Also, look at the angle of the saddle from the side of the bike, the back of the saddle shouldn't be higher than the front. It should either be level, or the front slightly higher than the rear.
As someone who cycles more than driving, from personal experience, I would disagree with the statement in bold. You don't want the front of your saddle pressing against the underside of your scrotum area. In my experience, the saddle should be level, or the back slightly higher (by not a lot).
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Also, look at the angle of the saddle from the side of the bike, the back of the saddle shouldn't be higher than the front. It should either be level, or the front slightly higher than the rear.
As someone who cycles more than driving, from personal experience, I would disagree with the statement in bold. You don't want the front of your saddle pressing against the underside of your scrotum area. In my experience, the saddle should be level, or the back slightly higher (by not a lot).
Obviously here there is personal preference and saddle design to take into account. But apart from my own experience which is the opposite of yours, style of cycling is a big factor here. I have no doubt that on a bike with drop bars, having the rear of the saddle up slightly will feel more natural, but not for an upright riding style. And I did say the front, if higher at all, should be only slightly (maybe 1cm), so there is no reason the front of the saddle would be causing any discomfort unless you are often leaning forward.
I had a conversation not too long ago with my Mother (upright riding style), she had the sensation of sliding around on her saddle. I had a look at it and could see that the rear of the saddle was slightly higher than the front. Thinking that the sliding she described was feeling that she was sliding off the front, I adjusted it so the front was slightly higher and she is now much happier.
I did the same for my pal after he described not being very comfortable on his new bike (again, upright riding style). He is also much happier now.
But I guess the main point to get across is that it is fairly easy to adjust the angle of most saddles, so if you are not finding it too comfortable, try some adjustment before shelling out on a new saddle.
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Obviously here there is personal preference and saddle design to take into account. But apart from my own experience which is the opposite of yours, style of cycling is a big factor here. I have no doubt that on a bike with drop bars, having the rear of the saddle up slightly will feel more natural, but not for an upright riding style. And I did say the front, if higher at all, should be only slightly (maybe 1cm), so there is no reason the front of the saddle would be causing any discomfort unless you are often leaning forward.
I had a conversation not too long ago with my Mother (upright riding style), she had the sensation of sliding around on her saddle. I had a look at it and could see that the rear of the saddle was slightly higher than the front. Thinking that the sliding she described was feeling that she was sliding off the front, I adjusted it so the front was slightly higher and she is now much happier.
Fair enough (even though that 1cm could be a noticeable difference to some people).
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Been thinking about an update since its been about a year since I got my (NCM Milano Plus) ebike. I also passed the 1000 miles today (which took longer than it should have) while out on a wee cycle (before the winter weather kicks back in tomorrow!), so that made up my mind.
First thing I suppose I should admit is that armed with the knowledge and experienced gained over the course of the year, I now wish I'd gone for the mountain bike version with the same motor and battery as mine (NCM Moscow Plus). The principle reason for this is extra cushioning of the fatter tyres. Which isn't to say I go off road because I don't, other than on what used to be a railway line, now an unsurfaced path. But the combination of the state of the roads in general, the state of the former railway line in places, couple with the weight of the bike overall and the 'unsprung' weight of the motor within the rear wheel, means I would just have a little more confidence, and it would open up extra 'routes' for me that I'd be very wary of or (more likely) just avoid otherwise. There is the possibility of fitting fatter tyres (current OE tyres are 28x1.5) on to the wheels, but clearance would dictate I couldn't go that much bigger. The potential for problems was highlighted several months ago when I decided to try a new route of about 30 miles in total with half on the old railway line. Some parts were much rougher than I expected and while washing the bike once home, I discovered 3 broken spokes on the rear wheel!. It isn't a huge issue though, I just have to be mindful of the road surface and be particularly careful around kerbs.
The broken spokes threw up another potential drawback, not of my bike specifically, but buying online. Went in to Halfords to ask about getting new spokes fitted, but the manager wasn't very keen at all because I hadn't bought it from them. Said another branch in Aberdeenshire had worked on a non-Halfords ebike and they were accused of breaking it. But she did say I should come back in the next day and speak to their bike mechanic/builder. Now I have to point out, I was confident I could replace the spokes, I just had my doubts I could align the wheel properly. But I decided to remove the rear wheel completely, that way there was very little possibility of any problems and the Halfords bike guy was happy enough to fix it the next day while I waited.
