To E-Bike, or not to e-bike, that was the question
Cycling has always been a part of my life — a source of freedom, challenge, and peace. From quiet trail rides to the occasional attempt at keeping up with my road-racing friends, biking has given me countless moments of joy and reflection. But as the years have rolled on, and with a recent part-time move to the mountains, I found myself facing a new question I never thought I’d ask: to e-bike, or not to e-bike?
A Lifelong Love of Two Wheels
I’ve never been a hardcore downhill mountain biker, nor have I chased podiums in road races. My cycling story has always been more about the journey than the speed — the tranquility of forest trails, the satisfaction of a long climb, and the simple pleasure of exploring new places under my own power.
I’ve bikepacked across the UK’s Coast to Coast trail, done some light touring here in Canada, and spent many weekends pedaling to nowhere in particular. Cycling was my way to unwind, to connect with nature, and, quite honestly, to feel like myself.
The Shift: Midlife and the Mountain Move
Then came midlife — and with it, the familiar aches, the occasional knee twinge, and the realization that recovery takes a little longer than it used to. My daily rides into town for groceries or coffee started to feel like small expeditions, especially after moving to a mountain community.
The ride into town was effortless — all downhill with the wind in my face. But the ride home? That was another story. My commute back was literally up the side of a giant hill, and more often than not, I found myself reaching for the car keys instead of the bike helmet.
The Resistance to E-Bikes
For years, I resisted the idea of an e-bike. I told myself it wasn’t “real” cycling — that it would make me lazy, that I’d lose fitness, that it would somehow cheapen the experience. I wanted to earn every mile, every climb, every sore muscle.
But deep down, I also knew that the less I rode, the less connected I felt to the lifestyle I loved. The car was becoming my default, and that didn’t sit right with me.
Taking the Plunge
Eventually, practicality (and curiosity) won out. I decided to give an e-bike a try — not as a replacement for my traditional bikes, but as an addition to my cycling life. After some research, I went with a Biktrix Juggernaut Lite, a fat-tire model built for Canadian winters and mountain terrain.
The buying experience was refreshingly easy. The bike arrived ready to ride, and the customer service was top-notch — friendly, responsive, and genuinely enthusiastic. Biktrix even runs BOGO deals from time to time, which doesn’t hurt either.
The Ride That Changed My Routine
From the first ride, I knew this was going to change things. The Juggernaut doesn’t do the work for me — it just gives me a gentle push when I need it most. I still pedal, I still sweat, and I still feel that familiar burn in my legs. But now, I can make it home from town without feeling like I’ve summited Everest.
More importantly, I’m back to choosing the bike over the car. If I have the option to drive or e-bike, I e-bike. It’s not the same workout as my road bike, but it gets me outside, keeps my legs turning, and puts a smile on my face every single time.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
Keeps me riding regularly, even on tired days or steep routes
Reduces car use and fuel costs
Makes errands and commutes genuinely enjoyable
Extends my cycling season into winter
Gets me outdoors and moving without overexertion
Cons:
It’s not the same cardiovascular workout as a traditional bike
The bike is heavier and requires some planning for transport or storage
Charging adds a small layer of maintenance
It’s easy to rely on the motor more than necessary
But when I weigh it all up, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The e-bike hasn’t replaced my other bikes — it’s simply added another dimension to my cycling life.
A New Perspective on Riding
E-bikes don’t have to mean the end of “real” cycling. For me, they’ve done the opposite. They’ve kept me connected to the lifestyle I love, even when my body or schedule might have said otherwise.
Now, instead of debating whether I can handle the climb home, I just ride. And that, to me, is what cycling has always been about — freedom, joy, and the simple act of turning the pedals.
So, to e-bike or not to e-bike?
For me, the answer turned out to be simple: to e-bike, and to keep riding.
If you’d like to check out the bike that got me back on the trails, you can find it here: Biktrix Juggernaut Lite. It’s been a game-changer — and maybe, just maybe, it’ll get you back in the saddle too.
