In our final challenge of the series, we see if e-bikes really are as good at climbing as they’re cracked up to be, as we tackle Antur Stiniog back to front
Words James Costley-White Pics Dan Griffiths
“E-BIKES ARE SO CAPABLE, THEY TURN THE CLIMBS INTO DESCENTS.”
Obviously, a bit of pedalling assistance doesn’t upend gravity, but we know what people mean when they say this. E-MTBs let you zoom up fireroads, scythe through uphill switchbacks and pick your way up awkward, gnadgery climbs in a way that just wouldn’t be possible without a motor. But just how technical does an ascent have to become before it’s too much to handle? Can you, in fact, ride up a full-on downhill track littered with rocks, roots, drops and jumps?
That’s the challenge Saracen Bikes have set us today. Thankfully, our video presenter Will Soffe is well-equipped for the task. Not only does he have a Saracen Ariel 50E bike at his disposal, but also, Madison-Saracen manager (and former Team MBUK stalwart) Will Longden. A regular on these pages back in the ’90s, when he earned the nickname ‘Will the Thrill’, this former DH World Cup racer is rapid on any kind of bike. He’s on hand to aid Will S in his attempt – which turns out to mainly take the form of showing him how it should be done!
While planning this challenge, we considered all kinds of downhill tracks, from the Fort William World Cup course to myriad alpine runs. In the end we settled on Antur Stiniog, in North Wales. Not only does it have the DH pedigree – having hosted rounds of the British Cycling National Downhill Series – but it’s a Saracen hire centre, too, and the staff have kindly agreed to close the Black Powder trail for our video and photoshoot.
Eeb by gum
Before the pair embark on their attempt, Will S decides to up the ante by introducing a ‘dab counter’ to record how many times they put their feet down. Yorkshireman Will L isn’t fazed. “I’m going to go for the clean,” he announces, meaning no dabs at all. There’s also some discussion over pedals, with Will S opting for flats and Will L sticking with clips. “It’s definitely going to help me, because I’ve been using them since they invented them!” the team boss remarks. He’s not joking, either – within four years of Shimano launching their first SPDs in 1990, Will was already representing Britain at the World Championships. Both realise it’s going to be quite a challenge. “You’ve definitely given us a tough one here, but it’s going to be good fun,�
