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Topic: Electric bikes (Ebikes) (Read 5870 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Electric Bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #150
Bob and Larry - thanks for your replies.

It's pretty clear to me now that I want a bike with front suspension. And by chance there is one for sale for $1000 on the local Craigslist. It appears to be a 2018 model - but it has been driven for only 48 miles (bike and tires look like new on the pictures). I just talked to the owner and he says he wants to sell it because he is moving and does not want to move with it. Unfortunately there is one person in front of me, but the owner says he is not sure she really has the money. I will see on Monday whether the bike is still for sale.

The only question is whether the battery could have gone "bad" or "poor" since it has not been used or recharged in over a year. Otherwise I guess this would be a pretty good deal.



2001 26.5 Mid-Bath

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #151

The only question is whether the battery could have gone "bad" or "poor" since it has not been used or recharged in over a year. Otherwise I guess this would be a pretty good deal.

Who knows?
Lithium  batteries are more tolerant to long term storage. in a low state of charge, than lead-acid batteries .

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze



Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #154
Been a long time since I was here and I’m amazed this threads still active. As a long time mt biker I’ve been keeping up with this subject online and IRL. It has become contentious in the mt bike world with some saying times change and e bikes should be allowed on trails while others are vehemently against it and call them motorcycles which technically speaking they are. I’m still on the fence about this and keep my mouth shut because I have friends on both sides of the issue and as they age more of them are getting e bikes.
Part of me is irritated when I see fat people on e bikes zooming up a hill I just busted my ars to climb and part of me thinks live and let live they aren’t hurting me any. Like I said I’m at this point firmly astride the fence.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #155
Speaking as an active mountain bike rider, dual-sporter, and rider of an electric fat bike, I enjoy them all, and sometimes on the same trails.
If it has two wheels, I like it.
Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #156
Speaking as an active mountain bike rider, dual-sporter, and rider of an electric fat bike, I enjoy them all, and sometimes on the same trails.
If it has two wheels, I like it.
Harold
They do look fun but I do give friends that buy them a ration.  “ You’ve gone over to the dark side” lol
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #157
When I was growing up in the mountains of northern California, we often saw photos of loggers at the turn of the century taking down old growth redwoods with two handled cross-cut saws.  Those guys had biceps bigger than most men's thighs today.
When gasoline powered chain saws were introduced, I'll bet those guys said "cheater"!

HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #158
When I was growing up in the mountains of northern California, we often saw photos of loggers at the turn of the century taking down old growth redwoods with two handled cross-cut saws.  Those guys had biceps bigger than most men's thighs today.
When gasoline powered chain saws were introduced, I'll bet those guys said "cheater"!

HD
You know that's what you would think but when I started logging in the early 70s I worked with a lot of old timers most of whom were old Sweeds that said things such as "chainsaw work a man to death" and "chainsaw just a way to get ten men work out of one". What they did miss though was the quietness associated with pre chainsaw logging. Nothing but the rythmic sounds of cross  cut saws and axes and occasional shouts of TIMBEEEER and the shouts of mule skinners directing their beast of burden. All in all a great group of guys from a previous era that I feel honored too have known. A breed of man that no longer exist.
The ole Sweed that broke me in setting chockers behind a D-8 was in his sixties and as a punk kid in my teens I rolled my eyes thinking I'll show this old man how it's done. By the end of the ten hour day I could barely walk and old Burl was casually sitting on a log between skids with his legs crossed as he filled his lower lip full of Copenhagen when he looked at me with a smile and said "tired boy?" I got put in my place that day.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #159
Somehow this electric bike thread drifted over to chain saws. Let's move it back to ebikes, please.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #160
Back on subject I think the parallel being drawn with chainsaws was the way times and technology change and how it's difficult for some to adapt to that. The anti e bike crowd resents the new sound of an electric motor on a bicycle as loggers of old missed the relative pre chainsaw quiet.
Back to e bikes though I have actually been thinking of getting an old one for a specific purpose. The three mile road to my house is steep rising 1500 ft in elevation from the bottom to my humble abode. It's a beautiful and fun bike ride down to the mailbox along a stream with huge cedars but coming back up is getting very tough as age takes its toll. I'm thinking an old e bike would be great fun to go down on and then I could have power assistance for the trek back up. Seems like i could pick an old one up with a battery of limited miles for cheap that would suit my needs. I'll probably buy one this summer.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #161
Amazon has some great deals on kits.  I have a friend who has built several and says they are a pretty easy conversion if a person has reasonable mechanical and electrical skills.  What could go wrong?
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #162
Amazon has some great deals on kits.  I have a friend who has built several and says they are a pretty easy conversion if a person has reasonable mechanical and electrical skills.  What could go wrong?
I've also looked into the gas engine conversions which can be had cheap but I don't want the noise and fumes. I think an old e bike would suit my needs great. They are heavy so I can rip downhill and coming back up would be a power assisted breeze. Even an old battery should be able to handle an occasional three mile trip.

Something like this but used would be nice.

