really enjoyed riding more. I was able to ebike work commute all year because I could ride in extreme weather conditions that would sideline me on a pedal bike. I can just up the PAS to level 4 with a stiff headwind to maintain my speed and I had way more cooling when riding at 20 mph when temps are 95-110 degrees F.

Work commuting was a HUGE change compared to weekend fun rides.

- able to change my work schedule to avoid rush hour traffic both ways (saved me on commute time and avoiding nonattentive drivers)
- adding extreme weather gear for heat, riding cloths with UV protection, cold, rain, wind, MTB riding shoes, padded shorts, etc..
- adding commuter backpack for work cloths, lunch, electronics, etc...
- purchased an extra battery charger to leave at work (only had a 11.4Ah battery)
- added rack, rack bag with fold out panniers for tools, flat repair, flash light, spare inner tube, gloves, pump, bad weather gear storage, etc...
- upgrades to my Rover with larger pedals, upgraded brakes, 400mm suspension seat post, change out tires, more comfy seat, raised handlebars, etc...
- adding more aux lights for better visibility (front/rear lights on helmet, brighter rear light, brighter separate battery front light that can blink for daytime safety)
- A LOT of YouTube videos and joining forums for advice, upgrades, to learn how to maintain my ebikes with routine maintenance, and learn how to do emergency in the field fixes
- had to use my cell phone a few times to call the wife to pick me up when there was extreme weather like lightning, heavy snow/rain, or mechanical issues I couldn't fix away from home

 

[scottsdalecommuter]

Depends on how much conditioning you want to get and how fit you are. When I used to do a 10 mile commute on a non-electric bike, I was in super good shape and wanting to get a workout.

There were definitely days an ebike would have been really nice. Another big factor to consider is wind. A nice headwind for 10 miles makes it feel REALLY long especially since you would be going uphill home, especially after a long day at work.

If you go the e-bike route, make sure to get a torque sensor whether you get rear hub or mid-drive which feels a lot more natural. I have a cadence sensor on my rear hub motor and it's not a natural pedal feel. My next bike will definitely have a torque sensor which seems to be more standard now on any ebike. Good luck!

 

[mrgold35]

Depends on how much conditioning you want to get and how fit you are. When I used to do a 10 mile commute on a non-electric bike, I was in super good shape and wanting to get a workout.

There were definitely days an ebike would have been really nice. Another big factor to consider is wind. A nice headwind for 10 miles makes it feel REALLY long especially since you would be going uphill home, especially after a long day at work.

If you go the e-bike route, make sure to get a torque sensor whether you get rear hub or mid-drive which feels a lot more natural. I have a cadence sensor on my rear hub motor and it's not a natural pedal feel. My next bike will definitely have a torque sensor which seems to be more standard now on any ebike. Good luck!

I'll second tq sensor!

I get more of a workout, natural pedal feel, and a natural ramp up in power delivery the harder you pedal with the tq sensor on my Himiway Cobra Pro mid-drive compared to my "on or off power delivery" cadence sensor rear hub Radrover. The power delivery is extremely smooth with the tq sensor and not a huge "turbo" power jolt in higher PAS levels compared to cadence sensor at higher/max PAS levels. I can match the wife's speed perfectly on my Himiway when she is on her cadence sensor Radcity. I was either too much power or too little power and switching PAS levels on my Rad Rover to match her speed.

I ended up on my back on a turn on a muddy trail with the cadence senor because it applied too much power and the rear tire spun out from under me. Hit my head on the hard ground, hurt my shoulder a little bit, fell on the handlebars and broke the stem near the bolts, and was lucky my commuter backpack acted like an airbag on the expose rocks when landed cockeyed. I had to use the throttle to ride the +5 miles home trying to steer and hold on with a floppy handlebar (ALWAYS wear a helmet).

I learned to be extra careful with cadence sensor and PAS levels when the riding surface is slick.

 

[PSm]

Commuting can be a much different scenario than other bike riding. Need to get to work faster? Don’t want to have to take a shower after getting to work too sweaty? Have to deal with cars and many stoplights?

Definitely e-bike, and 10 miles is not much much for most any e-bike, unless you are heavy, have big hills, and or have a small battery.

