VBT Bicycling Vacations

Get up to a $300 gift card for new bookings made November 9-23, 2017 and departing by December 31, 2018 with and AAA Club Alliance approved or above supplier. The gift card amount is based on the total invoice value of the booking ($300 gift card for bookings of $9,000 or more; $200 for $6,000-$8,999; $100 for $3,000-$5,999.). Gift card fulfillment instructions will be emailed within 14 days to the email address provided at the time of final payment. Gift cards can be redeemed towards the recipient’s choice of dozens of retailers and restaurants. After the gift card selection is made, please allow 2-4 weeks for gift card delivery via U.S. mail. This Gift Card offer is not combinable with other AAA Club Alliance travel promotional offers. Other terms and conditions may apply. Go to AAA.com/Sale or ask a AAA Travel Agent for more details.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFIT

• Get a $50 credit per person to VBT online store

Restrictions apply. Member benefits are subject to change. Member benefits may not be combinable with additional offers. Exclusive AAA Member benefits are available on select sailings or departures and may not be combinable. Amenities can be capacity controlled and subject to change. See your AAA Travel Agent for full details. 

 

* Get up to a $150 gift card for new bookings made within two weeks of the event. Booking must be made with presenting travel partner to qualify. Other terms and conditions apply. Full terms will be provided during the presentation or ask your AAA Travel Agent for details.

An e-bike (sometimes called an electric-assist bike) is equipped with a battery that powers a small motor integrated onto a retrofitted hub on your front tire. When you engage the battery, the motor increases your tire’s rotation, requiring less effort from you, whether on uphill climbs or just at the end of a long ride.

Where is the battery?
On some models, the small battery rests in a compartment on the rear rack. VBT finds it more convenient to store yours on the down tube, the diagonal tube connecting the handlebar stem and the pedal shaft, or on the seat tube, which connects the seat to the pedal shaft. That leaves your rear rack free for your saddlebag.

Is the motor on an e-bike always on, like a car?
On some models, yes. But VBT’s e-bikes are assisted (not powered) by a motor. That means you can activate the motor whenever you need help topping a hill, or whenever you just want to take a break from pedaling. There’s no need to come to a stop when you’re ready to engage the motor; just push the lever or button on the control panel that’s attached to your handlebars and it will kick on. You can increase or decrease the strength of the assist according to how much help you need.

Do I have to pedal to get the assistance?
Yes. An e-bike doesn’t ride for you. Rather, it measures how much effort you’re putting in, then adjusts to match it in such a way that it doesn’t take over. Besides, if you didn’t have to pedal, you’d just be riding a moped!

Aren’t e-bikes heavier than regular bikes?
You feel the weight of any bike most when you’re climbing hills. VBT e-bikes weigh between 44 and 46 pounds. But the electric assist makes up for this additional heft many times over, especially when you’re climbing hills. Think of it this way: E-bikes are hard to lift, but so easy to ride.

How far can I get on a fully charged battery?
It depends on how often you engage the motor. Relaxed pedaling can get you up to 50 miles or more, particularly if you only use the assist to help you climb hills. If you frequently use the assist to increase your speed on level surfaces, you’ll run out of juice sooner. You should also take into account the level of assistance you want from the motor. If you use it on a low setting, you’ll use less battery than if you engage the high setting. On VBT trips, they ensure that the routes don’t exceed the average battery life..