Mechanical Doping – How Does A Road Bike With A Hidden Motor Ride?

Following on from the first ever mechanical doping case, we thought we should find out how a bike with a hidden motor actually rides.

Hidden motors are big news in cycling. We now know that they have been used in at least one race. And, we suspect that they offer a huge advantage to those riders who use them. We got our hands on one to find out how feasible it is to use one, what the bike actually feels like, and, finally, whether they can turn a donkey (2016 Dan) into a racehorse (2011 Dan).

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Leave us a comment below!

[kevinworth]

Hi I have enjoyed cycling over the last 35 years or so until I gave up about 4 years ago following a serious back injury. Two rounds of major surgery later I started convalescence but had become unable to manage my road bike at all, I purchased a Scott e bike which I suddenly found I could ride and enjoy but must admit I avoided other riders when climbing as I felt as though I was being a fraud, rather odd really as we were not competing against one another I just felt uncomfortable doing it . The biggest benefit with the e bike was it helped me back to better health and I have now sold the Scott and resumed enjoying my road bikes . I believe that without the e bike I may have lost cycling for ever. I definitely feel there are benefits to be had in my case it allowed me to continue my hobby whilst actively recovering.

[RixterNow]

Strava will have to add a new checkbox next to every ride, "Motorized/Doped"

[CrazyCyclingVlogger]

Can you try EPO next and tell us how it works?

[neft]

I've watched about 15 GCN videos this morning (I really should be doing some work...) but I just wanted to say thank you for being such a reasonable and level-headed bunch of presenters/producers. Often bike shows seem to be full of elitism, and give out "advice" which is only really relevant to professionals with big teams + financing to back them up. You guys are so different; you perform sensible tests & analysis, and then describe what these mean to a whole range of cyclists, from pros to commuters to teenagers. You are doing a great job of making the community more inclusive, and encouraging more people to get out of their car and onto a bike! Keep it up!

[bartholoclumpdink]

I have a back injury that is not going to get better. I gave up cycling as it was just too painful. A few years ago I tried a Kalkhoff Agatu. Very upright comfortable riding position. I bought one the same day! It has enabled me to get out on a bike again. Not everyone who cycles wants to race or even go fast. I like touring with my loaded up panniers. Been to the Netherlands and all around France on it. Best thing I ever bought. Ebikes have a place but not in a race.

[driten]

Using motors in racing is obviously a very, very bad idea.
But I see a lot of people here hate e-bikes in general. I own an e-bike and a "normal" road bike that I use to get around, and I hear this all the time, that it is cheating and so on. The one thing most of these people criticizing e-bikes have in common is that they own a car. HOW IS THAT NOT CHEATING!? I even see some of these people with their bikes on roof racks on their cars!
Relax guys, it is just a means of transportation, just like a car or a bus or whatever. And probably the most environmentally friendly at 18 times more energy efficient than an SUV.
Using e-bikes is nothing to be ashamed of. I think it is something to be proud of if it means one less petrol powered car on the road.
But like I said... not in racing ;)

[kodiakrider]

Why didn't Dan just ride up the hill twice? Once with the motor on and once with it off to see a real comparison.

[JaydelCorro]

I’m a chef and I work in a kitchen all day for years. It wrecks your knees way before your time. I bought an e-bike last fall and have been getting fit again. My knees are even getting better as I’ve been riding a regular bike as well. I am now in the market to get a gravel bike. Thanks GCN!

[wilwoods]

That is actually interesting.. I had a huge crash last year and broke my back.. I lost a lot of strength in my right quad so that would allow me to keep up on easy rollers...obviously weekend rides.. no racing

[useforstuffer]

i love that these guys pointed out the pluses of this (like my wife - new to road racing- using it to keep up) rather than just poo-pooing the idea like many cyclists do.

great stuff

[samdavies]

"teen age son or daughter the can't keep up" give them a few weeks and they'll get much fitter than you ahahah

[benstanden]

Watching the 2011 Tour of Britain pass by my school in Wells and then up Old Bristol Road was what really got me into cycling!

[WalrusRiderEntertainment]

Was Dan juiced as a pro though? Should do a juiced versus motor video haha

[CentristRN]

Much respect for your thoughtful response regarding the use of these "riding aids." The more people enjoying the sport at any level, the better.

[aikiwolfie]

A proper e-bike would give much better performance and value for money. So if an e-bike is what you want or need. Then get the real deal and not this shady shenanigans. The only reason to hide it, is to pretend you're doing it yourself.

[experiment]

Not surprised Dan was slower. He was able to talk. No KOM worth having is done being able to talk.

[caseyb]

I used to be a great cyclist till I had a heart attack. As it turns out, exercise alone is not enough to keep the arteries clear. Thankfully it was a minor one. I didn't even realize I had one, and it was only a few weeks later when I became unable to climb hills on my bike that I knew there was a problem. I didn't want to give up cycling though, so I turned my bike into a Ebike. It has actually helped me in my recovery. I can pedal for as much as I can, then let the motor take over while I let my heart calm down.

[magellanicraincloud]

Electric assist is AMAZING for commuting. Totally replaced my car for day to day use. However if you're using it... no need to get a hidden motor.

[augnkn]

This seems like a great idea. Perhaps it could be combined with EPO and blood doping to go super fast. It looks like a winner. I’ll be getting one for my next road race.

[Davidm-MTPT]

I have a race cube but I get allot of pain in my leg on long rides I have a cube with a motor with varying assist levels it stops working at 15.5 mph as per the law but with my knee injury I can do long distances and touring no problem with a range of 150 miles assisted it's a game changer for me, but get this it also allows me to stay on my fat burning zone so helps me loose weight ;)