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From Mountain Bike Pioneer to E-Bike Innovator: a Conversation With Gary Fisher

Gary Fisher Interview

Gary Fisher was one of the originators of the mountain bike, in Marin County, back in the 1970s. In addition to making the first production mountain bike and helping to popularize the sport, Fisher can be credited with many of mountain biking’s greatest technical advances—everything from bigger wheels to four-bar-linkage suspension. For many years, Fisher Mountain Bikes were where new ideas got laughed at … before everyone adopted them.

Trek Bikes purchased Fisher and for many years Fisher worked with Trek to continue improving mountain bikes before he decided it was time to part ways with the company. Even before his departure, Fisher saw the promise the e-bikes offered. While many might assume that the former racer (he raced against Greg LeMond back in the day) would tout the health benefits of riding an e-bike, Fisher’s emphasis has been on the ability of e-bikes to transform cities, making them more livable, simplifying transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In March of 2023, Fisher announced a new venture, the e-bike company Morelle, which will be a division of the battery technology company Ionblox. Until now, Ionblox’s batteries have been used in ultra-high-end electric aircraft. Fisher has said that Ionblox’s batteries will be smaller, lighter, offer greater range and will fully charge in a half hour. We visited him at his home in Marin County to chat about his company named for the tasty mushroom.

When people talk mountain bikes and OG, your name is one of the first mentioned. Given your history in the sport, why shift your focus from the fun of mountain bikes to the practicality of e-bikes? (He has spoken of wanting to do more with bikes to help communities and the planet. He has young kids.)

Gary Fisher: Well because I’ve got something there, and I know it. In the mountain bike world, a lot of [the technology] has moved on, and honestly, I’m happy with that, because I think e-bikes are the greatest need right now. One is entertainment and a lot of self-satisfaction. The other is the whole family of humans—we need this.

Even before you and Trek parted ways you had begun speaking at micromobility conferences and at symposia on e-bikes. If we rewind two or three years, where did you think you were headed?

I wasn’t thinking about my own personal moves. I was just really excited about something with so much momentum, with so much power.

[Read more…] about From Mountain Bike Pioneer to E-Bike Innovator: a Conversation With Gary Fisher

E-Bike News: Mavic Ultralight Motor, Dost, Watt Wagons and Fiido New Models and More!

Electric bike news 7th April

It’s that time of year when e-bike announcements of new products come thick and fast as e-bike companies vie for the attention of a riding public who are (in the northern hemisphere at least) eager to get out and about riding as the weather improves.

There’s a good mix of e-bike prospects here both long and short term, from exciting sounding systems from Mavic and Porsche still clearly very much in the development pipeline rather than nearing the factory floor, and imminent releases from Watt Wagons and Fiido plus a very functional sounding e-cargo model from Dost slated for sale at the end of 2023.

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • Mavic developing ultra-light high-tech mid-drive
  • Distinctive and contrasting e-cargobikes from Dost an Watt Wagons
  • Fiido’s value for money lightweight E-gravel model imminent
  • Bosch announce new Smart System features
  • Porsche reveal first real world testing of proprietary motor system

[Read more…] about E-Bike News: Mavic Ultralight Motor, Dost, Watt Wagons and Fiido New Models and More!

HeyBike Brawn Review

A fat tire e-bike with a burly build, a beastly amount of power, and broad range.

HeyBike Brawn Review
Many e-bikes are specifically designed for a singular purpose: some have extended frames for hauling cargo, and others collapse and fold for compact storage. Some, like HeyBike’s Brawn, just want to go fast, come Hell or high water. We’ll take a look at this burly e-bike’s ability to handle itself in those sorts of strenuous situations in our review of the HeyBike Brawn.

With bold, aggressive styling and the power to back it up, the Brawn is made for grit and speed. It is immediately capable of pedal-assisted speeds of 28 miles per hour – something that many other e-bikes require some tweaking to reach.

The bike’s signature headlight and dual crown fork are clear nods to motorcycle design, which add to the bike’s already sturdy and powerful appearance. A single glance makes it clear that this bike doesn’t mess around.

The Brawn is highly capable in its weight capacity too; this is an e-bike made for moving larger people. Its sturdy frame is designed for riders between 5’ 8” and 6’ 6”, and is capable of handling up to a 400 lb payload.

  • Did the Brawn live up to our expectations for such a robust fat-tire e-bike in our testing?
  • Does the bike provide good performance in relation to its price point?
  • Did it take us a few minutes to unclench some muscles after our first exhilarating ride?

Sit down and strap in while we examine our experiences with the bike in this HeyBike Brawn review!

