IAman added an electric motor to his bicycle a while back (a year ago? Two?) and now he reports.
Latest finding on ebikes, my being near many ebike stores (& 60 years of riding bikes)
- Disk brakes are much smoother than rim brakes, I will retro fit my bike with a front disk, 70% of stopping force. The rear frame would be more difficult to retrofit.
- My midmotor aluminum ebike is more than comparable to the $3500+ midmotor bike on the market.
- I like my ebikes 48 volt, 11 amp power, not too little, not too heavy.
- My thumb paddle throttle gives me the boost and control I need to overcome the inertia starting off.
- twist grips look clean, but are not as tactile as levers.
- A step through frame like the Pedego Boomerang would be nice, but will have to wait for one to popup in used sales.
- I am used to my big soft seat, anything harder and normal is not comfortable.
- 20 mile range is more than enough, any longer ride rewards me with a sore butt.
- 24 mph is fast enough, the wind noise becomes unbearable and I would not want a accident at that speed.
- A cheap lightweight open top pannier is better than heavier buckled zipped expedition pannier, for <20 mile rides.
- Riding without a bell is childish, foolish, selfish and anti social.
- Biggest advantage to ebike is conquering hills.
- Cafe locks look like a good idea for quick stops.
- Lights of any sort are an improvement over possibly being missed in a shadow or darkness and ending up in the emergency room. Plus they are nice for differentiating fellow bicyclists on trails from the foliage and background distractions..
- HiViz clothing works.
- As much as Seattle and Portland are touted as "Bicycle cities" Too bad, but I differ.
- Inclimate weather much of the year
- Too Hilly
- Seattle streets and bikeways too lumpy
- Traffic calming needed
- Seattle seems like street department cannot keep up
- Too many cars, going too fast
- Good news: seems drivers are more aware and courteous to bicyclists than in years past.
Jesus,I shudder to think of dumping a bike at 24 mph.
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