e-bike story opening in Clarendon

[83b]

@lordofthemark 62220 wrote:

Personally my biggest issues are on hills – I would love something that gave me a power boost on the hills but was so light it didn’t effect the rest of my ride (lets not discuss gearing right now).

Then you might benefit from a lower power system that kept the weight down. Something like a 250 watt Cute motor hub would add about 5lbs. You could mate it to a 24 volt battery (5.5lbs), or a 36 volt battery (8.2lbs). Either battery should offer plenty of torque and would get you around 10-15 miles of heavy throttle use; plenty for flattening hills on a commute.

Less relevant to your question, but the 36V would top out on flats at around 20-25mph and the 24V around 15-20mph. Geared hub motors add very little drag to a hub, so the rest of your ride wouldn’t be terribly impacted. Style wouldn’t even be too bad with a small hub and battery in a saddlebag. Pictures something like this:

[83b]

While we’re on the subject, has anyone ever run into this guy around the city? I’m fascinated by his over-built monster of a bike, but horrified by his riding (which provides giant flashing examples of what people fear ebikers will act like). Thankfully I don’t think you can make a bike like that without access to a machine shop.

[jabberwocky]

@83(b) 62241 wrote:

While we’re on the subject, has anyone ever run into this guy around the city? I’m fascinated by his over-built monster of a bike, but horrified by his riding (which provides giant flashing examples of what people fear ebikers will act like). Thankfully I don’t think you can make a bike like that without access to a machine shop.

You just need about 10 grand. http://www.stealthelectricbikesusa.com/bomber-electric-bike.html

[jnva]

@83(b) 62241 wrote:

While we’re on the subject, has anyone ever run into this guy around the city? I’m fascinated by his over-built monster of a bike, but horrified by his riding (which provides giant flashing examples of what people fear ebikers will act like). Thankfully I don’t think you can make a bike like that without access to a machine shop.

Ha ha, yes I’ve met him. He’s a really nice guy and not the typical ebiker. He knows more about ebikes, and bikes in general than most.

[vvill]

@NicDiesel 62209 wrote:

You can take a folding bike on the VRE.

And metro too, even in peak hour. I’ve done both and it works but if the train is crowded you can still feel a bit conspicuous, particularly if you have greasy bike parts (e.g. chain) sticking out everywhere. The VRE at least has a luggage compartment but that gets full on busy trains too.

I’m not saying folding bikes don’t have their own purpose and distinct advantages (and disadvantages), just that I think e-bikes have more potential to get new riders commuting. I feel like folding bikes are more suited to those who are already sold on using a bike for transportation.

[baiskeli]

@NicDiesel 62097 wrote:

I don’t really see the point. Either get a bike or get a motorcycle – don’t try to do both.

Lots of people with disabilities, or those getting up in years, couldn’t ride a regular bike but don’t want a motorcycle. Like you, they want to ride a pedal bike, on the trails. If e-bikes can help them do that, I think it’s great.

[baiskeli]

@83(b) 62084 wrote:

I didn’t ride an e-bike often when we lived in Crystal City, but I haven’t been able to find a decent route to the city (Capitol Hill specifically) that doesn’t involve an insane highway crossing or a tour of most of Arlington. So far when I’ve needed to go back for one reason or another I’ve just used the MVT.

I doubt you’d get in trouble. Probably most police officers don’t even know it’s illegal, and most trail users wouldn’t care.

[consularrider]

@baiskeli 62279 wrote:

I doubt you’d get in trouble. Probably most police officers don’t even know it’s illegal, and most trail users wouldn’t care.

Or they won’t realize you’re getting an assist, and just think you are ELITE as you toddle past them.

[Steve]

Is it one of the forum folks that rides a red and black (Specialized, I think) e-bike? I’ve seen that one out a few times, and think it’s pretty sharp.

[runbike]

@Steve 62284 wrote:

Is it one of the forum folks that rides a red and black (Specialized, I think) e-bike? I’ve seen that one out a few times, and think it’s pretty sharp.

Did it look like this? [ATTACH=CONFIG]3578[/ATTACH]

That’s the new Specialized Turbo. It is pretty sharp, and about as stealth as you can get for an e-bike. Range has been noted as an issue however…

[baiskeli]

@consularrider 62281 wrote:

Or they won’t realize you’re getting an assist, and just think you are ELITE as you toddle past them.

Perhaps you’re not really ELITE that way, but you could be e-LITE.

[jnva]

@Steve 62284 wrote:

Is it one of the forum folks that rides a red and black (Specialized, I think) e-bike? I’ve seen that one out a few times, and think it’s pretty sharp.

Not me, but I have seen him many times in the afternoon near the 495 overpass on the W&OD. It is a nice looking bike.

[Author]

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