StormTrooper2
Member
Over the weekend I experienced the strange feeling of getting back on my 2015 Trek Domane 4.5, a mid-level carbon bike with mostly Ultegra components. It felt like I was riding in sand with a brake dragging at some point in the rotation of the rear wheel. I got off the bike and checked it out...nothing wrong. The problem was ME. The Turbo is not my first e-bike, but it is far better in terms of seamless power and feel. I believe I've read that the Turbo has a torque sensor, crank speed sensor, and an accelerometer that can determine incline. Whatever is involved the Turbo has effectively de-tuned my legs - except for level riding (where the Turbo provides minimal assistance). To sum up what a Turbo feels like, I often say "It flattens the Earth". It also really helps overcome wind. I can maintain 20 mph on my Domane on the flat without wind. The Turbo allows me to maintain 20 mph all the time - when I should be calling my leg muscles to climb, overcome wind, or accelerate, the Turbo spoils me. The Turbo is programmed to offer a lot of assistance when it senses a lot of torque from the rider, but little speed of the crank or wheels (not sure which), making starting from rest one of the greatest benefits of an e-bike.
But...truth be told, it's made me a less fit rider in terms of strength and stamina. I still burn a ton of calories riding the Turbo 56 miles round trip commuting. I enjoy the ride and will continue riding the Turbo to work as often as possible. I will also ride my Domane at least twice a week, but not for distance. I've done a few 15-20 mile rides after work riding between Purcellville and Leesburg, pushing hard and getting my heart rate up.
The only way to get the same workout on the Turbo is to turn the assist down to about ECO 20. But but this means shortening the life of the battery instead of saving the charge cycles for riding to work. The light weight and nimble Domane is an outstanding ride, and very comfy.
But...truth be told, it's made me a less fit rider in terms of strength and stamina. I still burn a ton of calories riding the Turbo 56 miles round trip commuting. I enjoy the ride and will continue riding the Turbo to work as often as possible. I will also ride my Domane at least twice a week, but not for distance. I've done a few 15-20 mile rides after work riding between Purcellville and Leesburg, pushing hard and getting my heart rate up.
The only way to get the same workout on the Turbo is to turn the assist down to about ECO 20. But but this means shortening the life of the battery instead of saving the charge cycles for riding to work. The light weight and nimble Domane is an outstanding ride, and very comfy.