Montana Woods N Water July 2016 Print Edition | Page 24

OUTDOOR TOYS

eBikes

by Alan Clarke

Ahh, summer time, a wonderful time of year! BBQ’s and
iced tea, fishing, camping and hiking are some favorites.
Scouting hunting spots, setting up game cameras and the
smell of summer in the forest top the list. But one past
time I often overlook is riding bicycles. I don’t know how
I forget it…it’s…er…like riding a bike. Get it? It’s like
riding a bike? Ok, well moving on!
Bicycles have come a long way since their humble
beginnings in the 19th century. From coaster bikes, large
front or rear wheels, front wheel pedals, solid rubber
tires, wood frames and steel spokes, a few updates have
taken place. Other than still having 2 wheels, they are almost unrecognizable if compared to today’s options. Now you can get bicycles
that weigh practically nothing are stronger than steel, and have up to 27 gears for you to pedal with ease in whatever condition you are in.
Whether you are looking for speed, or pedaling up Going to the Sun Road, you can find a gear to get you there. Today we go a step further
in the innovation process…electric bikes, or ebikes are an ever evolving concept. We think of this technology as being new, but people
have been experimenting with electric bikes as a form of assist or drive almost since the beginning. The earliest known ebikes were being
worked on in the 1890’s. However, they pale in comparison to some of today’s offerings.
Fun Fact: As of 2003 there have been more than 1 billion bicycles produced, which is twice the number of automobiles produced.
Polaris offers several eBikes to fit your needs. There are 8 different ones on the Polaris eBike website (polarisebikes.com) and these don’t
include the special edition models. Here are some comparisons. Pricing runs between $2,499 and $3,999 for the standard tire and $3,499
to $4,799 for the fat tire models. What’s different about them that make up the price variance you ask?
With the standard tire option, the Rail ($2,499) is a bit more basic in function and style with mechanical disc brakes, and a regular bike seat.
The AAPEX ($2,999) has a Suntour XCR with lockout and adjustable dampening fork, hydraulic disk brakes and a sport seat. When you
compare the fat tire options: The SABRE ($3,499) has a solid front fork, and ZOOM MTB handlebars. While the NORDIC ($4,799) has a Rock
Shox Bluto fork and Spank Spoon 763 mm x 31.8, 20mm rise handle bar. Probably the most noticeable would be the 4 inch “fat tires” on
these bikes as opposed to the more standard looking ones on the RAIL and AAPEX. All of the eBikes weigh in between 58 and 63 pounds
and each of them has a list of features that are unique. When Polaris builds these bikes they use brands such as Rock Shox, Kendra, SRAM,
MAGURA, SR Suntour, and Tektro, to name a few…so you know you’re getting quality.
here are PRO’s and CON’s to this technology. Lets start with the PROs. In my mind a battery falls under both. They are clean as in no
fumes, emissions, or hauling