2019 the year of the ebike? And how will you react, being a C&V'er?
01-18-19, 10:30 PM
#126
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01-20-19, 01:09 PM
#127
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Here's a kickstarter campaign for an e-bike that converts into a cargo bike. Clever but a little frail looking perhaps?
02-14-19, 02:15 PM
#128
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When I see the iconic Harley Davidson going whole 'hog' in with $30,000 plus electric motorcycles (called Hardly Davidson) and GM with some piddly e bike priced over $3,000,, its likely the end is near! Lol
https://www-theverge-com.cdn.ampproj...s-price-europe
https://www-theverge-com.cdn.ampproj...s-price-europe
02-14-19, 02:41 PM
#129
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Citi Bike in NYC has added some electric bikes to the fleet. I finally got to ride a couple. I must say, I enjoyed them.
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02-14-19, 03:24 PM
#130
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I still wave to the tourists renting the Pedegos here in my town (Carlsbad). More bikes on the road equals more awareness & bike-focused infrastructure, fewer cars, and only good things.
I've had a few who thought they would get cute and pass me, but so far they've all been governed to only 25mph.
My only concern is safety. People assume a bicycle is a toy and so I see them riding without helmets. Thing is, in the time it took us to learn how to sustain 25mph on a pedal-bike, we were also gaining experience and skills. I've seen two pretty bad accidents on E-bikes.
Also, I have a Zero SR electric motorcycle, which goes 120miles on a charge, will hit 110mph, and costs a little over a dollar to charge. AND there's a free EV-charger at the library across the street from my condo. The only fluids on the thing are the oil in the forks and the brake fluid in the hydraulic lines. No gas, no coolant, no valve-adjustments, no oil, no valves, pistons, bearings--it makes the internal combustion engine feel like a rube-goldberg contraption.
Also, no clutching, shifting, warming up, or lubing the chain. It makes my 900cc inline-four cylinder crotch-rocket feel pretty flat by comparison.
It's electric!
I've had a few who thought they would get cute and pass me, but so far they've all been governed to only 25mph.
My only concern is safety. People assume a bicycle is a toy and so I see them riding without helmets. Thing is, in the time it took us to learn how to sustain 25mph on a pedal-bike, we were also gaining experience and skills. I've seen two pretty bad accidents on E-bikes.
Also, I have a Zero SR electric motorcycle, which goes 120miles on a charge, will hit 110mph, and costs a little over a dollar to charge. AND there's a free EV-charger at the library across the street from my condo. The only fluids on the thing are the oil in the forks and the brake fluid in the hydraulic lines. No gas, no coolant, no valve-adjustments, no oil, no valves, pistons, bearings--it makes the internal combustion engine feel like a rube-goldberg contraption.
Also, no clutching, shifting, warming up, or lubing the chain. It makes my 900cc inline-four cylinder crotch-rocket feel pretty flat by comparison.
It's electric!
02-14-19, 06:47 PM
#131
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The Chinese take-out restaurants in NYC were early users of these e bikes.
I was riding my bike down a block at my usual 12 to 15 mph, and I felt something coming up on me fast, so I glanced over my shoulder to see a 120lb Chinese man with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and he was hauling butt. He blew past me like I was standing still! I was blown away by this riders "fitness" level. Heck, he didn't even look like he was pedaling! Well, it took me quite awhile before I learned about these so called e bikes.
I now see them as a hazard. They are everywhere, they are seriously fast, stealthily quiet, and they are as heavy as a Tiger Tank and just as lethal. They are on sidewalks, bike lanes, streets, paths, pretty much everywhere. Where do they belong? Nobody seems to know. I am not a fan.
I was riding my bike down a block at my usual 12 to 15 mph, and I felt something coming up on me fast, so I glanced over my shoulder to see a 120lb Chinese man with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and he was hauling butt. He blew past me like I was standing still! I was blown away by this riders "fitness" level. Heck, he didn't even look like he was pedaling! Well, it took me quite awhile before I learned about these so called e bikes.
I now see them as a hazard. They are everywhere, they are seriously fast, stealthily quiet, and they are as heavy as a Tiger Tank and just as lethal. They are on sidewalks, bike lanes, streets, paths, pretty much everywhere. Where do they belong? Nobody seems to know. I am not a fan.
