If you made it to Part 2, the clickbait is officially working. Thank you for your loyalty. The “one weird trick” is a button on the handlebar. We’re sorry.
This is Part 2 of a three-part series written by Xzavier Laprise, our co-op student in the Health Sciences department at Western University, about a month of commuting on a Gazelle Medeo T9.
What happens when an e-bike stops being something you ride for fun and becomes part of your everyday life?
ECO, AUTO, or TURBO?
Most of my riding is done in Auto mode. The bike adjusts the assistance based on how much help I need, which works particularly well along the Thames Valley Parkway because the route has frequent small changes in elevation. I can also change the assistance whenever I want. If I’m looking for a workout, I’ll lower it. If I’m tired, I’ll increase it. But when I reach one particular hill near Pond Mills Road and Egerton Avenue, I switch to Turbo every time. That hill is where I really appreciate the assistance. It’s like having a buddy help you finish that one last rep. Turbo mode helps me scale the beast at approximately 25 km/h while other cyclists are working their way up the same incline. I’ve had more than a few cyclists look over at me as I go by, and I can practically read the thought on their face: “I wish I had one of those.” Once I reach the top, it’s straight back into Auto.
Comfort Matters on a 25-Kilometre Ride
For longer rides, comfort becomes just as important as speed. There are several things I really like about the Medeo T9: the tires, handlebar position, overall stability, weight and seating position. The bike always feels incredibly solid. Even at higher speeds, I can take sharper turns without feeling like the bike is going to wobble or lose stability. The brakes are another standout feature. Being hydraulic, they provide a level of stopping power that makes me feel confident in all riding situations where I may need to stop abruptly. The controls are also straightforward. The assistance and display controls are positioned on the left handlebar, while the gear shifters are easily accessible on the right.
The one area I would change is the seat that comes standard with the bike. During my first long ride, I found that the seat could become uncomfortable after about 30 minutes. After my first ride to school and back, I was definitely feeling it the following day. After several weeks of riding, I’ve built up more tolerance to it, but a little extra cushioning would be welcome on longer trips.
Rain, Wind and Everything in Between
Living in London means you don’t always get to choose your riding conditions. I’ve ridden the Medeo in heavy wind, rain, cold and hot weather, and so far I haven’t had any major complaints. The bike continues to perform consistently regardless of the conditions. That’s important to me because if I’m going to rely on something for transportation, it can’t only work when the weather is perfect.
Grocery Shopping on an E-Bike
One of the biggest surprises has been how practical the bike is for everyday errands. I’ve started riding to get groceries instead of automatically reaching for my car. The side cargo bags make a huge difference. I can put my groceries directly into the bags instead of carrying everything on my back or dangling the bags on the handlebars. There is also something strangely satisfying about trying to figure out just how much I can fit in them. Every grocery trip has become a little game: How much can I fit this time?
The same thing applies to shorter errands. There is construction near my home that has reduced part of the main road to one lane. Driving through the area can mean sitting through multiple traffic-light cycles while traffic backs up. On the bike, I can simply use the bike lane and get to the same destination in under two minutes. For shorter trips around the city, the bike can be significantly more convenient than getting into a car.
The Small Things Make a Big Difference
The Medeo is also surprisingly simple to live with. The rear wheel lock is one example. The key remains in the lock while riding, and when I park, I simply slide the lock into place and remove the key. Charging is equally straightforward. The battery can be charged on the bike or removed and brought inside. It doesn’t require a specialized outlet, just a regular wall outlet or extension cord.
Starting the bike is essentially as simple as turning it on and choosing the assistance level. Even maintenance is relatively uncomplicated. The display lets me know when an update or maintenance is recommended, and appointments can be arranged through the shop. Those little details matter when you’re using the bike every day. The less complicated something is to use and maintain, the more likely you are to actually use it.
Why I Choose the Bike Over the Car
There are now plenty of situations where I could drive but choose to ride instead. Fitness is one reason, as I enjoy getting some exercise before class, and I’ve noticed that I feel more focused and attentive during lectures after riding. Sometimes it’s also simply about enjoying the trip. Instead of sitting in traffic and stopping at red lights, I can ride along the Thames Valley Parkway, get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery.
There is also the environmental side. We hear constantly about the environmental impact of transportation, and while one bike ride isn’t going to solve the problem, replacing unnecessary short car trips with cycling is one small change I can make.
Lastly, there’s campus. Getting around Western by bike is incredibly convenient. I don’t have to search for a parking spot, pay for parking or walk across campus after leaving my car somewhere far away. I can simply ride where I need to go and park right out front.
Read the whole series by Xzavier Laprise:
Part 1: The commute to Western
Part 2: Turbo hills, rain and groceries (you are here)
Part 3: Exploring London (and a raccoon)