TBH, I think most any type would work. Having a bike with a throttle can be very useful, to get quick starts at stoplights. You can push the throttle at same time you start pedaling. Great when dealing with traffic and crazy drivers.

 

[old guy 666]

A light pedal assist bike would be nice. If you can handle zero boost, great. If you are gasping for air and your legs are burning, add boost.

 

[AvalancheRun]

If you don’t have a bike, I might start with a used standard bike at a reasonable price. Hill at the beginning is a huge benefit. You will get sweatier before coming home.

Everybody needs a reliable acoustic bike anyway.

 

[PedalUma]

Fenders. If you are commuting you will want fenders. Also wide study tires with a double casing and extra flat protection. You do not want to use the excuse, I got a flat again. Some tires are rated for eBikes such as an e50 rating, meaning 50Kph. Also get a bike that is comfortable with an upright position for good visibility. With assistance overcoming wind resistance is not as much a problem. Better to see and be seen.

 

[sc00ter]

I think the answer depends on what you want out of your commute. I say this because 10 miles is right on the border for being considered to far by most people. I met a guy for the first time today that I see ride a cheaper mountain bike everyday. I see this guy in so many places so I was shocked when I actually met him at his job today. He rides strictly for exercise and has no urge to try a ebike because he knows it will make him get lazy. I have to admire this guy because his commute is around 16 miles each way. I've been dipping y toe back into my 14 mile commute recently. I use my ebike and keep the PAS on the lower side for exercise but have a throttle on stand by just in case.

Let us know what you end up choosing!

 

[gromike]

Everybody needs a reliable acoustic bike anyway.

That might be true, and I even have a couple of great acoustic bikes, but when I ride it's on an ebike. When I was a fifty, even sixty something, I didn't need an ebike. Now I do.

 

[John from Connecticut]

Thinking of buying an e-bike or a standard bike. My commute would be 10 miles each way. Downhill on the way to work, and would only have to cross traffic ~13 times. With only ~2.5 miles is gravel bike trail, and the rest on paved bike trails.
I used to enjoy bike riding, but have not done it in a while as I got rid of my bike. I got rid of it as it was the wrong size which made it inconvenient to ride.
Would a modern bike be sufficient, or would an e-bike (class 1 or 2) be better for this type of route?
View attachment 168311

Wow, There are so many 'parts and pieces' to your question. There's so much you've omitted about your future cycling that could or
would seriously effect your commute. Just a couple of thoughts....

What kind of weather do you have during the winter. Do you get heavy rains in the spring which could completely or possibly wash out the 2.5 miles
of the gravel trail. Is the Trail maintained ie: downed trees from a storm ? The gravel portion of your ride, to me is a huge consideration in your project.
Is it just an old fire road or a real gravel trail. I ride on some very well maintained fine gravel trails here in CT, but from now till late Spring they are
unrideable because of the freeze/thaw temperature cycles. Late winter, early spring. No way any day are these trail ridable.

Next concern I have is 'crossing traffic 13 times' . Depending on the type of roads, traffic flow etc 13 crossing could be another very big deal. I can't
tell you the near misses I've had crossing controlled ( Traffic Signal ) intersections. Right hand driver can literally be a death trap. I've experienced
every type of near miss you can imagine. A cyclist must be on extremely high alert in these situations. 13 traffic crossing is absolutely where an
e-bike is worth every penny.

Tires... 'PedalUma' is spot on ! Fenders are an absolute must along the flat resistant tire. I run the Schwalbe Mrathon E Plus on both my e-bikes,
12,000 miles no flats. They are the only tires for me.

If a bike is going to be your transportation, approximately what is your price range ? If the bike is your sole transportation at quality bike with a strong
local support network aka a Local bike shop seems much more important to you than us casual riders.

These are just a few random thoughts ( there are others) outside of 'which bike to choose' . That's the easy part with a little homework.
Good lock,
John

 

[BlackHand]

Agree with what others said - there are so many variables that there is no ONE answer. 10 miles is totally doable for either bike or ebike.

Personally, I went with an ebike because I knew it would help me maintain a commitment to keep it up regularly. Also I have transportation duties for my kids before and after work and the faster speed of an ebike doubles the number of days I can bike in.

Everyone's situation is different though - there's a librarian here who commutes 5 days a week 30 miles EACH way on a single speed steel Surly. I can't imagine having the time or energy to spend 4-5 hours of every work day biking.

