Took the Spectral on its first spin on the trail where I first kinda got started mountain biking: Medina’s Huffman Park
- Acceleration: although I don’t have a ton of experience with motorcycles, and virtually no experience with other e-bikes, the acceleration on an Spectral/Shimano EP8 motor is a little startling at first, then awesomely welcome in places where you would normally stall or have to lay down instant power: Those match-burning moments when you wonder why you’re working so hard to have fun.
- Speed: things happen more quickly, but the speed seems controllable. Think those sections of trail that you hammer at full gaz, but at an effort you can’t sustain for the whole ride, unless you’re racing. And I was never a racer. I think I’ll be going through some brake pads.
- Despite weighing almost 50 lbs, the Spectral’s MX wheels gave it a nimble feel, and the weighted bottom bracket kept it planted to the trail.
- The pedal assist makes constant shifting less necessary. It’s almost a single speeding sensation. I’ll have to monitor the cassette wear.
- I’ll also need to learn some sort of trail etiquette or quick response when I pass other riders. I came up gradually on a lycra-kitted racer boi and his girlfriend, and he didn’t seem to want to let me pass him. Eventually, they both pulled to the side and I wish them a good ride. They’re response was “You, too” then “Ohhh” as if to acknowledge that the reason I was going so fast was not because they were slow but because I was on an ebike. I didn’t respond…because I was weaving and railing and having a blast.
- It has occurred to me that e-bikes will take the “big dick” factor out of riding for some people. It’s not about showing how far into biological shock you can push yourself to impress your Strava audience. It’s about recreating the fun that we all felt when we got into the sport. At least that’s the way it feels to me so far. But then again, I’m almost 60 years old.
Travels with Pops 