Fat Tire Electric Bikes For Sale - bicycles - by owner - bike sale
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #163
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
I recently purchased a fat tire regular bike with front suspension. Interestingly the tires themselves provide such  shock absorption that I often forget I have the shocks locked out.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #164
Our e-bikes have fat tires and front suspension.  It is a great combination on rough trails.  In addition, the 26 inch wheels with 4 inch wide knobby tires are nearly 32 inches in total diameter! They are bigger than my dirt bike wheels and tires!  with 5 - 10lb. pressure, rocks, ruts, soft sand, off camber trails and moderate mud are easily rolled over.  Having the rear hub motor provides just enough help and confidence for Cyndy that she will attack most any hill or trail.  She won't ride a motorcycle anymore, but has no such qualm about riding the e-bike. 
You are correct that it is kind of like a soup-sandwich motorcycle.  But it is a good tool for the job and its fun.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #165
It's a beautiful and fun bike ride down to the mailbox along a stream with huge cedars but coming back up is getting very tough as age takes its toll. I'm thinking an old e bike would be great fun to go down on and then I could have power assistance for the trek back up
Watch out for when the time comes that you need the assist on the way down.  ;)
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #166
On our recent ride up Going to the Sun road I noticed a lot of people on E bikes zipping past us and it got me thinking they do have their place. I am adamantly against them being allowed on non motorized trails but seeing them in Glacier NP aroused my curiosity.
We took a killer hike yesterday five miles straight up that was a very technically rideable old logging road that was far to steep to ride on a conventional bike but an E bike would make short work of it. It’s got me thinking of similar hikes we have taken and the places we could access that are too step to ride and too far for a day hike so I’m now E mountain bike shopping and want to keep it in the under 2k range. I know there’s lots of E bikers in here so I thought I’d ask you guys. Any real world experience and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

This one has my eye, the Rad Rover 5


Electric Fat Bike | RadRover 5 | Rad Power Bikes
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #167
Check out electricbikereview.com for thorough reviews, including videos, on most all ebikes. We have used ours as toads for the last few summers with good success. Trail riding is also a blast!

Pete
Pete
1994 RB

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #168
Shopping for e-bikes last summer, I tried three Rad Rovers. They were OK, the front suspension forks on all three were loose and I could feel the shock tubes rocking back and forth. If I owned one, the fork would be the first thing to go, replaced with a mid-range RockShox.
At $1400, they still are a good deal if you don't mind the near 70-lb weight. You need to consider how you are going to load and carry e-bikes. Regular bike racks strain at carrying heavy e-bikes, HD racks are available for e-bikes.
To have room to connect a toad, the rack must be high enough to use the tow bar, whatever type you use.

Bike Racks | Flickr

Last summer we visited many e-bike shops between Los Angles and Vancouver B.C .. While we saw a lot of bikes, most were very expensive ($3000-$12,000) and many brands were only seen once, it was difficult or impossible to compare many bikes side to side. Rad, Pedego and Specialized were the only brands seen repeatedly.
Beware of Pedego, they are beautiful, color-coordinated bikes that cost much more than similarly equipped Rads and other mass-produced bikes, the cost is nearly doubled for the paint and a large dealer network.
I notice more and more inexpensive e-bikes online but I would not buy a bike without riding it to see how it fits, there are many variations in frame shapes and sizes, one size does not fit all. There are huge differences in component quality between bikes and brands, in most cases, you get what you pay for.

Portland Oregon had the best e-bike shops.

My e-bike gets a lot of use at home, for the last four months of isolation, it's been a source of entertainment.
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #169
Larry, yes "River City" is big on bikes!

Steve
Steve
2003TK

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #170
Found a local ski resort with an extensive trail system that rents e bikes. Think we will go there today and give these contraptions a try.


Mountain Biking
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #171
My husband and I bought our first E bikes about 15 years ago when there was only one bike shop in Seattle selling electric bikes. The brand is Giant and we are on our 2nd batteries.

 Electric bikes have exploded everywhere in popularity and last fall we invested again in new E bikes at Seattle Electric Bike. Seattle Electric Bike    We bought the Bulls Cross brand. A brand we had never heard of but we love them as well as the service/sales help we've received at Seattle Electric Bike.  I bought the Bulls Cross Light Evo Wave Bulls Cross Light Evo Wave — Seattle Electric Bike   and my husband bought the diamond frame version.
 Bulls Cross Light EVO Diamond — Seattle Electric Bike

Our Bulls Cross bikes weigh in around 46 lbs. We love them and plan to hang onto them for many years! Like Larry, these bikes are our source of entertainment as we ride all over Seattle during this pandemic time. Our local Burke Gilman trail allows Class 1 electric bikes. To learn about the different classes of E bikes go here:  https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-choose-an-ebike.html

RAD bikes are quite popular in Seattle also and I test rode one at the RAD bike shop. They are a very heavy bike. I didn't need the fat tires they offered but the price point makes them a popular option for many E bikers especially newbies who may be pedaling right from home vs carrying them on a car or bus bike rack. They are over the weight limit for our Metro bus bike racks.

Whatever you decide - Have fun, wear a helmet and ride safely!
Marti
2011 Blue MB
Seattle

 

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #173
Has anyone had any experience with this folding eBike?  I need to "get out of Dodge" and really don't want to tow my CR-V at this time?  Magnum | Electric Folding Bike | Premium Low Step II | Santa Monica Online
I have the folding Lectric bike and like it a lot. It is cheaper than the one you highlighted.

Randy
2018 31' TB

Re: Electric bikes (Ebikes)
Reply #174
Cyndy and I are very happy with our Juiced Ripcurrent e-bikes.  We have about a 40 mile range and the fat tires have great traction on our steep trails and are very nice to ride on the street.  In six months of use, they have been completely trouble free.
As previously mentioned, these bikes weigh nearly 70lb.

They cost us about $1500 each during one of their frequent sales.

We bought them before the pandemic and I visited their facility in Chula Vista, CA.  Prior to the pandemic they had a generous test ride program.  I was impressed by their practice of fully assembling each bike, riding it around and testing it and then re-packing it for shipping to the customer.  The assembly at home was simple and the initial bugs had already been addressed and fixed at the distribution center.  I discovered that several other brands have their bikes shipped directly from China to the customer.

Regarding customer service; when I received my bike, it had a lower quality tire than Cyndy's bike.  I called Juiced and they promptly sent me two new higher quality tires and included a T-shirt with a letter of apology. 

RipCurrent | Fat Tire Electric Bike | Juiced Bikes

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life