Last edited by Giacomo 1; 02-14-19 at 06:54 PM.
02-14-19, 07:42 PM
#133
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I bought a Ghost Trekking e-bike this past August. It has a pedal assist, mid-mount motor by Bosch, and a traditional 9 speed rear derailleur and cassette.
Classic/Vintage? No. Dory's design is quite square, utilitarian, and modern, without the graceful lines of a classic frame. She isn't a pretty bike, really, though her name comes from her pleasant blue colour and the fact that with her I can "just keep swimming" (riding).
BUT. I've ridden damn nearly every day since I got this bike, which I had NOT been physically capable of doing for three years. Endometriosis kicked my ass pretty hard, and I've developed some chronic fatigue issues.
I think pedal-assist e-bikes provide a similar revolution in design and accessibility to the original safety bicycle (as compared to high-wheelers). People who weren't interested in riding, or aren't physically able to ride, traditional bicycles are turning to e-bikes for recreational riding and commuting. It's opening up a new transportation option that is less expensive than cars, but faster and less physically demanding than unpowered bicycling, and I think there's a parallel to be found with the way safety bicycles offered relatively inexpensive (compared to horses or early automobiles), fast, and flexible movement to people in the 1890s and early 1900s.
Classic/Vintage? No. Dory's design is quite square, utilitarian, and modern, without the graceful lines of a classic frame. She isn't a pretty bike, really, though her name comes from her pleasant blue colour and the fact that with her I can "just keep swimming" (riding).
BUT. I've ridden damn nearly every day since I got this bike, which I had NOT been physically capable of doing for three years. Endometriosis kicked my ass pretty hard, and I've developed some chronic fatigue issues.
I think pedal-assist e-bikes provide a similar revolution in design and accessibility to the original safety bicycle (as compared to high-wheelers). People who weren't interested in riding, or aren't physically able to ride, traditional bicycles are turning to e-bikes for recreational riding and commuting. It's opening up a new transportation option that is less expensive than cars, but faster and less physically demanding than unpowered bicycling, and I think there's a parallel to be found with the way safety bicycles offered relatively inexpensive (compared to horses or early automobiles), fast, and flexible movement to people in the 1890s and early 1900s.
03-05-19, 10:05 PM
#134
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Desperate Hardley Davidson announced buying Asian e-bikes targeting tykes market.
That in itself is slappy buying Asian to push an American icon brand Harley on its own turf, but also - now it seems we're raising mini hogs. Lol
-----------------
Harley-Davidson introducing electric powered children's bikes
RICK BARRETT | MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
Striving to reach the youngest of customers, Harley-Davidson is introducing electric bicycles for children.
The world’s largest manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles says it has acquired StayCyc Inc., of Temecula, California, and will have Harley-branded StayCyc "EDRIVE" bikes available this fall.
StayCyc, which entered the marketplace in 2016, has bikes with 12-inch and 16-inch wheels.
The 12-inch model “is the perfect choice for little rippers with little or no experience on a balance bike. Your child should have an inseam of 14” or more to adequately touch the ground with a slight bend in the knees for optimum sizing,” the company says on its website.
StayCyc's two-wheelers have a retail price of $649 to $699 and are sold in power sports dealerships including 29 Harley locations.
Harley-Davidson has said it’s spending hundreds of millions of dollars to stimulate growth through new motorcycles, including smaller bikes built through an alliance with an Asian manufacturer.
“The StayCyc team shares the same vision we have for building the next generation of riders globally, and we believe that together, we will have a significant impact in bringing the fun and enjoyment of riding to kids everywhere,” Heather Malenshek, Harley’s senior vice president of marketing, said in a news release.
The company did not disclose the price of the deal.
That in itself is slappy buying Asian to push an American icon brand Harley on its own turf, but also - now it seems we're raising mini hogs. Lol
-----------------
Harley-Davidson introducing electric powered children's bikes
RICK BARRETT | MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
Striving to reach the youngest of customers, Harley-Davidson is introducing electric bicycles for children.
The world’s largest manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles says it has acquired StayCyc Inc., of Temecula, California, and will have Harley-branded StayCyc "EDRIVE" bikes available this fall.
StayCyc, which entered the marketplace in 2016, has bikes with 12-inch and 16-inch wheels.
