-bikes seem to be all the rage lately, with the Grand National Cross Country Series holding races for them and more and more people discovering the joys of assisted pedaling. Any listener to The PulpMX Show knows that I’ve been bitten by the bug also. The guys at Intense Cycles USA (one of the investors of Intense is Ryan Dungey, by the way) hooked me up with their Tazer e-bike, and it’s been a blast.

I’ve dropped a bunch of weight and have enjoyed getting outdoors again. And with the 15 percent assist—the lowest mode—it’s just enough to ensure that I’m getting a real workout but still able to go for an hour or two. Thanks to the three other modes, if there’s a huge hill, I’m able to push a button and get some serious help. The bike’s so much fun and allows people not in the best of shape—like myself, a parent, a spouse, or anyone—to join a person on a “regular” bike and get some serious exercise.

If you want to have some fun, get into Boost mode and you’ll mimic the feel of a motocross bike, without the noise and issues with riding on public land. The Tazer is a high-end bicycle with great suspension and brakes, not to mention the carbon frame. It demands to be ridden hard compared to some other e-bikes I’ve tried.

If you’re one of those people who think this is “cheating” or for lazy people, I suggest you try one and get on board with the program, because breaking news here: there’s going to be a ton more e-bikes on the trail in five years. Better get used to it. We’re all on two wheels. What’s wrong with that? Thanks, e-bikes, for helping me literally change my life!