Testing Protocol
How We Test: Our Complete Methodology
We haven't tested eBikes yet. But we've planned exactly how we'll do it.
This page documents our commitment to honest, thorough testing. It's what we're promising to deliver as we test our first eBikes.
Why Our Testing Matters
Most eBike reviews are either: - Marketing pieces (manufacturers reviewing their own bikes) - 30-minute first impressions (not enough time to understand anything) - Solo perspective (one person's opinion, one body type, one set of needs) - Marketing math (claiming 50-mile range when real-world is 35)
Our approach is different because: - We have time (12 months to truly understand a bike) - We have two perspectives (Carlos and Paige ask different questions) - We have real data (GPS, timing, measurements—not opinions) - We have real conditions (West Linn terrain, actual weather, real bodies) - We have skin in the game (we're riding these bikes long-term)
The Testing Overview
Our complete testing protocol spans 12 months and four distinct phases:
Phase 1: First Impressions (Week 1)
Initial unboxing, assembly, and first ridesPhase 2: Performance Testing (Weeks 2-6)
Real terrain, real data collection, foundational assessmentPhase 3: Accessibility & Comfort (Week 6-8)
Extended riding and detailed accessibility assessmentPhase 4: Long-Term Durability (Months 3, 6, 12)
Real-world reliability and long-term assessmentPhase 1: First Impressions (Days 1-7)
This is where everything starts. Real reactions from real first-timers.
Day 1: Unboxing & Assembly
What we'll document: - Package condition and contents - Assembly requirements and difficulty - Instructions clarity - Time to assembly - Parts and accessories included - Physical first impression of the bikes
What we'll measure: - Actual weight (vs. claimed) - Dimensions and storage footprint - Assembly time (exact minutes) - Tools required - Instruction clarity rating (1-10)
What we'll assess: - Build quality visual assessment - Paint and finish durability appearance - Component quality first impression - Cable and connector routing - Comfort of contact points (saddle, handlebars, pedals)
What we'll share: - Unboxing video (real reactions, no scripts) - Assembly process documentation - First touch impressions - Photos of complete bikes - Initial questions and concerns
Why this matters: First impression shapes confidence. If assembly is confusing or quality looks cheap, that's important information for potential buyers.
Days 2-3: Controls & Familiarization
What we'll document: - Display interface clarity - Button locations and labeling - Motor engagement (throttle or pedal-assist responsiveness) - Assist level options and how they work - Braking system responsiveness - Shifting system logic - Lighting system (if equipped) - Locking/security system
What we'll assess: - Control intuitiveness (can a first-timer understand this?) - Display readability in different lighting - Button accessibility for hands of different sizes - Menu navigation complexity - Learning curve estimate - Any confusing design elements
What we'll measure: - Motor engagement time (milliseconds from first pedal stroke to assist engagement) - Assist ramp-up smoothness (gradual or jerky?) - Maximum assist setting impact on speed - Braking response time - Display brightness and legibility
What we'll share: - Control walkthrough video - Display interface explanation - Common beginner questions answered - Intuitive design elements praised - Confusing design elements highlighted
Why this matters: Controls are where first-timers form opinions. Confusing controls = abandoned purchases. Intuitive controls = happy riders.
Days 4-7: First Real Rides
What we'll document: - First time mounting and riding (nervousness included) - Initial handling feel - Motor responsiveness during actual riding - Comfort on initial rides - Confidence building progression - Questions and uncertainties as they arise
What we'll assess: - Handling characteristics (does it feel stable? Responsive?) - Motor delivery during pedaling (smooth? Responsive? Predictable?) - Braking feel and confidence - Seat comfort on short rides - Handlebar reach and hand position - Pedal platform and foot position
What we'll measure: - Time to feel confident with basic controls - Average speed on easy terrain - Motor response time in real riding - Assist level selection frequency - Any technical issues or problems - Comfort pain points (if any)
What we'll capture: - Video of first rides (real, unscripted reactions) - GPS data from rides (distance, speed, elevation) - Photos from rider perspective - Daily journal notes from each rider - Honest assessment: "Are we ready for harder terrain?"
Why this matters: First rides reveal if eBikes are as intuitive as they should be. Wobbling, fear, confusion—these need to be addressed before moving to harder terrain.
