I see this question on Reddit repeatedly: “How do I get my spouse, partner, or girlfriend to want to bike with me?” It’s a common dilemma, and it can be challenging to bridge the gap when one person is an avid cyclist and the other is just getting started. But fear not, in our “How to Introduce Someone to Cycling” series, we’ve got the perfect solution to help close the skills gap – the e-bike.
Inspiration from a friend
This blog post is inspired by my best friend, who used to be my cycling companion here in Colorado. Now, he and his wife are back in the Midwest, and his cycling adventures have all but disappeared. Part of the reason is that he’s a social rider who thrives on cycling with others, and he simply doesn’t have anyone to ride with in his new location. However, his recent experience might just be the answer to your quest to get your partner cycling.
The Anniversary Wine Tour
To celebrate their wedding anniversary, my friend and his wife went on a wine tour by bike. On the tour, they had the option to choose between a traditional road bike or an e-bike. He chose the road bike and his wife picked the e-bike. She has ridden her traditional road bike and mountain bike before, but never an e-bike. She doesn’t have the opportunity to ride very often, as she has a very busy and demanding career. So, when she would ride with us, she struggled to keep up and would get frustrated with herself. However, her experience on their wine tour was revolutionary on the e-bike, she had a blast! In fact, she’s now wanting one for herself! This experience highlighted the power of electric bikes in making cycling enjoyable for newcomers.
The Usual Challenges
One of the most common challenges when introducing cycling to your partner is the experience gap. If you’re the one with cycling experience, it’s easy to get frustrated when your partner is slower or still learning the ropes. On the flip side, your partner might feel stressed about holding you back or grappling with the intricacies of a new activity. Trust me; I’ve been there, and introducing clipless pedals was a whole other adventure!
What is an E-Bike
An e-bike is a bicycle that is equipped with an integrated electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This motorized assistance sets e-bikes apart from traditional bicycles, providing riders with additional power to make cycling easier, more efficient, and versatile.
E-bikes come in various styles, including mountain bikes, city bikes, road bikes, and even folding bikes, catering to a wide range of preferences and intended uses. The electric motor in an e-bike can assist the rider in several ways:
Pedal-Assist: The most common type of e-bike, a pedal-assist system detects when the rider is pedaling and provides varying levels of electric assistance. This means that the motor complements the rider’s pedaling effort, making it easier to conquer hills, ride longer distances, or maintain a higher speed.
Throttle-Controlled: Some e-bikes also have a throttle control similar to that of a motorcycle or scooter. With this type, riders can engage the motor’s power with a simple twist of the throttle without needing to pedal. Throttle-controlled e-bikes are particularly useful for riders who may have limited mobility or want to take a break from pedaling.
Note: Make sure to check your county, city, state, or country’s e-bike laws as certain types of bikes are not allowed on certain trails. BikeRadar has a good guide for your reference.
The E-Bike Solution
The solution: the e-bike! This bike offers a more relaxed geometry compared to traditional road bikes, providing greater comfort. With ample space for larger tires, it ensures a smoother and more enjoyable ride. Plus, it’s easy to use and downright fun! Your partner’s ability to use the electric assist also helps close the ability gap, making for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
By getting your partner an e-bike, you’re setting the stage for incredible cycling adventures together. You’re making the experience comfortable, easy, and fun right from the start. Whether you’re cruising down country roads or exploring the city, an e-bike can improve your partner’s connection to cycling.
Here are Dads Riding Bikes best E-Bikes for 2023:
Note: After spending thousands of dollars on a new bike make sure it fits properly by getting a professional bike fit to ensure it is comfortable to ride and you stay injury-free for years to come.
I have not actually ridden either of the two bikes listed below, however, I have ridden with others who have. I was on a trip to visit my parents in North Carolina and went on a group gravel ride. The wife of one of the couples there had a Canyon’s Grail:On E-Bike to keep up with her husband. It was a beautiful bike that handled the terrain well and had plenty of battery life left after a 3-hour ride.
My good friend’s wife has a Trek Domane+. She went from never road riding to regularly riding with her husband and going out with my wife. She finds it extremely comfortable and a lot of fun to ride. I ride a Trek bike and know they have top-notch customer service and warranties if anything goes wrong.
