Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #125 – December 23, 2019, 06:54:40 pm "It probably won't hold a 60lb. bicycle, but it is an interesting idea."---The weight limit is listed as 45 pounds; bigger suckers needed! 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #126 – December 25, 2019, 05:18:54 pm Quote from: Blueox25 - December 23, 2019, 05:47:15 pmWhile at the Home Depot this afternoon, I saw a big expedition vehicle from another state with a vertical bicycle rack on the rear. What I'm thinking about is building something like one of the following vertical hitch racks, equipped to lift the bike without extreme physical effort. Recon Rack CoYakima HangOver 4 Bike Rack for Mountain Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting Yakima...A simple screw-drive winch may be use to hoist the front wheels up into position, right now it's time for a lot of drawings and measuring to work out the bugs before cutting any metal.https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/winches/2000-lb-capacity-geared-winch-5798.htmlThis may take a while to design and build, unless a better method is discovered. Whatever is used, it must clear the hitch area and not block the LD's or Jeep's tail lights.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #127 – December 25, 2019, 10:34:14 pm While at Refugio State Beach last year, I was compelled to visit a neighbor who had a custom bicycle and motorcycle rack on the back of his motorhome. He challenged me to figure out how it worked and I failed. He proceeded to show me how it lowered to the ground and raised using an electric winch motor, a system of cables, and a swinging parallelogram supporting the motorcycle tray. It had several long bolts through the bottom of the spoked wheels that held the motorcycle securely while under way, as well as a hook that attached to the motorcycle frame. It was unique and looked HEAVY, but it certainly worked nicely and carried his Kawasaki KLR 650 securely. He said that this was one of several iterations as he improved his design. I should have taken a picture. He said he could load and unload his motorcycle and bicycle himself. He shared that he was in his mid 80's. When working, he was an aeronautical engineer.I admired his creativity and youthfulness.Harold 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #128 – February 10, 2020, 04:18:47 pm This thread, in part, influenced me to add E-bikes to our small stable of motorcycles and bicycles. Also, our camping friends added two Luna mid drive KHS mountain bikes and two Rad Mini's to their menagerie and had shared their bikes on rides with us. My plan was to build a Luna mid drive for me and buy Cyndy a Rad Rover.While out on a pedal bike ride, I met a couple riding Juiced E-bikes and they raved about how much they liked them and why they bought Juiced instead of another brand. I looked into the brand and really liked what I found. I bought a fat tire Juiced Rip Current for Cyndy for Christmas and she bought one for me. It is how we roll ( so to speak).After about 6 weeks and under 200 miles of trail riding, I can report that the Juiced bikes have been excellent. They are well built (for Chinese bikes), have decent components including hydraulic disk brakes, 9 speed Shimano cassette, and have been trouble free. The frames are available in multiple sizes, so Cyndy got a medium frame and I got an extra large, which was an advantage over the Rad Rover limited frame size selection. 52V 13.5AH batteries and a 750W Bafang rear hub motor run the bikes for about 40 miles with the power assist levels set at low assist (ECO). At 70lb. (with the battery), the Juiced bike is 2 lb. heavier than the Rad Rover or Rad Mini. In my opinion, a distinct benefit of the Juiced bikes is that they have a torque sensor in addition to the pedal cadence sensor. Rad bikes only have a cadence sensor. This means that when you pedal lightly, the motor only provides light assistance. When you pedal hard, the motor provides more assistance proportional to the increased pedal effort. If you need more power assist, you bump up the assist level at the controller. This means that they don't have the jerky on/off feeling of the bikes that only have the cadence sensor with full on/ full off as you pedal and stop pedaling. The bike's power delivery is very smooth. We spend most of our time and miles on local riding and hiking trails, so we never go much faster than 14mph. Cyndy really enjoys the stability of the fat knobby tires in sandy and gravel areas, and has taken some seriously steep and rutted trails with no problem. She really enjoys the bike and is talking about bringing them on our Lazy Daze trips.Juiced announced a sale for Valentine's Day (with free shipping) that adds an incentive to a purchase. This is similar to the Black Friday sale that we utilized.High Performance E-Bikes | Increased Speed & Range | Juiced BikesHarold 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #129 – February 10, 2020, 06:02:37 pm Harold, you need to pay us another visit. Oh, and bring the e-bikes for us to try! 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #130 – February 10, 2020, 06:25:27 pm Thanks Greg, We'd love to! And we'll bring the bikes. When you get to a hill, it is like cheating!HD 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #131 – February 10, 2020, 06:46:37 pm Harold, are you heading for MB this year? What I liked about the Rad Mini is that it fit in the back of the Honda when folded.
