Did you know that AWOL Tours has electric bikes available on request?
An electric bike provides a regular biking experience, with the bonus of added motorised power.
So, if you’re keen on joining in on a tour but don’t fancy yourself a powerful pedlar or simply want to take it a little bit easier, we have electric powered bikes as an alternative to the traditional leg powered kind.
What sort of e-bikes are on offer?
AWOL has Giant Talon e-bikes with 29er wheels, 10 speed rear derailleur, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes and SyncDrive Core motor, 50Nm, Powered by Yamaha. We use their pedal-assist electric bikes, meaning that the motor only kicks in as you pedal, so with each turn of the pedal, your output is equal to your own effort combined with the power from the motor. You’ll find that the motor conveniently ‘rises to the occasion’ and matches your output, meaning the harder you pedal, the more the motor kicks in. So, if you’re daunted by the prospect of a hill, or concerned about keeping pace with the faster riders, these bikes have got you covered.
What is it like to ride?
A review by recent rider: Derek Kreuger, Age: 70+ who usually rides: 29er Full Sus MTB had this to say:
“What a difference a motor makes to mountain biking? In particular, to a tour where you are able to appreciate and enjoy, not only the ride, but the scenery – the beautiful Cape Peninsula, and Table Mountain above the City Bowl.
Cutting to the chase – so to speak – once I had got the bike customised for myself – seat post easily adjusted with the quick release and tyres deflated to a more comfortable pressure (20 psi – I’m 85 Kgs) for a ‘softer’ ride – it is a hardtail – the bike operated smoothly. I tried the 4 electric settings but immediately settled into the lowest assistance of “Eco”. It was more than ample and had me leading Sally (AWOL) when usually I am following. In addition, if I wanted to push my limits a little more, I shifted into a higher gear, there being enough to play with in the 10-speed cluster. I barely made a dent in the battery life (500 Wh) on our hour-and-half excursion.”
Our Electric bikes work and feel much like a traditional bicycle and are suitable for all types of terrain. They are geared toward all types of riders, regardless of age and fitness level, and are said to help build confidence on the bicycle.
Our e-bikes upgrades are available on request for majority of our tours. We are also able to accommodate larger groups, just be sure to request them when making your booking.