If you could afford an e-bike, would it be your "go to" commuter?
10-23-15, 01:42 PM
#26
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Its all the same to me. I want to be the full source of power. If I wanted a machine that runs on an engine and all the hassle that comes with that, then I would just buy a motorcycle or car. I don't want interference from machines. e-bikes are bicycle-blasphemy to me. thet go against the beauty and simplicity of bicycles and the bond that you have with it when you and only you are pushing yourself forward. but I do recognize that they are a good solution if you live in a mountain area or pull a heavy load on a regular basis. but as a bicycle for a regular commuter? not nessescary at all.
They're a good option for someone who maybe doesn't have shower facilities at work, and maybe their commute is 5-10 miles each way and they want to get there without being all gross. Especially if their area is more hilly than flat. The e-bike could be the solution that allows them to go by bike instead of using yet another motor vehicle with a single person inside.
10-23-15, 01:44 PM
#27
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The bike started out as a touring bike that I used as a commuter. Initial cost was $1400. I made changes and added accessories (fenders, racks, lights, changed the saddle and bars, added pedals, panniers, disc brakes (expensive modification)... so much, too much to continue listing.) I really like the utility, geometry, and feel of the bike. When I went to look for e-bikes I couldn't find anything close to the bike I already had and loved riding. (I can't recall seeing an e-bike with drop bars.) So, I was well over $2000 into this bike. I went with a BionX e-bike kit. Cost of the kit was $2400 with installation. Yep... and $1200 of that is the battery. So yes, I'm into this about $5000+ (dang, as I start to add things up, this really is expensive!)
I can try to justify it. It really is a car replacement for me. We have two cars (3 drivers) and we get by fine, but others in my same situation have a 3rd car they use as a commuter. I don't pay for gas, insurance, car maintenance, or parking. But hey, there are cheaper e-bike options out there than mine. Also, If I were really budget minded, I could commute on a $100 used bike.
I can try to justify it. It really is a car replacement for me. We have two cars (3 drivers) and we get by fine, but others in my same situation have a 3rd car they use as a commuter. I don't pay for gas, insurance, car maintenance, or parking. But hey, there are cheaper e-bike options out there than mine. Also, If I were really budget minded, I could commute on a $100 used bike.
10-23-15, 01:45 PM
#28
Banned
Stoke Monkey Kit on a CETMA Bakfiets ..
Given the thing is already heavy, add another battery for greater range, and have it Haul stuff back .
Of course I'd also be able to afford a house with a 2+ car garage-shop-studio in this best of all theoretical worlds.
Given the thing is already heavy, add another battery for greater range, and have it Haul stuff back .
Of course I'd also be able to afford a house with a 2+ car garage-shop-studio in this best of all theoretical worlds.
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-24-15 at 08:39 AM.
10-23-15, 01:51 PM
#29
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Yes, I remember seeing that review. Very cool bike. Not sure how that would work as a commuter with racks, panniers, and a dynamo hub. I think it's a race bike with an electric motor. I'm sure it would be fun to ride, but not really intended to be a commuter.
10-23-15, 01:56 PM
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An e-bike just doesn't add much for me. I'm in pretty good shape, so - it's not significantly faster (and limited at 20mph), it's still not shielded from the weather like a car is, that it's less effort is a drawback because the primary reason for me to commute is exercise.
The primary use for an ebike to me seems like it's for people who are out of shape, who want to get into better shape, but not go through months of biking extremely slowly. Which is great. I've considered renting an ebike for rides when relatives visit so we can all ride around the same speed without anyone feeling like they're slow.
But it just doesn't add much benefit for me - I still need to have a car to handle needing to be faster, needing to handle adverse weather, needing to arrive not wearing bike gear, and getting less exercise with it is a drawback not a plus.
The primary use for an ebike to me seems like it's for people who are out of shape, who want to get into better shape, but not go through months of biking extremely slowly. Which is great. I've considered renting an ebike for rides when relatives visit so we can all ride around the same speed without anyone feeling like they're slow.
But it just doesn't add much benefit for me - I still need to have a car to handle needing to be faster, needing to handle adverse weather, needing to arrive not wearing bike gear, and getting less exercise with it is a drawback not a plus.