So as for the rest, its all good on the proviso that I don't run out of charge while on a cycle because it really is a beast!. Cycled back and fore to my parents 6 times during the year and looking forward to doing that again soon. Its a great (circa 28 miles and 80-90 minutes each way) run with some amazing views and is all done on very quiet country roads (though I cross a couple of busier ones). On a nice day it is hugely enjoyable.
I now have a Brooks B67 saddle on it, so comfort is fine for the most part. But on a longer run I do still find myself standing up on the pedals when possible just to get a bit of a break and some extra ventilation(!). Furthest I've gone in one go was 38 miles, but range is affected by terrain and wind.
One thing that could be useful, in the specific event of the battery running flat while on a cycle, is an extra set of gears. Comes as a 1 x 8, but having a 2 x 8 setup would make it feasible to cycle up more than the gentlest of hills should I run out of electricity!. But I could probably do this myself if there is somewhere to mount the front mech.
The plan is for the next 1000 miles to be completed quicker, so watch this space!.
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All this stuff about cycling makes me feel nostalgic.
In my teens I had a couple of racing bikes (but suitable for the road). They were short wheelbase and not very comfortable. Both were hand-built, one by Hobbs, which I grew out of, and the other, a larger one by Ephgrave. No doubt the frame design and all the rest would be considered very outmoded now, but they were light, taut machines that were thrilling to ride.
Unfortunately I didn't do any serious riding after uni. Over the years my fitness deteriorated and now I have to admit I've lost my nerve to start again, being aware of how vulnerable cyclists are and how there is often bad blood between motorists and cyclists.
I've started going to an exercise class on Mondays and the gym on Fridays, and try to walk every day. I'm afraid I have to drive to get to both. Sad, really.
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Unfortunately I didn't do any serious riding after uni. Over the years my fitness deteriorated and now I have to admit I've lost my nerve to start again, being aware of how vulnerable cyclists are and how there is often bad blood between motorists and cyclists.
That is a shame FP and I am well aware of how lucky I am re my location. Although the largest town in Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is not that big compared to some. But also, where I live within the town makes it easy for me to get out into the country on to quiet roads from 3 different directions with minimal time on busier (but not that busy, and not fast) roads.
I would say that an ebike would probably give you more confidence cycling on urban roads (certainly with a bike as physically large as mine), so I would suggest trying one if you have the opportunity. Though if you have no easy access to the countryside, there may be limited enjoyment available?.
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<< Although the largest town in Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is not that big compared to some. >>
Strange that Aberdeen is no longer in Aberdeenshire ! :-)
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<< Although the largest town in Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is not that big compared to some. >>
Strange that Aberdeen is no longer in Aberdeenshire ! :-)
That's a city..
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<< Although the largest town in Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is not that big compared to some. >>
Strange that Aberdeen is no longer in Aberdeenshire ! :-)
That's a city..
Indeed, city and shire (Mr f***o)
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<< Although the largest town in Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is not that big compared to some. >>
Strange that Aberdeen is no longer in Aberdeenshire ! :-)
That's a city..
Indeed, city and shire (Mr f***o)
And why, prey tell has 'F r o d o' fallen victim to the swear filter?
I guess I'd better not start a Lord Of The Rings thread?
Edited by badbusdriver on 06/03/2023 at 18:41
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No idea. It's in the list for some reason. Mods can add words but we can't remove them, only IT can do that.
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No idea. It's in the list for some reason. Mods can add words but we can't remove them, only IT can do that.
Some, I understand, because a computer programme sees a certain sequence of letters but doesn't see the other letters around it making a different word entirely, but utterly baffled in this case?
Hey ho!
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<< Some, I understand, because a computer program sees a certain sequence of letters but doesn't see the other letters around it making a different word entirely ... >>
That takes me back about 50 years. My then boss, a polymer scientist, used to do literature searches with the primitive computing tools available then. He was amused when it found 'urea' in the American Bureau of Standards ....
[ how are we doing for topic drift ? ]
Edited by Andrew-T on 06/03/2023 at 23:02
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No idea. It's in the list for some reason.