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #132 – February 10, 2020, 10:57:52 pm Joel,Our plans for that weekend are fluid at this point. We made prior plans to visit Valley of Fire and Death Valley the week before with motorcycle and Jeeping friends, so we will be planning on the fly and several hundred miles to the east. I would like to hit the GTG as well, but really can't make solid plans.Like you, we also liked the concept of the folding Rad Mini's. Our E-bike friends put two of them in the back of their two door Wrangler. Our situation changed as our 3 month old 27lb. black lab is now a 10 month old who weighs 100lb. and fills the back of the Jeep with no room to spare. Without the space inside the Jeep to put the folding Mini's. we are back to bikes on a rack, so the attraction for the folding bikes is gone.Maybe we will see you at the GTG.Harold
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #133 – February 11, 2020, 02:26:01 am Quote from: Blueox25 - February 10, 2020, 04:18:47 pm At 70lb. (with the battery), the Juiced bike is 2 lb. heavier than the Rad Rover or Rad Mini. In my opinion, a distinct benefit of the Juiced bikes is that they have a torque sensor in addition to the pedal cadence sensor. Rad bikes only have a cadence sensor. This means that when you pedal lightly, the motor only provides light assistance. When you pedal hard, the motor provides more assistance proportional to the increased pedal effort. If you need more power assist, you bump up the assist level at the controller. This means that they don't have the jerky on/off feeling of the bikes that only have the cadence sensor with full on/ full off as you pedal and stop pedaling. The bike's power delivery is very smooth. We spend most of our time and miles on local riding and hiking trails, so we never go much faster than 14mph. Cyndy really enjoys the stability of the fat knobby tires in sandy and gravel areas, and has taken some seriously steep and rutted trails with no problem. It's amazing how much bike you can buy for less than $2000, the Juiced bike looks nice. Only thing not to like is the weight.I test rode several hub drive bikes before riding a Bosch mid-drive with a torque sensor, it was a revelation, it felt like riding a bike, with super human powers. It makes tricky mountain bike maneuvers easier, having the immediate power available, in the amount of power you want. The fat tire bikes are a pleasure to ride, with cushy rides and great traction. Having traction, power and wide range of gears, riding in the dirt and sand isn't a problem.After a three week winter vacation with the ebikes, picking them up was getting to my old back, after coming home, a removable crane was designed and built using a remote control winch. On the same vacation, it was obvious that the bike rack was in the way when connecting the towbar. To make the tow ball more accessible, an 8" wide cut was made in the bike rack's crossbar and a "U" shaped insert made. A 7-pin towing light light umbilical added added, moving the plug to the rear of the rack, easing plugging the Jeep's cord in.While I was at it, piano hinge was added to the rack's tail lights so they remain in the right orientation when the rack is down in use or when folded.More pics in the "Bike racks" file.Bike Racks | FlickrLarry 5 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #134 – February 11, 2020, 10:35:31 am Larry, are you taking that to MB for show and tell?
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #135 – February 11, 2020, 10:58:53 am If so, we may have to reroute our plans and take a look.
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #136 – February 11, 2020, 11:49:04 am Larry, you should patent that device!
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #137 – February 11, 2020, 12:15:29 pm Quote from: joel wiley - February 11, 2020, 10:35:31 amLarry, are you taking that to MB for show and tell?$2 a head. $4 if you also want to see the kayaks unloaded.Larry 3 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #138 – February 11, 2020, 12:20:20 pm Quote from: HiLola - February 11, 2020, 11:49:04 amLarry, you should patent that device!There is nothing unique about the crane to patent other than a unusual application.No rocket science here.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #139 – February 11, 2020, 02:54:55 pm Quote from: Larry W - February 11, 2020, 12:20:20 pmThere is nothing unique about the crane to patent other than a unusual application.No rocket science here.LarryI've been thinking about modifying this item from Amazon for my 60 lb ebike so that I can load it into my Jeep.Viking Solutions VS-VSL001YouTube Video for the Viking VS-VSL001 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #140 – February 14, 2020, 11:35:43 pm I took a look at the Rad mini website today to see dealer locations. They have started a new 'come to you' service in certain areas. It occurs to be this is a response to competition. They're visiting Tuesday with the Rad Mini and Rad Mini step thru.I'll be interested to see how much pressure they try to exert.
