Virginian
Member
One day last week I rode my GEBE Tanaka 32cc motorized bike on a 47 mile trip, and the next day I rode my pedal bike on a 46 mile trip with a group of friends. Here is a comparison of the trips.
The motorized trip was on a hilly rural route. I rode the bike at full throttle whenever possible. On flat straight roads I rode at 30+ mph and my maximum speed downhill was 39 mph. The ride took 1 hour 50 minutes at an average speed of just under 26 mph. I didn't need to stop for a rest so I just rode through. At the end I wasn't tired. It was an easy ride. Yet even with the motor, the bike rides like a bike and feels like a bike. I felts like I just went on a bike ride - an extraordinary bike ride, but a bike ride nevertheless.
The next day I rode my pedal bike for 46 miles on another hilly route. The group I was with was gung-ho, so I pushed to my maximum capability. I flatter sections I averaged about 15 mph. My maximum speed downhill was 33 mph. Riding time was 3 hours 30 minutes for an average riding speed of 13.2 mph. However, I took two rest stops including one for lunch, so the total trip time was almost 4 hours for an average speed of 11.5 mph including the rest stops. At the end of the ride I was really beat and happy to reach the end.
Riding the motorized bike was an incredible thrill because it is so fast for a bike! No matter how often I ride it, I never cease to be amazed and delighted at how fast I can ride! It climbs long steep hills like they are not even there! Big hills are no longer something to fear. It covers long distances quickly with little effort. I don't get tired. Riding my motorized bike makes me feel like I am a world champion bike racer. Yes, I know it's the motor, but to me it just feels like I am riding the bike.
The pedal bike ride was much more effort, much more tiring, and much slower. Yet it has its advantages. There is more comradery from riding with others. It is excellent for exercise and conditioning. It is quieter. And there is a satisfaction from feeling that I did it all using my own body.
But all in all, my motorized bike is much more fun to ride and I just love riding it!
The motorized trip was on a hilly rural route. I rode the bike at full throttle whenever possible. On flat straight roads I rode at 30+ mph and my maximum speed downhill was 39 mph. The ride took 1 hour 50 minutes at an average speed of just under 26 mph. I didn't need to stop for a rest so I just rode through. At the end I wasn't tired. It was an easy ride. Yet even with the motor, the bike rides like a bike and feels like a bike. I felts like I just went on a bike ride - an extraordinary bike ride, but a bike ride nevertheless.
The next day I rode my pedal bike for 46 miles on another hilly route. The group I was with was gung-ho, so I pushed to my maximum capability. I flatter sections I averaged about 15 mph. My maximum speed downhill was 33 mph. Riding time was 3 hours 30 minutes for an average riding speed of 13.2 mph. However, I took two rest stops including one for lunch, so the total trip time was almost 4 hours for an average speed of 11.5 mph including the rest stops. At the end of the ride I was really beat and happy to reach the end.
Riding the motorized bike was an incredible thrill because it is so fast for a bike! No matter how often I ride it, I never cease to be amazed and delighted at how fast I can ride! It climbs long steep hills like they are not even there! Big hills are no longer something to fear. It covers long distances quickly with little effort. I don't get tired. Riding my motorized bike makes me feel like I am a world champion bike racer. Yes, I know it's the motor, but to me it just feels like I am riding the bike.
The pedal bike ride was much more effort, much more tiring, and much slower. Yet it has its advantages. There is more comradery from riding with others. It is excellent for exercise and conditioning. It is quieter. And there is a satisfaction from feeling that I did it all using my own body.
But all in all, my motorized bike is much more fun to ride and I just love riding it!
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