The perfect road bike combination..

[eTim]

For an average fit bloke like me has to be...

The Cytronex Cannondale Synapse and...
The Cytronex Cannondale SuperSix.

Well I would say that wouldn't I? But I've just had so much fun recently commuting (40 mile round trip) on the Synapse. And using the SuperSix for fast, thrilling fun rides (well they are both fast and thrilling really), that I just thought I would share that with you all.

In addition, since I started on the ebike craze 8 months ago and endured the winter riding, my fitness for the summer is fantastic, I can bomb* up hills on the higher geared SuperSix that I couldn't do at the beginning of the year and the range on one battery is phenomenal now that I use it less and less (30-35 miles), I love the SuperSix )

Also my bodyweight has decreased steadily.

*OK bomb might be a bit of slight exaggeration, but you get my drift?

 

[Pedalo]

I agree the Cytronex bikes are great for fitness and I too have lost lots of weight and am feeling much fitter than I was 12 months ago.

I had reduced my motor usage to practically zero but I might have been pushing things a bit too much recently though...
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/charging-post/6179-dodgy-knee.html

 

[Barnowl]

eTim, Good to hear you're still enjoying those marvellous bikes. No wonder you're losing weight if you throwing in some 40 mile commutes.

I might be wrong here but I suspect you're the only one with a road bike combination.. I've got the hybrid and folder combination. I love them both. Mind you I'd be happy to do a swap...

Out of interest have you tried either bike less battery and front hub wheel. Just wondered what the difference felt like.

I had reduced my motor usage to practically zero but I might have been pushing things a bit too much recently though...

Sorry to here that. I did something similar during a patch of good weather a month or so ago. My mileage escalated and next thing I know I'm hobbling around with a dodgy left knee and right hip. To be fair I think it was more than just the cycling. I slacked off to zero as well. Not much walking either. It took several weeks but apart from the usual twinges I'm back to normal now. Take it easy and plenty of stretching.

 

[eTim]

I've looked at a spare front wheel for the SuperSix and will get around to it soon, removing the motor and battery should take the weight down to around 8 Kg's. I will then need to try the same hills powerless, I'm expecting that riding on the flat and moderate hills should be no problem, as for steep hills who knows!

I have also recently purchased a Thorn Nomad (folding mountain bike). I have in mind an electric conversion for this, but for now I am enjoying it unpowered. I'm waiting to see what the Cytronex kit will look like before making any kit decisions.

Pedalo - It could be a sign of 'overtraining' and rest is the main cure. Anything that is persistant for 2-3 weeks or recurring I would get checked out by a professional. When I looked at riding technique one of the main techniques was to ensure that your cadence is high 80-90 rpm to reduce the strain on your knees obviously electric assist removes some of the pressure on the knees and lower cadences are possible, it all depends on the terrain and speed you are riding at (and type of e-assist).