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #141 – February 14, 2020, 11:49:33 pm Cyndy and I had lunch in Borrego Springs Wednesday and chatted with an Alaskan snowbird couple who are living in their camper for the "winter" in Anza Borrego. They were riding Rad Mini's and we had a nice discussion about what they liked and didn't like.They have 400W of solar on top of their camper and dry camp. They bought two sets of batteries so that one set can charge (using an inverter with the 12V coach battery) while they ride their bikes around and it takes the bulk of a day to charge the batteries. That charge rate generally allows their coach batteries to fill, in addition to their e-bike batteries. They use their Mini's instead of a toad and really like the choice, especially in an area where it doesn't get cold or rain.They had folding mini's, but ended up hanging them on a rack on the front of their pickup camper due to the weight and space required to carry two folded bikes.They said that the Mini's have been very reliable and they would buy them again. They don't like the 68lb. weight.Harold 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #142 – February 15, 2020, 09:38:30 am Joel,We were very tempted to buy the Mini's and liked the idea of folding them and storing them behind the seat in the Jeep. That changed when the dog got bigger.We then were attracted to the Rad Rover with it's 26 inch wheels and fat tires. The Rover doesn't fold. It weighs the same as the Mini, but rolls easier over ruts and bumps on dirt trails. They weigh the same, cost the same and have the same running gear. If you don't plan to fold the bike and don't need the low step through, the Rover looks like a good bike. I called Rad and found that Rovers are available to ride at various locations. I then called a rental operation in Newport Beach. The owner said he likes the Rover because they are very reliable in his rental fleet.Harold
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #143 – February 15, 2020, 09:47:40 am Joel,Cyndy and I I visited Juiced bicycles and rode the Ripcurrent, resulting in a purchase of two. We utilized their discount purchase incentive like the one running now.RipCurrent VS Rad Rover: How Juiced Bikes Changed the E-Bike GameHarold
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #144 – February 15, 2020, 10:52:22 am I would be interested to hear from people who drove both ebikes with and without front suspension and whether front suspension is really necessary. When I was in January at the Imperial Dam LTVA some nice guy who had just gotten a Lectric XP bike - which has no front suspension but costs with fenders and rear rack only $900 - let me drive with it. I only drove it for maybe three minutes down at the beach camping area (where you have to pay extra). The ground there is pretty level, but I was surprised how much I felt the rattling in my hands - much more than in my butt. I don't know how much of this rattling had possibly to do with too much air pressure or whether it was all due to the missing front suspension. Quote from: Blueox25 - February 14, 2020, 11:49:33 pmThey have 400W of solar on top of their camper and dry camp. They bought two sets of batteries so that one set can charge (using an inverter with the 12V coach battery) while they ride their bikes around and it takes the bulk of a day to charge the batteries. That charge rate generally allows their coach batteries to fill, in addition to their e-bike batteries.That is interesting information. I was wondering how well my 320 watts of solar would charge an ebike battery. I guess it would work, especially with just one battery and considering that most likely it is not necessary each and every day.The RadMini costs $1500, plus $80 for the rear rack, plus $550 for a second battery - altogether $2,130. The Lectric XP costs $900, plus $300 for a second battery - altogether $1200. That's quite a difference, at least in my world, between two ebikes that both have very good reviews.Klaus
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #145 – February 15, 2020, 11:20:48 am Klaus,Front suspension becomes more critical as the ground becomes rougher. Before buying a bike I base the decision on where and how I will be riding it. I'm in the market for an e-mountain bike. I've been riding dirt for some time on both full suspension and front only. I also road ride, of course with no suspension. Another factor that will affect how much your hands get jarred is the bike fit. Sitting too far forward puts more pressure on the hands. Tire choice and pressure is also important. Fatter tires tend to smooth the trail out. I also noticed a difference when switching from tubes to tubeless( That's a more complicated and expensive upgrade). Even the choice of grips matter. At my age I need full suspension for trail riding but If I was going to ride mostly easy trails than a front suspension only configuration would be my choice. Going without front suspension, I think, would limit your distance and comfort.Bob
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #146 – February 15, 2020, 11:21:36 am Excellent info on e-bikes. My concern with any e-bike is life of battery and being able to purchase a new battery 5+ years from now. Remember when power drills went to batteries? That was great no more cords. However, after several years use I needed a battery replaced and they cost more than buying a new power drill or were not available to purchase because battery sizes increased making mine obsolete. What does one do with an e-bike with a dead battery that is obsolete and can’t be replaced? What is the expected life of e-bike battery with normal use? Ron 2 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #147 – February 15, 2020, 11:22:56 am I found this company when I was noodling around e-bike and other bike sites. They do offer a couple of e-bikes - no idea how these compare to other companies' offerings - but the range of non-ebikes seems to be very broad; something for everybody! sixthreezero Bike Co. | Premier Beach Bicycle Brand & Online Bike Shop |...
