PEDAL POWER

NINE GOOD REASONS TO TRY ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKING

1 EXPERIENCE COMPLETE CONTROL

“An e-bike gives you absolute control over how hard you work,” says mountain biking strength and conditioning coach Ben Plenge, who recommends e-MTBs to fine-tune your interval training and include valuable low-intensity work – which even the pro Santa Cruz riders he coaches have trouble including otherwise.

2 ATTACK ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ CLIMBS

It’s surprising what you can get up on an e-MTB; so much so that technical, steep and rocky climbs that would normally have you walking can be negotiated. But don’t expect an easy ride: you still need a good level of strength and fitness.

3 ENJOY MORE STABILITY

The greater weight and big-volume tyres of e-MTBs make them a more stable ride that can flow through the rough stuff. That makes them good if you prefer less bouncing around, or you’re looking for a confidence-building experience.

4 JOIN THE CLUB

Loads of people own e-MTBs these days. They have become a much more common sight at trail centres, which means there are more people to ride with who won’t curse you for charging up the climbs. They’re also easier to hire out to try before you buy.

5 LAP UP THE DESCENTS

The most fun you can have on any mountain bike is going down the trail, and on an e-MTB you can whizz back up the hill faster and with less energy – leaving more time for downhill play.

6 ADD MORE INTERVALS

With power-assisted pedalling, you can really tailor the effort to your heart rate, to provide a good active recovery between timed, flat-out efforts – whether downhill, or on a steep climb in Eco mode.

7 EXTEND YOUR RANGE

New, larger batteries mean that you can go much further than in the past on a single charge. And small, additional range-extender batteries are being produced, which are about the size of a portable water bottle.

8 GET OUT MORE

Plenge says that all the electric mountain bikers he knows agree the main benefit is simply that you’re more likely to get an e-MTB out and go riding, even if you’re short on time.

9 FALL IN LOVE WITH MOUNTAIN BIKING

e-MTB technology has advanced so much that it could be your entry point into mountain biking, rather than simply a novelty extra. That’s especially true if you live somewhere hilly and aren’t convinced of your abilities on a conventional bike.