End of Phase 1 Assessment
Carlos reports: - Motor responsiveness and smoothness - Initial performance observations - Technical impressions - Questions about how it works - Confidence level with controls: 1-10
Paige reports: - Comfort impressions - Accessibility of controls - Confidence level: 1-10 - Joint stress or discomfort: any areas of concern? - Seat comfort: is this sustainable?
Combined assessment: - Are we ready for Phase 2? - What surprised us? - What concerns us? - What questions do we have?
Phase 2: Performance Testing (Weeks 2-6)
Now we go to real terrain and real data collection.
Week 2: Confidence Building
Route: Tanner Creek (5.2 miles, flat, easy paved)
What we'll test: - Extended riding on easy terrain - Building muscle memory with controls - Comfort assessment after 30-45 min of riding - Motor consistency through varied scenarios - Battery consumption on flat terrain - Handling and control confidence
What we'll measure: - GPS track (distance, speed, elevation) - Total distance covered - Motor assist efficiency (watts per mile) - Heart rate data (exertion level) - Comfort ratings before/during/after - Cadence analysis (pedaling rhythm)
What we'll assess: - Carlos: Motor smoothness, consistency, predictability - Paige: Comfort endurance, seat adequacy, joint stress - Both: Confidence progression, control familiarity
What we'll share: - Route video (unscripted riding) - GPS map overlay with data - Comfort and confidence progression notes - Surprise or delight moments - Honest assessment of how it's going
Why this matters: Easy terrain builds confidence. We need to feel solid with the bikes before tackling real challenges.
Weeks 3-4: Real Terrain Testing
Route 1: Sunset Park Challenge (3.8 miles, 20% grades)
This is where eBikes prove themselves.
What we'll test: - Motor power under sustained climbing - Torque responsiveness at different cadences - Motor consistency through sustained effort - Weight distribution on steep grades - Gear selection and shifting under load - Assist level effectiveness on climbs - Motor temperature (does it throttle under heavy work?)
What we'll measure: - Exact grade (using inclinometer, not just claims) - Climb time (Carlos and Paige separately) - Speed progression (does it slow down as climb goes on?) - Cadence at different assist levels - Heart rate data (how hard are we working?) - Motor power output (estimated from GPS and cadence) - Assist level usage (when do we switch levels?) - Battery consumption per 100 meters of elevation
What we'll assess: - Carlos: Does motor have enough power? Smooth delivery? Consistent throughout? - Paige: Is climb too hard on joints? Is assist helping enough? Pain or strain? - Both: Would we do this again? Is it sustainable?
What we'll share: - Climbing video (both riders separately, showing real effort) - GPS data overlay (speed, elevation, grade visualization) - Heart rate comparison (Carlos vs. Paige exertion) - Honest assessment: "The motor delivered / struggled on this climb" - Specific observations about power, responsiveness, consistency
Why this matters: Hill performance is the core test. If it works here, everything else is bonus.
Route 2: Mary S. Young Park (4.5 miles, mixed terrain, off-road)
What we'll test: - Off-road capability and handling - Suspension effectiveness (if equipped) - Tire performance on packed dirt and gravel - Technical section handling (roots, ruts, obstacles) - Braking performance on descent - Motor response on uneven terrain - Comfort on rough surfaces
What we'll measure: - Route distance and elevation - Speed on different surface types - Suspension impact (vertical movement reduction) - Technical section speed and confidence - Braking effectiveness on descent - Motor power needed on mixed terrain
What we'll assess: - Carlos: Does the motor perform well off-road? Suspension adequate? - Paige: Is off-road comfortable? Jarring? Do joints hurt after? - Both: Would we ride this regularly?
What we'll share: - Off-road riding video - Technical section footage - Suspension effectiveness analysis - Surface type impact assessment - Honestly: This route is/isn't good for our bikes
Why this matters: Not all riding is on pavement. Real-world testing includes varied surfaces.
Route 3: Willamette Falls Heritage Route (8.2 miles, moderate elevation)
What we'll test: - Extended distance riding (longer than previous tests) - Navigation on longer routes - Sustained comfort over hours - Motor consistency throughout long ride - Battery consumption over extended distance - Stopping and starting repeatedly - Social riding (conversation while pedaling)
What we'll measure: - Total distance and elevation - Motor consistency mile-by-mile - Comfort progression (fresh → tired) - Battery consumption rate - Average speed over extended distance - Heart rate variability (is it consistent effort?)
