hookeslaw

What are your thoughts on the emergence of electric assist mountain bikes? (Drawing a distinction between electric pedal assist bikes and electric motor bikes)

I totally agree with him. As long as you have access to a pickup (or other transport)..... and someone to shuttle..... and don't mind the down time shuttling..... and trails where shuttling is possible..... that being said, I like the idea of shuttling, it just isn't an option for me and the tiny amount of time I get to ride.

I draw a line between electric motor bikes and electric pedal assist / energy recapture bikes. If the pedal assist is only makes it a bit easier to pedal, like buying a carbon bike, 29 inch wheels, better gears and components etc etc. I'm happy with that innovation. Anything that let's me extend my reach and increase over all enjoyment. If the new tech is breaking the trail worse than me stamping down on a 22 tooth front and 42 tooth back, then that's an issue. But we can fix it.

Also, you are confusion the issues. Bikes fuck up trails currently, that's why you can already tell if a trail is used for MTB, that isn't going to change. Beyond the fact allowing bikes (of any kind) will destroy a walking trail, the main point of contention is safety, and if you think some guy on a heavy pedal assist bike is going to whiz by some hikers faster than a guy on a top of the line carbon, you're crazy. The battle for trail access will be won with considerate riders. Not worrying about tech.

Source please. Depending on the assist system, from what I've read the difference in force is similar to the difference between tired legs and fresh. So to me you are making the argument that fresh legs (or very fit people) shouldn't not be allowed to ride trails due to increased damage.

If your issue is more about force ramp up than total delivered force. Then I agree with you. Like electric cars, force needs to be ramped and not go to max torque instantly, breaking static traction.