Electric bikes

I went into Poole for an eye test yesterday. Got a lift in with my husband as we were dropping our granddaughter off at school.  I'd intended to take the bus back again...

On a whim, I went looking for the cycle shop - Cycle Paths  to see if they had any electric bikes, as I've been vaguely interested in getting one for some time.  However, I've had a lot of leg pain this year for various reasons, which has put me off cycling any distance as I'm afraid I might not be able to cycle back again.

Turned out they did have an electric bike that might suit me. https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/entour-eplus-1-disc-electric-bike  Expensive, at nearly 2K but I had been prepared for the likely cost by my research (they can be above or below that level, but that's where the good ones start to kick in).

I had a painful Achilles tendon and sore muscles in my hip, which made it an ideal day for a test...
Either it would take me home or it wouldn't (I knew I could turn round part way if the pain got really bad).  A quick test in the closest car park suggested that the longer trip would be viable, so I left my driving licence as security and agreed that I would return the bike the next day.

I was seriously impressed.

 

Cycled from Poole to Corfe Mullen which is just over 6 miles.

 

Surprisingly easy. It sailed up the long steep hill from Broadstone.  I had to slow down to avoid overtaking a young man who was cycling up the hard way!

 

I don't think I even went to full electric power.  Most of the time I had it on a low assistance setting.

 

Taking it back today, I was pretty tired after a poor night's sleep, so went for 50% of the available power.  There's some clever software that recognises hills and gives extra aid without being asked. Though I always change to the correct gear as the guy in the shop said that is better for the engine.

 

Easy ride. Feels like you're doing the work, but magically going much faster!  And when you want to accelerate, it adds a bit extra then too - you can move away very fast.

 

I may well end up buying one, but feel I ought to try at least one or two other bikes first...

If I do buy one, I'll definitely get it from the shop. The staff are very friendly and helpful and have great enthusiasm and knowledge where bikes are concerned.  

I'm in love with a bike!