I last wrote about this a few years ago, observing that bikes with snow tyres were regular utility transport in Zermatt. Although the hills are steep, the town is car free, making cycles an attractive option. The most popular type of bike then was a mountain bike, with stud tyres and a rack for skis, but some electric bikes were starting to appear, with an add-on motor kit providing the power.
Back in Zermatt this winter I note that development in electric bikes has been rapid, with purpose built offerings available from a number of major manufacturers. The Austrian KTM is the most popular. The one in the picture is pretty typical of the breed. They are essentially still a mountain bike, with the frame shaped to take a motor under the bottom bracket. The motors were mostly Bosch, and I understand that they develop up to 250 watts of power. The range is around 20 kms, which is plenty for the way they are used. Generally, people don't use the motor on the flat or downhill, only drawing on the extra boost when climbing. As a result these machines climb about as fast as they descend, and as you can still pedal while using the motor the actual battery drain is not that great. It is apparently possible to climb one of the big local passes like the Simplon or Grand St Bernard without running out of battery. Batteries charge overnight, or the battery pack can be swapped for a charged one. There is also a type of Danish motor that re-charges when braking or descending. I saw only one of these, and it looked rather less rugged.
Interesting to see what another few years will bring - an extra 250 watts would be handy on White Down!
Mark
1 comment:
Mark well done a good write-up. Have you thought of volunteering to CTC to replace CJ?!
Meanwhile you bring back fond memories of when I rode my steel 531 Norman Butler hand built frame (in Long Eaton Nottingham), equipped with Campag record 10 speed gears, Stronglight cotterless cranks + headset and Brooks Professional large copper rivet B17 saddle! The frame cost £12,50 and the whole bike with Campag record quick release hubs and tubs cost £82. It was a lot of money in 1961 having started work as an apprentice in 1957 on £2 per week. Oh happy days! There 5 on the Alpine tour from Long Eaton Paragon and in two weeks we did 650 miles including the Grand St. Bernard, Petite St Bernard, Simplon, Gothard, Col de Mosses and more. We navigated by a cheap BP road map, stayed in IYHA's, Mountain Huts B&B's and budget hotels. Planes from LHR were limited to two bikes only. So two of us flew out on Air France Caravel and two on BEAU BAC111. We cast lot's for the 5th bike which was sent out in advance by freight to Geneva!
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