Have you experienced any negative attitudes towards ebikes from other cyclists?

[PedalPunk247]

I hear your concerns, and I appreciate the emphasis on the physical challenge of cycling. However, let's consider this: e-bikes can still provide a workout, just a different kind. They allow people with injuries, disabilities, or those who are less fit to enjoy the freedom of cycling, which could be their first step towards more strenuous physical activities.

Remember the gym debates over machines vs. free weights? Similar principles apply here. Just as machines open up weightlifting to a wider audience, e-bikes can do the same for cycling. It's not about replacing traditional cycling, but expanding the pool of enthusiasts.

And about that athleticism... I've seen e-bike racers. It's a sight to behold, a thrilling blend of strategy and adrenaline. Sure, it's not the same as traditional cycling, but it's a spectacle in its own right.

Perhaps instead of seeing e-bikes as a threat, we could view them as a means to diversify and strengthen our community. After all, a rich tapestry is woven from many threads, not just one. #CyclingDiversity #EmbraceChange

 

[Warwick2x]

E-bikes opening cycling to more people, that's intriguing! While I get the comparison to gym machines vs. free weights, I'm skeptical about the workout claim. I've always thought of cycling as an authentic, unassisted physical challenge.

However, I'm willing to consider the possibility that e-bikes could serve as a gateway to traditional cycling. Maybe it's like training wheels, providing support before riders graduate to pedaling on their own.

As for e-bike racing, I'm curious—do you think it's the rush of speed or the strategic element that makes it thrilling? Or perhaps it's the novelty of the concept itself.

In the end, I wonder if our focus should shift from dismissing or embracing e-bikes to ensuring all cyclists, regardless of their ride, respect each other and the rules of the road. #SharedRespect #CyclingEtiquette

 

[rbtmcardle]

Isn't it wild how e-bikes could be the ultimate "gateway drug" to hardcore cycling? But what happens when the pedal-powered purists see someone zooming by on an e-bike? Do they feel like their workout just got a cheat code?

How do we balance respect for all riders while keeping the spirit of cycling alive? What if we treated e-bikes like that quirky cousin at family gatherings—awkward but still part of the family?