What we'll assess: - Carlos: Does motor hold up over distance? Battery management? - Paige: Comfort over hours? Seat adequate? Joints holding up? - Both: Is this the kind of ride we actually want to do regularly?
What we'll share: - Extended ride video (highlights from hours of riding) - Historic site documentation (why this route matters) - Comfort progression notes (fresh vs. tired) - Battery performance over distance - Honest assessment: "This is sustainable / exhausting"
Why this matters: Distance matters. Can you actually explore with these bikes, or just commute?
Weeks 5-6: Extended Performance Testing
Extended Range Test: The Long Range Loop (22 miles, all terrain types)
This is the combined test of everything: hills, distance, comfort, and especially battery range.
What we'll test: - Real-world range under realistic conditions - Motor consistency through variety of terrain - Battery management strategies - Sustained riding without stopping - Comfort assessment after 90+ minutes - Overall system reliability
What we'll measure: - GPS: exact distance, elevation, speed, time - Battery: starting capacity vs. ending capacity - Motor: power consistency throughout ride - Rider: heart rate, perceived exertion, pain points - Range: actual miles achieved vs. claimed miles
What we'll calculate: - Actual range (miles per full battery charge) - Percentage of claimed range achieved - Range in different conditions (we'll test multiple times) - Weather impact on range (rain, cold, wind) - Rider weight impact on range
What we'll share: - Complete GPS data with battery status overlay - Real range expectations (60-70% of claimed, typically) - Factors affecting range (weather, terrain, rider weight) - Honest assessment: "You'll get this far on a full charge"
Why this matters: Range claims are often exaggerated. Real data matters for trip planning.
Phase 3: Accessibility & Comfort Assessment (Weeks 6-8)
Extended riding specifically focused on comfort and accessibility.
Paige leads this phase, though both perspectives contribute.
Detailed Accessibility Evaluation
Step-Through Geometry - Is mounting easy or difficult? - Is dismounting safe and accessible? - Can you do this with limited mobility? - Does frame height work for different leg lengths? - Is there sufficient clearance?
Seat Comfort (Extended Duration) - 2+ hour rides assessing seat adequacy - Where does pain occur (if any)? - Is seat padding adequate? - Is seat angle comfortable? - Would seat upgrade be necessary?
Handlebar Reach & Position - Does reach suit different arm lengths? - Is hand position neutral (not strained)? - Are grips comfortable? - Is position too aggressive or too upright? - Would grip upgrade be beneficial?
Control Accessibility - Can you operate buttons with arthritic hands? - Are critical controls reachable mid-ride? - Is menu navigation intuitive? - Can you read the display without pain? - Is everything within comfortable reach?
Joint Stress Assessment - Which joints are stressed by riding? - Pain scale before/during/after riding - Impact of assist level on joint stress - Progression over time (getting easier or harder?) - Which terrain is most joint-friendly?
Pain Points Identification - Exactly where is discomfort occurring? - Is it bike design or adaptation needed? - Are there quick fixes (grips, seat, position)? - Is this sustainable with modifications? - Would different bike work better?
Ride Duration Assessment - Maximum comfortable ride duration - Progression over weeks (getting longer?) - Recovery time needed after rides - Multi-day riding capacity - Long-term sustainability
Measurement & Data
Pain Mapping - Visual diagram of pain locations - Pain scale ratings (1-10) by location - Before/during/after comparisons
Comfort Progression - Week 1 comfort level vs. Week 8 - Are we improving or declining? - What changes made things better? - What should be upgraded?
Accessibility Score - Overall accessibility rating (1-10) - Specific accessibility strengths - Specific accessibility weaknesses - Recommendation for different body types
What We'll Share
Detailed accessibility assessment including: - "This bike is great for but challenging for " - "With these modifications, accessibility improves significantly" - "If you have _, this bike works well / doesn't work well" - Honest recommendation about who should consider this bike
Why this matters: Accessibility is often an afterthought. For 50+ riders, it's essential. Honest assessment helps people like us make right decisions.
Phase 4: Long-Term Reliability Assessment
Month 3: Early Durability Check
What we'll evaluate: - Any mechanical failures or issues? - Battery degradation (capacity loss)? - Motor consistency after heavy use? - Component wear (tires, brakes, chain)? - Paint and finish durability? - Build quality holding up?