Trek Domane+
Trek is one of the largest bike manufacturers in the world and is headquartered in Wisconsin, which makes me slightly biased! They operate a traditional model where you can buy online, but will still go through a local bike shop to purchase it. The Domane+ is a true marvel in the world of e-bikes, seamlessly blending comfort with high-performance capabilities. One of the standout features of the Domane+ is its unique geometry, designed to enhance your riding experience in several key ways:
1.Endurance Geometry:
The Domane+ features an endurance-focused geometry, which means it’s tailored for all-day comfort during long rides. The more relaxed riding position reduces strain on your back, neck, and shoulders, allowing you to enjoy extended cycling adventures without discomfort or fatigue. This is especially important for e-bike riders who seek to maximize their time on the road.
2. IsoSpeed Technology:
What sets the Trek Domane+ apart is its exclusive IsoSpeed technology. It incorporates a decoupler at the front and rear of the bike, providing remarkable vertical compliance. This means the bike can absorb the bumps and vibrations from rough roads, gravel paths, or cobblestones, delivering a smoother and more comfortable ride. You’ll experience less jarring and fewer vibrations, even when the terrain gets challenging.
3. Impressive Tire Clearance: 38mm
Another feature that contributes to the comfort and versatility of the Trek Domane+ is its generous tire clearance (38mm). The bike can accommodate wider tires, allowing you to choose the perfect tire size for your riding style and terrain. Wider tires provide additional cushioning and traction, enhancing your overall riding experience.
4. Range
Trek offers two types of Domane+ an aluminum version (AL) and a carbon version (SLR).
Doname+ AL: Pedal assists up to 20 mph with a 250Wh battery for a range of up to 55 miles per charge when ridden in eco mode. You can purchase a battery range extender to increase the mileage per charge.
Domane+ SLR: Pedal assists up to 28 mph with a 360Wh battery for a range of up to 60 miles per charge when ridden in eco mode. You can purchase a battery range extender to increase the mileage per charge.
Canyon Grail:On E-Bike
Canyon is a newer manufacturer in the bike world, coming in and turning the industry inside out. They operate a direct-to-consumer model, cutting out the local bike shop and instead delivering the bike right to you. This allows Canyon to price their bikes competitively offering a great bang for your buck. The downside is that you have to assemble the bike yourself, however, most local bike shops will service it even if you did not purchase it from them.
Canyon’s Grail:On E-Bike is another top contender when it comes to comfort and versatility in the world of e-bikes. This bike is designed for those seeking adventure on mixed terrain and gravel roads, offering a unique riding experience. Here’s what makes the Canyon Grail:On E-Bike special:
1. Grail Cockpit:
The Grail:On E-Bike features Canyon’s innovative Grail Cockpit, which includes a unique double-decker handlebar design. This design not only provides multiple hand positions for added comfort on long rides but also minimizes vibrations from uneven terrain. The result is reduced hand and arm fatigue, even during extended off-road adventures.
2. VCLS Technology:
Canyon’s VCLS (Vertical Comfort, Lateral Stiffness) technology is integrated into the Grail:On E-Bike’s seat post. This technology offers vertical compliance while maintaining lateral stiffness, ensuring a comfortable ride without compromising efficiency. It’s an excellent feature for riders who enjoy varied terrain, as it absorbs shocks and vibrations while providing power transfer.
3. Tire Clearance for Versatility: 50mm
Just like the Trek Domane+, the Canyon Grail:On E-Bike boasts impressive tire clearance. With ample space for wider tires, you can adapt your bike to different riding conditions. Whether you’re exploring gravel paths, tackling rocky trails, or cruising on smooth roads, you can choose the perfect tire size for optimal comfort and performance.
4. Range
Canyon offers a few different Canyon Grail:ON models, but their battery options are all the same. Pedal assists up to 28 mph with a 500Wh battery for a range of up to 68 miles per charge.
Note: Canyon occasionally hosts events locally where you can demo their bikes. Check out their website to see if there is one near you.
The Verdict
In the world of e-bikes, the Trek Domane+ and the Canyon Grail:On E-Bike shine as exceptional options for riders seeking a comfortable and versatile riding experience. Their unique geometries, advanced technologies, and impressive tire clearance make them stand out in the crowded e-bike market.
If you plan on riding primarily road I would recommend going with the Trek Domane+, The 38 mm tires will give you plenty of comfort but not compromise your rolling resistance on the road. If you plan on going off-road then the Canyon Grail:On E-Bike is probably your best bet with a whopping 50 mm of tire clearance.
Bonus: The e-bike is a great option to pull a kid bike trailer, like the Burley. Or a great commuter bike!
Let us know what your experiences have been trying to get your Partner to bike with you.