E-Bike XDS E-Cruz Womens

XDS E-CRUZ WOMENS E-BIKE

E-bikes have quickly gained a strong following, especially in Europe and Asia, but increasingly here in Australia too.

Five or six years ago, E-bikes were hard to find and were only stocked by boutique stores. But with improvements in availability and reliability, along with price reductions and a broader range to choose from, Ivanhoe Cycles began selling E-bikes 3 years ago.

Some people still have some doubts as to their suitability for their needs, some even ask if they will lose fitness because of it!

If you too have some doubts, fear not, as almost all possible scenarios have a positive response.

One downside is the increased weight, but unless you plan to regularly lift it into a car or carry it up a flight of stairs, then it's not really a worry as riding the bike is easy (and fun).

The Xds E-Cruz is well named. It has a relaxed commuter geometry, with a light and responsive alloy frame and disc brakes to stop you. Rigid forks not only keep the overall weight down but also allow you to put the power down naturally and ensure your effort isn’t wasted.

The E-Cruz takes most of the same quality components as many standard hybrid bikes, but hangs them on a low step-through frame and adds in a plush, soft saddle and a higher handlebar stem with soft grips to achieve a nice, comfortable riding position.

It has quite a lively ride when switched off, so you can easily have the sweat-free commute in the morning, and give yourself more of a workout of an evening riding with low, or no assist. With the wider than the normal range of its 8 gears and the torquey 80nM motor you can climb the next hill with ease. Need to turn a tight corner? Just gear down and pedal softer and the motor will limit its assistance accordingly.

The range is dependant upon a number of conditions, the terrain, wind conditions, how much effort you apply, and of course, the power setting. A guide is that the 11.4aH battery should be good for about 50-60km at high assist, and 80-100km range at the eco level. You can ride with the display showing you the remaining range based upon your use so you can ensure you can get to where you need to go. From complete discharge, you can get about 80% of your charge in two hours, and up to 100% in less than four hours. Just plug in the charger, plugin into your battery (on, or off the bike) and once charged, the system will automatically turn itself off.

The E-Cruz has a popular step-through frame, simple to mount and dismount, easy to handle in traffic, and ideal if you are not as flexible as you once were.

There is a misconception with some that an electric bike means that you will get little or no exercise. This is incorrect. The Pedelec system is designed to apply power proportional to your input. If you wish to work out, then you can set it on ECO and the motor will apply power at the rate of 70% of your input. Then it cuts out at 25-26 kph, so you can ride above that under your own power. Of course, you can always switch it off to get a tougher work-out, it is still a pleasant bike to ride, just a bit heavier climbing the hills.

Conversely, if you wish to take it easy you can set it on a higher power setting and apply little effort. On the High power setting, the motor applies 350% of your effort, so hill climbing is a breeze. You apply minimal effort as you fly up the hills, or cruise the bike paths.

There are many and varied reasons why someone may consider an E-bike. Some common reasons just from the last week or two in the shop are:

• "I've lost my licence and I have to get to work"
  
• "I'm sick of sitting in traffic for an hour and then paying a King's ransom for parking"
  
• "I love riding, but it's too far to and from work"
  
• "I want to do some exercise and get a bit fitter before it's too late"
  
• "I'd ride to work, but (a) we don't have a shower, or (b) I can't take a change of clothes with me every day"
  
• "There are too many hills in my area".
  

If any of these ring a bell, perhaps an e-bike is right for you.

SPECIFICATIONS