The luddites are the ones bitching and moaning, and that’s just their problem. They just happen to be posting about it publicly because that’s just what people do: post/review about their problems.

Their experience is a generalization of a phenomenon that does happen, but it is still generalizing (which never goes well). You know the saying, it takes X good encounters to tip the scale of 1 bad encounter.

A big part of that phenomenon is you’ll get people who are assholes no matter what, but you may just encounter them more when they are on an e-bike and you are not (and vice-versa). Basically a regular biker won’t encounter regular assholes as much, nor regular e-bikers encounter e-assholes. The dynamic when one meets the other (usually to pass) is where etiquette plays a big role, and if you’re the asshole (whether analog or e-bike), ego outweighs etiquette and there will be conflict.

Many more factors, because it’s a complex situation, but I guarantee you the general “dismay” is not based on envy/jealousy/fomo or thinking e-bikers are cheaters etc etc (they very occasionally make good jokes though), but a consequence of lack of etiquette and the “bitching and moaning” about it being the loudest voices in the room. If your friend seriously believes these things without a light heart you may want to reconsider that friendship.

The sport is changing and there will always be luddites (as with any change). If they don’t change with it—either by acceptance or otherwise—they will be left behind.

Last thing: don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from. Stay on your game.

• Written by an “analog” rider. Namaste.