The 12-inch model “is the perfect choice for little rippers with little or no experience on a balance bike. Your child should have an inseam of 14” or more to adequately touch the ground with a slight bend in the knees for optimum sizing,” the company says on its website.
StayCyc's two-wheelers have a retail price of $649 to $699 and are sold in power sports dealerships including 29 Harley locations.
Harley-Davidson has said it’s spending hundreds of millions of dollars to stimulate growth through new motorcycles, including smaller bikes built through an alliance with an Asian manufacturer.
“The StayCyc team shares the same vision we have for building the next generation of riders globally, and we believe that together, we will have a significant impact in bringing the fun and enjoyment of riding to kids everywhere,” Heather Malenshek, Harley’s senior vice president of marketing, said in a news release.
The company did not disclose the price of the deal.
Last edited by crank_addict; 03-05-19 at 10:13 PM.
03-06-19, 01:00 AM
#135
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I don't have one but I think they're great. There are tons of commuter e-bikers where I work and live. A few of them are my fellow C&V rider friends who have long commutes to work that are not doable using a regular bike.
I'm also 65, and so I know quite a few older folks who can no longer hack the hills around here or longer distances to go shopping, etc. For them the e-bike opens up an entirely new mode of travel, and most importantly every e-bike takes a car off the road. My next door neighbor is one of these folks, she has a long commute with a 1,000' climb on the way back home at the end of the day. She was bemoaning the fact that this was wearing her out and she was finding excuses to take the car rather than ride her bike. She was initially against e-bikes due to the "purity" issue, echoing some of the sentiments seen in this thread. I convinced her to move to an e-bike and now she is happy as a clam. She calls it her "life-changer".
I fully expect that in another 10 years or so I won't be able to ride my bike up the hill back to my house. At that time I fully expect to switch to an e-bike.
I'm also 65, and so I know quite a few older folks who can no longer hack the hills around here or longer distances to go shopping, etc. For them the e-bike opens up an entirely new mode of travel, and most importantly every e-bike takes a car off the road. My next door neighbor is one of these folks, she has a long commute with a 1,000' climb on the way back home at the end of the day. She was bemoaning the fact that this was wearing her out and she was finding excuses to take the car rather than ride her bike. She was initially against e-bikes due to the "purity" issue, echoing some of the sentiments seen in this thread. I convinced her to move to an e-bike and now she is happy as a clam. She calls it her "life-changer".
I fully expect that in another 10 years or so I won't be able to ride my bike up the hill back to my house. At that time I fully expect to switch to an e-bike.
Last edited by davester; 03-09-19 at 09:48 PM.
03-09-19, 03:40 PM
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Hauling 90 lbs of trailer/children
I’m all for electric assist so I can transport my kids by bike instead of having to drive. I have been towing them with muscle power alone and find the weight limits the distance we can travel. A little assist would help us go further and we would hardly need our car.
03-09-19, 07:23 PM
#137
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I saw a Trek e-bike in a bike shop this week. It's really expensive. Even still, I want my wife to try it. Maybe she'll be willing to go farther with me if she has an e-bike.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
03-09-19, 07:52 PM
#138
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I don't hate e-bikes, or love them either. Actually I hardly ever think about them. Kind of like e-sports, which I hardly ever think about either, in fact, never. That being said, even though I ride vintage steel, I'm a fairly early adopter of bike technology. I love my brifters, transitioned to Di2, love it, and disc brakes, carbon frame and rims, I'm there too. Electric bikes? Not there yet. Everyone has a line in the sand of their curmudgeoness. Some can't accept brifters, some don't like carbon, with others its Di2 or disc brakes. My line in the sand is e-bikes. Ask me when I'm older, I'm only 69 now. I have passed a couple of them on the road, and I admit to some pleasure in that. So far I enjoy being the motor.
As for C & V, any pre 1987 E-bike is welcome. By the time current (no pun) e-bikes are old enough for Classic and Vintage, I'll be 130 years old. Not gonna happen.😥
As for C & V, any pre 1987 E-bike is welcome. By the time current (no pun) e-bikes are old enough for Classic and Vintage, I'll be 130 years old. Not gonna happen.😥
03-10-19, 11:48 AM
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I think ebikes are great. I tried one in my local bike share. It was great to not get sweaty when going across town. Way better than taking an Uber when the transit gods don’t cooperate.
