Box Hill Battle: How Much Faster Is An E-bike?

Box Hill might not be the most intimidating climb, but for many cyclists, it's a classic benchmark to test their fitness. My personal best on a traditional road bike—often called an "acoustic" bike—stands at 7 minutes and 36 seconds, not an all-out effort but a solid reflection of my fitness at the time. Recently, I had the chance to tackle the same climb with an On And Off E-road bike, and the experience was a real eye-opener. 

Climbing Box Hill on a traditional road bike is all about strategy, endurance, and managing your effort. The steady gradient, with its occasional steeper pitches and hairpin bends, demands careful pacing and power management. It's about finding that sweet spot where you can maintain a solid pace without burning out too early.

Switching to the On And Off E-road bike for the same climb was a completely different story. With the electric assistance kicking in, the climb felt smoother and far less taxing. The sections where I’d normally dig deep to keep my speed up were suddenly much more manageable with the MAHLE motor’s steady boost. But what really struck me wasn’t just the increased speed—it was the whole experience.

The E-road bike made the climb easier and opened up new opportunities. I could now ride with friends who are stronger cyclists without worrying about being left behind. The E-road bike gave me the confidence to go further and explore more, knowing the motor would be there to help when I needed it most.

The E-road bike isn’t just about speed, though it certainly excels in that area, knocking my time down to 5 minutes and 32 seconds. A reduction of over 2 mins on a 2.4km climb. It's also about the flexibility and freedom it offers. You can maintain a higher speed with less effort, making longer rides or tougher routes more accessible without feeling completely wiped out. The motor assistance is especially helpful for short bursts of speed, like when you need to overtake or tackle a steep section.

Additionally, when you do go over the assist limit, the bike still handles like a lightweight carbon road bike, keeping its speed well. With ample tyre clearance, it absorbs road buzz, giving you a smooth yet responsive platform. The E-road bike combines the best of both worlds: the joy and challenge of traditional cycling with the added benefits of electric assistance. This makes it easier to keep up with stronger riders or simply enjoy group rides without the stress of falling behind.

Box Hill will always be a beloved challenge, whether you're on an acoustic bike or an E-road bike. Each experience offers something unique: the acoustic bike tests your physical limits and rewards you with a deep sense of accomplishment, while the E-road bike adds a new layer of enjoyment. It can be faster, more versatile, and opens up new possibilities, allowing you to ride further, explore more, and confidently tackle tougher routes.

Whether you're chasing performance or just looking to enjoy the ride with friends, the E-road bike makes every climb and mile more accessible and enjoyable.

Find out more about the On And Off E-Road

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