Thanks for your reply , I actually thought there was like a simple computer display which could alter power levels on and show speed and distance,I am sure I have seen that somewhere, but can’t remember where and the info on the website did seem to suggest that, but may have just meant the mount on top of the light. I would have still have bought the bike without it I just thought that it would have been a bit of a bonus!
I have not seen seen the handlebar controller that looks interesting but probably not worth the expense and hassle for me. I think I will be happy with just the button , I have been using an oldish (quite heavy)hybrid with a Swytch kit on and the button looks less fiddly than that , and most of the time I just leave it in level one as live in Norfolk so no big hills.
Orbea Gain 1st ride.
Distance: 25.54 mi / Time: 1:35:28: / Avg Speed: 16.1 mph / Elev Gain: 1,555 ft / Avg HR: 114 bpm / Max HR: 138 bpm
The Gain was only ridden in 'lowest assist/eco/green' I was testing the bike and myself.
I never set out to race road bike v Gain, I rode reasonably hard (on both bikes)but certainly not 'eyeballs out'
My max HR is between 155 & 160 bpm. So my average HR for both rides was approx 75%.
Things to note, I was 1m 37secs faster on the Gain, my average speed was 0.4 mph faster on the Gain.
My average HR was a little lower on the Gain.
1,600ft of climbing with two long ascents, one of 1.7mi with a top gradient of 14% and one of 3.5mi with a top gradient of 11%.
I have no doubt that on a flatter/flat(ish) course I would be faster on the road bike. It is not 'rocket science' the more climbing the bigger the advantage to the Orbea Gain.
The next day I rode only the Gain.
Orbea Gain 2nd ride.
Distance: 16.54 mi / Time: 1:02:27 / Avg Speed: 15.9 mph / Elev Gain: 942 ft / Avg HR: 115 bpm / Max HR: 133 bpm.
The battery was not charged after ride 1. Again I used exclusively the lowest (green) assist level.
The battery voltage dropped to below 50% at the 40 mile point. I am very satisfied with this, 40 mile and almost 2,600 ft of climbing. But my average speed on both rides was over the 15.5mph assist cut-out point.
I never used the top two assist levels.
There are many old/older fit riders that I think this bike will be exactly what they want. But if you are looking for a 'pedal assisted' bike to do a large proportion of the work be very sure before you part with your 'hard earned dosh' that the Orbea Gain is 'up to the job'
I enjoyed reading through many messages, this one in particular.
I had a cardiac arrest & would like to protect my heart on climbs.
In my road cycling I would do club rides and achieve 16.5mph average. The club rides can get to 18.5mph. Is the bike speed as good as the legs/rider?
How many miles can you get with the battery extender?
If I remember correctly Scaley is a pretty fit rider! I've never achieved anything near those figures, but I bought my Gain because I needed help after developing vascular disease which affects my leg muscle strength. IME, on a club ride, I get about 1 mile to 2-3% of battery, so a range 40 - 45 miles at best. The range extender will increase that range (again - IME) to around 65-70 miles. It's fairly hilly around here and steady club rides will average 14+ mph at best, even with long stretches above the cut-off. If you are in the UK the legal cut-off speed for assistance is 15.5 mph, so an average of 16.5 mph would require considerable periods at over that speed - and unassisted the Gain is
much heavier than an unassisted mid and upper level road bike. (My alloy framed Tiagra Gain is almost twice the on-road weight of the Ultegra carbon framed Rose I used to ride.) So yes, 'the bike speed (edit - and range) is as good as the legs/rider'.
I can't help with the bike fit and geometry, I'm riding a small, but if you are thinking about buying I would check the condition of the battery.
D30 Gain Test Ride - My Report & Questions
I watched loads of videos, researched a week of online forums & couldn’t get all the answers.
