Time for an update.
11 commutes in / out on the E-Bike.
In: Distance: 38.37 km Climb: 301m. Descend : 413. (Strava corrected)
Average time 1:24:18 (Min: 1:16:19/ Max: 1:23:00), Average HR 139.6 (Min: 132/ Max:147) Average speed 29.1 km/h
Out: Distance: 38.53 km Climb: 413m. Descend : 301m. (Strava corrected)
Average time 1:24:18 (Min 1:23:25/ Max 1:24:26), Average HR:136.5 (Min 128 / max 152) Average speed: 27.4 km/h
Points to note on the data:
- While they all seem to be time trials I’ve had a few instances that affect the inbound data:
- 2 wet rides. I do intentionally slow a little in some areas. Makes a few min difference overall.
- 2nd ride in I thought I’d broken a spoke as the rear went all wobbly. Took it easy the last 10km. found out all the non drive side spokes had loosened significantly (had by pure chance packed a multi tool with spoke wrench that morning).
- Bumped into and old colleague and talked to him at a slower pace for about 5km
- One outbound ride I had an average HR of 152 where all the rest were 140 or below and it was not my quickest time (although fastest to slowest is separated by only 121 seconds) I think I pushed past the e assist more than usual for what appears to be no time saving.
Still haven’t done it again on the road bike for comparison, but will at some point.
Overall inbound I let it help in a few areas, but I reckon takes less than 10% effort out of the ride, though that 10% would be the high HR peaks. HR trace is pretty flat except the dips for downhills.
Outbound probably something like 20-30%. I do push in hard knowing home I can take it easy. Same as inbound, HR traces pretty flat, but as the bike is doing more out than in, I get a lower HR overall. I tend to not override the bike when there is a hill coming up and have quickly learned to modulate my effort to keep the bike on its max speed / assist point
Battery / charging:
Worst battery usage was 4/5 bars in 2 rides, so I don’t think I’d risk 3 as the biggest hills are at the home end of the ride and it’s a heavy f@#$%ker turned off. (Also battery is still “New” and will take a while to settle its capacity (Lithium batteries quickly lose a portion of their charge from new and then lose capacity much more slowly for the remainder of their life.))
I have monitored the charging with a power meter to see how much is used. Averages 260Wh to recharge per ride and at ~ 24.42 c/kWh ~ 6 cents.
2 rides per charge and supposedly a 500Wh battery I have recorded 578 Wh to charge from 4/5 bars. The power meter shows 0.6W with the battery is fully charged when I come back ~ 24 hours later, so ~ 10 of those Wh would be charger standby (if you guess at an 8 hour charge time. It’s probably less though.) the rest I’d put down to charging inefficiency (charger and battery.)
Note on E-bike commuting in general
You don’t get out of the saddle, so you need a good seat (and bike fit). Instead of out of saddle bursts for that of small climb, you (I) tend to stay seated. It also doesn’t rock that well if you do get out of the saddle as it’s so heavy.
I use the shared trails that can be quite busy with walkers, riders and those f#$%^g rowing coaches doddering all over the place. I give everyone their space and pass safely. On the E-Bike you blast back up to speed more quickly / easily after waiting for a gap to pass.
At work, locked up well in a “secure” bike cage, I remove the battery (key required) to make it less attractive to steal. It is insured.
While I certainly feel I’ve commuted, it certainly takes the edge off the home trip and I have a reasonable ride.
When passing people on the Yarra Boulevard uphill I do feel I’m cheating. I’ll only ride this for commuting, so it’s the e-bike, car or Public transport, but I’m still cheating in my mind. The other self-justification is I probably have 30 years and 30 kg on most of the quicker ones there.