10-23-15, 01:56 PM
#31
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I think I saw something similar at Clever Cycles in Portland. I don't believe it had a stoke monkey, but it had a bionx. Clever Cycles does carry the Stoke Monkey.
10-23-15, 02:02 PM
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They're a good option for someone who maybe doesn't have shower facilities at work, and maybe their commute is 5-10 miles each way and they want to get there without being all gross. Especially if their area is more hilly than flat. The e-bike could be the solution that allows them to go by bike instead of using yet another motor vehicle with a single person inside.
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10-23-15, 02:03 PM
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An e-bike just doesn't add much for me. I'm in pretty good shape, so - it's not significantly faster (and limited at 20mph), it's still not shielded from the weather like a car is, that it's less effort is a drawback because the primary reason for me to commute is exercise.
The primary use for an ebike to me seems like it's for people who are out of shape, who want to get into better shape, but not go through months of biking extremely slowly. Which is great. I've considered renting an ebike for rides when relatives visit so we can all ride around the same speed without anyone feeling like they're slow.
But it just doesn't add much benefit for me - I still need to have a car to handle needing to be faster, needing to handle adverse weather, needing to arrive not wearing bike gear, and getting less exercise with it is a drawback not a plus.
The primary use for an ebike to me seems like it's for people who are out of shape, who want to get into better shape, but not go through months of biking extremely slowly. Which is great. I've considered renting an ebike for rides when relatives visit so we can all ride around the same speed without anyone feeling like they're slow.
But it just doesn't add much benefit for me - I still need to have a car to handle needing to be faster, needing to handle adverse weather, needing to arrive not wearing bike gear, and getting less exercise with it is a drawback not a plus.
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10-23-15, 02:07 PM
#34
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There are a few reasons for choosing the car over the bike in the past.
- Time. Or, perhaps having to do a mid-day hop from one location to another.
- Inclement Weather... yes, spoiled by an enclosed vehicle.
- Capacity.. perhaps that is a perception thing as I'm learning I can tow a LOT.
- Tired/Lazy????
- Distance, or perceived distance (also related to time).
The E-Bike will help with some of those issues, but not all of them. Perhaps if they can get up to 55 MPH... then the excuses would be reduced.
Anyway, at the moment, I'm happy getting some exercise on the bike.
10-23-15, 02:07 PM
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The serious answer to the OP's question is that I ride my bike to work because I enjoy riding my bike; commuting is a means of getting in two rides a day that I wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to take. I would not consider riding a powered conveyance to be riding a bike, even if it's merely a pedal-assist. So even if it were free, I would not ride an e-bike to work or anywhere else.
10-23-15, 02:13 PM
#36
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Todd, One of the Partner owners Of Clever developed and Patented the stoke Monkey , AFAIK..
he tended to set them up on the Long tails in the space behind the Seat Tube where the wheel no longer was placed.
Raleigh has a Mid drive frame For the Bosch motors .. in a more or less MTB .. sells for about $3K.
he tended to set them up on the Long tails in the space behind the Seat Tube where the wheel no longer was placed.
Raleigh has a Mid drive frame For the Bosch motors .. in a more or less MTB .. sells for about $3K.
10-23-15, 02:17 PM
#37
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I would love to know the reason for this attitude/opinion. It sounds snobbish. Maybe it's not intended to be, but that's the way it sounds. I don't agree.
10-23-15, 02:21 PM
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10-23-15, 02:24 PM
#39
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Perhaps it is. *shrug*
10-23-15, 02:37 PM
#40
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An e-bike just doesn't add much for me. I'm in pretty good shape, so - it's not significantly faster (and limited at 20mph), it's still not shielded from the weather like a car is, that it's less effort is a drawback because the primary reason for me to commute is exercise.
The primary use for an ebike to me seems like it's for people who are out of shape, who want to get into better shape, but not go through months of biking extremely slowly. Which is great. I've considered renting an ebike for rides when relatives visit so we can all ride around the same speed without anyone feeling like they're slow.
