Much like Oscar Wilde, I find I can resist anything except temptation. No surprises, then, that I have finally succumbed and bought a new electric bike. I’ve had my old one for a few years, and I’ve always felt a little bit cheated, because it was still quite a bit of work to ride it. The motor only seemed powerful enough to counteract the bike’s excessive weight and no more, leading to comments on my sweaty appearance on arrival at work on more than one occasion (and my commute is mostly downhill). But it was the trip home that was the real killer, specifically the last 200 metres of steep ascent, the price I pay for getting out of the tsunami zone and acquiring a sea glimpse. Looking out the window from my desk, I often see office workers walking or running up our hill for an intensive workout in their lunchtimes, but it’s the poor commuting cyclists I feel most sympathy for (clearly my empathy is limited by the dismal power of my imagination – runners are weird). So, now I have a new bike.
It’s the same German brand as my old one, and the same price, but this one has a Bosch motor, which makes all the difference apparently. I’ve only done one commute so far, which was yesterday, and it was great. Did most of the trip in ‘eco’ mode, but greatly enjoyed flicking the switch to ‘turbo’ (via ‘tour’ and ‘sport’) for the vertiginous finale. This could be the moment my fitness levels plummet, but I don’t care: I loved it.
……….
FOR SALE
Kalkhoff Jubilee E bike, only three years old. Excellent condition. Suits plains, prairie, savannah, steppes, flatland, wide open country, or similar. $4K new: all offers considered.