i wondered how other e cyclists get on with non e cyclists when on their daily commute. I cycle 13 miles to work from chingford to the barbican, this is a busy route with lots of cyclists and cars, this is the first time i have been on a bike for many years and after 3 weeks im glad im still alive, i have had a few near misses largely my own fault thinking im superman, i have calmed down a lot and am more alert to the dangers now, however i am also alert to the reaction of non e cyclists, if i overtake a fully lycrad racer type cyclist on a hill where i have an advantage they will not be happy and will do anything to overtake me, i have also had a few comments, i didnt quite catch what they said but i dont think it was complimentory. and this wasnt when i was being daft.
winding up non electric cyclists
- Thread starter stu
- Start date
They never catch me, and I pass most going about 5 mph faster. They're only jealous that you're not ruled by the rules.
http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/
plenty of pace does the trick
http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/
plenty of pace does the trick
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When I meet cyclists I usually pass the time of day with them and I can't say I have experienced any nastiness or p-taking from them regarding the fact I have electrical assistance. I'm bound to say, if I still had my health, I'd be riding one of my 'normally-aspirated' bikes and wouldn't entertain an ebike but sadly, that's not possible for me any more.
There seems to be an attitude problem among many ebikers in this forum in respect of other human beings who choose to wear lycra clothing and ride road bikes and that's something I don't understand. This nonsense that some come out with about racing past 'roadies' is just ridiculous and in many cases, just plain fantasy in my opinion. Why would you want to?
Yesterday, I watched the girl racers riding through Hertfordshire on lightweight bikes and apart from the lumps in the front of their shirts, they could easily have been mistaken for blokes. These people are athletes and set a great example to others with their commitment and dedication to their chosen sport. The average lard-arse ebiker on a 25 kg ebike, limited to 15 mph assistance simply wouldn't be able to maintain the pace of those girls over 50+ miles.
As for all those other folk who ride road bikes and wear lycra, they get my respect for their endeavour and the chosen apparel is ideal for cycling, whatever kind of bike one rides. All in all, I don't see these people as being objects of ridicule and if some of them make sarcastic comments about ebikers, I can live with that. Respect where it's due.
Tom.
I see cycling for me as an enjoyable pastime rather than a race or challenge and am glad that having a small motor has helped me to continue when knee problems would have curtailed that.
Maybe it's the area I now live in but I have met with nothing but courtesy, respect and maybe a bit of light hearted banter and chat from other cyclists I've met on route, mainly mountain bikers and touring bikes in these parts.
Also many times as I've been stationary to admire the view (get breath back) one of the Lycra mob has stopped to ask if I need help.
Let's just be nice to each other and be ambassadors for e- bikeing.
Dave.
Maybe it's the area I now live in but I have met with nothing but courtesy, respect and maybe a bit of light hearted banter and chat from other cyclists I've met on route, mainly mountain bikers and touring bikes in these parts.
Also many times as I've been stationary to admire the view (get breath back) one of the Lycra mob has stopped to ask if I need help.
Let's just be nice to each other and be ambassadors for e- bikeing.
Dave.
I applaud that sentiment Dave!
When I bought my first ebike, it wasn't so that I could go faster than on my pushbike or to leave 'roadies' in my wake. Any scooter or motorcycle, in many cases far cheaper than the latest high-end ebikes, could achieve that. I just wanted to continue cycling for exercise and for the pleasure of seeing all that the countryside has to offer but at a leisurely pace without too much pain.
My ebikes achieve exactly that.
Tom
I must say I have no problem with the lycra clad road bike riders, many of whom are positively friendly. Some show interest in my e-bikes and on occasions when I've been stopped for a breather or to admire the view, one or more of them has paused to check if all's well.
Some of the "weekend wannabees" ride with grim-faced intent, basically posers, and they tend to ignore me on an e-bike if I try to greet them. But never any adverse comments. I've only ever suffered those from van/truck drivers or groups of young yobs in battered hatchbacks. It seems the need to advertise one's intelligence level is an inverse function, the lower the IQ, the greater the need.
Some of the "weekend wannabees" ride with grim-faced intent, basically posers, and they tend to ignore me on an e-bike if I try to greet them. But never any adverse comments. I've only ever suffered those from van/truck drivers or groups of young yobs in battered hatchbacks. It seems the need to advertise one's intelligence level is an inverse function, the lower the IQ, the greater the need.