Feel, Ride & Misc
1. Very compliant
2. A helping hand pushing me up a small hill
3. Tires need changed
4. Bar needs reduced to 38, prefer a carbon aero
5. Agile, décent up a 3-4% without motor on
6. Alloy bar sends road feedback, it’s not too buzzy
7. Amazing tire clearances
8. Felt stiff enough to ride & propels forward
9. Somewhat aero-ish fork, to top tubes
10. Long wheelbase stability
11. I had to go size down! 178cm usually on 54, this was a 52! My Tarmac is more aggressive but size 54 in thé Gain was not comfy - arms were too stretched! 52 felt like home.
12. Very glossy frame. Mango 🥭 is bright & fresh. Whilst my preference of borealius blue - has a Rapha brevet classic feel to it.
13. Will need PPF (read some people had chips)
Questions:
1. What’s the real difference to carbon? (It felt comfy in alloy)
2. Will it feel harder up a hill as it’s 13.2kg on a 7-13% vs a M30 or M20 that’s lighter?
3. Pre heart attack I was 16.5mph on club rides. Hills of 7-10% & 2,650-4,000 feet climbs. Is this possible?
4. Club rides are 55-80 miles. 😬 will i need an extender?
5. What extender would you use? I am not great at making one up. £560, 🤩 that’s eye watering
6. Alloy vs Carbon debate?! I read 1/2 of a cyclechat forum chat on Orbea Gain’s since 2019-2022! It’s 71 pages!
7. Would love to meet fellow riders in glasgow
Thanks 🙏🏽
Niaz - Scotland
That's a pretty shocking medical history. I completely understand that you are keen to get back into cycling as before, but take it steady!
As to your bike questions, a lot of what you report and ask is very subjective - only you can decide. I can't really help much as I have one of the earlier alloy Gains, and the frames and equipment have been changed over the years. I also have a carbon Ribble SLE, roughly 3 kg lighter than the Gain, and I find it much more eager than the alloy Gain, maybe because it has much lighter carbon wheels, lighter tyres and a much more aggressive frame geometry - shorter head-tube, shorter wheelbase. It is a harsher ride, probably due to the stiff wheels, and if I want a gentle leisurely ride I'll use the Gain. I opted for a traditional separate stem and bars (but carbon) on the SLe rather than an integrated set up as it allows me much more adjustment and easier access to cables for maintenance. I ride the SLe with the club 'steady' group in the summer, the Gain (with mudguards) in the winter, or on wet rides year long. I swap a Mahle extender between the bikes. For me it's essential for rides beyond 40 miles, and gives me a range of up to around 70 - 75 miles. Many people report range and hill climbing capability way beyond my experiences, but besides having my own history of cardiovascular disease, and a number of stents, I now have peripheral arterial disease, which blocks the supply of blood to my leg muscles ( which is why I bought an ebike in the first place, otherwise I'd still be riding unassisted bikes). Surgery is a possibility, but involves two serious procedures to each leg, not without considerable risks, the most serious being amputation - my consultant advised me to wait until it was essential and unavoidable. Hence I'm probably using more assistance than most, although I try to use as little as possible, and ride above the cut off speed whenever possible, and to keep up with the group when speed rises. Perhaps perversely I find long flat or downhill stretches over the cut-off hardest, as even the SLe is still a heavy bike to keep rolling given my lack of leg strength, but I do have some advantage on up hill stretches!
My apologies those who've heard much of this before - I believe I started this thread, so I expect I've repeated myself many times over!
Thanks so much for the details.
Can I ask how old you are now? I expect the disease to progress and one Cardiologist said you’re on borrowed time. 😂 thanks I said… I plan to enjoy family time & time with loved ones…
Hi, I'm only 76 . My last stents were installed over 11 years ago. I've never had a heart attack and signs of cardiovascular disease only became evident in the form of exercise induced angina - this started in my 40's, then my first angioplasty was performed. The disease affecting my legs only became apparent around 6 years ago after a period of inactivity following a hip replacement.
I've always kept fairly fit, not overweight, first cycled with a club in my early teens, but was a smoker for many years - that is undoubtably the major cause of my health problems. edit - forgot to mention - family history of heart disease - smoking was the last thing I should have done, but we didn't really know any better in those days.