It was also nice for the hills I don’t like - particularly on the way to work or something. Also it helps with those slow bike share bikes.
I went on on a bike tour (meaning a tour of the city on a bike) and some of the people had ebikes. This kept everyone closer in pace and made sure no one was left behind.
Bring on more people on bikes. Not every ride needs to be for strenuous exercise.
It was also nice for the hills I don’t like - particularly on the way to work or something. Also it helps with those slow bike share bikes.
I went on on a bike tour (meaning a tour of the city on a bike) and some of the people had ebikes. This kept everyone closer in pace and made sure no one was left behind.
Bring on more people on bikes. Not every ride needs to be for strenuous exercise.
03-10-19, 12:05 PM
#140
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Where did you get that from - it is not laughable at all, it is quite sad, actually.
Obesity has become a huge medical problem in this country. Do you not recognize the truth in that? Ebikes do not create/contribute to obesity but they enable/facilitate it by reducing the amount of exercise a person gets when they get on a bike. My point is, the people I see riding these bikes are not pedaling much or at all.
At first, I didn't understand your choice of the phrase "pedal assisted bike". In a bicycle, the pedal are the primary motive force. It is/should be "motor-assisted bike" or some such. Then again, your phrase makes my point for me - people are using the motor as the primary motive force and pedaling, if any, is secondary.
This is what I see around me. Your mileage may vary.
Obesity has become a huge medical problem in this country. Do you not recognize the truth in that? Ebikes do not create/contribute to obesity but they enable/facilitate it by reducing the amount of exercise a person gets when they get on a bike. My point is, the people I see riding these bikes are not pedaling much or at all.
At first, I didn't understand your choice of the phrase "pedal assisted bike". In a bicycle, the pedal are the primary motive force. It is/should be "motor-assisted bike" or some such. Then again, your phrase makes my point for me - people are using the motor as the primary motive force and pedaling, if any, is secondary.
This is what I see around me. Your mileage may vary.
03-10-19, 12:19 PM
#141
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I told my wife to get an ebike because I knew she could not handle the Seattle hills without it. Or rather, she *would* not handle the hills without it. She loves it! She still is working hard when she rides, but she has just enough assistance so that it is a fun workout, not a pain. For her (and us) that ebike is wonderful.
another great use for ebikes is families with kids, and other people who use cargo bikes. We see a lot of families - moms and dads- ferrying a couple kids on the back of a longtail. They can ditch an extra car by getting a little electric assistance. I am wholly supportive.
another great use for ebikes is families with kids, and other people who use cargo bikes. We see a lot of families - moms and dads- ferrying a couple kids on the back of a longtail. They can ditch an extra car by getting a little electric assistance. I am wholly supportive.
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03-10-19, 12:31 PM
#142
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I haven't read most of this thread, but I'll share my experience with them. Before riding one, I had neither love nor hate for them, but I was curious. After riding one, I'm convinced that they're poised to transform cycling, and in a very positive way.
My dad is a moderately avid recreational cycler, like I am. We don't ride centuries or Gran Fondos, but we enjoy biking. My mom likes it, but just doesn't have the physical strength or stamina to bike a meaningful distance. That discouraged dad from riding, because he wants them to ride together. So he bought an e-bike, to try the type. Not only does he run the battery out of them riding 50 miles, but so does mom. He's now up to three e-bikes (he recently bought a Surly Pugsley and converted it). Mom has gone from not being able to ride more than about 5 miles to riding 50. They live in SW Utah, and regularly take the bikes over to Zion and do the canyon road, multiple times. This is a 10 or 15 mile ride up hill. I've ridden it...it's a tough climb. My mom would never be able to do it without help. Or they'll stay closer to home and take a picnic lunch 20 miles away and just go ride.
It's completely transformational for them. And I've become a firm believer.
