E-bikes Cycling Tours in partnership with Bianchi

Tourissimo with Bianchi E-bikes

Something is going on in cycle tourism right now and our technical partner Bianchi is giving it a name and a vision.

At around the same time that Tourissimo was getting ready to step up its game in pedal-assisted bike tours, Bianchi pivoted in part from its race and performance pedigree (but still true to its spirit of innovation) to a concept that they’ve called: Lif-E.

“Behind Bianchi Lif-E lies a vision, a future of human-machine interaction. A connection to enhance and further develop the potential of each component, an augmented humanity.” - Bianchi

You can experience the Bianchi Lif-E blend of innovation and lifestyle on any Tourissimo bike tour. Just as Bianchi does, we see E-bikes as much more than simply a tool to go farther, faster.

A Tourissimo cycling tour with a Bianchi E-bike sets the stage for a whole new experience without spoiling what makes traveling under your own power so great.

BIANCHI LIF-E

When Bianchi embrace a project they don't just follow, they lead. Lif-E would like to change mobility, including in the branch of cycling that is bike touring.

Bianchi has developed a new line of bikes around frames meant for performance as well as leisure. The T-Tronik power train is a proprietary system of Bianchi.

THEY ARE BICYCLES, AFTER ALL

The first experience with an E-bike can be intimidating, but it is still a bicycle after all. As traditional bicycles and E-bikes coexist there are assumptions and a certain deal of judgement from both sides. At Tourissimo we feel that the initial resistance to E-bikes is fading away and we always recommend that you try one and decide for yourself. It is eye opening.

Now, ask yourself why you go on bike tours. Isn't it to enjoy your time? How do you do that? For some, it is the pain of the climb that they crave. For others, not so much. Luckily, you have the option to decide and you can book an electric assist Bianchi bike when you travel with Tourissimo and that is both smart and fair. Even for those who like to suffer, an E-bike can be a good choice if you are recovering from an injury. An E-bike can also allow mixed-ability couples to ride at the same pace. Read our blog article on E-Bike Etiquette and getting along.

IF YOU ARE NEW TO E-BIKES YOU MIGHT HAVE QUESTIONS. WE HAVE ANSWERS.

How do E-bikes work?

The motor of your E-bike is activated when you start pedaling. With electric bicycles, you have to pedal to keep activating the engine. With each pedaling movement the motor gives you an extra push, making cycling easier and making you feel "lighter" when going uphill. You can usually adjust the level of support with buttons on a control on the handlebar.

How far can you ride?

The riding range on an E-bike indicates how many miles (or kilometers) you can ride on a full battery, without charging in between. The range has, on the one hand, to do with the power of the battery (watt-hours the battery delivers) and with external factors such as the weight of the rider, the weather (temperature and wind), and the type of road you are riding. This makes it difficult to state the exact range. The range mentioned in brochures and websites is always an approximation where all factors are as favorable as possible and is therefore almost never achieved in practice. On a Tourissimo tour, we sometimes recharge batteries at lunch when we ride long days.

What if I run out of battery?

If you run out of battery you can end your riding day sooner and hop in the Tourissimo van. Alternatively, if the terrain is not hilly, you can ride under your own power for the last part of the day. That said, it is unlikely that a battery won't last the whole ride.

Why does an E-bike make a noise?

An E-bike motor makes a noise, but this is rarely an annoying or loud noise and it will certainly not affect your cycling experience. One engine is experienced as quieter than the other, but that also differs per person. In addition, you often hear the noise of the wider tires that offer more rolling resistance. But for the most part you'll feel the wind as you cruise effortlessly.

How long does it take to charge my battery?

On average, it takes between four and eight hours to fully charge a battery. That, of course, depends on the capacity of the battery: a bigger capacity battery takes longer to charge and a half-full battery takes less than one on E that is completely discharged. Of course, your guides on a Tourissimo tour will charge and check your E-bike and deliver it the next morning ready to go.

Can I determine my own speed?

You can easily determine the level of assist via an easy control with display. The higher the support, the easier it is to pedal with minimal effort. Our E-bikes, to be street legal and comply with EU laws, have the following limits:

The engine cuts off at 25 km/hr (15.6 miles/hr). That does not mean that you cannot ride faster but you'll have to do it without the help of the motor.
250 watts of maximum power. Trust us, that is plenty powerful and all you need for bike touring.

Can I reserve an E-bike on any Tourissimo tour?

Yes, you can reserve an E-bike at time of booking or later on. There's an extra charge ranging from $145 to $365 for the whole tour. Go to the equipment page for more info.

Relevant: Choosing the Right Tour.

Hills are no longer provoking anxiety when you know that you can rely on the help of the electric motor.

I had no idea what to expect of an E-bike but my last three days on a Tourissimo rental E-bike were hence transformational!

Paul B. Longtime Tourissimo guest with many tours under his belt

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It's wonderful. What it does it keeps more novice riders like myself to be able to keep up with the more experienced riders. Primarily, the hills are wonderful on the E-bike.

Marlene D. First time on an E-bike in Sicily

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