Kurt in CT
Active Member
Hi. Forgive this newbie review. You crusty old ebike guys will find this pretty old and basic. But I’m clearly in my honeymoon period… and glowing not only about my new bike, but about Ebikes in general!
So, before a big-ass snow storm hits here, I just took my first real ride with my new bike. And in doing so had my past 6 months of research completely validated. For once in my life, I made a good buying decision! And although I’m quite thrilled with the bike choice I made, I’m equally thrilled with the concept of Ebikes in general. So this is both a review on the bike, and Ebikes in general… as I fully realize that most of the other bikes out there do the same darn thing as mine. Anyway, my new bike is a Magnum Peak.
The thing is, even though I’ve been researching this for quite a while, I’m only now fully realizing the nuances and beauty of this technology. And though I’ve ridden few Ebikes in the past, today, I really got to feel it. My ride today was in a really hilly section of Connecticut. And I did this on purpose. In fact, hills are one of the primary reasons I wanted an ebike. I don't like them with traditional bikes. One of the hills today was easily one of the longer and steeper in the state. So to cut to the chase, at my first hill, I didn’t know which gear to be in to optimize the bike performance. But when I put my gear in a low gear (I know, duh), and put my pedal assist up to it’s max, I could not believe that I could go up this hill sitting down and not even winded! I was simply blown away! I had that giddy feeling people talk of regarding this concept. So that’s the thing I’m learning… that the gear you are in, in combination with the pedal assist level, matters. I did not know this before. And when you get to match correct, it makes your ride rather incredible.
So long story short, I’m crazy about the bike and I’m crazy about the technology. I’m even glad I chose the throttle option. I really don’t need it, but I’m glad it’s there and it’s definitely cool to have occasionally.
So what did I learn today?
1) The freedom and exhilaration of having this mode of transportation is going to be even better than I thought.
2) it’s getting me out doors even the crappy 40-degree weather, just as I had thought it would
3) I love the power of this bike. The power matters and I’m happy with what I chose.
4) I’m glad I have 24 gears. I’ve experimented with the gear range, and really like it. I’m sure 10 would be fine. But I’m enjoying the range because there are times I don’t want to use any electricity at all and I’m glad to have the wide gear option
5) i’m glad I got the knobby tires. Even though I’m going to be on the road a whole lot more than trails, I like having the option of going off-road.
6) I bought separate lights for both the front and back, which I plan to use in strobe-mode during the day. Really glad I’ve got these. Bought “URG” off Amazon. Killer strong. My roads here are narrow and not bike friendly. Need these and glad I have them.
7) Really glad that I bought from a LBS. Really great knowing I have the bike I want, and complete support behind me if something goes wrong.
8) Again, I didn’t know the bike would be so strong going up hills. I thought I’d have to work much harder. I’m beyond excited about this.
9) The ease of Ebikes is incredible.
10) My legs were feeling great. Pumped. This is a new form of exercise for me and clearly going to be great!
11) Totally into the look of my Magnum. Pretty cool.
So those are my initial reactions. I know I’ll have so much more as the season progresses.
So, before a big-ass snow storm hits here, I just took my first real ride with my new bike. And in doing so had my past 6 months of research completely validated. For once in my life, I made a good buying decision! And although I’m quite thrilled with the bike choice I made, I’m equally thrilled with the concept of Ebikes in general. So this is both a review on the bike, and Ebikes in general… as I fully realize that most of the other bikes out there do the same darn thing as mine. Anyway, my new bike is a Magnum Peak.
The thing is, even though I’ve been researching this for quite a while, I’m only now fully realizing the nuances and beauty of this technology. And though I’ve ridden few Ebikes in the past, today, I really got to feel it. My ride today was in a really hilly section of Connecticut. And I did this on purpose. In fact, hills are one of the primary reasons I wanted an ebike. I don't like them with traditional bikes. One of the hills today was easily one of the longer and steeper in the state. So to cut to the chase, at my first hill, I didn’t know which gear to be in to optimize the bike performance. But when I put my gear in a low gear (I know, duh), and put my pedal assist up to it’s max, I could not believe that I could go up this hill sitting down and not even winded! I was simply blown away! I had that giddy feeling people talk of regarding this concept. So that’s the thing I’m learning… that the gear you are in, in combination with the pedal assist level, matters. I did not know this before. And when you get to match correct, it makes your ride rather incredible.
So long story short, I’m crazy about the bike and I’m crazy about the technology. I’m even glad I chose the throttle option. I really don’t need it, but I’m glad it’s there and it’s definitely cool to have occasionally.
So what did I learn today?
1) The freedom and exhilaration of having this mode of transportation is going to be even better than I thought.
2) it’s getting me out doors even the crappy 40-degree weather, just as I had thought it would
3) I love the power of this bike. The power matters and I’m happy with what I chose.
4) I’m glad I have 24 gears. I’ve experimented with the gear range, and really like it. I’m sure 10 would be fine. But I’m enjoying the range because there are times I don’t want to use any electricity at all and I’m glad to have the wide gear option
5) i’m glad I got the knobby tires. Even though I’m going to be on the road a whole lot more than trails, I like having the option of going off-road.
6) I bought separate lights for both the front and back, which I plan to use in strobe-mode during the day. Really glad I’ve got these. Bought “URG” off Amazon. Killer strong. My roads here are narrow and not bike friendly. Need these and glad I have them.
7) Really glad that I bought from a LBS. Really great knowing I have the bike I want, and complete support behind me if something goes wrong.
8) Again, I didn’t know the bike would be so strong going up hills. I thought I’d have to work much harder. I’m beyond excited about this.
9) The ease of Ebikes is incredible.
10) My legs were feeling great. Pumped. This is a new form of exercise for me and clearly going to be great!
11) Totally into the look of my Magnum. Pretty cool.
So those are my initial reactions. I know I’ll have so much more as the season progresses.
Thanks Joe. Yep, I'm all-in now. Call me e-crazy. I'm actually going to try it in the snow for the first time ever. So looking forward to the storm this afternoon!
