How Do Bikes Transform Lives?
The mission of Berkshire Bike and Board is to inspire a cycling lifestyle and this is one of the bikes and riders that truly encompasses that journey. John walked into the shop about five years ago after getting sick of his analog bike collecting dust. The story that follows is one of a rider humbly throwing their leg over an electric bike and allowing that to lead them down an inspired journey to becoming a cyclist once again. A few notes from John below . . .
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE CREO RATHER THAN SOME OF THE OTHER ELECTRIC ROAD BIKE OPTIONS OUT THERE?
I wanted an all-round drop bar road bike that would work for group rides on pavement and the gravel roads which I have all around my house in New Marlborough. I'm not super mechanical so I'm not into swapping tires or making specific adjustments for terrain. I also wanted something lighter in weight than my previous and most other ebikes. So the Creo carbon plus the smaller (lighter) motor was perfect for me. I wondered how I would do with this motor which is less powerful than my old Raleigh. But it's perfect. I just want (need) the extra boost while still feeling like I'm riding a bike. That's what the Creo is, an ebike that rides like a regular bike. Also, when I bought this there weren't that many options like this out there. I should also add that I wanted to buy it from BBB because I want and need the support of the shop. That was very important to me. I could have gone elsewhere for another brand, but you are my guys!
How has it been actuating the dropper post while riding?
It's a bit awkward. I have smallish hands so I find it hard to reach around to the lever. This is something I thought I wouldn't use but you told me that it would be good for lowering my center of gravity on downhills. You were right. I find that especially useful on gravel when things can get a little shaky. I enjoy a downhill as much as anyone but as an older rider I’m becoming a little more risk averse so if I can feel more centered and safe on a loose dirt downhill, I'll take it.
What's the furthest you've been on the bike without running out of battery?
Oh, isn't that the question everyone wants to know? For me it was the 50 mile Rojan Ramble route. I had battery left so I could probably go further. But the real question for any rider is what distance are you physically comfortable riding? Forget how far the bike can go. How far can you go?
What made you choose to upgrade to the electronic SRAM AXS groupset?
The GRX groupset that came on the bike was perfectly fine, but I wanted more range in the cassette for the hills. My preference is to use the gears rather than the motor. I usually ride in ECO or SPORT and don't use TURBO unless absolutely desperate or for a brief burst to crest a hill. I found that the GRX didn't give me what I needed, especially on a steep gravel hill. I wasn't particularly looking for electronic shifting but that was the only way I could get the 52 tooth cassette. But now that I have it, wow! I love it. It's so precise and flawless under any conditions. It also rarely needs adjustment. I couldn't be happier. The SRAM Groupset also has that little gadget that keeps the clutch disengaged and the chain loose if you need to fuss with the chain. Mine has been known to pop off but Tucker has recommended a different style of chainring that he says will eliminate that problem. I'm waiting on that now.
Do you like the current tire setup on the bike?
Yes! I can ride on almost anything with the 38mm tires that came with it. Narrow enough for pavement, wide enough for the kind of gravel roads we have around here. I do have 42 mm gravel kings but I didn't even put them on last fall. Like I said, I'm not inclined to keep swapping things out. If I knew there was a specific route or ride where the 42s would really make a difference, I'd swap them out. For the type of riding I do, the 38s are perfect. I noticed that the new models come with 42s. I think that really puts it into the realm of a gravel bike exclusively. I don't have carbon wheels and though I said I didn't want other features like electronic shifting, I really don't think I need carbon wheels. I've sunk enough money into this machine!
Do you run the external battery on the bike all the time?
Yes, and again, I got it to go on longer rides without worrying about having enough battery. Now I just leave it on and know I can go a couple of rides before I need to recharge.
WHO DO YOU THINK THIS BIKE IS DESIGNED FOR?
I said it at the top. I think this bike is great for someone who maybe is an experienced rider but is no longer able to keep up with the group or fears his heart is going to explode off of his chest on a steep hill.
It's for someone who still wants to feel like he's riding the bike and the bike is not riding him. The fact that you can tune the motor is another advantage. You can get as much or little as you want with each level. It's so versatile and has the advantage of looking like a regular road bike.
Aesthetics matter and this is a nice looking bike. There was a new guy on the social ride last week and we were riding in New Marlborough near my house. We climbed this long steep hill coming out of Mill River down toward the bridge to Southfield. I said to the guy, "that's the hill that made me get an e-bike, because when I used to ride my acoustic bike up that hill I thought I was going to die and had to get off the bike." He said, "that's an e-bike?"
Later he told me he appreciated how I rode at the pace of the group and didn't race ahead. So it's a bike that can make you feel like you're just part of the group and you don't have to fear the hills. Your heart rate will go up in a healthy way, but you won't have to walk it up in shame! I do wish the motor were less whiny. Levi told me the new motor is quieter. That may be my only complaint and it's a minor one.