A moral dilema

[mikep]

I had originally intended to put a conversion kit onto a Dahon Jack, which I bought on eBay.
Then last week I spotted that Onbike were selling an ex demonstrator BH Emotion bike on eBay and that the starting price made the bike a very attractive proposition. Being a good hearted individual, I even put a post on this forum to let everyone know that this panasonic crank motor bike was up for grabs.
Intrigued to see what it would go for I checked the current bid just 2 minutes before the end of auction, no bids! You've guessed it, with just over a minute to go,I put a bid in and am now the proud owner of said bike.
Picked it up from Kidderminster yesterday - what great guys Phil and the team are - and although I know the bike does not fold, at least it has quick release wheels.

Now we come to my personal moral dilema.

The reason for getting the bike is to get fitter and loose some weight. Todays inaugural 10mile ride in the midday sun has left me a little warm and thirsty. I nearly stopped off at the pub for refreshment (good pint of Fullers!), but no I couldn't without the guidance of the good members of the forum. The question is:

How many miles do I have to cycle before I can have a pint at the pub on the way home and still be morally proud of myself because, I've burnt more calories than consumed? Alternatively do you operate a miles per pint rule when out on a ride?

 

[flecc]

Very difficult to say with accuracy, since there are so many variables, especially with e-assistance.

However, an idea with beer at roughly 170 to 185 calories per pint.

Normal cycling at 15 mph from a calculator at 873 calories per hour, less what would be used if not cycling just to live, leaves say 800 calories per hour.

Now the e-bike tricky bit, how much you put in by pedalling and how much from the motor.

Say 300 calories from you pedalling and 500 from the motor which is probably about average, means about 36 minutes e-biking to have a pint.

But here's the main variants:

More time if you pedal less, less if you pedal much more.

Hills if any.

Body and bike weight

e-bike power.

Your fitness.

Other daily activities indulged in.

 

[mikep]

Oh dear, I've now got another moral dilema!

Using Fleccs assumptions, if we say I'm allowed a pint of bitter (mid alcoholic strength) say every 40 mins, that means on average I've only covered 10 miles before stopping, locking the bike, ordering a pint and drinking it, then returning to the bike etc. Initially this break may only be 10 mins, but as the pints build up, the pace of drinking will slow down and also require additional comfort breaks along the way. Therefore I think we can assume that the average speed could easily be down to 10mph average for a decent trip. The good news is that the opportunity can be taken at each pub to top up the battery (say 50p donation to charity box).

My car returns approx 50mpg on diesel at say £1.40/litre, therefore the fuel cost of a 50 mile journey is approx £6.37 (i.e. the marginal cost because all other costs have been absorbed in routine running), I arrive back in good time, relaxed and refreshed, not even needing a pint.

Comparing that to the use of the electric bike, I've stopped at 5 pubs on the same journey, spent £15 on beer (southern prices) and donated £2.50 to charity total £17.50. At the end of the trip I'm swaying, livers complaining and I need to lay down for a kip.

Conclusion - DRIVING IS CHEAPER AND BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH THAN E BIKING!

To be serious now, thanks Flecc, the info on calories was just what I was looking for and gives me an incentive to cycle passed the pub. However it is nice to play with statistics at times to prove anything you want just by altering assumptions and facts!

Mike

 

[jasono]

Hi Mike
I was watching the BH E-motion on eBay, but ended up making a balls up of my bid, putting the decimal point in the wrong place! I know, don't ask...
I ended up buying a new E-motion Sport from On Bike, which arrived last Friday. I am very impressed to say the least
Anyway, pleased to hear you are enjoying your bike and don't worry about the calories!

 

[indalo]

However it is nice to play with statistics at times to prove anything you want just by altering assumptions and facts!
Mike

I enjoyed your little anecdote Mike but I feel you may have missed your vocation. Ever considered standing for parliament? Stats are MPs' stock in trade!

Regards,
Indalo

 

[mikep]

Hi Jason, its sounds as if your bad luck was my good luck, I hope you're enjoying your Sport as much as I'm enjoying mine.

Did you get the cassette changed to the 11-30 (or 11-32?) or have you retained the standard? On reading a road test of the Emotion the standard cassette seemed to give very narrow gearing, hence I asked Phil to change the cassette before collecting. I'm pleased I did because for my natural cadence the bike feels very comfortable and can easily achieve 15+mph on the flat with no power and closer to 19 with power! The power cut-off seems very subtle so that it is easy to peddle above assistance level.

I was recommended to condition the battery, albeit being an exdemonstrator, so rode the bike last week on full power for 24 miles to "flatten" the battery (10amp capacity) but still had 2 lights showing on the battery when I got home. This exceeded the range that I was expecting on max and with the change of gearing. I will admit I was cycling reasonably hard, however I think it bodes well for the goal of using it on the eco setting in the future.

Indalo, glad you enjoyed my extrapolation of "facts", but must ask if the words "MP" and "fact" have ever before been used in the same sentence before!

Regards

Mike

 

[jasono]

Hi Mike

Yes, I'm really enjoying the Sport. Like you Phil changed the cassette for me and the bike flies! 19mph on the Low setting is easily achieved

I am looking forward to getting a longer 20+ mile run under my belt

Pleased to hear you are enjoying your bike and am pleased it went to a good home rather than someone after making a quick buck

Take care

Jason