What we'll assess: - "This bike is holding up well / showing wear" - Expected maintenance costs? - Parts availability and support? - Would we buy it again? (Early assessment) - Any regrets or surprises?
Month 6: Mid-Term Assessment
What we'll evaluate: - Battery capacity remaining (% of original)? - Motor performance consistency? - Build quality durability assessment - Maintenance needs and costs - Support quality (if issues arose) - Long-term comfort sustainability - Do we still enjoy riding it?
What we'll measure: - Battery capacity test (comparison to month 3) - Range consistency (same conditions as initial test) - Miles accumulated - Maintenance hours and costs - Any repairs needed?
What we'll share: - 6-month reliability update - Battery health assessment - Maintenance cost analysis - Support quality feedback - Honest assessment: "This bike is living up to / failing expectations"
Month 12: Final Durability Report
What we'll evaluate: - Overall durability over one year - Battery health after 12 months - Build quality assessment (paint, components, structure) - Performance consistency (same Sunset Park test) - Maintenance and repairs completed - Final honest assessment: Would we buy it again?
What we'll measure: - Final battery capacity (% of original) - Final range test (exactly like month 1) - Total miles accumulated - Total maintenance hours and costs - Performance consistency (is it as good as new?) - Reliability: Any failures or concerns?
What we'll share: - Complete 12-month durability report - "This bike held up well / didn't hold up" - Maintenance expectations (what will owners need to do?) - Support quality assessment (did company stand behind it?) - Final recommendation: Is this worth the money long-term? - Would we buy it again? (Final, honest assessment)
Why this matters: Longevity is everything. A bike that's great for 6 weeks but fails after a year is worthless. Real durability data matters.
Data Collection Standards
We're committing to real, measurable data collection:
Equipment We'll Use
GPS Recording: - Garmin Edge 1040 cycling computers - Recording altitude, speed, distance, time, cadence - Every ride documented - Data shared (maps, elevation profiles, performance metrics)
Physical Measurement: - Scales for accurate weight verification - Inclinometer for actual grade measurement (not claims) - Stopwatch for specific time measurements - Heart rate monitors (perceived exertion data)
Environmental Data: - Temperature at ride time (affects battery) - Weather conditions (rain, wind, sun) - Seasonal changes (spring vs. winter) - Humidity and air pressure
Visual Documentation: - GoPro cameras (rider perspective) - Phone video (additional angles) - Still photos throughout testing - Technical section documentation
Data Sharing Transparency
We will share: - Complete GPS data (you can verify our claims) - Photos and video from all testing - Measurement data (grades, weights, times) - Environmental conditions (weather, temperature) - Testing methodology (you understand how we measured)
We will publish: - All data in our reviews - Raw GPS files (if requested) - Photo galleries from testing - Video documentation of every major test
Anyone can verify our claims by reviewing the data we publish.
What We Won't Claim
We're being explicit about what we will NOT do:
No fabricated data. If we didn't measure it, we won't claim it.
No exaggerated ranges. We'll say exactly what we got, in what conditions.
No hidden sponsorship bias. If we're being paid, we'll disclose.
No one-perspective reviews. Both Carlos and Paige perspectives always.
No fake testimonials. Only real feedback from real riders.
No manufacturer marketing copy. Only our honest assessment.
How This Differs From Normal Reviews
| Element | Normal Reviews | Our Approach | |---|---|---| | Duration | 30 min - 2 weeks | 12 months | | Perspectives | 1 person | 2 people (different bodies) | | Data | Opinion-based | Measurement-based | | Terrain | Controlled or easy | Real West Linn terrain | | Transparency | Vague | Complete | | Bias | Possibly hidden | Fully disclosed | | Scale | "Great bike!" | Specific scores by category | | Honesty | Often marketing | No sugar-coating |
Our Commitment
This testing protocol is our commitment to you.
When we review an eBike: - We'll have spent 12+ months with it - We'll have ridden it in all conditions - We'll have measured real data - We'll have two perspectives - We'll be honest about strengths AND weaknesses - You'll understand exactly how we tested - You can verify our claims with the data we share
That's what honest testing looks like.
Questions About Our Testing?
This is the transparency you can expect.
If you have questions about our methodology, reach out:
Email: carlos@westlinnebike.com
We're happy to explain our process in detail.