IIRC from the distant past, 'F r o d' was regarded as a slur word referring to certain vehicular products from Merseyside. I haven't heard it used for a very long time, so perhaps it could go from the list of forbidden words - if for no better reason than that I could (if I chose) successfully type the name of the town I live in ....
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<< Although the largest town in Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is not that big compared to some. >>
Strange that Aberdeen is no longer in Aberdeenshire ! :-)
Did it move out? Declare its independence?
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<< Although the largest town in Aberdeenshire, Peterhead is not that big compared to some. >>
Strange that Aberdeen is no longer in Aberdeenshire ! :-)
Did it move out? Declare its independence?
It wanted a change.
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Cycling kept me sane (though swmbo disagrees) during lockdown and beyond. I covered thousands of miles over the last couple of years, thankfully I live in a very picturesque part of the country with plenty of off-road cycle paths and quiet country lanes to get lost down.
I was into mountain biking in a fairly big way as a teen but bought an expensive carbon fibre racing bike to get back into cycling a few years back, then after countless punctures and near misses with HGV’s and angry bus drivers (most of whom know me) I flogged the racer and dug the old faithful 2003 Claude Butler Cape Wrath out the garage and serviced it.
I love nothing more than being miles from other people down a winding country dirt track. There’s one route I regularly frequent, a 47 miles path along the river Ayr from Ayr to Muirkirk - a tiny nowhere town where tarmac was apparently invented. There are loads of fascinating old industrial sites around the area I’ve explored on my old bike and taken pics of. The Union Canal between Glasgow and Edinburgh is another very pleasant wee run, but the canal side cafes and bars are a temptation.
Edited by SLO76 on 08/03/2023 at 08:15
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I was into mountain biking in a fairly big way as a teen but bought an expensive carbon fibre racing bike to get back into cycling a few years back, then after countless punctures
Just get some puncture proof road tyres like Schwalbe Marathons. They are stiff to get on the wheel, but worth it for the protection. They feel heavyish to ride on if you're a racer, but no other downsides. Or a gravel based tyre and tyre sealant, that's what I have - no punctures yet. Must stress that I don't do a lot of cycling, but I like it to be hassle free.
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Cycling kept me sane (though swmbo disagrees) during lockdown and beyond. I covered thousands of miles over the last couple of years, thankfully I live in a very picturesque part of the country with plenty of off-road cycle paths and quiet country lanes to get lost down.
Exactly what I was doing. And getting a big vitamin-D boost free of charge. Will be back on the saddle (knees willing) when the weather improves - fed up with walking around my (small) town in Herts!
I was into mountain biking in a fairly big way as a teen but bought an expensive carbon fibre racing bike to get back into cycling a few years back, then after countless punctures and near misses with HGV’s and angry bus drivers (most of whom know me) I flogged the racer and dug the old faithful 2003 Claude Butler Cape Wrath out the garage and serviced it.
I was always previously a purely on-road cyclist, but as I got a very sturdy (and very heavy) mountain bike as a freebie, I thought I would at least try it out 'off road' (no mountains near me, some relatively steep (but small) hills.
It was ok, and I really prefer the country lanes because you can choose your speed according to your fitness without getting in the way of cars, etc and can see the lovely countryside (not so easy when you're really concentrating off road!).
That reminds me - I need mine serviced before I venture out - I did well over 500 miles last summer/autumn and some of the gear changes (4th - 5th - 6th of 21) can sometimes be decidedly dodgy. Tried adjusting them myself and it didn't improve the situation!
I love nothing more than being miles from other people down a winding country dirt track. There’s one route I regularly frequent, a 47 miles path along the river Ayr from Ayr to Muirkirk - a tiny nowhere town where tarmac was apparently invented.
Nothing like a well tarmaced bit or road. My county council now likes to penny-pinch on country lanes (and a lot of bigger roads too) and endlessly top-dress, which takes ages for it to properly flatten out.
There are loads of fascinating old industrial sites around the area I’ve explored on my old bike and taken pics of. The Union Canal between Glasgow and Edinburgh is another very pleasant wee run, but the canal side cafes and bars are a temptation.
Don't give in - at least until after you've finished your ride!