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #148 – February 15, 2020, 12:20:30 pm I’m no fan of “ Mechanical Doping” but I wouldn’t mind a little assist on my Trek with something like this. https://youtu.be/Wv5F5N6mFf0https://youtu.be/Fbg4BjZna4YJust a little nudge when I feel the need. 🧐Kent 1 Likes
Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes) Reply #149 – February 15, 2020, 01:30:07 pm Quote from: Klaus - February 15, 2020, 10:52:22 amI would be interested to hear from people who drove both ebikes with and without front suspension and whether front suspension is really necessary. When I was in January at the Imperial Dam LTVA some nice guy who had just gotten a Lectric XP bike -The ground there is pretty level, but I was surprised how much I felt the rattling in my hands - much more than in my butt. I don't know how much of this rattling had possibly to do with too much air pressure or whether it was all due to the missing front suspension. That is interesting information. I was wondering how well my 320 watts of solar would charge an ebike battery. I guess it would work, especially with just one battery and considering that most likely it is not necessary each and every day.After several decades of mountain bike riding I knew I wanted a front suspension and something to smooth the rear ride.My hands will numb without a front suspension, even with fat tires. Fat, 4" wide tires do smooth the ride but not enough for my taste. Not wanting to pay for a full suspension bike, I bought a hardtail with a mid-range Rockshox front suspension fork, wide 2.8" X 27-1/2" tires and then added a Thudbuster seat post.Amazon.com : Cane Creek 3G Thudbuster Long Travel Seatpost, 27.2 : Bike Seat...RockShox Judy Gold RL 27.5" Fork | LevelNineSports.comI rode several Rad Rovers and they were fine but everyone of them had loose front suspension forks, the slop in the fork's telescoping tubes could be felt while riding, a huge turn-off for a someone who knows better. I asked two bike mechanics that work on them and both confirmed this was normal for Rad suspension forks.I wasn't impressed with high weight of the Rads, my large-frame Raleigh weights ten pounds less and it feels heavy.The weight of these bikes is going to limit who can handle it, I don't like picking that much weight anymore and many people my age and younger will not want to or be able to load them on a rack or into the back of their tow vehicles.Loading these bikes is more similar to small motorcycles than lightweight bikes.Before buying any of these bikes, you should determine how you will carry it and to give it try. Yes, some bikes fold but picking up a nearly a 70-lb folded bike is a cumbersome thing to load into the back of a car or truck.If you tow, make sure to take into consideration how the tow bar is going to interact with the bike rack, it can be difficult or next to impossible to do with some combinations of racks and tow bar.320-watts of solar should be able to charge the battery in the long days of summer, winter time charging is going be difficult or impossible, depending on how power you need for dry camping. Our 400-watts of solar is barely adequate for the depths of winter, usually requiring a generator run after four or five days of dry camping. Generators like to be run regularly, so this may be a way of dealing with charging issues.Larry. As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Topic: Electric bikes (Ebikes) (Read 5886 times)
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