Dear Bike Industry: Just Because I Ride an E-Bike Doesn't Mean I'm Lazy

"Very few stand at the base of a chair lift, telling those aboard to "earn their turns!" Seldom do we see social media posts about bike park users who "aren't real mountain bikers" because they refuse to pedal up. But perhaps that is because the downhill rider, the chairlift/shuttle user, isn't at your trailhead. An e-bike, however, might be. I might be at your trailhead. On my e-bike. But before you assume that I must be lazy and not a real mountain biker because of a bit of pedal assistance, hear me out."

"I would be lying if I didn't say that a big reason I ride e-bikes is to maximize the number of laps back down the hill. While I'm not opposed to climbing, and even enjoy a good challenge once in a while, the main reason I ride is for the descent. Simply put, I want to be faster on the way down. I want my skills and abilities to grow exponentially more on the downs than on the way up."

E-bikes are chosen to maximize descending time and increase the number of downhill laps per outing. Pedal assistance allows riders to reach more runs and focus training and progression on downhill skills rather than climbing technique. Downhill, chairlift, or shuttle use already prioritizes descent without attracting the same criticism that e-bike use sometimes does at trailheads. Many riders use climbs as a means to access descents, and long or technical climbs can limit lap counts on traditional trail bikes. E-bike use can expand access and amplify downhill practice without reflecting a lack of fitness.

Read at Bikerumor