[Read more…] about HeyBike Brawn Review

Evelo Galaxy SL E-Bike Review, 2024

This accessible, retro e-bike offers high-end features at an economical price point.

Evelo Galaxy SL Review 2024
With the history of the beach cruiser stretching back for well over half a century now, the iconic shape and riding style have become firmly rooted in American culture. There are a wealth of e-bike models with clear influences from this quintessential design, but Evelo has adapted and modernized the idea in their own fashion with the Galaxy SL and Galaxy Lux models. While it is the more economical of the two, the Galaxy SL still brings a lot to the table in terms of quality and functionality. The following Evelo Galaxy SL review will cover the bike’s full scope of components as well as its performance as measured in our testing.

The Galaxy SL has been designed with casual and senior riders in mind, by creating a small, lightweight e-bike with a step-thru frame for easy mounting. The SL aims to offer a traditional riding experience with its 500W mid-drive motor, while incorporating an advanced, gearless continuously variable transmission (CVT) for greater flexibility than a standard geared drive. The SL comes standard with a full complement of quality components, and its pedal assist system (PAS) is well-tuned for offering consistent increases in power.

Read on for our thorough review of the Evelo Galaxy SL! We cover its specs and performance in detail so you know what to expect from this nostalgically-styled e-bike.

Note: if your interested in the Evelo Galaxy SL, see how it stacks up against the more affordable cruiser like the Velotric Discover 2, or the Specialized Turbo Como.

[Read more…] about Evelo Galaxy SL E-Bike Review, 2024

E-Bikes News: E-Trike Trivel Enters US, Cannondale Recalls E-Bikes, Bianchi’s Latest emTB and More!

Electric bike news 7th April

With the growing popularity of e-trikes a Canadian brand called Trivel expands its distribution into the US. Some Cannondale e-bike were shipped to US dealers with the right brake lever operating the front brake and the left brake lever operating the rear brake and Cannondale has issued a recall to correct the assembly error. Legendary Italian brand Bianchi introduces a new line of eMTB called Vertic. Taiwanese-base Hyena launches a new lightweight road e-bike hub motor.

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • Candadian E-Trike Brand Trivel Enters US, Seeks Dealers
  • Cannondale Recalls 75 E-Bikes With European Brake Setup
  • Bianchi introduces eMTB with 140mm of Travel
  • Hyena Launches Lightweight Hub Drive for Road E-Bikes
  • Layoffs at Helmet Makers Bell and Giro

[Read more…] about E-Bikes News: E-Trike Trivel Enters US, Cannondale Recalls E-Bikes, Bianchi’s Latest emTB and More!

Evelo Galaxy Lux E-Bike Review, 2024

This retro cruiser combines broad accessibility with luxurious tech for a refined riding experience.

Evelo Galaxy Lux Review 2024
Like its sibling, the Galaxy SL, Evelo’s Galaxy Lux e-bike proudly displays styling reminiscent of the iconic California beach cruiser. As the top-tier Galaxy model, the Lux shares a lot of overlap with its more economical sister, but it has also been loaded up with some straightforward upgrades and a few new high-end additions. Our review of the Evelo Galaxy Lux covers all of these features in detail, examines the bike’s performance in our testing process, and shares thoughts from our experiences on the saddle.

Both Galaxy models have been designed with a high level of accessibility for seniors, casual or newer riders, and those with disabilities. The Lux takes this concept a step further by shaving off an additional pound (down to a trim 52.4 lbs total) for ease of transport, replacing the chain drive on the SL with a Gates belt drive for extremely low maintenance, and (almost) completely throwing the need for user-controlled shifting out the window with its Enviolo Automatiq shift system.

Keep reading for more about the user-friendly, functional cruiser appropriately titled the Galaxy Lux!

Note: if your interested in the Evelo Galaxy Lux, many in our audience compare it with the Specialized Turbo Como. You can also see how it compares with a more affordable hub motor bike with the Velotric Discover 2.

[Read more…] about Evelo Galaxy Lux E-Bike Review, 2024

E-Bike News: Marin Updates eMTB Line, Tektro & Bosch Partner on Anti-Lock Braking, New Patents, Power Tool Batteries Fuel an E-Bike

Electric bike news 31th March

Marin freshens up its three-bike Alpine Trail-E family, presenting eMTBs that range from $4499 up to $6299, bringing some much-needed affordability to the eMTB market. The company released a new entry-level model, and the existing E1 and E2 models received spec updates. All models use Shimano STEPs drive units and the same frame, with three tiers of components.