But it just doesn't add much benefit for me - I still need to have a car to handle needing to be faster, needing to handle adverse weather, needing to arrive not wearing bike gear, and getting less exercise with it is a drawback not a plus.
The primary use for an ebike to me seems like it's for people who are out of shape, who want to get into better shape, but not go through months of biking extremely slowly. Which is great. I've considered renting an ebike for rides when relatives visit so we can all ride around the same speed without anyone feeling like they're slow.
But it just doesn't add much benefit for me - I still need to have a car to handle needing to be faster, needing to handle adverse weather, needing to arrive not wearing bike gear, and getting less exercise with it is a drawback not a plus.
As far as renting an e-bike for inexperienced (slow, out of shape) riders in order for them to try and stay up with a fit rider probably isn't the best idea. If a person is used to riding at less than 10 mph and now you're asking him/her to ride 20-28mph (limit of most e-bikes in north america) you're just asking for an accident to happen. I think a person needs quite a bit of experience to handle a bike at those speeds.
If I only rode my bicycles in ideal weather conditions, I wouldn't be getting in much riding. Between October and April, I pretty much count on my recreational rides to be in adverse conditions - cold and/or wet. Same with the commutes. When I need to be faster - I take the scooter. When I need to deal with snow or ice (which is rare) then it's the car or the bus. Most of us can't count on just one mode of transportation.
Last edited by InTheRain; 10-23-15 at 02:53 PM.
10-23-15, 02:43 PM
#41
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10-23-15, 02:51 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by InTheRain
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Welcome to the internet.
10-23-15, 02:54 PM
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I have two very nice cars; I ride because I like to ride.
If I wanted a powered two-wheeler I'd get another motorcycle...
If I wanted a powered two-wheeler I'd get another motorcycle...
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10-23-15, 02:57 PM
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I am much faster than my wife, unless we are riding together. Then the ride is about being with her rather than being fast...
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10-23-15, 03:03 PM
#46
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When someone comes in and tries to belittle others, then I don't mind seeing that person get humbled. So yeah, if Caloso thinks he is some hot shot roadie/racer that thinks it's cool tell someone that is riding an e-bike that it's actually not riding a bike at all, then I hope he gets dropped on his training rides and races... and often. The majority of the people in this world do not ride bicycles for fitness or racing, we don't need someone that does that to come in and tell us that is the purpose of commuting.
10-23-15, 03:06 PM
#47
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Flat landers dont understand the Hill people .. The Dutch Buy E bikes because there is nothing to slow down 40+ Knot winds
Coming off the North Sea.
Coming off the North Sea.
10-23-15, 03:10 PM
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Just like a lot of people would prefer riding a bike over a moped or a scooter, many people will likely continue to prefer traditional bikes over e-bikes. If that's snobbish, well, so be it. It's not saying that there's not a place for an e-bike. They could be a godsend for people who would otherwise drive.
I also enjoy sailing quite a bit. If you were to mount a giant battery operated fan on a sailboat, it wouldn't change that much about the mechanics of how a sailboat is propelled but it would change the experience of sailing in a pretty fundamental way. My wife might prefer it. I wouldn't.
In a small way, biking to work gives me a sense of accomplishment, - especially on a cold snowy day. I don't get a feeling of accomplishment from driving and doubtfully would get it from riding an e-bike. For me it's not just about getting from A to B in the quickest and easiest way possible.
Again, it that makes me a snob, I can live with it. I also recognize that my motives aren't the same as everybody elses. I don't think of e-bikes as a bad thing.
Last edited by tjspiel; 10-23-15 at 03:27 PM.
10-23-15, 03:15 PM
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Is that what you call snobbish?
10-23-15, 03:26 PM
#50
High Plains Luddite
When someone comes in and tries to belittle others, then I don't mind seeing that person get humbled. So yeah, if Caloso thinks he is some hot shot roadie/racer that thinks it's cool tell someone that is riding an e-bike that it's actually not riding a bike at all, then I hope he gets dropped on his training rides and races... and often.
And if you think Caloso said anything to belittle you - which I don't believe he did - I can't wait to read your reaction to the guy who called your e-bike a Wimpmobile.
