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By way of update: I took the bike into LBS (Handybikes DC is great as always) where we scratched our heads over it. The techs noticed that the tube had a pattern of wear that was consistent with friction or rubbing, and that wear pattern was the same width as the anti-puncture strip. So the best theory is that the strip was moving around in there due to the weight and speed of the ebike. The strip is now gone with a new tube in place – I think the strip was the culprit. The irony of an anti-puncture strip causing a puncture was lost on no one.

I also remember now that when I put the strip in two years ago, the supervising tech had me puff talcum powder on the tube to help get it in the tire. When that original tube got a puncture from a nasty nail, the new one went in with no talcum powder. Perhaps that talcum powder was providing enough lubrication to prevent friction between the tube and the anti-puncture strip for the two years it was in there? We may never know.

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@DrP 206161 wrote:

When you say “Puncture strip” do you mean something like rhinodillo strips? If so, then that is likely the problem. I had three flats in 2 days due to that. The strip was cracking longitudinally and when I went over bumps, the crack would open, the tube would go in and either another bump or just pressure would push air in and it would pop. When just feeling the strip, it isn’t obvious, so I didn’t realize that was the cause. I took it out and started inspecting in closely and found the cracks. I stopped using them entirely and got better tires.

Yes, that’s the sort of thing I am using. I’ve got one in the back but not in the front, and I haven’t had any flats in the front. The strip has been in there for about two years now, so perhaps it’s deteriorating and causing the issue.

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The theory I use to support my use of blinky lights is that they grab attention better than solid. Solid lights, however, are better at conveying proximity and movement. Therefore, I use both on front and back – a solid light and blinky one.

Best of all, I think, is a big, moving light, which is why illuminated ankle bands are so effective.

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My plan is to start blinking with the first mixing portion, dismount and switch to fade for the trail portion, and dismount to switch back to blinking for the final mixing portion. And research remote-controlled bike lights

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As a daily commuter, I’m always looking for tips on courtesy. I’ve always run my rear red light blinking, mainly for the portions of my commute that mix with cars, but didn’t realize it was a problem for some on the trails. Should I switch to solid or slow fade even during the day? Thanks for the input.

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I don’t understand the backlash. Is it because of the proliferation of NYC delivery ebikes?

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This would turn my 8.5 mile commute into a 13.5 one, but I intend to do it anyway! Are there any destinations in that area? I heard that the Seminary has a coffee shop – maybe I’ll check it out.

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@DismalScientist 194131 wrote:

I’ll just leave this right here:

https://babylonbee.com/news/motorcycle-that-identifies-as-bicycle-sets-world-cycling-record

Isn’t this just coded transphobia?

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@JustinW 193410 wrote:

Hello Bike-iverse,

My spouse is currently considering the purchase of an e-bike. She is getting somewhat comfortable with the array of primary features and price levels and such, but getting a completely clear picture of what her options are is proving elusive. Plus, her ability to absorb info from her spouse (that’s me) can vary as well, so I’m hoping info from others wil help.

Her primary goals for this bike involve taming some hills (she *hates* hills) for both bike commutes and recreational rides, as well as making it easier for her to accompany her spouse on rides despite a difference in natural pace and endurance. She has just started to do some test rides after conducting some amount of research online. She is dismayed overall at the prices she is seeing and thus is focusing on lower end models, perhaps to an extreme.

So, a few questions for those who have conducted similar searches and / or are e-bike-educated…

– Some have suggested that a Cat 3 e-bike is optimal for taming hills. True? If so, how can that difference be quantified in human (feel) terms?

– Power – what are you seeing as the minimum wattage (motor power) required for happy riding in this area?

– Are there any features that you absolutely love (i.e. a specific form of instrumentation or lighting or whatever)?

– Any experience with Rad Power bikes, both in terms of the pre-purchase research and then post-purchase?

– Has anyone purchased a specific model and found it lacking, and why?

– Lastly, does anyone have a fave e-bike that they’d like to rave about?

Happy to take this offline if helpful – if so please message me.

Thanks much, Justin

I’ve accumulated 4600 miles and counting on a RadCity bike and am very happy with it. I use it as a daily commuter and errand runner. I think that even for heavy use cases, RPB is a good option – it’s a well-designed bike and regular maintenance has kept it going just fine. I think your spouse will be very happy with a RPB because it’ll easily let her keep up with you and won’t break down.

I’ll echo the advice to locate a bike shop near you that is willing to work on ebikes like this. It’s a shame that you’ve got to worry about that, but some shops refuse to work on the bikes for reasons. I’ve had great experiences at Handy Bikes DC at Potomac Yard in VA and District Hardware and Bike in DC. I’ve also worked on it at the Velocity co-op in Alexandria during their self-service hours, and that was fine, but it was clear that they weren’t thrilled about it and I doubt I’ll be back, sadly.

I’ve also added thinner Schwalbe Marathon tires to mine and appreciate the better efficiency and indestructibility, a Mirrycle mirror, and additional front and back lights to augment the somewhat anemic stock ones.

The ebike really changed how I interact with the world – previously I would walk, metro, or drive myself around, but nowadays I nearly exclusively use the ebike. It’s fantastic and I hope your spouse enjoys hers as much!

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I’ll try to remember to take a pic of the sign or signs I’ve seen on the MVT. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen them but now I want proof.

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@Judd 193189 wrote:

Good news: it appears that we misinterpreted NPS memo a bit and Class 2 will be permissible as long as they are being operated with pedal assist and not throttle mode.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That’s good news! Could you link a source?

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@dasgeh 193116 wrote:

First of all, most class 2 also have pedal assist. The throttle is a boost, essential for people who need help.

Second, what does it matter? the top speed isn’t faster than the road bikes that are allowed so…

I understand Judd’s argument and sympathize with NPS’ rulemaking dilemma from an enforcement perspective – how should their rangers, already short staffed, be expected to differentiate between e-mopeds/motorcycles and ebikes at a glance for purposes of enforcement? Although this rule is imprecise, I suspect that it won’t be enforced against Class 2 bikes so much as against homebrew builds and true mopeds, so I’m not very worried that I’ll run afoul of the law by conscientiously riding my Class 2 on NPS trails.

However, I think they’ve set themselves up for failure by allowing Class 3s on the trail. That’s going to result in people zooming around at 28 mph, souring everyone on ebikes and maybe precipitating a crackdown or ban. That’s my real worry – speed.

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That’s a nice bike! Care to share your asking price here?

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It’s great to see this, but the ban of Class 2 ebikes (those limited to 20mph but which have a throttle as well as pedal assist) misses the mark. Meanwhile, Class 3 ebikes (limited to 28 mph pedal assist only) are still allowed, making me worry about excessive speeds on the trail.

It’s unclear what NPS is trying to achieve here – a values judgment in favor of pedalers or just tilting at the windmill of “mopeds on the trail?” I use my throttle primarily to get going from a stop, but it’s also fantastic way to catch a breeze in hot weather on my commute home in pants and tie. Speed is the primary issue on the trail, not whether a rider is pedaling, and I hope there won’t be a rash of speeding Class 3s as a result of this rule.

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If I had to regularly leave my ebike outside overnight, this would be the answer to my prayers. Alas, my condo building’s garage has been secure so far.

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