Starting a new job next week, but ever since I accepted the offer, I've been thinking about my bike commute route and feasibility. I don't own a car. My Kona Rove ST is my ride or die buddy, and has been for years. Tricked out for errands, commuting, and bikepacking at all times of year. But the new commute is gonna be 8mi each way. 16mi round-trip. Like two or three times per week. Woof.
I live and work in a US West Coast metro area with good bike infrastructure. I've been on almost every part of the route that I'd be commuting on. When the weather is nice, it'll be a beautiful 50 minute commute each way. Alas, I've spent the last week researching and test riding a few different Class 3 ebikes. I feel like I'm betraying my Kona, but this feels like the natural next step for a car-free person who doesn't want a motorcycle or moped/scooter. Lots of amazing options from Specialized, Trek, Tern, and Gazelle available locally.
This has also been my first time on a Class 3 ebike. Holy shit, the Bosch Performance Sport motors kick HARD. Barely any effort to maintain 20mph. Easy to push up to 25mph cruising speed with good use of gears and finding comfy cadence.
Has anyone else gone through this process?