Conditions are wet in many parts of the country, making mountain biking a terrific way to damage trails. John proposes a solution. Patrick received a great many questions in the run-up to Christmas about e-bikes, particularly what to look for when buying one.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:16 — 39.6MB)
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Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket – Windbreaker Jacket
Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket – Windbreaker Jacket
Aventon Level.2 e-bike traditional frame
Aventon Level.2 e-bike step-thru frame
Hi Patrick, I just listened to this episode and don’t quite agree that a torque sensor is a hard requirement for an ebike.
It took me almost no time to get used to the first and only ebike I’ve ridden. Its controller uses “torque simulation” from just a cadence sensor. I’m not sure how it works, but for the most part, the power delivery comes on smooth and predictably. It can be a bit jerky at slow speeds, but that doesn’t happen often since at that walking speed, I’m usually holding onto the brake, disabling the motor.
I’m sure a torque sensor would feel much better, but with no expectations about how an ebike should ride like, I- or any other rider, experienced or not- can easily get used to many different kinds of ebikes. Sure, some will be better, but in mny situations, hub motors with simulated torque will be Good Enough.
(and this isn’t even getting into throttle control which I have ideological objections to for myself, but still might recommend to others- or at least not object to- depending on their use case)