I actually picked up my new GME-bike yesterday. Paid for with some gains from the GME run-up. I really wanted the model above this, but I would have to fly to Utah where I found one in stock, or wait until August 2022. Bike shops aren't allowed to ship them to online buyers. The bike industry is a mess of backlogs right now. I also have a Trek Fuel 9.7...but wanted to give this a try.

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The local bike club here preaches to roadies to "take the lane" to force drivers to pass cleanly when there is no opposing traffic and not clip cyclists with mirrors or squeeze them off the shoulder-less roads they seem to have an abundance of here. In my state, the cyclist has the right to the whole lane by law. I gave up road riding years ago after way too many close calls due to the ever increasing suburban sprawl. I also think bug single file group rides are quite dangerous for cyclists and motorists as well, as it makes safe passing that much harder in an area that has a terrain of nothing but undulating hills and curves.

I fully understand the gripes of both sides when it comes to roadies though. Strava seems to have really help ramp up the occurrences of riders blowing traffic lights and stop signs, and I am not afraid to call friends out on it if I see them pulling that crap. Conversely, I also think eBikes may eventually help slow this practice down...if its super easy to start again and get back up to speed via assist, people may not be as likely to blow so many stops.

I just bought my wife a Rad City eBike so she can ride with me on rail trails and bike paths. She has a prior major foot injury with some missing bone support which precludes her from having the ability to dig hard on a pedal to get up a hill. The ebike means she can now get out and ride with me, over not being able to at all previously. FWIW, I am thoroughly impressed with the RAD build quality and price point. The bike seems to be very strong, balanced and well put together for the casual rider.