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When I first started cycling my first bike had not gears, When I bought my first racer it had a 3 speed Sturmey Archer and you had a job to get up some hills. This progressed to a 5speed Derailleur and you could climb almost anything here in South Wales Now the choice of bikes is vast from road to mountain bikes. One thing I would comment on with the e-bike is the weight of the bike and bulk of the thing. It looks far from aerodynamic and whereas you could pick up a racing bike with one finger, lifting an electric bike weighing some 50 pounds or more for some would not be easy. Still EV bikes are fine for getting about if used in a sensible manner. What is worrying is the instances of e-bikes catching fire when parked in homes not many but reason to be wary
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When I first started cycling my first bike had not gears, When I bought my first racer it had a 3 speed Sturmey Archer and you had a job to get up some hills. This progressed to a 5speed Derailleur and you could climb almost anything here in South Wales Now the choice of bikes is vast from road to mountain bikes.
Again sounds similar to my story over the years - first started around 7 with a Tomahawk (I hated it), then at 10 or so with a 'Commando' which had that same hub gear system - which broke after a year and was permanently stuck in first gear.
Then in the mid 80s got another second bike, this time a Dawes 5-speed racer, which was far better, especially at going quickly. I could still see that I definitely needed more gears, so my next bike, a brand new 10-speed Raleigh Pioneer - a big improvement, except for that it was a real pain to keep the rust at bay (all steel construction if I recall).
I mistakenly changed it (after it had rusted sitting outside after I had moved to my current home) for what I thought was something similar with a 'modern' Raleigh equivalent, which, surprise, surprise, rusted in no time flat as well.
Just glad the hand-me-down MTB I've now got doesn't corrode. Just a shame it weighs a tonne in comparison to my two previous bikes (never mind the racer), but I'm not complaining given it was free!
One thing I would comment on with the e-bike is the weight of the bike and bulk of the thing. It looks far from aerodynamic and whereas you could pick up a racing bike with one finger, lifting an electric bike weighing some 50 pounds or more for some would not be easy. Still EV bikes are fine for getting about if used in a sensible manner. What is worrying is the instances of e-bikes catching fire when parked in homes not many but reason to be wary
A former boss had an e-bike Brompton, and loved to zoom about to and from the office to Kings Cross station and occasionally to meetings. Unfortunately he didn't spot a pothole one day and had a rather nasty accident, fracturing his arm and getting concussed, and supposedly not the first time either!
I'd be more concerned about the safety aspect of certain e-bikes if any potential owner isn't already fully acquainted with using small-wheeled cycles. Probably not so bad with standard-sized bikes, but as you say, that would presumably add quite a bit to the weight, even more so if they wanted a folding version for a commute.
I've noticed that on my annual holiday to Cornwall of late (last 5 years, and especially this past year), far more of the leisure cycle hire places are hiring out (standard size) e-bikes, mainly to older and/or overwight holidaymakers - I suppose they can join in when they may have strugled before, but it certainly comes at a big cost - they're about 3x the price to hire, more so if you want one with a decent capacity battery pack.
I suspect that some overcharging problems will occur on new tech, given the same did on mobile phones and laptops some years ago. Presumably the lower quality/priced makes don't feature the type of battery charging protection of the better ones?
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One thing I would comment on with the e-bike is the weight of the bike and bulk of the thing. It looks far from aerodynamic and whereas you could pick up a racing bike with one finger, lifting an electric bike weighing some 50 pounds or more for some would not be easy.
This will clearly come as a shock sammy, but not all ebikes are the same. They come in all different shapes, sizes and weights.
While (obviously) any ebike is going to be heavier like for like than a purely human powered equivalent, just how much heavier depends on many factors, but you can certainly get ebikes weighing under 15kg. My bike has a bigger than average battery (my choice as I wanted the extra range) and is a big bike anyway, so it weighs around 30kg excluding bits and bobs I've added. My mother's ebike is of a similar style, slightly smaller, not quite so chunky and has a smaller battery, it weighs around 23kg. The Gtech ebike (no longer available) stripped everything right back to the bare essentials with single speed, belt drive, smallish battery and weighed 16kg. That is only a couple of kg's more than a conventional but geared flat bar hybrid style bike.
