Ride comfortably

[slomoshun]

Riding an eBike frequently generates questions from observers. Many of them currently have a pedal-only bike, and most of those are either road bikes or MTBs with ergonomics that lean the rider aggressively forward. The purpose of the lean is pedaling leverage and improved aerodynamics. My preference in eBikes is riding comfortably upright. With power assistance there really is little need to emulate the low-bar platform unless your goal is peak speed all the time. I discuss this with the curious and have often let them ride my bike. After they feel the power boost, they understand. So, for those in the forum shopping for an eBike, you don’t need to be a slave to an uncomfortable tradition. This article from 2012 is worth a read.

https://momentummag.com/upright-bikes-sit-up-and-enjoy-the-ride/


There is a message in this video from a nation with a large percentage of active bicyclists.

 

[ebikemom]

What a great article and topic. I grew up when road bikes were the rage--got a Schwinn 10-speed with dropped handlebars (and bright green sparkly paint with transparent handlebar strapping on the handlebars) when I was 13 in the mid-1970's (my age is showing!), and I was in bike heaven. But, I wasn't comfortable with the dropped handlebars, even at 13. I wasn't a racer--just getting to school and activities. It became popular to rotate the handlebars so instead of curling downward, the curls were on top, curling away from the rider, so riders could sit more upright.

Upright stance is pretty clearly better for human bodies. But I think some younger ebike riders want to fit in with the other cyclists in their demographic, creating a demand for ebikes that have forward-leaning stances.

In Japan, where bikes are basic transportation for so many people to get to shopping, jobs, and transfer to trains or buses, upright stance has always been the norm. When I lived there, I was amazed that there weren't any road bikes. Aerodynamics is not an issue, even for conventional bikes, for getting around town, etc.

I understand that ebikes are huge in Japan now--so much of Japan is very hilly. Here's a video of a bike ride through Tokyo (which, though, is very flat). You'll see that nearly all of the cyclists and bicycles you see have an upright seating stance, nearly all step-thrus. And, the riding environment also requires riding pretty slowly--15kph is the max assist/throttle speed for ebikes.

 

[6zfshdb]

Great article! Thanks for posting.

I discovered early on in my bicycling years that riding upright was more comfortable than bent over the handlebars. Unfortunately, most of my riding is done on trails with irregular surfaces which require a mountain style bike with front suspension and a minimum of 24 speed gearing. These bikes typically have a low stem (handlebar) height not suitable for upright riding. There are many road and cruiser style bikes available with a high stem but lack suspension and sufficient gearing.

Realizing the demand, many bike manufacturers began marketing hybrid or “comfort” bikes which combine the high stem of a road bike with the suspension and gearing of a mountain bike. I’ve been riding this type bike for 10 years now.

When I began looking at ebikes, I quickly discovered the hybrid or comfort style does not yet exist in this market. Further compounded by my 6’ 3”, 255 lb. frame, I found the selection to be quite limited.

Eventually, I settled on the Pedego Platinum Interceptor. I replaced the cruiser style handlebars with BMX bars and added a stem riser. The 10 speed gearing is adequate with the help of the pedal assist system.

Hopefully, ebike makers will get the message and add hybrid models to their lines.

 

[rich c]

I like speed, and absolutely prefer the aggressive position. It's very easy to sit upright and steer with a couple of fingers, or no hands at all for short periods to relax muscles. I don't try to maintain peak speed all the time. Most of my urban rides end up with a 15mph average. "A slave to an uncomfortable tradition", that's funny! 65 years old by the way.

 

[ebikemom]

View attachment 24318

Cool set-up. What kind of seat do you have?

 

[6zfshdb]

Cool set-up. What kind of seat do you have?

Due to vascular issues, I use a Spiderflex hornless seat mounted on a Thudbuster ST seat post.




http://www.spiderflex.com/



http://www.canecreek.com/product/thudbuster-st/

For me, it's the most comfortable combination available.

 

[rich c]

Hopefully, ebike makers will get the message and add hybrid models to their lines.

I did a quick check on the web. Looked like a lot of hybrid models available right now.

 

[PowerMe]

TWO bottle bosses on that bike with the Spiderflex seat. Somewhere out there Court is smiling with a big thumbs up!

 

[6zfshdb]

TWO bottle bosses on that bike with the Spiderflex seat. Somewhere out there @Court is smiling with a big thumbs up!

There is no second set of bottle bosses on the frame tube. I use this combo:


2 Fish Quick Cage Adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Two-Fish-Quick-Cage-Adapter/dp/B003RLJ8L6 It mounts on any frame member regardless of shape.

And


Zfal Side Mount Bottle Cage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BWPKY...a603-e5969129d9fa&ie=UTF8&qid=1533578587&sr=1

Holds very well for an inexpensive product. It loads from the side so top clearance isn't a problem.

 

[6zfshdb]

I did a quick check on the web. Looked like a lot of hybrid models available right now.

Most "cruiser" style ebikes don't have all the features I'm looking for. Most don't have front suspension or more than 7 gears let alone the necessary stem height. A true hybrid or comfort bike will allow for the handlebar height to adjust to 12" or more above the seat height. For me, 12" is the right height for a comfortable upright riding position. I also require a 300 lb max load capacity for rider and gear.

Most true comfort bikes have a robust front suspension with front and rear derailleurs allowing for a minimum of 21 speeds. Basically, it is a full blown mountain bike with a high stem. There are a few cruiser style bikes out there that come close to these specs. Most notably are the Pedego's. I chose the Platinum Interceptor for it's acceptable 10 speed drivetrain, Suntour front suspension, 300 lb weight capacity and a stem height I could work with.

I'm still in the market for another ebike though so I'm still looking.

 

[ebikemom]

I chose the Platinum Interceptor for it's acceptable 10 speed drivetrain, Suntour front suspension, 300 lb weight capacity and a stem height I could work with.

The Interceptor's handlebars also swoop upward more than most, so the stem doesn't have to be raised as much. It's a very comfortable bike.