It wasn’t quite love at first sight, but there was certainly an attraction – that sturdy sleek frame and all those winning features. Soon we were going everywhere together, initially just to the shops, the leisure centre and work but within weeks we were venturing further afield to Knutsford, Macclesfield and idyllic corners of the Cheshire Countryside. There were no signs of flagging, indeed we found ourselves going double the distance at twice the speed with half the effort, what more could you ask for? It soon became obvious this was a liaison that was going to last.
Enough of this nonsense, may I introduce a new friend, Nippy, my e-bike!
When the lightbulb moment struck, I didn’t know anyone with an e-bike, or so I thought, only to discover that at least half a dozen friends had already ‘made the move’, huh!
Despite the cost, the more I researched the prospect of this ‘comfortable conveyor’, the more it made sense. For starters, I was getting on a bit, had already ticked the hip replacement box and was sadly heading for a complex shoulder replacement. Cycling up hills was proving painful so the prospect of at least some of the slog being removed was very appealing, but I had much to learn.
Batteries research involved considering brand, positioning, removability, recharging capabilities and length of life. In the end I opted for a vertical battery which was easily removed for security and re-charging and more weather resistant than a horizontal one. In my current decrepit state, I’m not doing much mileage, however it was interesting to know that even on the lowest power setting I could do 80-100 miles, or 30-40 miles on a higher setting.
Power settings on the ‘on board computer’ had to be weighed up. The quantity, computer comparisons, how far could I go on different modes? Would I want to know my daily mileage, current speed or just the time? The options were dizzying.
Was bike weight important? Unless you had to lift it into a garage, shed or vehicle evidently not, and most appeared to have a walking assist mode to cope with the extra weight of a heavier bike. In reality, because of the power boost, Nippy didn’t feel any heavier on the road than a normal bike.
Talking of weight, would my thunder thighs increase if Nippy was doing all the work? Fortunately, not because you still need to pedal to move, you can’t just chug along as if you were on a motorbike!
Security is obviously an important factor on an expensive bike and I’m still a bit neurotic about where I leave it and whether I’ve secured it correctly. There is a double locking system and thick chain which looks like it would need more than a sturdy bolt-cutter to get through. A sticker also warns that Nippy is already registered on the National Cycle Database along with selfies. We can only hope we are not parted in a criminal manner.
Nippy is a big help but I can’t pretend to be totally pain free whilst cycling and some days are better than others. Indeed, you’ll often see me with right arm resting across my body or worse still, arm dangling limply down by my side in the casual way of school kids trying to look ‘cool’! Bike indicator lights may not be far away.
Owning an e-bike doesn’t give you quite the same kudos as a Harley Davidson, but you don’t need leathers and it is certainly worth considering, especially if you are creaking slightly and want to cycle off into the sunset with your new shoulder in your dotage!