Some, usually more basic, ebikes have a longer wheelbase because the battery is mounted vertically behind the seatpost and will add 4-6" in length. But other than that, there is no reason for an ebike to be any bulkier than a conventional equivalent. My particular ebike is of an upright (sit-up-and-beg) style and is the larger of the two sizes (700c wheels rather than 26"), so it is a big bike physically.
As for aerodynamics, unless a racing bike this is of little relevance. And bear in mind a UK/EU spec ebike will only assist up to 25km/h (and only while the rider is pedalling). My bike is most definitely not aerodynamic but it isn't supposed to be as it is not that type of bike. I would expect only a tiny percentage of the average ebike buyer to be interested in how slippery the shape is, but for those, you get racer style ebikes.
Still EV bikes are fine for getting about if used in a sensible manner.
As is the case for a conventional bicycle, scooter, e scooter, moped, motorbike, car, roller skates, pogo stick, horse, pony, donkey, etc, etc
What is worrying is the instances of e-bikes catching fire when parked in homes not many but reason to be wary
I'd be wanting to know the circumstances before worrying.
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What is worrying is the instances of e-bikes catching fire when parked in homes not many but reason to be wary
Most things can catch fire - just make sure you are buying a reputable make from a reputable dealer - no reason to be wary. I'd not be wary of buying a smartphone/laptop/car/tablet/sofa/furniture etc so why worry about an eBike?
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There are lots of people out there who feel an ebike would help them get out and enjoy being on a bicycle but are put off buying one. They needn't be lazy, they needn't be obese, they needn't have some physical condition which means they struggle on a purely pedal powered bike. People don't cycle only to improve their physical fitness or to lose weight, they can just do it for the enjoyment.
My pal bought a new bicycle about 6 months before I bought my ebike and told me at the time he had also been looking at ebikes. When I asked why he didn't plump for an ebike he said it was because he thought that would be 'cheating'. Knowing him as well as I do, I know that what he actually meant was that he was worried other people would think he was cheating. Because there is this kind of stigma attached to ebikes, that you need to have a reason for buying an ebike, so you find statements like, "I bought en ebike because my knees are knackered". When in fact it should be fine to buy an ebike simply because you would enjoy it. And if you enjoy it you are more likely to use it.
Which brings me neatly back to my pal. To the best of my knowledge, he has been out on his new bike 3 times and one of those was to Halfords to have the gears adjusted after he bought it.
In addition, there are people who choose an ebike as a means of getting to work without arriving all sweaty and in need of a shower (which may not be a problem in some jobs, but in an office environment?).
Edited by Xileno on 13/03/2023 at 19:41
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"""" If people want to spend their money on an expensive bike they are free to do so. What they will be getting is a more heavy and clumsy machine compared to the traditional bike. The e-bike is less aerodynamic and if you were to caught in a cross wind or draught from a juggernaut you would no all about it The cost of all bikes today means you dare not leave them unattended as they are a target for the criminal element. There are an increasing number of e-bikes travelling around without pedal assistance, These are throttle operated and require no pedal impute. This seems at odds with e-scooters as far as the law is concerned. The only difference I can see is the pedals they are both throttle operated. The throttle e-bike is not much good if you need to get fit.
I expect with a little know how you could easily change you peddle assist e-bike to a throttle one
Edited by Xileno on 13/03/2023 at 19:43
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Engineer Andy wrote (13 Mar 2023 14:12)
They can be a good way of getting someone who is seriously unfit for their age back towards better health, often because getting over that proverbial first hurdle can be quite difficult and tedious.
I spent (as someone in their late 40s who should've been a good deal fitter, but never overwight) well over a month, maybe nearer two just doing laps around my rather small town because I just wasn't physically capable of making it up the long or steep hills to go on longer rides out of town.
I suspect many would've just given up without a bit of help. In many ways, I was fortunate that I had nothing better to do because of the pandemic and had good weather.
That people who previously couldn't join in now can, and may help push them to much better health (even if that's over the longer term) and to using a 'normal' bicycle after an e-bike, then great for them. I often feel sorry for those who cannot join in with other friends/family members on bike rides, especially when they are on a day out or holiday.
Rather like someone owning an EV, the may (eventually, perhaps) own both an electric one and a standard one, transferring across when they are either fitter or doing routes / trips that they feel they can get the best use out of it.
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