Back on the bike

I have ridden the Gazelle and Vivente back to back.

It has confirmed my initial feelings.

I rode the Gazelle back from town (30k) with my 5yo son on the back and a light load. It is definitely a very enjoyable experience and less work than cycling solo on the Vivente over the same route. I also travel quicker on the Gazelle.

So I get home faster and feel fresher at the end of the ride on the Gazelle.

But the Vivente works better with heavy loads, over longer distances and where charging batteries is a problem.

The Vivente is a gorgeous bike and wonderful to ride. Can't wait to go touring. When I have a bit more time or I want a bit more exercise I will certainly be riding the Vivente to town.

Some Serious Questions

When I first thought of purchasing the Innergy I had a number of concerns about its use in my circumstances. Here are the concerns with my impressions following a few serious outings.

How long will the batteries last?

I have run the bike on ECO most of the time. That has been more than enough assist under most circumstances. The batteries lasted 60 km on a full charge cycling with a light load (10 kg) over flat to undulating sealed roads. Over mixed dirt and tar, carrying about 20 kg, including a 6 km hill in 1st/2nd gear, I got just under 50 km. With more serious hills and towing a lightly loaded trailer, running a mix of ECO and BOOST the range has been closer to 40 km. Running the bike on BOOST with some big hills, 20 kg of gear and 6 km of dirt, the battery was just about done in 35 km. Fully laden with the groceries (trailer plus 40 kg load), using BOOST up the big hills and the battery does the 30 km trip from town to home which includes an overall altitude gain of 400 m.

Or course - all of this depends on what level of assist you set the ECO and BOOST at. My ECO has been set at 65% of the 250 watt motor's capacity. With less assist I would be able to get proportionally more range. But the current settings work well for my circumstances.

What about the gear range?

I had the choice between derallieure and hub gears. I wanted hub to minimize gear and chain maintenance. The tradeoff was range of ratios.

Even with significant weight on the bike and on dirt roads with steep hills the gears aren't limiting. Under light loads I generally don't use first gear. Under moderate loads and with hills, first and second get a workout but I never feel limiting. Under heavy loads (towing 50 kg of trailer and groceries) the steep hills challenge first gear. I have not had to walk yet, but I have had a decent workout.

For my use, I will fit a larger rear sprocket. I would prefer to spin up hills rather than grind. This will lower the 8th gear. This is no loss as I have not really used 8th gear in its present ratio.

How will it handle the dirt?

Great! I have done close to a third of my riding on dirt including our home road which is in terrible condition. There has been no significant wheel spin even when climbing steep hills. I have reached downhill speeds of up to 50 kph, covered corrugations and even hit the odd pothole. It is not a mountain bike but it is quite happy on the dirt. It is no problem to average about 19 kph on the dirt roads. My only comment is that under very rough conditions at speed (over 30kph) I did notice the unsprung weight up front.

What about the roller brakes?

No complaints at all. They had more than enough feel and bite for their intended purpose. Even under fast descents and with load I never feel like I need more brake. I have had one emergency stop and the brakes stopped me dead.

General

This is an unconventional bike for Australia. It looks so strange and is so understated. Neither are a problem for me.

I love the ergonomics! The easily adjustable riding position is fabulous - it is just fantastic for the back/neck/shoulders to be able to sit upright and then with the flick of a lever to be able to lean forward to put in some serious effort. The saddle is the best I can remember riding on. The rack is very confidence inspiring. Both my younger children love the bobike seat - they want to ride everywhere with me. The integrated lock is so convenient. The lights work a treat and I love being able to ride through puddles without getting muddy.

New bike

My how time flys!

I won't give you a run down on why I haven't posted for over a year. Let's just say life has been totally absorbing.

Today I bought a new bike - but before you judge me as an unfaithful bastard... It is a dedicated touring bike, a complement not a replacement for the Gazelle.

The new bike is a Vivente World Randonneur and it is beautiful.

Thank you to Ollie at Omafiets in Marrickville (omafiets.com.au), nice to find genuine and interested customer service.

The plan is a family cycle tour June 2014.

The Gazelle will remain my country commuter. The Vivente will be the workhorse and long distance tourer.

Will keep you posted on progress.