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • Marin Bikes updates Alpine Trail-E models
  • Tektro and Bosch collaborate on anti-lock brakes
  • E-bike patents point to new technologies at Shimano and other manufacturers
  • New tech allows some e-bikes to be powered by certain power tool batteries
  • Mountain Bike Pioneer Gary Fisher Launches E-Bike Brand Morelle

[Read more…] about E-Bike News: Marin Updates eMTB Line, Tektro & Bosch Partner on Anti-Lock Braking, New Patents, Power Tool Batteries Fuel an E-Bike

Lectric XPedition Review | The Most Bang for your Buck Cargo E-Bike?

Range, Power, Strength, Maneuverability in a Leading-Value Cargo E-Bike

Lectric XPedition Review
In the following Lectric XPedition review, we detail the performance and features of this new cargo e-bike. Offered at an incredible price point well below $2000, this bike is built to do almost everything you’d want in a cargo bike, including taking kids to school, bringing home groceries, and even delivering for work.

Supported by its powerful motor, sturdy frame, and it’s peak performing components, this e-bike is the do-all bike you can rely on, day-in and day-out, replacing your car for doing a large list of tasks. This bike is easy to ride, easy to get around town in, and will likely be a game-changer for you and your family.

The following review covers in great detail the performance of this bike in accelerating, cruising, stopping, hill climbing, long distance range, and overall ride comfort. Built by the renowned Lectric e-Bike company (who makes many other XP e-bikes we have reviewed), the XPedition fills a great many needs urban dwellers encounter on a daily basis, as they deal with the extraordinarily high cost of owning a car, along with the insurmountable burden of dealing with traffic.

The Lectric XPedition doesn’t fix these problems, but this bike has the potential of alleviating these issues, simplifying your life and adding value to your purchase of this e-bike.

[Read more…] about Lectric XPedition Review | The Most Bang for your Buck Cargo E-Bike?

E-bike News: E-BIKE Act Reintroduced, ‘World’s Lightest E-MTB,’ Bosch ABS Braking and Much More!

Electric bike news 24th March

A federal subsidy to help people buy e-bikes, the E-BIKE Act has been reintroduced to congress. If passed, buyers could received a 30% credit toward the purchase of a new e-bike, although there would be a cap of $1,500 on the credit, and income restrictions would also apply. A similar proposition was first seen in 2021’s Build Back Better Act, but didn’t make the final draft. Will this new program get approved?

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • E-BIKE Act Reintroduced to Congress
  • Rotwild’s ultralight full-suspension e-MTB
  • Bosch goes for ABS in a big way
  • Acer announces funky and futuristic e-bike
  • Aventon and Worx team up to power e-bikes with powertool batteries
  • EBC’s new customisable helmets
  • Norway claim world’s longest bike tunnel

[Read more…] about E-bike News: E-BIKE Act Reintroduced, ‘World’s Lightest E-MTB,’ Bosch ABS Braking and Much More!

Electric Bike Modes: Throttle vs Pedal Assist (Pedelec)

Understanding E-Bike Propulsion Methods and Which is Right for You

Aventon Aventure Electric Bike Review OffRoad

Depending on their designation, e-bikes and their motors work in two ways: they can either make your level of pedaling effort easier, or completely take over and simply carry you along for the ride.

When you’re considering which type of e-bike to purchase, it’s important to think about which of these methods the bike offers, the environment(s) you’ll be riding in, and your own abilities and preferences. In this article, the writers here at Electric Bike Report will help you to understand the pros and cons of throttle vs pedal assist electric bikes, and help you to determine which is best for you!

Defining E-Bike Throttle and Pedal Assist Terms

Before we get into the differences between throttle and pedal assist and how they relate to you, let’s define those terms more clearly:

  • Throttle: a handlebar-mounted device that can engage (and sometimes adjust) power output from the bike’s motor. Electric bikes with throttles can be completely self-propelled, since throttles tell their motors to dispense power without the need for any pedal motion or input from the rider.
  • Pedal Assist: the standard method of operation for e-bikes. As the term suggests, this method of motor engagement requires the bike’s rider to move the pedals, though depending on the bike’s gearing, type of motor, and type of sensor, the rider may or may not need to actually be engaged with the drivetrain.
  • Pedelec: This term is a synonym for pedal assist, and is an abbreviation derived from the words “pedal electric cycle.”

It should be noted that, in order to be classified as electric bicycles, all e-bikes must have operable pedals. As such, most e-bikes function through pedal assist, with some having additional throttles – though it is still possible to have a throttle-controlled motor mounted to an otherwise non-electric bicycle with a standard drivetrain.

Aventon Aventure Electric Bike Review OffRoad

Many e-bikes, like the Aventon Aventure 2, offer both throttle and pedal assistance for a range of applications in different environments.

[Read more…] about Electric Bike Modes: Throttle vs Pedal Assist (Pedelec)

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