The Tour de France and the E-Bike Revolution
The Tour de France, a pinnacle of cycling excellence, has left me with mixed emotions this year. While the early stages had their challenges, the second half delivered an unforgettable spectacle, showcasing the incredible climbing prowess of Tadej Pogačar. His record-breaking performances ignited a personal curiosity: how do his feats compare to the capabilities of modern e-bikes?
A Climbing Challenge Like No Other
Pogačar's jaw-dropping rides up iconic climbs like Tourmalet, Pertus, Col du Haag, and Alpe d'Huez inspired me to delve deeper into the numbers. When I saw his wattage output, I couldn't help but think of it in the context of e-bikes. The reported average of 400+ watts during his ascent of Pertus made me wonder if it was even a 'Trail' mode or just Eco on an e-bike.
The Power of E-MTBs
The e-bike market is booming, with each new release pushing the boundaries of power. The Bosch Line CX, powering a Cannondale test rig, boasts a continuous output of 750 watts, which is just the tip of the iceberg. This raises an intriguing question: how do these powerful e-bikes compare to the wattage output of professional cyclists?
Apples and GIFs
Comparing Pogačar's performance to an e-bike is like comparing apples to a GIF of a monkey humping a football. It's not a fair comparison, but it's an interesting way to gauge the 'assist' provided by modern e-MTBs. The metric of watts/kg (W/kg) is crucial here, as it levels the playing field by considering the rider's weight.
Pogačar's Transcendent Tour
Pogačar's Tour de France was a showcase of extraordinary W/kg performances. On Pertus, he averaged an estimated 8.2 w/kg, shattering his rivals' hopes. On Col du Haag, he reached an astonishing 8.4 W/kg for 4:37, climbing at an 11.1% gradient. But the most impressive feat was on Alpe d'Huez, where he broke Marco Pantani's record with an estimated 6.97 W/kg.
The E-Bike Advantage
When I combined my efforts with the Bosch Line CX and the Cannondale e-bike, we achieved remarkable results. Our trio, including the bike, rider, and a 10kg dog, climbed 11km with a 5.23% average gradient in just 27 minutes, significantly faster than Pogačar on Alpe d'Huez. The e-bike's assistance allowed me to maintain a moderate heart rate, showcasing the power of these machines.
The Power Debate
The power output of e-bikes is a topic of discussion. While some argue that it's a significant 'assist', others question if it's becoming a different sport altogether. The Avinox M2S, for instance, can deliver 1,500 watts, doubling Pogačar's output. This raises ethical questions about the role of e-bikes in cycling and the impact on traditional cycling culture.
The Line Between Assist and Excess
The line between a 'light' assist and excessive power is blurry. Marketing these power numbers abstractly makes it easy to justify the upward creep of wattage. However, when you compare it to the performances of cycling legends, it becomes clear that some e-bikes are crossing a line. I believe there's a point where the 'assist' becomes a performance-enhancing tool, altering the nature of the sport.
The Social Aspect
E-bikes also impact the social dynamics of cycling. On my climb, I passed two riders, and the presence of my e-bike might have changed the experience for them. This technology has the potential to create a divide between traditional cyclists and e-bike enthusiasts, which is something the cycling community should consider.
