[americancyclo]

@sjclaeys 148506 wrote:

So you agree with the assertion that started this conversation that the observation of one instance is sufficient to establish that operating an e-bike makes one a more courteous MUP user?

I agree that single user stories are not useful in creating compelling classifications of behavior based on mode of transport.

Can you tell I didn’t get to ride my bike enough today?

[americancyclo]

@sjclaeys 148491 wrote:

Your remark seems to ignore the context of my comment. My comment was in response to the assertion that, based on a sample size of one instance, operating an e-bike automatically makes one a more courteous MUP user. Seeing that this is analogous to a motorist alleging that all cyclists are scofflaws based on observing the behavior of one cyclist, I offered that there were observations by myself and others that e-bike users are not always courteous. Thus, making a generalization based on a sample size of one is not very logical thinking. My point ultimately is that it is the bicycle rider or the e-bike operator who determines if they behave in a courteous and safe manner, not the type of vehicle on which they are astride. If you think that this makes me sound like a “driver”, then I’d be interested to know why.

It’s still a sample size of one (you) that has been passed many times by ebikes. “Others on the forum” are more likely to be vocal about times they have been offended or angered at ebikes instead of talking about all the well behaved ebikers or ones that they didn’t even notice were ebikes. This parallels drivers getting riled up by the one or two scofflaw cyclists, although to your point, most drivers can’t make the mental leap to assigning action to the individual instead of the mode of transport, which is where your thinking diverges.

[americancyclo]

Saw a woman on a fat tire ebike coming off the 14th St bridge to the MVT. Maybe a Motan folding fat ebike? hard to tell, but the battery was lined up with the seat tube, which seemed unusual.

[americancyclo]

If you remove the “e-” prefix and change the location, you sounds like the drivers
@sjclaeys 148355 wrote:

And I have been dangerously passed many times on M St. in Georgetown by bike riders going much faster than the rest of the traffic and not announcing passes. Also, others at work have noted bike riders going through stop lights, etc., so there is that.

@EasyRider 148395 wrote:

I did want to note your ebike’s capabilities as an example. I’m just saying is that operating a heavy motorized vehicle at speed on a MUP requires more responsibility than a pedal powered bike, because the consequences of inattentive use are more serious.

We don’t do this on the roads, so why on the MUPs? A Chevy Suburban at 5500 lbs has no more legal responsibility than a Mazda 2 at 2500 lbs.

[americancyclo]

@TwoWheelsDC 148257 wrote:

To pivot slightly from this discussion…this morning I was cruising down the CCT, enjoying a near-perfect fall bike commute, when an older gentlemen riding in the opposite direction grimaced, pointed at me, and angrily yelled “YOUR LIGHT!!”

First of all a-hole, by that point, it was basically light out (this was around 745am) and my light was on because I forgot to turn it off once I transitioned from street to trail…but when it’s light out, my light ain’t blinding you. Second, my light was on low, and pointed downward…even if it had been dark, it wouldn’t have been blinding anyone. Third, really? On a perfect fall morning out on the trail, you’re going to get that angry over a light? I’m not even kidding when I say that, at your age, that’s probably unhealthy…what do you do when someone does something that’s actually anger-worthy? You’re going to give yourself a heart attack….like, for real.

Maybe you should have invited him to the light giveaway?

[americancyclo]

@MikeS 148096 wrote:

Yeah that last bit to the mall is slower.

The bike is a Trek XM700, Bosch motor, 400w I think.

That’s a nice looking bike. I’ve ridden behind a few of the Trek Conduits and like the integrated blinking rear lights.

Enjoy the ride, and let us know how the battery does on the round trip!

[americancyclo]

@MikeS 148041 wrote:

I thought a lot about the comments here. When I had posted this thread I had already requested a local shop pull a specific ebike and have it shipped over, but wasn’t yet obligated to purchase.

I think I should expect an extra 15 minutes under normal conditions, and some additional time riding through the Mall, but overall I’d gladly take a little more time to avoid the metro.

50% battery left, so I’m not too worried about cold affecting its performance at this point.

Would you mind sharing what model ebike and what battery/motor combo?
I’d add another 20 min from Rosslyn to get to the far end of the Mall under regular rush hour conditions.

[americancyclo]

I’m concerned that you might not be able to beat your walk plus metro time which you state is 22 miles in 65 minutes. That’s an average of 20.3 mph over the whole ride. I only ride 13 miles from VA in to DC and I know that when I cross the key bridge my average speed drops 3-4 mph just due to traffic and stop lights.

[americancyclo]

you’ll still be able to participate on the forums and happy hours!

[americancyclo]

@Henry 147512 wrote:

It couldn’t have been those guys. Too many helmets. Though I can see why you’d suspect them.

Definitely not them in the OP’s rant, but totally inappropriate, nonetheless!

[americancyclo]

@Emm 147533 wrote:

They also have a “man rack”

you sure it’s not for carrying men?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]12587[/ATTACH]

[americancyclo]

Anyone know what was up with the driver pulled over just south of the Shreve WOD crossing Monday afternoon at 5pm? Saw blue flashing lights and two officers but wasn’t nosy enough to stop.

[americancyclo]

@Judd 147474 wrote:

I’m 6’3″ which I think is on the ginormous side.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You are on the taller-ish side. at least as far as this forum is concerned.

[americancyclo]

@vvill 147467 wrote:

FWIW: Dirt, OneEighth and americancyclo ride 48/16.

We are also taller-ish. Except for Pete who is ginormous. but maybe similar height to Judd?

I started riding fixed on a borrowed bike running 45×16 (75 gi)
I bought a fixie a year later with 48×17 (75 gi)
I was spinning a bit too fast for my long legs and 175 cranks.
I just bought a new 16T cog and now run 48×16 (80 gi)
I also upped my tires from 23C to 28C which feels much better.

If I were keeping the 40T chain ring, I’d look for a 14T or 15T cog to get you in that 70-75 gi sweet spot.

[americancyclo]

@EasyRider 147323 wrote:

Judd, this is your mother. Please don’t practice learning to ride a fixed gear bicycle in heavy traffic.

Yes. Ride in traffic before you build your fixie.

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