ED NOTE: E-MOUNTAIN BIKES DOES HAVE A PLACE IN THIS SPORT

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ED NOTE: E-MOUNTAIN BIKES DOES HAVE A PLACE IN THIS SPORT

LET'S PUT ASIDE ALL PERSONAL OPINIONS AND TO HAVE A CLEARER PICTURE

 

 

Purist wanna stay pure. E-mountain bikes are cheaters, they take the effort out of the sport, they do not go along with the "pedal power" movement … We heard that side of the story way too often … Time to take the umpire's seat and see the whole chapter with objective eyes. For now, we present the facts. You decide.

 

 

 

E-MOUNTAIN BIKES FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING

For a long long long time, it has been established that mountain biking is a sport (some male testosterone content here). Mountain bikers do not like their sport to be called "leisurely recreation" cos you never ever tell a mountain biker you went mountain biking at the park connectors. It is also not a form of commuting. What is mountain biking to mountain bikers? It is a way of life for people who are one with nature, their bikes and their own abilities to overcome anything that come their way. This statement would go down in mountain biking history as a constant. A mountain biker's creed. But, as we progress, we want more – from the land and from ourselves. As we age, our abilities deteroriate but yet our experiences widen. With more personal experience comes bigger dreams. We want to explore new riding spots. And go further with our bikes. Take more selfies before we can't ride any longer. We have dreams and a do-these-before you-die bucket list but we are not as fit as we used to be. Enter a solution. The E-mountain bike. This is the Viagra of mountain bike world. You know it would help you. But you are too proud to use it. 

Before you decide to reject this life enhancer, why not take a look at what this bike can be used for.

 

 

 

BIG RIDE EVENTS 

The E-Transpyr C2C is a perfect example of putting the E-MTB to justifiable good use!

As some of you may already be aware that Transpyr Coast to Coast are hardcore races. It's event mission is to cross the Pyrenees from sea to sea, riding about 800 km with nearly 20,000 m of elevation gain of chrono and liasion sections. These are races where even finishing it is an achievement! Transpyr could be experienced as individuals or in teams, on mountain bikes and on road bikes. Check these races out at Transpyr Gran Raid MTB, Transpyr C2C Relay and Transpyr Backroads. You will agree that these races are not for everyone.

Does that mean the majority of weekend warriors would not be able to join then? You have a last chance ticket here – the E-Transpyr C2C!

 

 

 

CROSSING THE PYRENEES ON E-MOUNTAIN BIKE

Same great experience, made more achieveable with a little pedal-assit.

It's still not easy though. We are talking about a race recognised by National Geographic as one of the 10 best mountain biking staged races in the world. E-Transpyr C2C simply offers a new option to riders previously unable to join in any Transpyr races to cross the Pyrenees now. This option gives more opportunities to more participants the possibility to be Transpyr Heroes and to enjoy this grand ride/race. Having an E-MTB category would mean new logistic support from Transpyr Coast-to-Coast. This comes in the form of changing and transporting of spare batteries at designated feeding stations.

 
 
 
PUTTING E-MTB TO GOOD USE

Objectively, we see can see in this example that e-mountain bikes can be regarded as an enhancement to mountain biking, instead of cheat-aids that many would conveniently label them. We summarise their benefit for those who need them for further their riding experience:

  • Inclusiveness: Allows people who aren't "professionally" ready for epic races to still have a chance at it (Big races need not be designed for the pros only – amateurs can join in too)
  • Epic Rides: Bring big landscape closer to more people
  • Economies of Scale: Give race organisers an opportunity to design longer range, multi-stages yet have a large enough group of participants (Eg: Races could be designed to utilise the bike's energy limit and racers would need to be on Eco mode to conserve electric power in order to complete the race)
  • Flexibilty: Allowance for different athlete preparatory styles – from hardcore to weekend warriors
  • Motivation: This will encourage more riders to join big races.
 
 
 
TRANSPYR COAST TO COAST
One only mission, many ways to achieve it! With the E-MTB category, there's no excuse not to go if this race is in your bucket list. And time to see the E-MTB in another light. Find your way to enjoy the Coast to Coast mission, and register here.

 

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Photos, Video and information by Transpyr Coast to Coast