My dad is a moderately avid recreational cycler, like I am. We don't ride centuries or Gran Fondos, but we enjoy biking. My mom likes it, but just doesn't have the physical strength or stamina to bike a meaningful distance. That discouraged dad from riding, because he wants them to ride together. So he bought an e-bike, to try the type. Not only does he run the battery out of them riding 50 miles, but so does mom. He's now up to three e-bikes (he recently bought a Surly Pugsley and converted it). Mom has gone from not being able to ride more than about 5 miles to riding 50. They live in SW Utah, and regularly take the bikes over to Zion and do the canyon road, multiple times. This is a 10 or 15 mile ride up hill. I've ridden it...it's a tough climb. My mom would never be able to do it without help. Or they'll stay closer to home and take a picnic lunch 20 miles away and just go ride.
It's completely transformational for them. And I've become a firm believer.
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03-11-19, 01:44 PM
#144
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Not for me. May as well put tubeless tires on the too so I'll be even less inclined to get one. Maybe I'll reconsider when I am turning 90. 2049. 
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03-11-19, 02:25 PM
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Now that Surly came out with the Big Easy, I may just buy one down the road.
Like in ten years when the RA takes over.
Great errand/grocery getter contraption they whipped up.
Like in ten years when the RA takes over.
Great errand/grocery getter contraption they whipped up.
Last edited by gomango; 03-13-19 at 05:27 AM. Reason: auto correct gremlins
03-13-19, 01:48 AM
#146
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Given the choice of riding an e-bike or decomposing on my sofa, I like the bike.
Certain sins of pride are taken from us by finite durability.
03-13-19, 05:32 AM
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Plus, Harley Davidson (rumored) is coming out with an ebike.
Another obsession/interest of mine is my new Honda Africa Twin motorcycle.
I would just as soon buy an American product if it is available and if it will be electric, so be it.
03-13-19, 08:20 AM
#148
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There's a guy on an (obviously derestricted) ebike goes past me quite often on my ride home. I'm gasping along up the A38 at 17mph and he just breezes past. I don't mid that at all, it's just that he's downright rude - not a "Good Evening", nod, smile, wave, or anything as he goes past, not even a manic laugh as he leaves me in the dust.
03-13-19, 08:53 AM
#149
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I still wave to the tourists renting the Pedegos here in my town (Carlsbad). More bikes on the road equals more awareness & bike-focused infrastructure, fewer cars, and only good things.
I've had a few who thought they would get cute and pass me, but so far they've all been governed to only 25mph.
My only concern is safety. People assume a bicycle is a toy and so I see them riding without helmets. Thing is, in the time it took us to learn how to sustain 25mph on a pedal-bike, we were also gaining experience and skills. I've seen two pretty bad accidents on E-bikes.
Also, I have a Zero SR electric motorcycle, which goes 120miles on a charge, will hit 110mph, and costs a little over a dollar to charge. AND there's a free EV-charger at the library across the street from my condo. The only fluids on the thing are the oil in the forks and the brake fluid in the hydraulic lines. No gas, no coolant, no valve-adjustments, no oil, no valves, pistons, bearings--it makes the internal combustion engine feel like a rube-goldberg contraption.
Also, no clutching, shifting, warming up, or lubing the chain. It makes my 900cc inline-four cylinder crotch-rocket feel pretty flat by comparison.
It's electric!
I've had a few who thought they would get cute and pass me, but so far they've all been governed to only 25mph.
My only concern is safety. People assume a bicycle is a toy and so I see them riding without helmets. Thing is, in the time it took us to learn how to sustain 25mph on a pedal-bike, we were also gaining experience and skills. I've seen two pretty bad accidents on E-bikes.
Also, I have a Zero SR electric motorcycle, which goes 120miles on a charge, will hit 110mph, and costs a little over a dollar to charge. AND there's a free EV-charger at the library across the street from my condo. The only fluids on the thing are the oil in the forks and the brake fluid in the hydraulic lines. No gas, no coolant, no valve-adjustments, no oil, no valves, pistons, bearings--it makes the internal combustion engine feel like a rube-goldberg contraption.
Also, no clutching, shifting, warming up, or lubing the chain. It makes my 900cc inline-four cylinder crotch-rocket feel pretty flat by comparison.
It's electric!
03-13-19, 10:08 AM
#150
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You bring up a good point- what will happen with all these battery cells that will be rendered useless in a few years? Ebikes are considered eco friendly because they offset fossil fuel dependence, but I have not considered the waste they will generate. Also the most likely inhumane conditions the minerals and materials are sourced and produced under.