An avid road bicycle rider for more than twenty-five years both in The States and Europe, I've now retired to Portugal. Somewhat to my dismay over the past several years, I've found speedy, mindless and aggressive Portuguese motor vehicle drivers to be decidedly dangerous to my well being. After too many close calls I'm intent on escaping to much less trafficked gravel road riding. Well into my seventies, I've also reached the point where some electric assist might be desirable. So I'm seeking counsel on purchasing a gravel bike suitable for electric enhancement. I'd be excited to get direction to any resources in Portugal's Algarve region on the off chance that anyone reading might happen to know of, or direction otherwise concerning states-side shops that will ship me a rig. Obrigado
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Hello there in Portugal!
I too dislike the traffic, but find I can tolerate it here in the New England, USA (barely!). As far as a suitable donor bike for gravel? It sort of depends on your wieght, what you're carrying, riding conditions, and so forth. As I understand Protugal has a 250 watt power-cap on e-bikes to be ridden. Perhaps it's different off-road as is here in the States? I will make my remarks brief as there are quite a few unknown variables at this point...
Have you considered Surly Bikes? They are sort of bomb-proof in that they are chromoly steel bikes. (They have a gravel bike called "ghost grappler") They also have the options to buy a frame and build up your personalized dream-bike as well. Yes they are heavier, and yes you'll have a motor! While, personally I and many others would steer well clear of a carbon frame--still--some people have done it. And there's always alluminum bikes. I prefer steel when I have a 750 watt motor on the bike.
I will caution, whatever you purchase check your measurements for chain-line and so forth. The mid-drive motors that are promoted on this website will bring your chainline out a fair amount. There are chain-rings that will bring it back in--"some". I know I have a 73mm bottom bracket bike which precludes easy access to the granny gears in back of the rig with my Tong Sheng mid drive motor (while the same set-up works with a 68mm bb)! I know! Just 5mm, right? Moral of story, if you measure twice, maybe you need to order only once!