Who’s a typical Zygg Ebike rider? Well, there really isn’t one.
Zygg subscribers range from students, urban adventurers & fabulous food delivery riders (mainly twenty-somethings); cycling-commuters and day-trippers in their 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s; plus, a healthy group of leisure riders of awesome, impressive years.
When Zygg launched in 2020, Raymond (a retired insurance executive in his 80s) was part of the first tier of keeners to test the fleet of new e-bikes on offer. In the summer of last year, he and his wife made the trek from their home in Toronto’s east end to Wychwood Barns, in the city’s midwest, for a free trial session. Although he had not been on a bike in over 40 years, he was determined to take up cycling to add some low-impact exercise into his daily routine and enjoy the bike pathways & parks in his neighbourhood. Raymond was armed with a significant amount of research. He felt a pedal-assist ebike would lessen the stress on his knees and enable him to travel further without strain nor much “sweat”. Zygg’s subscription model was perfect, as it provided him with a terrific e-bike, including free delivery & maintenance, without the huge commitment of a “purchase” and subsequent up-keep.
Last year, Raymond was a “seasonal” subscriber of a Model V. He subscribed for another full season in 2021, for a Model Q. Here is his feedback & tips for consideration:
Test & Choose the Best Style Ebike & Size for Comfort and Stability.
Raymond, (tall, with an athletic build of a former football player) could handle a large, “peppy” bike. The Zygg team made sure he received the proper frame-size and adjusted his seat height for the correct angle on his knees for riding. “Step-through” bikes, on the other hand, (like Zygg’s Model G and the small Model Q), have a low, middle frame bar and are a good choice for placing feet solidly on the ground at stops, and make for an easy mount & dismount. Riders of a smaller stature often prefer the “step through”.
Take it slow.
Cycling is a great way to improve one’s balance, however, get used to the terrain and routes you may frequent, first. Pace yourself. You do not have to go really fast nor far. You will make natural progress. Over the past two seasons, Raymond feels his balance, strength & endurance have improved. He likes to frequent the dedicated bike paths and park-settings to meander at his own pace, away from car-traffic, and to take in the air & peaceful environs, especially Morningside Park and the trails near U of T Scarborough.
Raymond loves having his own Zygg e-bike at home with the freedom to get out there & explore any time he wishes. This season, he was riding about 4km on each journey, however, sometimes he would head out for an early ride at 7am, and then another later in the day. He loved the “throttle” feature on the Model Q (also available on the Model M) to “surge” ahead of & steer safely past pedestrians.
Raymond’s hot tip: make sure to charge your e-bike every day, even if you think you have lots of battery power (range) left. You never know how far you may travel, what hills you may tackle and level of assist you may use. Riding with a high level of assist (especially on “throttle”), on more challenging terrain, and against wind, uses up more power. Make a habit of topping up your charge when the bike is idle at your home.
Comfort is Key
The more comfortable you are, the more likely you will ride, more frequently and further. The Zygg Model G has excellent suspension in the handlebars and rear frame (and a comfy saddle!) providing for a very smooth ride. Raymond is interested in the Model G for 2022 for this very reason. He recently tested one and it seemed to meet his discerning specifications. He told Zygg’s rider experience associate Rannie to place him at the top of the list for the "G" next year. Now that’s enthusiasm! Another consideration: thicker tires will make riding up curbs, over pot-holes and rough trails a breeze. If thicker tires are available on the style of bike which suits you, go with them!
The Best Thing About A Zygg Ebike?
For Raymond, having the ability to venture out, anywhere, whenever he wants, and take a quiet moment creates special times. As an avid photographer, hitting the trails on his ebike frees his mind to embrace nature and just relax and reflect on the beauty.
Another hot tip: While you ease the mind, easen the load. A bike with a front basket or rear-frame-rack to add panniers or saddlebags is an added bonus: making it easy to pack an extra layer, a camera, and even a light lunch. That is his “perfect day”.