 

[NickNickNick]

Thanks for the explanations! Helps rationalize my goals. An e-bike looks to be a better fit. And, I would benefit by the added flexibility (time/effort) to keep me committed to riding a bike.
I want to get some outdoors/exercise outside of my job, and this looks to be an effective way to do that.
I plan to only bike on days without downpours, or icy super cold days; which in the Midwest USA is most of the year.
Only 6 of the 13 road crossing are high traffic, but 13 is still a lot of stop/starts now that I'm thinking it over. I could bring it down to around 4 major crossing if I take dirt/mulch hiking/biking paths.
The cost of a bike is up in the air currently ($1,5000 and up). I just know it would decrease the cost of ownership of my car by the decreased daily wear & tear of driving it.
Brands serviced around me are Specialized, Gazelle, Aventon, & Trek. I'll have to go to the shops to took.

 

[AvalancheRun]

Vado 4.0 is an easy answer for commuting and fitness, still on sale too.

 

[BlackHand]

Only 6 of the 13 road crossing are high traffic, but 13 is still a lot of stop/starts now that I'm thinking it over. I could bring it down to around 4 major crossing if I take dirt/mulch hiking/biking paths

It won't seem so daunting once you've done it a few times. I think I have about 20 on my 11.4 mile commute if I only count traffic lights, left hand turns, and crossings where cross traffic doesn't have a stop or signal. It goes up over 50 if I count 4 way stops, right hand turns, and uncontrolled residential intersections.

YMMV though, I suspect midwest car traffic is moving faster and less used to bike traffic than here in Seattle

 

[PDoz]

Only 6 of the 13 road crossing are high traffic, but 13 is still a lot of stop/starts now that I'm thinking it over. I could bring it down to around 4 major crossing if I take dirt/mulch hiking/biking paths.

If you have the option of a route that minimizes the risk of sharing your spaces with cars, take it ! If that means riding dirt, then make sure the bikes you consider are dirt capable, or ideally dirt fun. More importantly, look for a bike that's going to encourage you to ride on your days off - you'll get huge health benefits if it's fun to nip out on the trails for a few hours on the weekend.

I have the luxury of a 5 km trip to work , half of which can be along single line mtb trails. We have shower facilities at work. So on days that I can be sure there will be no work related travel I can enjoy the ride to work on my emtb.

Honest truth - this has nothing to do with economics / the environment or even getting fitter. It's about changing an easy 6 min drive into 15 minutes of fun -arriving at work grinning. The emtb makes the uphill ride home bearable, my human powered mountain bike makes the ride home a PITA. I can't remember the last time I rode the human powered bike.

I have 2 emtb's , and for commuting I use my old full powered giant . It's equivalent to a base model trek rail, but a hardtail emtb like the powerfly would be just as much fun on that trip.

Be warned, these things are addictive. Take a look around your region and have a good think about the opportunities for recreational riding. Invest in your recreation, the commute is just an excuse .

BTW , look at the warranties and reputations for each brand. Traditionally, specialized offered exceptionally good warranty but you still need a store with a good reputation. Their warranty can be transferred if you sell the bike, and any part they replace comes with it's own fresh warranty . Ie My levo sl is 3 years old, I bought it second hand, the motor was replaced towards the end of the 2 year warranty so it got another 2 year warranty!

 

[TrevorB]

Fenders. If you are commuting you will want fenders. Also wide study tires with a double casing and extra flat protection. You do not want to use the excuse, I got a flat again. Some tires are rated for eBikes such as an e50 rating, meaning 50Kph. Also get a bike that is comfortable with an upright position for good visibility. With assistance overcoming wind resistance is not as much a problem. Better to see and be seen.

View attachment 168352View attachment 168353

I'd add lights and rack (for waterproof panniers) to list of features.
Level 3 (25mph) bike would be nice but not essential for your commute. A 400wh battery should handle 20mile trip even on turbo. Given small hills 50nm bike would be OK but 60-70nm nice to have if your budget allows.
If you want low maintenance then middrive with IGH(internal geared hub) & single speed chain or even better belt drive. Derailleurs are just high maintenance in labour and parts.

Usual advice of doing lots of test rides on different bikes applies. Ideally a round trip of your commute for one you want.