With a specific, highly accomplished design, low weight, and models for all types of road use (touring, cyclosportive, performance), the electric road bikes are now a serious option for cyclists. But what does this type of bike really offer, and how do you choose the model best suited to your needs? Probikeshop can help.
WHAT THE ELECTRIC-ASSIST BIKE HAS TO OFFER...
The latest discipline to go electric, road biking is catching up fast, with models that are highly sophisticated in both aesthetic and technical terms. These bikes will surprise you with their dynamic behavior and comfort.
The big advantage of these bikes is that they offer better effort management according to your mood and form of the day, and enable you to broaden your outing horizons, particularly with more hilly routes. Providing measured, proportionate assistance, the electric road bike is ideal for beginners or those in average condition, as well as for competitors wishing to ride often without putting too great a strain on their bodies. It's also the perfect tool for those who want to unwind or work on their technique by concentrating solely on their pedaling, whatever the course profile or weather conditions. A bit like a home trainer, but with the added pleasure of riding outdoors!
Sometimes only modestly overweight, the electric road bike offers unrivalled versatility and unique comfort, so you can tackle the most legendary mountain passes, make your routes more challenging or rediscover the pleasure of cycling.
ALL ABOUT ELECTRIC BIKES
VAE or Speedbike
Today, there are two types of electric bicycle: the VAE and the Speedbikes.
The VAE is the most widespread. It's a bike powered by a motor with a maximum output of 250 watts, providing assistance at speeds of up to 25 km/h. It only works when you pedal it yourself.
The Speedbike is less common. Providing assistance at speeds of up to 45 km/h, its use is highly regulated: under current French legislation, it must be registered and have a license plate. It must also be insured, wear a motorcycle helmet and gloves, and not be used on cycle paths.
THE MOTOR
The engine block can be located at the bottom bracket or in the rear wheel.
Motors in the rear wheel are extremely quiet and transmit power directly for more dynamic riding. They also make it possible to mount a conventional transmission at the bottom bracket. On the other hand, they make it more difficult to remove the rear wheel, and shift the center of gravity further back.
But the most advanced technology being used on more and more models is the motor integrated into the bottom bracket. crankset. This solution, totally integrated into the frame, offers the best efficiency/reliability ratio, with optimum weight distribution, a low center of gravity and a ride very similar to that of a conventional bicycle. Motor power is generally 250 Watts (maximum permitted). The difference between motors is therefore mainly in torque. In concrete terms, the motor starts automatically when you pedal, and above 25 km/h, the system disconnects to enable you to reach higher speeds without any resistance to pedaling. This type of motor is thus programmed to provide light support at start-up, then to provide greater support as the power transmitted by the cyclist increases, for a smooth pedaling feel.
THE BATTERY
The battery, originally mounted on the downtube, is now increasingly integrated directly into the frame, giving new-generation electric road bikes a pure, muscle-bike-like design. Power, expressed in watt-hours, corresponds to voltage (in volts) multiplied by capacity (in amp-hours), with the higher the power, the greater the range. On the road, batteries are generally 250 Wh in order to limit excess weight and keep the bike's behavior as natural as possible.
Electric road bikes offer more than enough range for a good ride of 50 to 100 kilometers, or even more, depending on the gradient of the route, weather conditions (wind, temperature), the rider's weight and physical condition. For less fit cyclists wishing to use electric assistance for the vast majority of the route, or for those wishing to cover longer distances, it is possible to take a second battery with you in a backpack. On the other hand, a cyclist in good condition riding a slightly hilly route will only use the motor on the steepest sections, but will ride the rest of the way in muscle mode.
THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER
Unlike other e-bikes, Road bikes have very simple on-board computers for switching from one mode to another and for checking battery levels. Depending on the model, this may be a small console on the handlebars, or a discreet button integrated directly into the top tube, close to the stem. If you want more data on your ride, you'll need a traditional computer/GPS.
WHICH VAE FOR MY RIDING?
The frame material determines to a very large extent the behavior of your future bike, and you need to think carefully about which one will suit you best, according to your constraints and budget.
Aluminum frames generally offer a good compromise between comfort and performance at an affordable price. However, demanding riders and competitors often criticize them for excessive weight and lack of rigidity. Nevertheless, this material has undergone significant evolution in recent years, and it is now possible to find top-of-the-range aluminum frames offering performance close to that of carbon. Two types of aluminum are mainly used: 6061 and 7005. The former is reputed to be lighter, while the latter is more resistant, reducing the amount of material needed to design the frame. Some manufacturers also offer scandium frames. Combined with aluminum, scandium saves 10-15% in weight.
Carbon is the material of choice in today's road cycling. It can be combined with an infinite number of different fibers to create frames that are particularly light and responsive, but more demanding both physically and technically. The density and orientation of carbon fibers give specific properties to each model (elasticity, stiffness, responsiveness, comfort, aerodynamics...). Reputed to be a little too elitist for those who simply want to get some fresh air, they are particularly well-suited to experienced athletes and competitors.
Once you've chosen the material, the other criteria for choosing your bike will mainly depend on your riding style and playing field: do you ride exclusively on the road, or do you like to venture out on the trails from time to time? If the former, opt for a classic frame with narrow wheels and tires. In the latter case, opt for a Gravel model, with clearance at the seatstays and fork to allow wider tires to be fitted.
In addition, the choice of motor technology, whether in the rear wheel or the crankset, will strongly influence your future model.
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