E-bikes are one of the big, divisive curiosities of the cycling world at the moment. E-mountain bikes even more so.
Along with several other influential people in my local riding community – trail builders, Specialized shop staff, keen riders, other media – I was recently invited to test ride the Specialized Turbo Levo. The social media froth was high as everyone took to Instagram and Facebook to confirm that riding bikes, including this one, is a heap of fun.
Flow Mountain Bike took an in depth look at the myths surrounding e-bikes on the trails, and Bike Exchange published a review. I took a different angle, and wrote an opinion piece on Specialized’s approach to shifting the current negativity surrounding e-bikes in the Australian cycling culture.
Cyclists can be so noisy in their opposition to change. Think disc brakes, think 29” wheels, think bikes designed for women, think fat bikes, think e-bikes.
My biggest problem with these voices of resistance is they often come from people who got into cycling before these new technologies or design philosophies existed. They shout loud and far about things that aren’t necessarily designed for people like them, or aren’t what ‘riding really is’. In doing so, they can have a very negative impact on the experiences and confidence of others.
You can read the full article here.
I had no intention of writing an article when I turned up to the test day, but have learned to always take my camera and collect a few images just in case. I was glad I did. Click any of the images in the extended gallery below for easier viewing.
Photos: Kath Bicknell
Kath Bicknell 